Assistant/Associate Professor in National Defense & Security - Engineering
- Purdue University
- West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Sep 30, 2026
Job Description
Assistant/Associate Professor in National Defense & Security - Engineering
Purdue Engineering invites applications for tenure/tenure-track positions at Assistant or Associate ranks in all engineering disciplines. Purdue University seeks to attract multiple exceptional candidates with interests and expertise related to relevant Defense and security related fields, including but not limited to directed energy, hypersonics, integrated sensing, electronic warfare, energetic materials, propulsion, space technology, microelectronics, cybersecurity, biotechnology, quantum science, future generation wireless technology, advanced materials, trusted AI and autonomy, integrated network systems-of-systems, human-machine interfaces, supply-chain logistics, and manufacturing.
Successful candidates will be expected to collaborate across disciplines in the defense or security area. US citizenship is not required to apply for this position; however, many of the externally funded national defense-related research opportunities require US citizenship.
Successful candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline by the employment start date. Early-career applicants must show evidence of initiating independent research, while mid-career applicants should demonstrate a sustained record of independent research within academic or industrial organizations, and contributions to education and/or mentoring. Successful candidates will conduct original research, advise graduate students, teach undergraduate and graduate level courses, be active in professional organizations, and perform service at the School/Department, College, and University levels. While the focus in this search is on candidates with potential tenure homes appointments in the Schools of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, applicants interested in other Purdue engineering schools are welcome to apply.
Purdue Engineering is renowned for top-notch faculty and students, unique research facilities and innovations, and a culture of collegiality and persistent pursuit of preeminence. As one of the top ranked and largest engineering colleges in the nation, we are the first among U.S. engineering colleges in annual graduates and market demand, and have 9 degree programs ranked in the top 10 nationally. Purdue Engineering furthermore continues to be a top-ranked college for patents and translation of our research activities to practice in the state, nation, and world. More than 70 Purdue Engineering faculty and alumni are National Academy of Engineering members, and we look to continue bringing outstanding faculty to campus, and remaining the leader in affordable excellence at scale by guiding strategic growth through investment in people, exciting initiatives, and remarkable facilities.
To apply, please submit application to this site https://careers.purdue.edu/job/AssistantAssociate-Professor-in-National-Defense-&-Security-Engineering/44145-en_US/ including (1) cover letter, (2) a complete curriculum vitae, (3) teaching plan (2 pages), (4) research plan (2 pages), and (5) names and contact information for at least 5 references. The search committee may contact references to request letters. For information/questions regarding applications contact the Office of Academic Affairs, College of Engineering, at coeacademicaffairs@purdue.edu. Review of applications will begin on October 24, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment in this position.
Purdue and the College of Engineering have a Concierge Program that provides dual career assistance and relocation services.
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.
Preferred and Required Qualifications
Successful candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline by the employment start date. Early-career applicants must show evidence of initiating independent research, while mid-career applicants should demonstrate a sustained record of independent research within academic or industrial organizations, and contributions to education and/or mentoring. Successful candidates will conduct original research, advise graduate students, teach undergraduate and graduate level courses, be active in professional organizations, and perform service at the School/Department, College, and University levels. While the focus in this search is on candidates with potential tenure homes appointments in the Schools of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, applicants interested in other Purdue engineering schools are welcome to apply.
Application Details (to apply use the Apply Now button below.)
To apply, please submit application to this site https://careers.purdue.edu/job/AssistantAssociate-Professor-in-National-Defense-&-Security-Engineering/44145-en_US/ including (1) cover letter, (2) a complete curriculum vitae, (3) teaching plan (2 pages), (4) research plan (2 pages), and (5) names and contact information for at least 5 references.
The search committee may contact references to request letters.
For information/questions regarding applications contact the Office of Academic Affairs, College of Engineering, at coeacademicaffairs@purdue.edu.
Review of applications will begin on October 24, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment in this position.
To see additional information about our job opening(s) or to apply, click on the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of our job posting(s).
When inquiring or applying for jobs at Purdue University, please also reference AcademicCareers.com
Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs, such as professor jobs, dean jobs, and other faculty jobs and higher ed jobs with Purdue University and with other colleges and universities in the region on AcademicCareers.com
To receive email alerts when new jobs at Purdue University are posted, sign up for new job openings at Purdue University.
At Purdue University, you'll join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation. And today, as one of the top public universities in the United States, we’re proud to continue this legacy.
At Purdue, we’re your neighbors, your professors, your family, your friends – but a global city, too. We’re proud of our community and our career possibilities. Here, you'll contribute to our culture; learn, grow and bring purpose to your work. This is more than a workplace: it's a journey.
To see additional information about our job opening(s) or to apply, click on the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of our job posting(s).
When inquiring or applying for jobs at Purdue University, please also reference AcademicCareers.com
Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs, such as professor jobs, dean jobs, and other faculty jobs and higher ed jobs with Purdue University and with other colleges and universities in the region on AcademicCareers.com
To receive email alerts when new jobs at Purdue University are posted, sign up for new job openings at Purdue University.