Job Details

Institution: The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
Department: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (AME)
Type: Full-Time
Category: Mechanical Engineering
Posted: October 16, 2025
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

About The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity), community-engaged, and opportunity-focused university located at the heart of the U.S.–Mexico border region. UTEP serves over 25,000 students, 85% of whom are Hispanic and nearly half the first in their families to attend college.

As the only open-access, top-tier research university in the nation, UTEP offers 171 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that drive innovation, advance discovery of public value, and strengthen the social and economic vitality of the community it serves.

Position Summary

The Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (AME) at UTEP invites applications for three Research Assistant Professor positions in Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, and Materials Design under the STAR (Space Technologies and AI-Driven Research) Frontier Initiative.

These positions are based within AME and the Aerospace Center, with collaboration opportunities across the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation and the Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering (IMSE) Department.

Successful candidates will advance AI-guided manufacturing, materials innovation, and intelligent systems for space, energy, and defense applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in advanced manufacturing, materials design, and AI integration.

• Develop and lead federally funded proposals (NSF, DOE, DoD, NASA).

• Publish high-impact, interdisciplinary research in top journals.

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers.

• Collaborate across AME, Aerospace Center, Keck Center, and IMSE to promote interdisciplinary innovation.

Research Focus Areas

• AI/ML-Guided Materials Design and Discovery

• Advanced Manufacturing and Process Optimization

• Space and Harsh-Environment Materials

• Multifunctional and Bioinspired Systems

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

• Expertise in additive manufacturing, materials design, or AI/ML.

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed venues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn.

• Background in materials characterization or computational modeling.

• Proven ability to secure research funding and manage interdisciplinary projects.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and professional development support.

• Appointment contingent upon budget approval.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Statement

UTEP is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The university welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and seeks to foster a campus culture that honors individual differences, promotes collaboration, and enhances professional growth.

UTEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.

For Title IX inquiries, contact the Title IX Coordinator at  titleix@utep.edu or call  (915) 747-8358.

Applicants requiring accommodations may contact the Equal Opportunity Office at  eoaa@utep.edu.

Application Instructions

Submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

1. Cover Letter (indicate research area of interest)

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Research Statement (2–3 pages)

4. Contact Information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled.