Job Details

Institution: University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
Location: Reno, Nevada
Type: Full-Time (9-Month, Non-Tenure Track)
Category: Aerospace Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
Requisition Number: R0149323
Posted: October 15, 2025
Application Review Begins: November 15, 2025 (Open until filled)

Position Overview

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Lecturer I, Lecturer II, or Teaching Assistant Professor in Aerospace Engineering.

This position supports the university’s growing Aerospace Engineering program, made possible through a $36 million gift from the Gillemot Foundation, which has expanded UNR’s aerospace research and degree offerings at the bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels.

The successful candidate will teach core Aerospace Engineering courses, mentor capstone design projects, and contribute to the continued development of the program. Candidates with research experience or interests relevant to aerospace applications are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications

• Lecturer I: Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.

• Lecturer II: Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field with significant teaching or professional experience.

• Teaching Assistant Professor: Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (for all levels).

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching undergraduate aerospace engineering courses, including structures and design.

• Experience in curriculum development and student mentoring.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: Competitive and commensurate with education and experience (refer to UNR’s Academic Faculty Salary Schedule).

• Retirement Plan: Exceptional 19.25% university-matched retirement contribution, fully vested on day one.

• Benefits Include:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.

  • Grants-in-Aid for reduced tuition for faculty and dependents.

  • Access to the E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center with spouse/partner membership options.

  • Mountain Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional counseling.

  • Dual Career Assistance Program for partners of newly hired faculty.

  • No state income tax in Nevada.

Department and Facilities

The Mechanical Engineering Department at UNR is part of a rapidly growing R1 research university. Recent infrastructure investments include:

• A $14 million renovation of the Mechanical Engineering Building (2017).

• The $100 million William N. Pennington Engineering Building (2020), featuring an ISO-5 cleanroom.

• A 5,700 sq. ft. Aerospace Engineering Experimental Station supporting aerospace testing and research.

UNR is one of ten national participants in the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program and maintains strong ties to industry leaders such as Tesla, Panasonic, and Google through the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center.

College of Engineering Highlights

The College of Engineering advances UNR’s mission through:

• State-of-the-art education and applied research.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration across five departments.

• Research centers including the Center for Civil Engineering Earthquake Research, Cybersecurity Center, Davidson Foundation Cleanroom, and SOLARIS University Transportation Center.

• Over $33 million in research awards in 2023.

About Reno, Nevada

Nestled on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Reno is a vibrant and diverse city of 500,000 residents. It’s just 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe, three hours from Yosemite National Park, and four hours from San Francisco. Reno offers a high quality of life, affordable living, and easy access to outdoor recreation.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following documents through the UNR Workday Portal:

1. Resume/CV

2. Cover Letter

3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy and Interests – Include specific courses you can teach and any new course ideas.

4. Contact Information for Three Professional References

For full consideration, apply by November 15, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

Contact Information

Search Chair: Dr. Angelina Padilla
angelinapadilla@unr.edu
(775) 784-1495

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Nevada, Reno is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

About the University of Nevada, Reno

Founded in 1874, the University of Nevada, Reno is a Carnegie R1 Research Institution and the state’s original land-grant university. With 23,000+ students and nearly $1 billion in recent campus investments, UNR is nationally ranked among the “Best National Universities” by U.S. News & World Report and recognized as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Through its commitment to high-impact teaching, transformative research, and community engagement, UNR continues its 150-year legacy of excellence in education, innovation, and service.