Space Systems Engineering

Overview

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Utah State University is seeking applications for a tenure track faculty position at the assistant professor level. Applicants with experience may be considered at the associate or full professor level. Candidates should have expertise in space systems engineering in areas such as: 1) Space based electro-optical or RF sensors systems, 2) Space weather sensor systems, or 3) Spacecraft systems engineering (small satellites, spacecraft instrumentation, space mission design).

This is an academic year (9 month) funded position. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2025 or August 1, 2025.

Responsibilities

• Develop an externally funded research program that includes peer-reviewed publications and graduate student mentorship
• Effectively teach undergraduate and graduate courses
• Actively participate in assigned department and university duties
• Demonstrate leadership in relevant technical societies

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

An earned doctorate in an appropriate field by the time of appointment

Demonstrated expertise in space systems engineering such as the research areas described above

An ability to teach in the areas of expertise solicited

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience building spacecraft and/or instrumentation and/or participating in real missions

Track record of research funding

Evidence of effective teaching

An established publication record

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Curriculum Vitae to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV".

The docments listed below to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

• Cover letter summarizing motivation, qualifications, experience, and career goals.
• Names and contact information of at least three professional references (we will only solicit reference letters from final candidates).
• A concise statement of up to three pages that conveys your vision of how your proposed research program will: 1) address specific topical areas in your research area, 2) complement existing ECE Department research, and 3) integrate with other interdisciplinary research/faculty collaborators at USU.
• A teaching statement (two pages maximum) that explains your approach to teaching and briefly describes existing or new courses you would like to teach or develop.
• Your most relevant peer-reviewed publications.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

College/Department Highlights

The ECE Department has current enrollments of approximately 300 undergraduate and 75 Masters and PhD graduate students. The department offers MS degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Space Systems Engineering, and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering. The department currently has 20 tenured/tenure-track faculty members and 2 professors of practice, with research expenditures of about $10M annually. USU is located in a spectacular Rocky Mountain valley that offers year-round recreation and is 80 miles north of Salt Lake City.

Formal evaluation of the applications will begin on November 1, 2024 and the search will continue until the position is filled.

Further inquiries should be made to:

Scott BudgeSearch Committee ChairEmail: [email protected]

For additional information on USU or the department, please consult:http://www.usu.eduhttp://ece.usu.edu

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected]. 

*updated 12/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 10/2025