Overview:

• Full-time, Continuing position

• Salary Academic Level D ($170,080 - $187,373 p.a.) + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements

• Based at the Melbourne CBD/Bundoora East campuses, with the potential to work across other RMIT campuses

About the Role

RMIT University is seeking an established Associate Professor in Aerospace Engineering with a strong research leadership profile to join the Department of Aerospace Engineering within the School of Engineering.

This role presents an opportunity for a nationally recognised researcher and experienced academic leader to contribute to the continued growth and international reputation of RMIT’s aerospace engineering programs. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing research excellence, strengthening industry partnerships, mentoring emerging academics and HDR candidates, and contributing to the strategic development of the Department and School.

The Associate Professor will contribute significantly to the teaching and research efforts of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and the School of Engineering. The incumbent will play an important role in leading high-quality research programs, developing collaborative research teams, and securing competitive external research funding while contributing to the delivery and development of aerospace engineering programs.

The successful candidate will embed their research expertise within the life of the School and develop strong, productivity-driven research networks across RMIT and with local, national and global partners. The Associate Professor may also take on program leadership responsibilities, contributing to the development, coordination and continuous improvement of academic programs.

RMIT is particularly interested in candidates with research expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Propulsion

• Aerodynamics

• Aerospace materials and structures

• Avionics

• Digital engineering for aerospace systems

• Space vehicles and systems

• Crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations

• Air-traffic control and management (crewed and uncrewed)

The Department maintains strong links with major research and industry initiatives, providing excellent opportunities for collaboration and impact. These include partnerships with:

• Advanced Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC)

• ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres (ITTC) for High-Speed Propulsion, Rocket and Launch Systems

• Industry partners across defence, aerospace manufacturing and advanced engineering

• The Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre

The Department of Aerospace Engineering also maintains strong links with RMIT’s Aviation Academy, providing opportunities for research related to the operation of a modern training fleet and aviation systems.

Researchers are supported by advanced infrastructure including VxLab at the City campus, which houses the Centre for Digital Innovation and advanced simulation technologies such as the Eight360 NOVA Untethered Motion Simulator, enabling immersive simulation of vehicle environments including aircraft and spacecraft.

To be successful in this position, you’ll have:

• Demonstrated ability to direct an award program/s and implement program improvements and innovative approaches to student-centred learning and quality improvement programs.

• Nationally recognised research track record including substantial record of research outputs in high-quality outlets and emerging international recognition with a focus in one or more of the following areas: propulsion, aerodynamics, aerospace materials and structures, avionics, digital engineering for aerospace systems, and related applications including space vehicles and systems, crewed and uncrewed aircraft and their operations, and air-traffic control (crewed and uncrewed).

• Extensive experience in research leadership with the ability to build and develop collaborative research teams, mentor academic staff to deliver high-quality outcomes, attract and secure external research funding to sustain research effort, manage funded research projects including complex budgets and reporting requirements.

• Extensive experience in supervising higher-degree-by-research candidates to maximise research performance.

• Demonstrated ability to lead scholarly development and manage and supervise academic teams and members.

• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to financial, governance and quality management systems within a university.

• Demonstrated high level of interpersonal, communication and negotiating skills including the ability to consult with senior executives, external bodies, produce executive reports, negotiate agreed directions, outcomes and targets within a collaborative environment.

• Proven ability as an effective member of a management team that develops and achieves shared goals and objectives.

Qualifications

Mandatory: PhD or equivalent in a relevant field.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About the RMIT School of Engineering

The School of Engineering comprises a diverse range of departments: Aerospace Engineering; Chemical & Environmental Engineering; Civil & Infrastructure Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Electrical & Electronic Engineering; and Mechanical, Manufacturing, & Mechatronic Engineering. Note that RMIT’s Department of Aerospace Engineering includes the higher-education discipline of Aviation.

As a top 100 university in the world for engineering (2015 QS Rankings by Faculty; Engineering and Technology), RMIT Engineering provides students with work-relevant education programs, access to excellent research facilities and opportunities to engage in creative real-world project work through robust relations with local and international industry leaders.

RMIT Engineering’s education is based on innovation and creativity. Key discipline areas in the School of Engineering provide programs with flexible pathways to global careers or postgraduate research.

Continuing a tradition of many years, the Department of Aerospace Engineering is ranked first in Australia by Shanghai Ranking and 34th globally (https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/gras/2025/AS0221); and RMIT is the top university for Aviation and Aerospace research in national rankings (https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/research-magazine/the-2025-research-magazine-showcases-australias-best/news-story/558038b72166c02a020a8df7c506fdc3).

To Apply 

Please click the ‘Apply’ link below and upload the following documents: 

• Your CV 

• A cover letter

• A separate document addressing the Key Selection Criteria

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Professor Jennifer Palmer via email [email protected]

For further information regarding recruitment processes, please contact Jennifer Pham, Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor via email at [email protected] Please do not share your application to this email address.   

Position Description – Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.  

Applications Close:

8 Apr 2026 11.59 pm

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. 

 

In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.  All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.  Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.

 

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via [email protected] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.

 

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