Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Middle Tennessee State University in its search for Aerospace (Pro Pilot), Tenure-Track Faculty. 

For full consideration, please apply by May 17, 2024.

As the largest department on campus with 1,300 students, the Aerospace Department at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is rapidly growing and innovating as leadership continues to invest in faculty for the aviation program, one of the largest in the nation. Thanks to a substantial investment of $62 million from the state and university, flight and maintenance programs are set to move to a state-of-the-art training facility at Shelbyville Municipal Airport by fall of 2026, a move which falls in line with the Department’s commitment to excellence in providing an exceptional student experience. MTSU’s rich history of teaching students to fly dates back to World War II when flight training took place right on campus. The Aerospace Department boasts over 80 years of flight training experience and with robust institutional support, the Department is exploring additional programs in engineering and design, all aimed at advancing aerospace research and scholarship.   

This position reports to the Chair of the Department and is a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Professor. 
 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach classes primarily in the Professional Pilot concentration
• Undertake collaborative and multi-disciplinary research within the department and university
• Actively participate in university, professional, and public service

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A terminal degree in aerospace, aviation, or a closely related field and two (2) years of full-time, directly related aerospace industry work experience

• A master’s degree in aerospace, aviation, or a closely related field and five (5) years of full-time, directly related aerospace industry work experience

• A bachelor’s degree in aerospace with a master’s degree in a closely related field and ten (10) years of full-time directly related aerospace industry work experience

LICENSE/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• FAA Commercial – Multi-Engine, and valid Flight Instructor Certificates (CFI, CFII, MEI)

OR

• FAA ATP with 14 CFR Part 121 or Part 135 Pilot-in-Command (PIC) experience

OR

• Military flight training experience and FAA Commercial or ATP– Multi-Engine

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Industry or collegiate teaching experience 
• Terminal degree or ABD in Aerospace, Aviation, Education, Business, or other industry-related fields

About the Institution

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), an R2 public research university in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was founded in 1911 as a normal school for the training of teachers and has evolved into a comprehensive university with over 300 graduate and undergraduate degree programs. The university has partnered in research endeavors with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the United States Army, and the United States Marine Corps. With an enrollment of more than 20,000 students, MTSU is the No. 1 producer of graduates for the Greater Nashville economy with more than 70,000 alumni living in the region. MTSU has been named to The Princeton Review's list of the Best 388 Colleges in the U.S. five years in a row and is also the top destination for transfer students in Tennessee.

About The Department 
 
Established in 1942, the Aerospace Department is now a signature department at MTSU and has grown into one of the most respected aerospace programs in the nation. It is among the largest of the nation's collegiate aviation programs with twenty full-time faculty members, 100+ flight instructors, and over 1,300 students. MTSU Aerospace Department offers six undergraduate concentrations (Aviation Management, Aerospace Technology, Flight Dispatch, Maintenance Management, Professional Pilot, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations) and a master’s degree program in Aeronautical Science with three concentrations (Aviation Education, Aviation Management and Aviation Safety and Security Management). Students from 32 states and 16 foreign countries have been drawn to study here. Aerospace graduates hold responsible positions with companies throughout the United States and internationally.

Living in the Area 
 
Murfreesboro, situated in Rutherford County, is a city in central Tennessee about 35 miles southeast of Nashville. With a population of 153,000, Murfreesboro is one of the largest cities in the state. The city is known for its American Civil War history. To learn about the city’s past, one can explore the Stones River National Battlefield, the restored Oaklands Mansion, a former plantation house with an arboretum and gardens. Cannonsburgh Village, which showcases regional history from the 1830s to the 1930s, with buildings including a schoolhouse and general store, is a popular place to visit. The region is surrounded by natural beauty, with parks, rivers, and outdoor recreational areas nearby including Barfield Crescent Park, the Greenway System and Old Fort Park. In addition, the city hosts various cultural events, festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year. 
 
Murfreesboro is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in TN. The city has experienced population growth in recent years, largely due to its proximity to Nashville, its reputation as a family-friendly community, affordability and a strong job market. Job growth in Murfreesboro is 54.14%, greater than the US Future Job Growth of 30.54%. Middle Tennessee public high schools are consistently ranked among the best in the U.S. 

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by May 17, 2024.

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to MTSUProfessionalPilot@acesrch.com
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

MTSU Equal Employment & Institutional Equity
Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by Middle Tennessee State University.