Research Associate Professor in Autonomous Systems for Space Technologies

Research Associate Professor in Autonomous Systems for

Space Technologies Category:

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Aerospace Center Locations:

El Paso, TX Posted:

Oct 15, 2025

Closes:

Open Until Filled Type:

Full-time Ref. No.: 26-COEN-17

Position ID:

193879 Share About The University of Texas at

El Paso:

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a Carnegie R1, opportunity, and community engaged university at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border region that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education and economy of the community we serve. UTEP enrolls more than 25,000 students, 85% of whom are Hispanic and half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. UTEP offers 171 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, El Paso is set against the backdrop of the Franklin Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert in one of the largest binational communities in the world. A family-oriented community that is one of the safest large cities in the U.S., the cost of living in El Paso is very reasonable, and Texas has no income tax.

Job Description:

UTEP invites applications for a Research Associate Professor (RAP) in Autonomous Systems for Space Technologies. This position is housed in the Aerospace Center and collaborates with all departments and colleges as appropriate. It is part of the STAR (Space Technologies and AI-Driven Research) Frontier initiative focusing on robotics, autonomous systems, enhancing the integration of AI and robotics into space technologies, AI for space exploration, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and defense. Key Responsibilities Conduct research on autonomous systems integrating AI into aerospace platforms. Prototype autonomous systems for in-space manufacturing and testing. Develop AI algorithms for navigation, guidance, and control. Lead collaborative research proposals for NSF, DoD, DOE, NASA and with other academia, industry, and government. Mentor students and build interdisciplinary collaborations. Research Focus Areas Space Autonomy - Robotic systems for in-space manufacturing and exploration. Swarm & Cooperative Systems - Multi-agent coordination and distributed sensing. Aerospace Security - AI-integrated surveillance and autonomous detection. In-Situ Autonomy - Edge AI and adaptive control in GPS-denied environments. Autonomous Experimentation - Closed-loop AI-in-the-loop testing frameworks.

Requirements:

Minimum:

Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, or related field; strong publication record; interdisciplinary experience.

Additional Information:

The initial salary is competitive, based on qualifications and experience, and comes with excellent fringe benefits. Hiring decisions are based on budget approval. In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment. The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu , or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312. For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu . To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

Application Instructions:

Submit:

(1) Cover letter, (2) CV, (3) Research Statement (2-3 pages), (4) Contact information for three references. Applications are reviewed immediately until filled. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Powered by