Research Associate Professor in Autonomous Systems for Space Technologies

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 25000 students 85% of whom are Hispanic and half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. UTEP offers 171 bachelors masters 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.

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.

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

The initial salary is competitive based on qualifications and experience and comes with excellent fringe 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 employees or prospective employees 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 by email at 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 UTEPs Equal Opportunity Office at .

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.

Submit: (1) Cover letter (2) CV (3) Research Statement (2-3 pages) (4) Contact information for three references.

Applications are reviewed immediately until filled.