Chair, William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics, College of Engineering, University of Washington
Position Overview
Organization: Industrial & Systems Engineering
Title: Chair, William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics, College of Engineering, University of Washington
Position Details
Position Description
The College of Engineering at the University of Washington invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics (A&A). This is an internal search open to full-time and tenured faculty at the rank of Professor, at the University of Washington. This is an 11-month service period per year position (July – June) with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026. All University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research and service.
The Chair will provide visionary academic and administrative leadership for a nationally and internationally recognized department with strengths spanning aeronautics, astronautics, space systems, autonomy and controls, fluids, structures, plasma science, and aerospace materials and systems. The successful candidate will be an outstanding scholar and educator, a collaborative and inclusive leader, and a team player with a demonstrated ability to build and sustain impactful partnerships with the aerospace industry.
Responsibilities
The Chair is responsible for:
● Providing strategic leadership and vision for the department’s academic, research, and service missions.
● Strengthening and expanding collaborations with the aeronautics and astronautics industry, including regional, national, and global partners, to enhance research impact, educational relevance, and workforce development.
● Fostering excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate education, including experiential learning, capstone design, and industry-engaged research opportunities. Enhancing and continually improving the undergraduate and graduate student experience through hands-on, experiential learning and by fostering a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and the broader community.
● Supporting and advancing the department’s research enterprise, including interdisciplinary initiatives and externally sponsored research with industry, government, and academic collaborators.
● Promoting a collegial, inclusive, and equitable environment for faculty, staff, and students.
● Leading faculty recruitment, mentoring, evaluation, and professional development, with attention to emerging areas of aerospace engineering and industry needs.
● Managing departmental resources, including budget, space, and staff, in collaboration with the College of Engineering.
● Representing the department within the College, the University, and the broader aerospace and space industry ecosystem and promoting the profile/reputation of the department both within UW and externally.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Candidates must:
● Hold a full-time and tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Professor, at the University of Washington in Aeronautics & Astronautics or a closely related field.
● Demonstrate an outstanding record of scholarly achievement and external recognition appropriate for senior leadership.
● Show a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development.
● Demonstrate effectiveness or strong potential in academic leadership and administration.
● Exhibit the ability to engage productively with industry partners, translating academic strengths into mutually beneficial collaborations.
● Be a visionary leader and collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
● Demonstrate a sustained commitment to promoting an equitable and inclusive environment where all members can thrive and feel a sense of belonging.
Term and Rank
The Chair appointment is typically for a renewable fixed term. The successful candidate will retain their faculty rank and tenure in the department.
Instructions
Application
Applications and nominations should include:
- A cover letter describing qualifications and relevant administrative experience.
- A current curriculum vitae.
- A brief statement (1–2 pages) describing the candidate’s leadership philosophy, with particular attention to their commitment to transparency and accountability in decision-making, and their approach to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive academic community.
- A vision statement outlining goals and aspirations as Chair, including an approach to strengthening industry collaboration and enhancing students’ holistic educational experience.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
For administrative questions related to this search, please contact the search committee Chair Prof. Juming Tang at jutang88@uw.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Equal Opportunity
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.
Privacy Notice
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Disability Services
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.