Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Acquisition Management

About the Role

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) invites applications for full-time, tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level in Systems Engineering and Management.

This role offers a rare chance to shape real-world impact by helping transform the United States Air Force through:

• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Human Factors & Human Systems Integration
• Acquisition & Program Management

You will teach, research, and contribute to solving large, complex defense challenges.

Why Join AFIT?

AFIT is not a typical university.

• Small, focused graduate school (~1,000 students)
• Direct access to defense research funding
• Strong collaboration across disciplines
• Real-world impact on air, space, and cyber systems

Faculty are U.S. Government employees, making it easier to:

• Launch funded research quickly
• Work closely with defense agencies
• Influence national-level systems and programs

Department Overview

The Department of Systems Engineering and Management offers programs in:

• Systems Engineering
• Acquisition Management
• Engineering Management
• Cost Analysis

Special focus areas include:

• Data analytics
• Unmanned air vehicles
• Human systems integration
• System dynamics

Programs span Graduate Certificates, Master’s, and PhD levels.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Teach graduate-level courses in systems engineering or acquisition
• Guide and mentor master’s and doctoral students
• Conduct and publish research
• Support defense-related projects and funding efforts
• Contribute to academic and institutional service

Example: You may lead a research project improving acquisition timelines for aircraft systems.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or DBA in:
  • Systems Engineering
  • Acquisition / Program Management
  • Business or Public Policy
• Experience with DoD acquisition systems (e.g., PPBE process)
• Ability to:
  • Teach effectively
  • Conduct research
  • Publish scholarly work
• Strong communication skills in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Level III certification in Program Management (or similar)
• Leadership role in a DoD program (e.g., Program Manager, Chief Engineer)
• Experience in:
  • Systems engineering applications
  • Defense acquisition programs
• Domain expertise in:
  • Space systems
  • Aircraft systems
  • Cyber or software-intensive systems

Tenure & Appointment

• Initial appointment: 3 years
• Tenure possible after review and approval
• Candidates with strong records may receive tenure upon hire

Location

Main campus at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (USA).

Application Process

• Review full details and apply here:
  https://www.usajobs.gov/job/856638800
• Review begins: March 1, 2026
• Final deadline: June 30, 2026

Why This Role Stands Out

• Work on real defense problems, not just theory
• Access to fast-track research funding
• Teach highly motivated military and civilian professionals
• Be part of a mission-driven academic environment

Important Note

If you decide to apply for this position, kindly mention that you found it on AcademyHire.