Department Chair, Engineering Fundamentals, Daytona Beach Campus

Department Chair

The Engineering Fundamentals Department in the College of Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida, invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair. We seek a collaborative and forward-thinking leader dedicated to advancing excellence in engineering education through evidence-based teaching and innovative research. The successful candidate will hold tenure in the College of Engineering and bring a distinguished record of teaching, scholarship, and research, as well as demonstrated experience in leadership, project management, mentoring and personnel development, strategic planning, and budget oversight. The ideal candidate will also show the ability to build consensus, foster an inclusive and supportive departmental culture, and further the missions and goals of both the Engineering Fundamentals Department and the College of Engineering.

The Engineering Fundamentals Department provides foundational engineering education to all first-year students within the College of Engineering, facilitating a successful transition to university life and laying the groundwork for success in the engineering disciplines within the College of Engineering.

The Engineering Fundamentals department is recognized for its innovative, evidence-based teaching and research in engineering education, demonstrating leadership in pedagogy. The department offers foundational courses like Introduction to Engineering, Engineering Graphics, and Computer Programming, while actively promoting initiatives that foster students' sense of belonging, academic success, and overall well-being.

Department Chair Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic planning for the department.
• Foster and sustain a collaborative and inclusive culture that supports faculty development, teaching innovation, and student success.
• Oversee the academic operations of the department, including curriculum development, alignment with the engineering programs, scheduling, faculty recruitment, and addressing student experiences and cases to ensure a supportive learning environment.
• Advocate for and establish the infrastructure and support systems needed to promote and sustain research in engineering education.
• Work closely with other departments and university leadership to align departmental goals with the College of Engineering's mission.
• Advocate for the department's needs while ensuring congruence with overall institutional goals.

About the College of Engineering

The College of Engineering empowers students to become engineering leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Home to more than 3,500 students, our vision is to shape the future of the aerospace industry. We pride ourselves on our commitment to groundbreaking aerospace research and innovation, as well as our supportive and inclusive learning community. The college houses seven undergraduate programs, eight master's programs and three doctoral programs, including the largest Aerospace Engineering department in the U.S. Our undergraduate Aerospace Engineering program is ranked #4 and our graduate program #32 by U.S. News and World Report. The college has recently launched an ambitious agenda to expand its graduate programs, recruit talented faculty and invest in state-of-the-art research infrastructure and capabilities. Its current facilities include the 50,000 square foot John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex, which contains research laboratories, a subsonic wind tunnel, the Eagle Flight Research Center and a tech startup incubator space.

Embry-Riddle: A Global Leader in Aviation and Aerospace

With vibrant campuses in Daytona Beach, FL and Prescott, AZ, plus a Worldwide network across approximately 120 locations, Embry-Riddle stands as the world's largest aviation and aerospace university. For 100 years, we've been pioneering education in STEM fields, serving over 11,600 residential students and 19,200 globally in the 2023-24 academic year with cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!

• Health Benefits: Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health—because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you!
• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period.
• Generous Time Off: Relax with 18 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

Qualifications

Required Education and Qualifications: Candidates must hold a terminal degree in engineering education, engineering, or a closely related discipline, with preference given to those with expertise in engineering education. They should demonstrate a strong record of scholarship, success in securing external funding, and a commitment to teaching excellence. Preference will be given to applicants who possess outstanding leadership and communication skills and meet the qualifications for appointment as a tenured full professor in the College of Engineering.

Application process/requirements

Applicants are encouraged to apply by October 27, 2025, though applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R310316. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include:

• Cover letter detailing leadership experience, academic and administrative qualifications, and alignment with the department's mission.
• A leadership statement outlining your leadership philosophy, including your approach to fostering faculty and student success, and your vision for the role of first-year engineering education within the College of Engineering.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process)

Questions can be emailed to Dr. James Pembridge, Search Committee Chair, at pembridj@erau.edu.

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday.

Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website.