The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) invites applications for the position of Electrical Engineer. This role provides advanced electrical engineering leadership supporting specialized ground test facilities, including ArcJet infrastructure development, research hardware systems, and strategic laboratory growth aligned with UTSI’s research mission.
This position will manage and oversee daily operation of specialized ground test facilities while leading engineering efforts to ensure sustained facility performance and expansion of research capabilities; provide electrical engineering expertise for facility design, modifications, and infrastructure supporting sponsored research; and collaborate with faculty, sponsors, and students while contributing to long-range strategic planning and maintaining high availability of critical research systems.
30% – Electrical Engineering Design & ArcJet Facility Development
Provide electrical engineering support for design, development, and build of ArcJet and related research facilities, including conceptual layouts, detailed engineering design, and fabrication planning. Oversee development of electrical modifications supporting sponsored research and mentor students and interns.
30% – Strategic Planning & Engineering Leadership
Participate in long-range laboratory planning, lead engineering efforts to expand facility capabilities, and provide project management support for conceptual and final design, fabrication, and installation of new research infrastructure.
20% – Research Hardware Fabrication & Control Systems
Fabricate research hardware and instrumentation supporting major research facilities. Develop data acquisition and control system software for operation of test facilities and experimental platforms.
10% – Specialized Facility Operations
Manage daily operations of specialized ground test facilities, identify operational issues, and resolve technical problems to ensure sustained performance of critical research infrastructure.
10% – Research Support & Laboratory Operations
Support research project meetings, assist with research planning, guide students, maintain and repair research hardware, operate essential equipment, and perform general laboratory maintenance.
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Work Location
Compensation and Benefits
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit a Resume, Cover Letter, and List of Three Professional References.
About UTSI
The UT Space Institute is a research, education, and innovation center located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, supporting aerospace and defense research, graduate education, and collaboration with AEDC, NASA, the Department of Defense, and industry partners.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
