The Instrument Mechanic position within the College of Arts and Sciences Technical Services Unit (CAS Tech) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and modifying specialized scientific equipment used in teaching and research across the UT Knoxville Campus, including the Institute of Agriculture. This role ensures minimal downtime, cost-effective repairs, and high-quality service to support faculty, staff, and students. The position requires strong electromechanical diagnostic skills, the ability to work independently with minimal oversight and a commitment to safety and teamwork.

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!

The Instrument Mechanic position within the College of Arts and Sciences Technical Services Unit (CAS Tech) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and modifying specialized scientific equipment used in teaching and research across the UT Knoxville Campus, including the Institute of Agriculture. This role ensures minimal downtime, cost-effective repairs, and high-quality service to support faculty, staff, and students. The position requires strong electromechanical diagnostic skills, the ability to work independently with minimal oversight and a commitment to safety and teamwork.

Required Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma or GED with Vocational/technical training or apprenticeship in: Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, or Electromechanical maintenance and repair.

Experience:

Two (2) years’ experience in mechanical and electronic equipment repair

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Ability to safely work with drills, band saws, boring machines, hand tools, and digital multi-meters.
Positive attitude and self-motivated.
Understanding of basic electrical diagnostic and repair.
Ability to disassemble and correctly rebuild equipment in a timely manner with little oversight.
Plumbing skills with strong understanding of pneumatics and hydraulics to include solenoid valves.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to solve problem.
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to quickly learn unfamiliar equipment and become proficient in repair with minimal guidance.
Basic understanding and ability to use tablets, computers, e-mail and internet.
Ability to look up parts via online schematics and catalogs.
Ability to learn and utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management Software system (CMMS).
Capable of continued learning and progression as tools and equipment advances.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Associate’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Instrumentation, Electromechanical or closely related field.

Experience:

Two years’ experience in maintaining and repairing scientific or industrial equipment.
Prior experience maintaining steam sterilization equipment is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Thorough understanding of scientific sterilization equipment.
Excellent organization skills.
High aptitude for electromechanical diagnostic and repair.
Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to see and design solutions.

Work Location

University of Tennessee Knoxville – Knoxville, TN

Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR08
Anticipated hiring range: $52,000 - $55,000, depending on the experience and qualifications.
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Resume
Ability to provide up to 3 Professional References upon request

About The Department

As a support facility that falls within the College of Arts and Sciences, CAS Tech is committed to excellence in the service and support of laboratory equipment utilized by our scientific community. Our primary goal is to support teaching and research by lowering equipment down time, minimizing repair costs, and providing service equal or superior to that of outside vendors. We seek colleagues that are committed to teamwork and have a profound passion for working with and serving all students and faculty.

Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical equipment which includes autoclaves, cage washers, surgery tables, vacuum pumps, hydraulic pumps, freeze dryers, and glassware washers for faculty, staff, and students.
Conduct and accurately document all required calibrations and verifications on equipment following repair.
Identify and perform preventative maintenance on equipment.
Rebuild hydraulic, pneumatic, and solenoid valves.
Troubleshoot and identify electrical component failures down to the board level.
Diagnose, install, and program control panels.
Repair or replace power supplies.
Locate online manuals, electrical schematics or parts diagrams and correctly identify required replacement parts.
Assist in estimating materials, supplies, and labor hours for projects.
Compile parts and materials orders for supervisor and departmental approval on projects.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment.

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