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.

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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.

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Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

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.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or related field
2–3 years of experience in design, analysis, or integration of high‑power electrical distribution systems, preferably in aerospace test facilities, industrial environments, or large research laboratories.
Experience with vendor coordination, specification development, installation oversight, and commissioning of electrical infrastructure and control systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
Experience in aerospace test facilities and familiarity with fluid mechanics or pneumatic/hydraulic systems.
Experience with LabVIEW, signal conditioning, and monitoring systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of high-current DC power systems and industrial/aerospace electrical distribution design.
Knowledge of electrical safety standards including NFPA 70/National Electrical Code and IEEE standards.
Knowledge of grounding, insulation, protection schemes, and thermal management for high-voltage/high-current circuits.
Skill in electrical CAD platforms such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN and simulation tools such as ETAP, PSCAD, or MATLAB/Simulink.
Skill in developing operating procedures, maintenance plans, and troubleshooting complex electric power systems.
Ability to manage multiple technical projects and collaborate with faculty, sponsors, and students.
Ability to maintain scheduling, operation, and maintenance planning for advanced facilities such as ArcJet.
Ability to work in ITAR-controlled environments and obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Work Location

Tullahoma, TN
Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

UT Market Range: MR12
Anticipated Hiring Range: $100,000 – $105,000

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.

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.

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