Electrical Engineer: UT Space Institute

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) invites applications for the position of Research Laboratory Management 3 - 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 manages and oversees daily operation of specialized ground test facilities while leading engineering efforts to ensure sustained facility performance and expansion of research capabilities. Provides electrical engineering expertise for facility design, modifications, and infrastructure supporting sponsored research. Collaborates with faculty, sponsors, and students while contributing to long-range strategic planning and maintaining high availability of critical research systems.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or related field.

• Experience:

  • 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.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of high-current DC power systems and industrial/aerospace electrical distribution design

  • Electrical safety standards including NFPA 70/National Electrical Code and IEEE standards

  • 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

  • Developing operating procedures, maintenance plans, and troubleshooting complex electric power systems

  • Ability to manage multiple technical projects

  • Ability to collaborate with faculty, sponsors, and students

  • Ability to maintain scheduling, operation, and maintenance planning for advanced facilities such as ArcJet

• Other Conditions:

  • Ability to work in ITAR-controlled environments

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US security clearance

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.

• Experience:

  • Experience in aerospace test facilities and familiarity with fluid mechanics or pneumatic/hydraulic systems. 

  • Experience with LabVIEW, signal conditioning, and monitoring systems.

Work Location

• Location: Tullahoma, Tennessee - University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI).

• Onsite.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR12

• Anticipated hiring range: $100,000 - $105,000.

• 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 materials noted below.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About Us

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI), located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, is a nationally recognized research institute supporting advanced research and education in aerospace, engineering, and applied sciences. UTSI partners with federal agencies, industry leaders, and academic institutions to drive innovation and research excellence.

Why Join UTSI

• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing research environment.

• Collaborative and mission-driven culture.

• Engagement with faculty, researchers, and external partners across multiple disciplines.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package and an extensive list of development and training possibilities.

The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

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!