UTSI - Electrical Engineer

Job Description

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 Arc Jet infrastructure development, research hardware systems, and strategic laboratory growth aligned with UTSI’s research mission.

• 30% – Electrical Engineering Design & Arc Jet Facility Development

  Provide electrical engineering support for design, development, and build of Arc Jet 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.

• 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.

• 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 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 Arc Jet.
• Ability to work in ITAR-controlled environments and obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• Tullahoma, TN
• Onsite

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

Applicants should submit a Resume, Cover Letter, and List of Three Professional References.

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…