Manufacturing Support Specialist: Department of Defense Research Center - UTK
Job details
- Location
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Work type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $50,000 - $60,000/yr
- Posted
- Mar 26, 2026
- Apply on
- fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com
About this role
Reporting to the Executive Director of Defense & Special Programs and working with the Assistant Professor of Practice for Applied Engineering, the Manufacturing Support Specialist will assist in development of the laboratory equipment and space, supervise research students, collaborate with industry and external partners, workforce development, and assist with developing standard operating procedures and operation of mechanical equipment such as CNC mills, lathes, band saws, Wire Electric Discharge Machines, Hole popping Electric Discharge Machines, surface grinders and induction furnaces within TN MADE.
Responsibilities
- Operate and maintain manufacturing equipment including:
- 3 and 5-axis CNC mills
- CNC lathes
- Large metal bandsaws
- Wire Electric Discharge Machines (EDM)
- Hole popping Electric Discharge Machines (EDM)
- Surface grinders
- Induction furnaces
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOP) for lab equipment
- Design parts for fabrication
- Design solutions for complex problems
- Supervise and aid undergraduate research students and their funded projects to help take concepts to the final product
- Contribute to the development and operation of DARC laboratory equipment and space
- Engage in industry collaboration, workforce development, and external partnerships consistent with the mission of DARC
- Support the growth and continuous improvement of graduate student projects and funding
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Education:
- High School diploma
- Experience:
- 2 years of machining experience with a focus on CNC milling, turning, and EDM.
- Any experience using 3-axis surface milling.
- 1 year of experience in design for manufacturability of components, critical design reviews, and/or interaction with students and faculty.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Knowledge of Mastercam and Autodesk CAM Programs.
Knowledge of Haas CNC equipment and tooling setup.
Ability to work with a diverse group of constituents and students.
Commitment to high-quality shop management and organization.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Vocational or technical training in machine tool technology
Experience:
3-5 years of machining experience with a focus in CNC milling, turning, and EDM.
3 years of experience in design for manufacturability of components, critical design reviews, and/or interaction with students and faculty.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Experience with multi-axis milling and turning applications.
Leadership skills for managing teams of 2-3 students.
Understand standard ISO 9001 operation guides.
Have knowledge of additive manufacturing processes such as:
Laser Powderbed Fusion (LPBF)
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
Work Location
- Location: Knoxville, TN
- Onsite
Compensation and Benefits
UT market range: MR09
Anticipated hiring range: $50,000 - $60,000
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 noted below attachments.
- Resume
- Cover Letter