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Manufacturing Support Specialist: Department of Defense Research Center - UTK

University Of Tennessee College

University Of Tennessee College

Customer Service
Knoxville, TN, USA
USD 50k-60k / year
Posted on Mar 27, 2026
Apply now

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.

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 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 within TN MADE.

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
  • 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
Apply now
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