Job Details

Scientific Instrument Maker: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK

Position Number: 6474908
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Science - Physics

Scientific Instrument Maker: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 4611
Job Category: Technical
Posting Date: 08/15/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 2641 Osprey Vista Way, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
The Department of Physics & Astronomy is seeking candidates for a full-time Technical Specialist with experience in precision instrument production.

This position will maintain the physics department's research laboratories at the Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (IAMM), and lend technical support for the department's on-campus research enterprise by designing, fabricating, installing, testing, and repairing sophisticated ultrahigh vacuum components used in physics research, including molecular beam epitaxy apparatus, high-resolution electron spectroscopy facilities, and scanning probe instrumentation. This position comes with additional responsibilities for performing very high precision machining and finishing of scientific apparatus constructed of ordinary and exotic materials using numerically, computer-controlled machines.

Responsibilities
This position will design and create prototype research equipment which includes:

Programming, setting up, and operating a computer numerical control (CNC) equipment for very high precision machining and finishing of scientific apparatus construction using ordinary and exotic materials.
Designs state-of-the-art, prototype research equipment often from verbal requests, rough sketches, or data from parts drawings to produce prototypes of a high degree of complexity and high quality by creating CAD (Computer Aided Design) programming.
Performs general and Ultrahigh Vacuum Welding of Components
Adheres to all safety procedures and training as required by the university, the department and regulatory agencies

In addition, the successful candidate will assist with the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs of high-end laboratory equipment, as well as other laboratory operations. This position furthermore entails design and fabrication of new components for expanding the capabilities of existing instrumentation.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED, Machinist I diploma, or welding certification.

Experience:

Three years of experience with precision machining using conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines including lathes and vertical and horizontal 5-axis milling machines.
Three years of experience with CAD/CAM software and programming ability to program CNC milling machines from CAD files using CAM software and G and M code language.
Is proficient at reading drawings and specifications with a complete understanding of geometric tolerances and dimensions.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Have a complete knowledge and understanding of the function and application of precision measuring instruments.
Ability to proficiently read blueprints and understand geometric dimensioning and tolerances.
Ability to skillfully operate manual and computer-controlled lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines as well as drill presses, grinders, surface grinders, and hand tools.
Ability to program 5-axis CNC machines (using CAM/CAD software) and to produce machining profiles from complex part drawings and CAD files.
Extensive knowledge of the properties of engineering materials such as steel and copper alloys, as well as refractory metals, plastics, wood, and epoxy resins; Possesses the ability to skillfully machine these materials.
Makes skilled use of various techniques such as soft and hard soldering, brazing, and welding to join components of scientific equipment.
Ability to perform TIG (tungsten inert gas) and MIG (metal inert gas) welding, cutting torch, and brazing. Welding certification is required.
General ability to repair, disassemble, and reassemble a wide variety of mechanical systems.
Knowledge of a wide variety of materials used in the manufacturing of scientific instruments.
Thorough knowledge of ultrahigh vacuum instrumentation and laboratory protocols.
Ability to maintain current knowledge with respect to relevant technology and improved machining processes.

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 visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

Five years of experience with precision machining using conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines including lathes and vertical and horizontal 5-axis milling machines.
Five years of experience with CAD/CAM software and programming ability to program CNC milling machines from CAD files using CAM software and G and M code language.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Personal interactive skills for co-directing students and researchers with varying backgrounds and nationalities.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software and general computer operations.
Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, faculty, staff, students and research groups to fabricate special parts and equipment and to recommend material and design changes when necessary, or suggest better alternatives.

Work Location:

Knoxville, TN - Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

UT market range: 08
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials before 08/25/2025:

Resume
Machinist I Diploma
Welding Certification

About The Physics and Astronomy Department:

The Department has an exemplary research record, with eight professors earning NSF CAREER awards since 2012, eight professors among the world's top two percent of physicists based on citation count, the award of the prestigious American Physical Society 2021 Bonner Prize, eleven APS Fellows, and four AAAS Fellows. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is Tennessee's flagship state research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates and a premier graduate institution with a number of nationally and internationally ranked programs and with national and international leadership in numerous fields.

About Us
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 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!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/4611/?mode=location