UTSI Group Director

Research Engineering and Operations, Group Director

The University of Tennessee Space Institute Research Engineering and Operations department seeks a full-time Group Director who will be responsible for the resource allocation and execution of institutional capabilities supporting research at UTSI - including the efforts of 10-20 staff members, over 80,000 ft2 of lab space in multiple buildings and several million dollars in research equipment and infrastructure. Efforts include the strategic allocation of university personnel and resources in accordance with institutional priorities and the tracking and reporting of that allocation and the resultant outcomes.

The position contributes to strategic planning for institute growth with regard to research capabilities and coordinates with faculty and research staff on the planning of research capabilities, which may include contributions to proposal planning. This position is responsible for managing and facilitating the work performance and professional growth of a relatively large staff of technical professionals in support of the UTSI research mission. One vacancy, regular, full-time exempt position with excellent benefits. Salary dependent upon education and experience.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Direct and provide oversight for the research park at UTSI with a substantial range of budgetary and operational discretion. Assesses organizational needs. Ensures availability and functionality of needed lab space capabilities and compliance.

• Prepare and manage annual operating budget for the department, including direct labor, material and supplies, services, equipment maintenance and replacement, safety and training.

• Direct the maintenance, operation and development of research facilities.

• Supervises three supervisors and their combined 10-20 Research Scientists, Lab Technicians, Machinists and Engineers.

• Oversees the training requirements and execution of training for research staff.

• Schedules personnel needs, equipment requirements and lab resources to execute successful proposals and projects.

• Maintains database of capabilities and capacities to include staff effort and equipment use per project, lab and researcher.

• Develops complex and innovative solutions leading to state-of-the-art capabilities for advanced research topics that places the institute in leading rolls in a wide variety of fields.

• Coordinates logistics and directs purchases required to facilitate research projects.

• Provides support for advanced research project proposals, plans and processes to assist PI's in winning grants.

• Solve strategic, complex, and systematic problems with unprecedented implications for the Institute.

• Contributes to the strategic planning for institute and departmental programs for institute growth with research capabilities.

• Oversee support for the planning and execution of research projects.

• Supports the Director of Research to engage other agencies and institutions including NASA, Air Force, Army, ORNL, various research groups at UTK and other institutions along with various corporations and businesses to develop strategic partnerships to leverage capabilities and create new opportunities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated capability in effectively managing a large diverse team to provide technical support to research or technology development

• Extensive knowledge of the equipment and systems used to perform laboratory-based testing or development of aerospace and defense systems in areas such as aerodynamics, fluid dynamics and propulsion systems and the related structures and materials.

• Ability to quickly react to an ever-changing research environment

• Multitasking skills

• Fluent ability with Microsoft Office suite

• Ability to program using NI LabVIEW Graphical programming language

Minimum/Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering field

• 10 years of experience in engineering and 3 years in a management role.

• Successful applicants must be able to work in an environment conforming to ITAR requirements and be able to achieve and maintain a DOD security clearance.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a relevant field

• Ability to use Microsoft Project

• Ability to use CAD design software.

• Experience with budgets and safety.

• 10 years of experience in research, development, Test and Evaluation environment

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY: To apply online go to the UTSI Employment website: (https://www.utsi.edu/about/campus-services/human-resources/employment-opportunities/). Click on "External Applicants" in right hand column. Specify search criteria by entering Tullahoma in the Location box or enter the requisition number in the keyword box. Click on the position to view job description and/or apply. External candidates must create a new account to apply. If you have questions, please call the UTSI Human Resources Office at 931-393-7226 or email hr@utsi.edu.

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Appropriate affirmative action office. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the campus ADA Coordinator.