What are the responsibilities and job description for the UTSI Group Director, Research Engineering Operations position at University of Tennessee - Knoxville?
The Group Director of Research Engineering Operations (REO) is responsible for the resource allocation and execution of institutional capabilities supporting research at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI). This includes oversight of 10–20 staff members, more than 80,000 ft² of laboratory space, and several million dollars in research equipment and infrastructure. The position plays a key role in strategic planning for research growth, manages technical staff, and coordinates with faculty and research personnel to ensure alignment of research capabilities with institutional priorities.
This position provides broad leadership in the development and management of UTSI’s research facilities, resources, and staff. The Group Director directs operational planning, oversees lab capability development, ensures compliance, and supports faculty and principal investigators in executing proposals and winning competitive research funding. The role requires managing significant budgets, advancing research infrastructure, and engaging with external agencies, corporations, and partners to expand opportunities for the Institute.
- Provide oversight of UTSI’s research park, including labs, equipment, and compliance.
- Prepare and manage departmental budgets, including labor, materials, equipment, and safety/training.
- Supervise three functional groups (10–20 staff: technicians, machinists, research associates, engineers).
- Direct training programs and ensure compliance with research safety requirements.
- Schedule personnel, lab resources, and equipment for proposals and projects.
- Maintain databases of staff and equipment use per project.
- Develop advanced research capabilities that support UTSI’s leadership in multiple fields.
- Provide proposal support, coordinate purchases, and direct logistics for research.
- Solve strategic, complex problems with Institute-wide implications.
- Contribute to strategic planning for research growth and capability expansion.
- Engage external partners such as NASA, Air Force, Army, ORNL, UTK, and corporate entities to build strategic collaborations.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related area.
- Experience: At least 5 years in engineering, research labs, or academic roles. Minimum of 2 years in a management role.
- Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Fluent with Microsoft Office.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and adapt in a changing research environment.
- Knowledge of engineering and management principles.
- Budget and staff scheduling abilities.
- Other Requirements:
- Must be able to work in an ITAR-compliant environment.
- Must be able to achieve and maintain a DOD security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Engineering or related field.
- Experience: 10 years in research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) environments. Experience with defense-related project teams. Budgeting and safety experience.
Work Location
- Location: Tullahoma, Tennessee
- Onsite Requirement: This is an on-campus position located at UTSI.
Compensation and Benefits
- UT Market Range: MR16
- Anticipated Hiring Range: $124,469.05-$132,250.34, based on qualifications and experience.
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit the following materials:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- List of three professional references
About the Department
The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is a graduate education and research institution located in Tullahoma, TN. UTSI provides advanced graduate education in engineering and related fields and supports significant research in aerospace, energy, and advanced materials. Its facilities and infrastructure are central to its mission of supporting both students and world-class researchers.
Salary : $124,469 - $132,250
