Instrument Mechanic: College of Arts & Sciences, Technical Services - UTK

The Instrument Mechanic position within the College of Arts and Sciences Technical Services Unit (CAS Tech) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and modifying specialized scientific equipment used in teaching and research across the UT Knoxville Campus, including the Institute of Agriculture. This role ensures minimal downtime, cost-effective repairs, and high-quality service to support faculty, staff, and students. The position requires strong electromechanical diagnostic skills, the ability to work independently with minimal oversight and a commitment to safety and teamwork. 

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical equipment which includes autoclaves, cage washers, surgery tables, vacuum pumps, hydraulic pumps, freeze dryers, and glassware washers for faculty, staff, and students.
• Conduct and accurately document all required calibrations and verifications on equipment following repair.
• Identify and perform preventative maintenance on equipment. 
• Rebuild hydraulic, pneumatic, and solenoid valves.
• Troubleshoot and identify electrical component failures down to the board level.
• Diagnose, install, and program control panels. 
• Repair or replace power supplies. 
• Locate online manuals, electrical schematics or parts diagrams and correctly identify required replacement parts. 
• Assist in estimating materials, supplies, and labor hours for projects. 
• Compile parts and materials orders for supervisor and departmental approval on projects. 
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment.

Required Qualifications

Education: 

• High school diploma or GED with Vocational/technical training or apprenticeship in: Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, or Electromechanical maintenance and repair. 

Experience:

• Two (2) years’ experience in mechanical and electronic equipment repair

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to safely work with drills, band saws, boring machines, hand tools, and digital multi-meters.

• Positive attitude and self-motivated.

• Understanding of basic electrical diagnostic and repair.

• Ability to disassemble and correctly rebuild equipment in a timely manner with little oversight.

• Plumbing skills with strong understanding of pneumatics and hydraulics to include solenoid valves.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to solve problem. 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. 

• Ability to quickly learn unfamiliar equipment and become proficient in repair with minimal guidance.

• Basic understanding and ability to use tablets, computers, e-mail and internet. 

• Ability to look up parts via online schematics and catalogs. 

• Ability to learn and utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management Software system (CMMS).

• Capable of continued learning and progression as tools and equipment advances. 

Preferred Qualifications

Education: 

• Associate’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Instrumentation, Electromechanical or closely related field.

Experience: 

• Two years’ experience in maintaining and repairing scientific or industrial equipment. 

• Prior experience maintaining steam sterilization equipment is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Thorough understanding of scientific sterilization equipment.

• Excellent organization skills.

• High aptitude for electromechanical diagnostic and repair.

• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to see and design solutions. 

Work Location 

University of Tennessee Knoxville – Knoxville, TN

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR08 

• Anticipated hiring range: $52,000 - $55,000, depending on the experience and qualificatio