Mechanical and Machining Engineer (Ceramics)
Knoxville, TN 37931 | On site | Direct hire
Do you know how to machine ceramics? Then this role was built for you.
Plenty of engineers can program a CNC and cut metal. Far fewer can hold tight tolerances on technical ceramics using wire EDM, diamond grinding, and CNC milling.
You'll design and machine components that serve a critical function in nuclear reactors, both reactors already in commercial operation and next-generation reactors being designed, built, and tested right now. This isn't a role where you run someone else's process. You'll build the in-house machining capability, lead production and prototype tooling, and shape how new products get made from the drawing stage forward.
Must Haves
To be considered, you'll need all three of these:
- Ceramic machining experience, including wire EDM, diamond grinding, and CNC milling. Strong metal machining experience on its own won't be enough for this role.
- Expert-level SolidWorks and MasterCAM (or similar CAD/CAM software), used for mechanical design, tooling, and machine programming.
- Deep knowledge of standard machine shop processes and setups.
What You'll Do
- Build out in-house machining capability and deliver high-quality precision parts to the Quality department
- Design and machine production tooling, fixturing, and finished part prototypes
- Review customer part drawings for DFM and make sure every part is optimized for manufacturing
- Dig into quality concerns from piece part inspections and develop lasting solutions
- Identify, recommend, procure, and install machine shop equipment, and keep everything maintained and calibrated
- Lead cost optimization and cost reduction efforts across machining processes
- Develop, test, and improve machining methods and techniques
- Partner with outside machine shops to manage capacity and scheduling when needed
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. Substantial hands-on design and machine shop experience, especially in ceramics, may be considered in place of a degree.
- 6+ years of combined mechanical design and hands-on machine shop experience, including delivering precision parts and leading production or prototype machining work
- A history of delivering ceramic parts and developing or improving the processes used to make them
- Proficiency in CNC programming, machine setup, tooling, and troubleshooting
- Strong command of GD&T, inspection procedures, and precision metrology
- A track record of owning machining work from development through implementation and production, and staying long enough to see tooling and process improvements pay off
What Sets You Apart
- Experience building or expanding an in-house machining capability, including setting up processes, buying and maintaining equipment, and working with outside shops (shop size doesn't matter, ownership does)
- Experience setting up and running state-of-the-art machining equipment
- Comfort on CNCs, conventional lathes and mills, and other equipment used for high-precision parts
- Hands-on experience with CMMs, 3D imaging, and other advanced metrology systems
- Results reducing machining cost or improving production methods
- People management experience is not required. This is a hands-on technical role.
Why This Role
- Your work goes into reactors that power real communities, now and in the future
- You'll have the room to use your creativity and build something, not just maintain it
- Real ownership: you'll influence equipment, processes, tooling, and product design
- Competitive compensation for an experienced, specialized engineer
Good to Know
- This position is fully on site in Knoxville (37931). Candidates in Knoxville, Karns, Powell, Hardin Valley, Farragut, and surrounding areas are strongly preferred.
- Relocation assistance is not available.
- Visa sponsorship is not available.
If ceramics is your specialty, apply today. When you do, tell us about the ceramic parts you've machined, the processes you used, and any machining capability you've helped build. That's what we want to hear about first.