EMC Laboratory Manager
Forrest Johnson · Knoxville
Company Description
- Who We Are
- AMS is a nuclear engineering services company based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a mission to ensure the safe operation of the worldwide nuclear fleet. Founded in 1977 as a spinoff of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee, AMS has nearly 50 years of experience developing innovative testing technologies and engineering solutions that help nuclear facilities maintain safe, reliable, and compliant instrumentation and control (I&C) systems.
- What We Do
- AMS supports nuclear facilities worldwide with specialized expertise in years in the areas of instrumentation and control (I&C) system testing, digital I&C qualification, EMI/RFI troubleshooting, cable aging management, nuclear instrumentation system troubleshooting, wireless technology implementation, rod control system testing, online monitoring for condition-based maintenance, and custom data acquisition equipment development. Our engineers work across all U.S. nuclear power plants and many in Europe and Asia as well as research reactors and national security installations to ensure systems perform safely, reliably, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.
- What It’s Like to Work Here
- At AMS, you’ll join a collaborative team of experts across nuclear, electrical, mechanical, computer, and materials engineering. We invest heavily in research and development, encourage creativity in problem-solving, and provide hands-on opportunities to contribute from day one. Many employees build long careers here because they’re able to learn continuously, take on diverse technical challenges, and work in an environment guided by teamwork, respect, and shared purpose.
Job Description
- As the EMC Laboratory Manager, you are responsible for the technical excellence, operational execution, and continuous advancement of AMS’s EMC capabilities in support of nuclear power plant safety and reliability.
- This is not an oversight management role. You will serve as the technical authority, operational leader, and execution owner of the EMC laboratory.
- Why This Role Matters
- This role is critical to maintaining and advancing AMS’s growing EMC capabilities and ensuring delivery of high-quality technical services that support nuclear plant safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.
- The individual in this role will play a key part in strengthening AMS’s technical reputation, improving execution, and supporting continued business growth.
What You’ll Do
Technical Leadership and Authority
- Serve as the subject matter expert in EMC qualification, including deep understanding of MIL-STD-461, IEC 61000, and nuclear qualification requirements
- Answer and resolve complex technical questions in real time, including troubleshooting and interpretation of standards
- Review and approve test plans, procedures, and reports (standard and custom)
- Evaluate data for technical accuracy, defensibility, and correctness
Laboratory Operations and Execution
- Lead day-to-day lab operations, including scheduling, coordination, and resource allocation in collaboration with supervisory staff
- Plan and manage team activities at a detailed level, including weekly planning and task accountability
- Ensure work is completed on time, within scope, and to AMS quality standards
Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, A2LA, and 10 CFR 50 Appendix B requirements
- Lead and support internal and external audits
- Ensure documentation, procedures, and testing activities meet QA standards
- Audit internal personnel performing EMC testing
- Ensure flawless execution of testing, reporting, and QA processes
Calibration, Equipment, and Asset Management
- Own the calibration program and ensure all equipment remains within calibration
- Manage equipment rentals, tracking, dedication, and return logistics
- Identify and address equipment capability gaps
Process Improvement and Automation
- Improve testing efficiency and reporting workflows
- Develop and implement systems to automate repetitive processes
- Collaborate with or directly support software/tool development where applicable
Field Execution and Flexibility
- Perform EMC testing independently in lab and field environments, including nuclear plants
- Adapt standard testing methods to unique or non-standard conditions
- Perform advanced testing such as insertion loss and impedance analysis
- Lead EMI troubleshooting activities to bring systems into compliance with emissions and immunity test standards
- Analyze equipment and test results to provide engineering justifications when troubleshooting is not possible.
- Support wireless implementation planning in plant environments
Team Leadership and Accountability
- Lead and develop a high-performing technical team that operates with precision, accountability, and urgency
- Establish clear expectations for performance, quality, and time usage
- Own the end-to-end performance of the EMC lab
- Drive speed, efficiency, and innovation in EMC services
Customer Delivery and Service Orientation
- Deliver high-quality, responsive, and solution-oriented service to clients
- Communicate clearly with customers and internal stakeholders
- Ensure commitments are met and problems are resolved effectively
Innovation and Growth Contribution
- Identify new service opportunities and technical improvements
- Develop technical papers, training materials, and presentations
- Support demonstrations and customer-facing technical engagements
- Work with the sales and marketing team on developing client proposals and technical scopes of work
Who We’re Looking For
- Strong electrical engineering technical expertise with hands-on measurement and test equipment experience
- High ownership and accountability mindset
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to operate effectively in both structured and dynamic environments
- Customer-focused with strong communication skills
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical capability
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
- Approximately 5+ years of relevant experience
- 3+ years of leadership or team management experience
- Preferred: Hands-on EMC experience with MIL-STD-461 and/or IEC 61000 testing
- Preferred: Proficiency with EMC test equipment (spectrum analyzers, EMI receivers, oscilloscopes, RF amplifiers, VNAs)
- Experience developing test plans and technical reports
- Understanding of calibration processes and measurement uncertainty
- This position involves work under U.S. Department of Energy contracts and requires access to nuclear facilities. As a result, U.S. citizenship is required to meet federal compliance and security-access regulations.
Additional Information
Compensation & Benefits
- Health Coverage – Generous employer contributions toward comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Retirement – 401(k) with generous employer matching contributions
- Paid Time Off – Four weeks annual vacation plus at least 10 paid holidays per year
- Professional Development – AMS is committed to your growth as a technical specialist; mentorship by senior engineers and PhDs, access to professional conferences, and continuing education opportunities in nuclear engineering and advanced analysis
- Career Growth – Annual salary reviews, raises, and advancement opportunities within a fast-paced, team-oriented, mission-driven organization
- Meaningful Work – The opportunity to perform engineering analysis that directly supports nuclear plant safety, reliability, maintenance optimization, and regulatory compliance.
AMS Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with all applicable employment laws and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic. Certain roles may require U.S. citizenship or other federally mandated clearances.
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