technology through best practices promotes corporate growth and the creation of quality products and services.
Essential Job Duties
Major Responsibilities: Perform project initiation, execution, and delivery. In general, this includes, but is not limited to: evaluating client needs, facilitating groups for identifying/solving problems, collaborating with appropriate constituents to meet project objectives/requirements, assigning and/or performing project follow-up activities, and presenting project findings/recommendations.
Customer Service (30%)
- Provide front-line day-to-day contact with IES’s clients and partners by interacting and providing IES services in both public and on-site locations.
- Work directly with select clients on fee-based projects as a trusted advisor to ensure optimal outcomes for their technology investments. Train industry clients on a variety of advanced manufacturing technology topics.
Technical (65%)
- Serve as the NC State IES extension agent assisting manufacturing industry clients with the identification, proof-of-concept, and implementation of advanced manufacturing (Industry 4.0) technologies.
- Demonstrate expertise in Automation/Robotics manufacturing applications plus one or more of the following (applied to a manufacturing setting): Industrial Analytics, Cybersecurity, Additive Manufacturing, Augmented and/or Virtual Reality.
- Support multiple federal grants related to supporting advanced manufacturing technology implementation, including the NIST North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership and DOE State Manufacturing Leadership awards.
Administrative (5%)
- Perform organizational administrative tasks and other related duties, as assigned.
Other Responsibilities
This position will also provide support so that IES may reach its stated short-term and long-term goals. This specialist role and time of contract shall be designated under the University’s guidelines for EPA Professional employment.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Master’s Degree or a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or manufacturing-related discipline.
Other Required Qualifications
The Extension Specialist will exercise broad guidance over designated technical product(s) and support activities under the leadership of the Field Operations Director and in cooperation with Product Area Managers using established policy as guidance. The Extension Specialist will exercise discretion and judgment when making a decision. Standard NCSU and IES/NCMEP guidelines, practices and policies will be followed for routine work. Normal and authoritative advice will be sought to ensure an informed decision.
This specific position will report to the IES Associate Executive Director of the Field Operations team and will be expected to have a strong background in Manufacturing Technology, and specifically, Industry 4.0 technology implementation. General manufacturing consulting service delivery will be expected as well, based on the successful candidate’s skill set – for example, delivering training/projects in ISO 9001-2015, Lean Six Sigma, OSHA Compliance, etc.
Additional skills/experience include:
- Eligibility to obtain clearance upon request of the US government.
- Demonstrated applied automation/robotics programming and deployment experience in manufacturing.
- A strong work ethic and a willingness to travel overnight.
- Good communication and project management skills.
- Documented experience in the application of good business practices and ethics.
- The physical ability for a wide range of activities.
- Ability to work self-directed.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2-5 years of experience working in a manufacturing facility or related work experience.
- A working knowledge of other quality management principles, process excellence, and continuous improvement practices together with experience overseeing an organization’s continuous improvement program.
- Experience with customer service, community relations, continuing education, marketing execution, sales, and strategic planning.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
- Ability to obtain a NC Driver’s License within the first 60 days of starting.
Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes
Commercial Driver's License required: No
Job Open Date: 03/16/2026
Anticipated Close Date: Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants: Please include as attachments a resume, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
Position Number: 00007661
Position Type: EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00
Appointment: 12 Month Recurring
