Matt Karnes started his career at DENSO Manufacturing in Maryville on the production line, working alongside engineers every day.

It didn’t take long for him to decide he wanted to become one of them.

But Karnes was also a husband and father working full time. Going back to school would require a program that was affordable, flexible and practical enough to fit both his life and his career.

He found that combination at Pellissippi State Community College. With help from DENSO’s tuition reimbursement program, Karnes continued working full time while pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. His classes gave him experience with engineering tools, including SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD, that connected directly to his work.

“I liked Pellissippi because it’s a hands-on type of school,” Karnes said. “You’re not just learning theory. You’re also in labs doing practical work.”

Karnes graduated from Pellissippi State in 2013 with an associate degree. The accomplishment opened the door to an engineering technician position at DENSO, but he didn’t stop there.

He continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree from King University. At DENSO, he moved from engineering technician to specialist and eventually into his current position as production engineering manager.

“You always want to follow your dreams and what you want to do,” Karnes said. “I saw everyone that was working in the engineering field, and I knew I could do that same role. So, I was able to go back, get that opportunity and pursue my dreams as well.”

Karnes said Pellissippi State also taught him skills that went beyond engineering software. He developed friendships with students, faculty and staff and learned the value of critical thinking, curiosity and asking questions.

Those skills matter on the factory floor, where communicating clearly and solving problems quickly are part of his responsibilities.

“I think Pellissippi’s engineering program gives you a good technical foundation for real-world applications,” Karnes said. “If you’re willing to learn – to put forth a lot of effort – Pellissippi provides a really great career-starting path.”

From Maryville to Japan

Karnes’ career has taken him well beyond East Tennessee.

DENSO is a global automotive parts manufacturer, and its Maryville operation is home to one of North America’s largest inverter production facilities for hybrid and electric vehicles. Karnes’ work helps support the quality of vehicles driven by thousands of people.

His career also has taken him to Japan more than 25 times. Along with working there, Karnes has had opportunities to explore Mount Fuji and snowboard on Japan’s northernmost island.

His path from the production line to management also illustrates the role partnerships between local employers and colleges can play in developing East Tennessee’s workforce.

“DENSO in Maryville just celebrated 35 years,” Karnes said. “We would like to be here for the next 35 years and beyond. So partnerships with Pellissippi and other institutions are critical to the success of DENSO in the future.”

Karnes went back to school because he saw engineers doing a job he believed he could do.

Thirteen years after earning his Pellissippi State degree, he’s helping lead the engineering work himself.

Information and quotes provided by Pellissippi State Community College.

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Pellissippi State Community College is a public community college based in Knox and Blount counties in Tennessee and operated by the Tennessee Board of Regents. The college operates four campuses: Hardin Valley, Blount County, Strawberry Plains, and Magnolia Avenue.

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