Mercer’s Career Path Connects TVA Teams

After studying mechanical engineering in college, Josh Mercer’s trajectory to TVA took some interesting turns.

Mercer designed recliners and sofa frames, and he’s worked as a machinist building race car engines.

Now, he’s a supervisor in Instrumentation and Controls at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant.

Talk about zero to 60.

Mercer spoke highly of his team, describing the work they do to turn metrics like flow, pressure and temperature into electrical or pneumatic signals.

"We can take energy particles from the nuclear reactor and turn them into measurable signals," Mercer explained. "Then it's put on a gauge for our operators to safely and efficiently operate the plants.

“I always want to make sure my team is working safely. In my role, I get to be an educator, a sponsor, a coach, counselor, you name it."

Mercer’s career path required shifting from working with his hands to a managerial role.

"It's learning a new skill like anything else,” he said.

His eclectic swath of experience—from craft to management, cars to recliners—fosters connectivity across teams and promotes a synergistic culture.

"I like being part of something bigger than myself," Mercer said.

Stepping into the role of historian, he reflected, "FDR is one of my favorite historical figures. TVA helped get people back on their feet during the Depression, gave them jobs, and helped the economy."

Mercer’s family has lived in the area for a few generations—dating back to when only five out of 100 farmers had power—so he knows the value of the TVA mission.

"I'm from here, so TVA's story means a lot to me," Josh said.

His enthusiasm for TVA's history is rivaled only by his excitement for the future.

Mercer said he believes nuclear is the future.

"I can't wait to see more nuclear online, especially [small modular reactors]. That's the direction we are moving. Clean, cost-efficient and reliable."

TVA employees invest their heart into their work because it is closely intertwined with home. You can find Josh and his family in church, hiking the local trails or out on his Dayton Mountain farm tending a garden, foraging or caring for the animals.

Mercer is also passing on the skill of archery to his son and, most importantly, a respect for the environment. The past is all around them—stories of TVA’s mission in the soil and in the river. But there are stories yet to tell. Together, they draw their bowstrings taut and aim for what’s ahead.