Research Equipment Specialist III

Cherokee Federal•Tuscaloosa, AL

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Equipment Specialist III provides advanced testing, evaluation, troubleshooting, calibration, and technical support for scientific instrumentation, electronic systems, and computerized hydrologic data collection equipment supporting a federal client. The role plans and conducts non-routine technical assignments, develops testing methods and evaluation procedures, documents results, and coordinates with Government engineers, researchers, and technical staff to support equipment functionality, data quality, and operational continuity. The position is based onsite in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and requires the employee to live within 35 miles of Tuscaloosa. The specialist may work in laboratory, testing, evaluation, electronics, and calibration environments, and may provide guidance or oversight to junior personnel as assigned. The role also supports research, training, surge operations, and operational readiness initiatives as needed.

Requirements

Typically requires an Associate degree and 5–7 years of practical experience, plus relevant vocational or technical training aligned to research equipment, scientific instrumentation, hydrologic monitoring systems, electronics, technical evaluation, or related technical support work.
Demonstrated experience performing non-routine equipment testing, evaluation, troubleshooting, and calibration on electronic and computerized systems.
Ability to develop and improve test methods and evaluation procedures, and to execute work with limited oversight and strong technical judgment.
Skill in technical documentation and records management, including producing clear and accurate evaluation results, summaries, and supporting records.
Ability to work safely and effectively in laboratory, testing, evaluation, electronics, and calibration environments and comply with federal procedures and OSHA safety requirements.
Strong oral and written English communication skills; ability to coordinate with engineers, researchers, and operational teams and provide professional customer support.
Ability to work onsite in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and live within 35 miles of Tuscaloosa.
Ability to complete required background investigation, facility access requirements, and Government cybersecurity and security training as required.
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced testing and evaluation of research equipment with electronic and computerized components to determine its functionality and effectiveness for hydrologic scientific data collection.
Plan and execute complete technical projects of limited scope, or lead defined portions of larger testing, evaluation, scientific support, and operational readiness efforts.
Develop, adapt, and implement testing methods, evaluation procedures, and supporting structures for new or evolving hydrologic data collection technologies and monitoring systems.
Conduct operational assessments, troubleshoot technical issues, and perform performance evaluations on scientific instrumentation, electronic systems, and computerized monitoring equipment.
Support maintenance, configuration, setup, calibration, validation, and troubleshooting of scientific instrumentation and technical systems in laboratory and operational environments.
Use specialized laboratory, testing, and calibration equipment while following established technical practices, safety requirements, and Government direction.
Produce and maintain technical documentation, including evaluation reports, operational summaries, calibration records, anomaly and discrepancy documentation, and status updates as required.
Communicate results, risks, and recommendations, and coordinate activities with Government personnel, engineers, researchers, contractors, and operational staff.
Support research activities, training support, surge operations, and operational readiness initiatives as needed to meet mission requirements.
Provide technical coordination, guidance, or oversight to junior personnel supporting testing and evaluation activities, as assigned.
Safeguard Government property, equipment, records, and information; secure work areas and sensitive assets in accordance with Government requirements.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.