Machinist III

Machinist III

***Must live within 30 miles of Tuscaloosa, AL.***

Machinist III supports Cherokee United Services in Tuscaloosa, Alabama by sustaining the technical backbone of hydrologic monitoring operations. This role supports scientific instrumentation, laboratory and operational systems, and engineering support activities through hands-on testing, calibration, troubleshooting, repair, installation, and documentation. The Technician III works with moderate independence using established procedures, adapts methods as needed, and ensures equipment and systems are mission-ready for field, lab, and operational use.

Compensation & Benefits:

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Technician III: $21.00-$22.00 per hour. 

Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided.  Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Machinist III Responsibilities Include: 

• Support scientific instrumentation, laboratory systems, operational systems, and technical infrastructure used in mission operations.
• Assist with testing and evaluation of hydrologic instrumentation, monitoring systems, technical equipment, laboratory systems, and operational support systems.
• Perform troubleshooting and diagnostics; execute maintenance, repair, calibration, and installation activities to restore and sustain performance.
• Support field operations and laboratory activities, including equipment preparation, setup, operational support, and post-activity teardown/accountability.
• Assist with systems integration, equipment setup, and operational assessments; support engineering activities and technical evaluations.
• Support operational readiness initiatives, surge operations, modernization efforts, and mission-related investigations as directed.
• Coordinate with Government personnel, engineers, scientists, researchers, technicians, operational staff, and partner organizations to align technical support and schedules.
• Prepare and maintain technical records, including maintenance logs, testing records, calibration records, operational summaries, and supporting documentation.
• Work effectively across lab, field, testing, evaluation, scientific, and engineering environments tied to mission execution.
• As assigned, provide technical guidance, training support, and task coordination to junior technicians. 
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Machinist III Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested: 

• Education/experience: Moderate level of education and/or relevant technical experience in instrumentation, electronics, mechanical systems, environmental monitoring equipment, laboratory support, or related technical fields.
• Technical fundamentals: General understanding of applicable theoretical principles (e.g., electronics basics, sensors, measurement concepts, calibration fundamentals, and safe equipment handling).
• Hands-on capability: Proven ability to troubleshoot, diagnose issues, perform maintenance/repair, and complete calibrations using standard tools, test equipment, and established procedures.
• Procedural discipline: Ability to follow written instructions, select or adapt standard procedures/equipment based on precedents, and complete recurring work independently after initial direction.
• Documentation accuracy: Ability to generate clear, complete, and auditable maintenance, test, and calibration documentation; attention to detail is required.
• Coordination and communication: Ability to work directly with technical and non-technical stakeholders; provide status updates and escalate issues appropriately.
• Safety and compliance: Ability to work safely in lab and field settings and comply with Government policies, facility procedures, and information/system access requirements (including required training).
• Physical/field readiness (as applicable): Ability to work in field and shop/lab environments, handle equipment, and support surge operations when needed. 
• Must live within 30 miles of Tuscaloosa, AL.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Company Information:

Cherokee Federal is a division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government’s mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CFED, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-RA2 #AppC2

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Keywords (5)

• Hydrologic instrumentation

• Calibration and testing

• Troubleshooting and repair

• Laboratory/field operations support

• Systems integration

Similar job titles (5)

• Instrumentation Technician

• Field Technician (Hydrology/Environmental)

• Electronics Technician (Scientific Equipment)

• Engineering Technician (Test & Evaluation)

• Laboratory Technician (Instrumentation Support)

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations.