Research Analyst (Mechanical Engineering)

Cherokee Federal; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Other benefits

Job summary

Cherokee Strategic Edge, part of Cherokee Federal, seeks a Mechanical Engineer (Mid) to join the Technology Transfer Analysis Team. The analyst will perform in-depth technical research, capability analyses, and all-source intelligence work to support technology transfer decisions for defense clients.

The role requires active TS/SCI clearance and the ability to obtain a Counterintelligence polygraph, with at least four years of relevant experience and a related bachelor's degree preferred.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance with the ability and willingness to obtain a Counterintelligence polygraph.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience conducting analysis related to the Mechanical Engineer position with at least a portion of experience within the last two (2) years.
• Possess knowledge of and skill in applying advanced intelligence concepts, principles, practices, laws, regulations, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledgeable of and able to apply analytic tradecraft standards as all work shall comply with ICD 203 and DIA tradecraft guidance.
• Possess advanced knowledge of the IC and/or DoD missions and functions.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering or scientific analysis support for end-user assessments of U.S. export license applications
• Provide engineering or scientific analysis support for Risk Assessments for Technology Transfer snapshots
• Provide engineering or scientific analysis support for foreign investment assessments
• Provide S&TI analysis to identify, assess, and warn about emerging and disruptive technologies potentially being transferred that enable next generation foreign military capabilities
• Develop complex analytical approaches to problems and situations for which data is incomplete, controversial, or for which no precedent exists.
• Develop innovative approaches to analysis and validate analytical conclusions and/or maintain and update extensive intelligence databases, systems, and mechanisms for sharing relevant intelligence information to support on-going and projected projects
• Locate, synthesize, and interpret large amounts of textual and technical all-source intelligence information
• Prepare extensive written assessments and documents and disseminate information through reports and briefs
• Research, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and integrate extremely complex all-source intelligence data pertaining to technology transfer subject areas
• Brief and defend analytical outcomes and perform exploitation requirements in coordination with peers and customers throughout the IC
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Skills

Analytical skills

Security clearance TS/SCI

Counterintelligence polygraph

Written & verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Research Analyst (Mechanical Engineering)

Aug 14, 2026

Mechanical Engineer - Mid

This position requires an active TS/Sensitive Compartmental Information (SCI) clearance with the ability to obtain a Counterintelligence polygraph to be considered.

Cherokee Strategic Edge is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our Technology Transfer Analysis Team. The Mechanical Engineer will support defense analytical requirements with scientific/technical research, and capability analysis. The Mechanical Engineer's analysis and assessments can include independent research and technical writing.

Estimated starting salary range: $78,000-$83,000. 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.

Mechanical Engineer - Mid Responsibilities Include:

• Provide engineering or scientific analysis support for end-user assessments of U.S. export license applications
• Provide engineering or scientific analysis support for Risk Assessments for Technology Transfer snapshots
• Provide engineering or scientific analysis support for foreign investment assessments
• Provide S&TI analysis to identify, assess, and warn about emerging and disruptive technologies potentially being transferred that enable next generation foreign military capabilities
• Develop complex analytical approaches to problems and situations for which data is incomplete, controversial, or for which no precedent exists.
• Develop innovative approaches to analysis and validate analytical conclusions and/or maintain and update extensive intelligence databases, systems, and mechanisms for sharing relevant intelligence information to support on-going and projected projects
• Locate, synthesize, and interpret large amounts of textual and technical all-source intelligence information
• Prepare extensive written assessments and documents and disseminate information through reports and briefs
• Research, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and integrate extremely complex all-source intelligence data pertaining to technology transfer subject areas
• Brief and defend analytical outcomes and perform exploitation requirements in coordination with peers and customers throughout the IC
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Mechanical Engineer - Mid Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:

• Active TS/SCI security clearance with the ability and willingness to obtain a Counterintelligence polygraph.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience conducting analysis related to the Mechanical Engineer position with at least a portion of experience within the last two (2) years
• Bachelor's degree in a related field is highly desired
• Possess knowledge of and skill in applying advanced intelligence concepts, principles, practices, laws, regulations, methods, and techniques
• Knowledgeable of and be able to apply analytic tradecraft standards as all work shall comply with Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 203 and DIA tradecraft guidance
• Possess advanced knowledge of the Intelligence Community (IC) and/or Department of Defense (DoD) missions and functions
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Company Information:

Cherokee Strategic Edge (CSE) is a part of Cherokee Federal - the 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 CSE, visit cherokee-federal.com.

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

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. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

As required by our governmental client, this position requires being a US Citizen AND an active TS/Sensitive Compartmental Information (SCI) clearance.