Research and Development Associate I

cni; Dothan (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. (CNI) is seeking an R&D Associate to support development and improvement of products, processes, or technologies.

You will work with scientists, engineers, and technicians to plan experiments, analyze data, and contribute to R&D efforts. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 1–2 years of relevant experience, with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 1–2 years of relevant experience or equivalent.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential.
• Excellent communication and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and execution of research projects or experiments.
• Conduct literature reviews and gather relevant information.
• Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses or validate ideas.
• Collect and analyze data using scientific and technical methods.
• Assist in development or improvement of products, processes, or technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align with project goals.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and observations.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and propose solutions.
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in the field via literature or conferences.
• Ensure safety regulations and protocols are followed.
• Perform general lab tasks such as maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, and managing timelines.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

1-2 years experience

Job description

SUMMARY

The Research and Development (R&D) Associate is responsible for assisting in the development and improvement of products, processes, or technologies within an organization. They work closely with a team of scientists, engineers, or technicians to conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to the overall R&D efforts.

Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. serves as a holding company with multiple subsidiaries engaged in several lines of business ( Business Services, Health, Infrastructure and Engineering, Mission Optimization, Technology and Transportation ) for the federal government and commercial enterprises. A portion of our profits is used to support Chickasaw citizens. We are proud to support the economic development and long-term viability of the Chickasaw Nation and its people. CNI offers premium benefits eligible on the first day of hire to full time employees; (Medical - Dental - Vision), Company Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401(K) Immediate Vesting, Professional Development Assistance, Legal Aid Assistance Program, Family Planning / Fertility Assistance, Personal Time Off, and Observance of Federal Holidays.

As a federal contractor, CNI is a drug-free workplace and adheres to the Federal Controlled Substance Act.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess appropriate level of certifications for this position as required by the contract.

Secret Clearance - Must be able to obtain and maintain the required customer clearance for access to systems, facilities, equipment and property.

Must demonstrate strong scientific or technical expertise in their field. They should possess excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities, along with clear communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in the planning and execution of research projects or experiments.
• Conduct literature reviews and gather relevant information on a specific area of research.
• Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses or validate new ideas.
• Collect and analyze data using various scientific or technical methods.
• Assist in the development or improvement of products, processes, or technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with project goals and objectives.
• Accurately document experimental procedures, results, and observations.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and proposing solutions.
• Keeps up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field through literature review or attending conferences.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols.
• May be responsible for general administrative tasks such as maintaining laboratory equipment, ordering supplies, or managing project timelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of one to two (1-2) years' relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education/experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Regularly required to sit. Regularly required use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms to handle objects and operate tools, computer, and/or controls. Required to speak and hear. Occasionally required to stand, walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Exposed to general office noise with computers printers and light traffic.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

CNI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Family Planning/Fertility Assistance
• STD/LTD/Basic Life/AD&D
• Legal-Aid Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) - (11) Federal Holidays
• Training and Development Opportunities
• EOE including Disability/Vet