Research and Development Technician

Blacklidge; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Training & development

Competitive salary

Job summary

Blacklidge is seeking a Research & Development Technician to join the Operations Department. This role performs laboratory testing, analyzes data, and supports product development and field demonstrations.

The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, detail orientation, and the ability to collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations teams while maintaining rigorous records and safety standards.

Qualifications

• College education preferred; relevant technical or industry experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Previous experience as a research technician or in a comparable technical, laboratory, engineering, manufacturing, or testing role preferred.
• Working knowledge of laboratory testing methods, scientific research practices, technical equipment, and data collection procedures.
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and accurately document technical data.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency with common hand and power tools.
• Ability and willingness to travel to or work in field environments and assist with equipment demonstrations, testing, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, troubleshooting, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Familiarity with quality control processes, regulatory requirements, and applicable industry standards preferred.
• Proficiency with computer software used for data analysis, documentation, reporting, and technical recordkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments, tests, and evaluations in accordance with established procedures, specifications, and safety requirements.
• Accurately collect, document, analyze, and interpret test data and observations.
• Support the development, evaluation, modification, and improvement of products, materials, prototypes, and technologies.
• Collaborate with research, engineering, operations, quality, and other cross-functional teams to support development projects and technical objectives.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of test procedures, observations, results, and technical activities.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation to ensure reliable performance.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve laboratory, equipment, and technical issues; escalation complex issues when appropriate.
• Assemble, modify, adjust, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment, components, and prototype systems.
• Use common hand and power tools and perform basic mechanical tasks safely and effectively.
• Assist with field demonstrations, including equipment and material preparation, setup, operation, testing, documentation, and hands-on technical support.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized, and professional laboratory and work environment.
• Remain current on relevant industry practices, technical developments, research methods, and testing techniques

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Lab testing

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Multiple priorities

Field travel

Problem solving

Quality control

Education

College education preferred

Job description

Position Overview

The Research & Development Technician is a member of the Operations Department and reports to the Lab Manager. This position supports the organization’s research, development, testing, and product improvement initiatives. The technician performs laboratory testing and experimentation, collects and analyzes data, supports prototype and equipment development, and provides technical support in both laboratory and field environments. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical and mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, sound problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Training & development
• Competitive salary

Research & Development Technician

Key Responsibilities

Research, Testing & Product Development

• Perform laboratory experiments, tests, and evaluations in accordance with established procedures, specifications, and safety requirements
• Accurately collect, document, analyze, and interpret test data and observations
• Support the development, evaluation, modification, and improvement of products, materials, prototypes, and technologies
• Collaborate with research, engineering, operations, quality, and other cross-functional teams to support development projects and technical objectives
• Maintain complete and accurate records of test procedures, observations, results, and technical activities

Equipment & Technical Support

• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation to ensure reliable performance
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve laboratory, equipment, and technical issues; escalation complex issues when appropriate
• Assemble, modify, adjust, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment, components, and prototype systems
• Use common hand and power tools and perform basic mechanical tasks safely and effectively

Field Support & Safety

• Assist with field demonstrations, including equipment and material preparation, setup, operation, testing, documentation, and hands-on technical support
• Follow all applicable safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized, and professional laboratory and work environment
• Remain current on relevant industry practices, technical developments, research methods, and testing techniques

Qualifications & Skills

• College education preferred; relevant technical or industry experience may be considered in lieu of formal education
• Previous experience as a research technician or in a comparable technical, laboratory, engineering, manufacturing, or testing role preferred
• Working knowledge of laboratory testing methods, scientific research practices, technical equipment, and data collection procedures
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and accurately document technical data
• Strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency with common hand and power tools
• Ability and willingness to travel to or work in field environments and assist with equipment demonstrations, testing, setup, operation, and troubleshooting
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, troubleshooting, and attention-to-detail skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project requirements
• Familiarity with quality control processes, regulatory requirements, and applicable industry standards preferred
• Proficiency with computer software used for data analysis, documentation, reporting, and technical recordkeeping

Work Environment & Expectations

The Research & Development Technician will work in both laboratory and field settings and should be comfortable performing a combination of technical, analytical, and hands‑on mechanical duties. The position requires a commitment to safety, quality, accuracy, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Flexibility and a willingness to assist with projects outside of routine laboratory activities are essential.

Compensation

Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience.

Note: The responsibilities and qualifications outlined above are intended to provide a general overview of the position and should not be considered an exhaustive list. Other duties and qualifications may be required as per the organization's needs.

Application Requirements

Candidates must be U.S. citizens or possess valid proof of authorization to work in the United States. At Blacklidge, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all job applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Please note that all applicants will undergo a pre-employment drug screen, background check, and MVR depending on position. Job offers will be contingent upon successfully passing these requirements. Additionally, Blacklidge conducts random substance testing of its employees to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace.

Blacklidge is an Equal Opportunity and Aff…