R&D Engineer 1 - 128016

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: La Jolla, CALIFORNIA
Deadline: ;

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 2/11/24 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 2/15/24. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.


The UC San Diego Structural Engineering Department is currently comprised of approximately 27 faculty, 5 researchers, 500 undergraduate students, 150 graduate students, and 33 staff members. The Structural Engineering Department offers BS, MS and PhD degrees with specializations in the areas of civil structures, geotechnical engineering, computational mechanics, aerospace structures, and structural health monitoring/nondestructive evaluation. The department is home to the world-class Charles Lee Powell Structural Engineering Laboratories, Caltrans Seismic Response Modification Device (SRMD), and the Englekirk Structural Engineering Center (ESEC). Through these facilities, our faculty and researchers have access to some of the most innovative and productive research infrastructure in the world.

Under supervision, incumbent will provide entry level assistance for all test systems in use at the Powell Structural Engineering Laboratory. Test systems include servo-hydraulic open loop and closed loop equipment, control systems, and multichannel high speed data acquisition/collection systems. Individual will report to site's manager and assist with the installation of instrumentation systems, conducting experimental tests and providing test result data for inclusion into researcher's written reports. Incumbent must be able to interact well with academic and industrial researchers to achieve the desired test objectives.

Uses professional engineering concepts. Develops and proposes engineering plans and specifications for equipment and instruments with limited scope and complexity. Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained.

  • Must be willing to work outside of regular working hours (evenings & weekends ) as required in support of research projects. Exposure to occasional loud noises, vibrations, heat, dust, and allergens due to construction activities while conducting materials and structural testing.
  • Knowledge of engineering principles and methods to perform entry-level professional engineering functions. Entry-level theoretical and practical knowledge of strain gages, load cells, potentiometers, extensometers, dvms, oscilloscopes, voltage standards and specific testing laboratory equipment (oscilloscopes, function generators, voltage calibrators and DVMs/DMMs).

  • Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the field. Knowledge of data acquisition, signal conditioning systems, and calibration and certification procedures.

  • Knowledge of real-time data acquisition systems and data manipulation software.

  • Familiarity with shop equipment and the safe use tools including but not limited to wood and metal saws, drilling machines, wrenches, drivers, cutting torches, welders and CNC. Familiarity with measuring systems, including calipers, micrometers and dial gages.

  • Ability to work in "field-like" conditions, i.e. scaffolding, ladders, and non-climate controlled areas.

  • Analytical skills, and strong skills in attention to detail.

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.

  • Analytical and judgment skills to conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations.

  • Ability to work in a collaborative manner. Ability to work well with lab personnel, researchers, faculty, and outside customers.

  • Working knowledge of PC operating systems.

  • Graduation from college with major work in engineering and experience or an equivalent combination of additional education and experience.

  • Background Check required.

  • Must be able to hold a valid California Driver's License.


Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $61,800 - $108,000 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $29.60 - $51.72

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).


If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.



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