RSCH AND DEV ENGR 1 (Research and Development Engineer)

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering is a large academic department in the College of Engineering and provides instruction and research in five specialty areas of engineering. The Department has 40 faculty, 3 adjunct professors, 4 professional research engineers, 25 project scientists and technical staff, and 11 administrative staff. The department has one of the largest undergraduate and graduate programs in the college with approximately 520 undergraduates and 240 graduate students enrolled. The department has an annual budget of ~$15M (instructional and research) with 400+ active accounts and an eclectic research enterprise externally funded by federal, state and private sponsors, and individual/corporate donors.

This position will require interactions with Caltrans project managers and project engineers, with contractors on field projects, graduate students, and with testing equipment manufacturers.

Under general supervision, provide professional engineering support within a pavement research program under direction of the research staff. Engineering activities include Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) operations on pavement test tracks within the ATIRC facility, including data collection; and advanced pavement materials testing in the UCPRC laboratory or on engineering projects on state highways.

After training from experienced staff:

1 Assist the HVS Operations Manager with daily HVS operations, maintenance, data collection, and maintenance. Assume HVS Operations Manager duties when he/she is assigned other duties. Data collection over weekends may be required.

2 Assist the laboratory manager, other R&D engineers, and UCPRC researchers with laboratory duties that include but are not limited to, sample collection, specimen preparation, conducting standard and modified AASHTO and ASTM tests on pavement materials, load the results into the UCPRC database, and laboratory and equipment cleaning and maintenance.

3 Provide additional 1st level laboratory testing results analysis at the request of principal investigators and project managers for inclusion in project specific reports.

4 Conduct field work on pavement construction projects including but not limited to installation of instrumentation, sample collection, stiffness measurements, ride quality measurements, and permeability measurements.

4-WEEK RECRUITMENT PERIOD: Applicants will be screened on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Lift and carry 40 pounds. Operate an HVS and associated data collection equipment; operate a range of laboratory and field-testing equipment with materials heated to temperatures up to 300°F. Stand for prolonged periods at testing stations. Operate a desktop and laptop computer. Drive a car, pickup truck, and forklift.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

·       Work on open-air HVS test tracks and in open laboratory space often with frequent interruptions. HVS operations and laboratory work may be conducted on a non-routine schedule, and will require weekend and/or evening hours, with equal time off during the week. Work at Caltrans offices and construction sites as needed. Work on highways in all parts of California often in nighttime closures.

·       The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

·       BS in Civil Engineering or a combination of equivalent expertise and experience.

·       Experience in pavement engineering and testing.

·       Experience in the use of engineering statistics.

·       Experience performing computer graphing of engineering data.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

·       Knowledge in the use of Excel, Access, and Matlab software.

·       Interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills to clearly and effectively interact with a diverse group of individuals to secure and/or provide information to clarify situations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

·       Knowledge of numerical analysis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan  and strategic vision  for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected . The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit:  https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.    

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination .