Research and Development Engineer (RSCH AND DEV ENGR 1 TX)

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.

Apply By Date

7/31/2026 at 11:59pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

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

One year of experience in concrete mix design, concrete production, testing including, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, flexural strength, durability testing compliant with corresponding ASTM or AASHTO standards.

Experience in designing laboratory experimental matrix.

Experience in the use of statistics to interpret laboratory data.

Experience performing computer graphing of engineering data.

Experience in writing technical reports and papers.

Knowledge in the use of Word, 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

Knowledge of numerical analysis.

Key Responsibilities

90% - Engineering Activities

5% - Safety and Equipment Maintenance

5% - Training

Department Overview

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.

POSITION INFORMATION

Salary or Pay Range: $31.17/hr. - $54.81/hr.

Salary Frequency: Hourly

Salary Grade: STEPS

UC Job Title: RSCH AND DEV ENGR 1 TX

UC Job Code: 004756

Appointment Type: Staff: Career

Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed

Shift (Work Schedule): Mon-Fri (8am - 5pm)

Location: Davis, CA

Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals

Benefits Eligible: Yes

This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs

UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family

Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave

Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement

Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement

Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement

Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth

WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources

On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services

Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles

Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Loud noise levels - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

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.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

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

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks