Engineering Specialist (ENGR SPEC 2)

#CA-PS
Under general direction of the Project Scientist, the HVS Operations Engineer (HVSOE) will manage and serve as the primary operator of the two Heavy Vehicle Simulators (HVS).

The HVS equipment is part of the Pavement Research Center (PRC) accelerated pavement testing program.

The HVS Operations Engineer will work with the HVS Operations Manager and research teams to setup pavement research tests; maintain and install instrumentation and data acquisition systems; train and oversee the assistant HVS Operations Engineer; maintain, troubleshoot, and repair the HVS and associated equipment; data acquisition and data quality checks; and operation and calibration of associated testing equipment.

The incumbent will lead work with PRC staff to troubleshoot equipment problems, perform maintenance and repairs, and assess needed upgrades.

This position will be responsible for guiding and leading the work of the assistant HVSOE. The incumbent will be responsible for directing and conducting preventative and equipment maintenance; serving as a liaison with equipment manufacturers and local hydraulic and electrical companies to troubleshoot, repair, and update the HVS and associated equipment. This position is responsible for communication with HVSOEs at other facilities worldwide to discuss equipment maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. In consultation with the PRC Principal Investigators, the incumbent will prioritize operations tasks as well as equipment updates and upgrades to efficiently meet current and future research demands aligned with external funding source requirements.

The position requires strong organization and interpersonal skills, and a thorough understanding of Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) and falling weight deflectometer (FWD) mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatic, and electrical systems; electronic instrumentation; FWD testing; laser profile equipment and testing; and surveying for precise layout and location of embedded instrumentation.

Apply By Date

4/9/2026 at 11:59pm

RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

Qualifications

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

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field OR a minimum of 5 to 7 years of hands-on experience in industrial equipment operation and maintenance.
• Minimum of 5 years of practical experience working with and operating integrated mechanical equipment with hydraulic and pneumatic systems and computerized controls.
• Proven experience in hydraulics, electrical systems, pneumatic systems, electronics, troubleshooting, and preventive/corrective maintenance of industrial equipment.
• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency in basic fabrication, including welding and machining.
• Knowledge of operating and maintaining mechanical equipment with integrated mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic operating systems. Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and identify corrective actions for them.
• Interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills to clearly and effectively interact with a diverse group of individuals to provide information to clarify situations and explain procedures.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with calibrating and installing pavement instrumentation.
• Experience with maintaining, operating, and troubleshooting electronic data acquisition systems.
• Experience in operating an accelerated load testing facility or similar equipment that functions in an integrated mechanical/hydraulic/electrical/pneumatic operating system.
• Experience conducting laboratory tests of asphalt concrete, portland cement concrete, asphalt binders, granular, stabilized, or other pavement materials.

Key Responsibilities

• 70% - HVS Management and Associated Operations
• 20% - Project Management
• 10% - Operating and Safety Protocol Procedures

Department Overview

The Pavement Research Center (PRC) operates two Heavy Vehicle Simulators (HVS) on four test tracks at the Advanced Transportation and Infrastructure Research Center (ATIRC) in support of highway and airfield pavement research. Associated ancillary equipment, includes data acquisition trailers, an FWD, laser profilometers, road surface deflectometers, environmental chambers, coring and saw cutting equipment, and mobile generators that support the HVS program. The PRC supports a large number of research projects funded by the California Department of Transportation, other state departments of transportation, federal agencies, industry, and other national and international entities. There are a very limited number of facilities worldwide that operate HVSs and the PRC is a world leader in performing experiments with this equipment, analyzing the data, and using it to fast-track the implementation of new technologies and develop new approaches to pavement design.

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering is a large academic department in the College of Engineering and provides instruction and research in 5 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 and other client project managers and project engineers, with contractors on field projects, graduate and undergraduate students, and with testing equipment manufacturers.

Department Specific Job Scope

The HVSOE:
* Operates the HVS and takes measurements according to the test plans provided by the HVS Operations Manager.
* Schedules and performs daily, weekly, monthly, non-operational and preventative maintenance on the HVSs, FWD, and ancillary equipment.
* Troubleshoots and repairs hydraulic, electrical and mechanical breakdowns on the HVSs.
* Works with local hydraulic and electrical contractors for complex maintenance, repairs, and updates for the HVSs.
* Maintains records of equipment productivity, maintenance, repairs, calibration, and staff training.
* Installs, and calibrates instrumentation (e.g., strain gauges, pressure cells, multi-depth deflectometers, thermocouples, etc.).
* Sets-up the HVSs and data acquisition systems for each test according to the test plans.
* Trains and oversees the assistant HVS Operations Engineer.
* Oversees the assistant HVSOE to train and manage undergraduate student operators to oversee tests on a 24/7 test program.
* Undertakes measurements and data collection on test sections and performs 1st level data quality checks before submission to researchers.
* Assists with designing and fabricating customized supplementary equipment for performing tests.
* Communicates with the HVS manufacturer and other HVS owners to identify problems, upgrades, and improvements to the equipment.
* Operates and calibrates associated testing equipment including FWD, road surface deflectometer, and laser profilometers.
* Assists researchers with testing protocols.
* Maintains the HVS operations trailer, data acquisition (DAQ) trailers, HVS tool room, storage containers, and test track and test track surrounds to ensure a safe and professional-looking work environment.
* Maintains a spare parts inventory.
* Assists with, observes, and documents test track construction.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $69,600/yr. - $124,200/yr.

• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 21
• UC Job Title: ENGR SPEC 2
• UC Job Code: 004322
• Number of Positions: 1

• Appointment Type: Staff: Contract position with the possibility to convert to career

• Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): M - F 8:00AM - 5:00PM
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• 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.

Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.

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.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

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