Department Purpose

The Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology (AHMCT) Research Center is the largest Center within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE). This position is 100% funded by extramural support received by the AHMCT Research Center and is subject to continued availability of such extramural support.
AHMCT is primarily funded by Caltrans. The Center, under the directorship of Professor Bahram Ravani and Dr. Ty Lasky, has several laboratory personnel, including engineers, analysts, programmers, postdoctoral scholars, as well as graduate and undergraduate students. This position is 100% funded by and committed to the AHMCT Research Center.

Job Summary

Under direct supervision of a senior engineer and the general direction of Principal Investigators and AHMCT Research Center Directors, execute engineering aspects of research projects involving the design, fabrication, assembly, test, evaluation, and deployment of experimental and emerging equipment, software, and systems as part of research, development, and educational activities. Assist the PIs and participate in preparation of progress and final reports and publishing research results as well as in writing proposals. Collaborate with staff and students and perform design tasks using the latest engineering tools, including computer analysis, design, and software development in Python, Java, and similar modern languages. Interact with suppliers, vendors, and funding agency representatives including equipment end users. Gather general professional engineering information and advice for the Principal Investigators (PIs), and provide specialized expertise in engineering design and engineering software development. Participate in safety training and oversee and monitor safety and security practices of research students.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS     

• Position requires working at hazardous locations and in extreme temperatures from sub¬freezing in ice and snow to 150°F on hot pavement.
• Lift objects weighing up to 50 lb.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• 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

• Must be available on¬-call anytime (day or night), some weekend work, overtime, to meet project deadlines and travel for conferences and technical demonstrations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:                         

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline or equivalent education and experience.
• Excellent communication skills to interact on a daily basis with students, staff, faculty, contractors, vendors, and funding agency representative. Proficiency and experience in technical report writing? skills to write reports concerning the design, fabrication, assembly, testing, use, and evaluation of experimental and emerging equipment.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Proficiency and independence in managing the design, testing, and evaluation of automated prototype and emerging equipment for highway maintenance and construction.
• Proficiency in the application of advanced engineering principles and tools for the purposes of mechanical design including computer analysis, design, and software development in Python, Java, and similar modern languages.
• High level of originality and creativity; proficiency and independence in developing research ideas and proposals, with minimal direction.
• Proficiency in preparing meaningful data for presentation and explaining technical concepts and information.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and other desktop programs for reporting purposes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in exercising high-level, independent judgment for the resolution of problems related to design, fabrication, assembly, testing, use, and evaluation of prototype and emerging equipment and machinery under general direction.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline preferred.
• Experience in guiding and leading technical staff in the above functions; knowledge of personnel management policies & procedures and leadership principles? ability to recruit, train, evaluate, motivate, and contribute to morale building? escalate or take appropriate corrective action in compliance with the Center’s staff reporting structure; tact and diplomacy essential.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Proficiency in on­-road testing at field sites of mechanical and electrical equipment prototypes.
• Knowledge and skills implementing universally accepted and UCD ­specific safety principles, policies and procedures, and working practices; proficiency in interpreting and implementing relevant UCD policies and procedures.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees.  To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

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 is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.