Job Summary
#CA-PS
Under general direction, the Research and Development Engineer 3 will serve as a member of the research team of the UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC). Complete funded projects directly or using students and/or assistance from other WCEC staff. Provide direction for students and R&D2 Engineers supporting WCEC research, develop and maintain WCEC expertise relative to whole-building and component performance simulation. Develop and maintain WCEC expertise relative to laboratory and field experimentation, assist in developing proposals to funding agencies. Assist in producing briefings for funding agencies, participate in relevant conferences. Organize technical events and meetings. Write technical and outreach documents. Provide support to senior WCEC staff in the production of required reports that document project results (technical and financial) to project funders, and develop outreach materials to inform project funders and cooling industry professionals about project results on the WCEC website and in the WCEC Newsletter. Apply By Date 4/9/2026 at 11:59pm 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 Engineering or equivalent experience and education related to mechanical or HVAC fields.
- Experience in project management for building energy efficiency related research programs.
- Expertise in a range of engineering-related tools and applications, to include MatLab/Python, EnergyPlus, Labview, Excel, including libraries for conducting numerical analysis of time series data.
- Expertise in analyzing data and clearly communicating results of the analysis to project team members and sponsors.
- Interpersonal, communication, and professional skills to interact and communicate with technical and non-technical individuals, to manage, research, Secure, and/or provide information to clarify situations, resolve problems and make public presentations.
- Knowledge of energy research and policies in the state of California.
Preferred Qualifications
- Registration as a professional mechanical Engineer in California
- Master's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience and education related to mechanical or HVAC fields.
- Expertise in field data collection methods including installing and programming of remote monitoring data acquisition systems and associated hardware for measuring power, temperature, humidity, water/air flow, and other analog or digital devices.
- Skills to analyze financial balances and budgets to keep on track and forecast a program's future needs and issues.
- Skills to interpret, and apply federal/state/university rules, regulations, and policies to specific projects issues.
Key Responsibilities
- 40% - Field Experimentation
- 30% - Performance Modeling
- 20% - Laboratory Management and Experimentation
- 10% - Project Administration
Department Overview The UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC) works on energy efficiency technology research and transfer related to heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC). Through partnerships with industry and utilities, the WCEC participates in the research and development of new technologies, disseminates information, and implement programs that reduce HVAC system electrical demand and energy consumption in the Western United States. Further information can be found here: http://wcec.ucdavis.edu/. POSITION INFORMATION
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. 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
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University of California - Davis
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, remote work
Mar 27, 2026