Research And Development Engineer; RSCH AND DEV ENGR TX

Job Summary

Under the direction of senior researchers at the Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC), the Research and Development Engineer serves as a member of the WCEC research team supporting funded research projects related to advanced cooling technologies.

• Assist with design, execution, analysis, and documentation of laboratory and field research studies.
• Design, fabricate, and assemble components for thermal and fluidic test loops.
• Support laboratory and field experimentation, develop engineering and statistical performance models, analyze experimental data, and prepare technical reports, presentations, and outreach materials.
• Develop technical expertise related to equipment performance simulation, laboratory and field experimentation methods, and emerging cooling technologies.
• Support proposal development, participate in technical conferences, contribute to technical publications and outreach documents, and assist senior WCEC staff in preparing project reports and materials for sponsors and stakeholders.

• 30% – Field experimentation
• 30% – Laboratory experimentation
• 30% – Performance modeling
• 10% – Project tracking

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to mechanical engineering, HVAC systems, or thermal‑fluid systems.
• Experience applying engineering judgment to support the planning, execution, analysis, and documentation of energy efficiency research projects involving heating and cooling systems.
• Experience using laboratory, field, and fabrication equipment including machine shop and power tools, HVAC equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with rapid prototyping technologies such as FDM or SLA 3D printers and analyzing equipment performance to evaluate energy efficiency metrics and research outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles and professional judgment to support planning, execution, analysis, and documentation of energy efficiency research projects, particularly those related to heating and cooling systems.
• Working knowledge of laboratory and field instrumentation used in heat transfer and fluid flow testing, with hands‑on experience in machine shop operations and the use of power tools; familiarity with HVAC systems, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and rapid prototyping technologies (FDM and SLA printing).
• Proficiency in engineering software and technical tools, such as Solid Works, MATLAB and/or Python, LabVIEW, and Microsoft Excel, with the ability to analyze technical data and develop clear, comprehensive technical documentation and reports.

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and university policies and procedures related to research projects and laboratory operations.
• Knowledge of data center liquid cooling technologies, cooling loop designs, and associated thermal‑fluid system components.
• Experience presenting technical information to technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Salary or Pay Range: $75,000.00/yr – $/yr
• Salary Frequency:
  Annual
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC
  
  Job Title:
  
  RSCH AND DEV ENGR 2 TX
• UC Job Code: 004757
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type:
  Staff:
  Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8-5
• Location:
  
  Davis, CA
• Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
• Benefits Eligible:
  Yes
• This position is 100% on‑site

• 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…