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.
The position assists in the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of laboratory and field research studies Responsibilities include designing, fabricating, and assembling components for thermal and fluidic test loops.
Supporting laboratory and field experimentation, and developing engineering and statistical performance models; analyzing experimental data, and preparing technical reports, presentations, and outreach materials;
The incumbent develops technical expertise related to equipment performance simulation, laboratory and field experimentation methods, and emerging cooling technologies.
Additional responsibilities include supporting proposal development, participating in technical conferences, contributing to technical publications and outreach documents, and assisting senior WCEC staff in preparing project reports and materials for sponsors and stakeholders.
Apply By Date
7/10/2026 at 11:59pm
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
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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.
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Experience applying engineering judgment to support the planning, execution, analysis, and documentation of energy efficiency research projects involving heating and cooling systems.
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Experience using laboratory, field, and fabrication equipment including machine shop and power tools, HVAC equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
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Experience with rapid prototyping technologies such as FDM or SLA 3D printers and analyzing equipment performance to evaluate energy efficiency metrics and research outcomes.
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Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles and professional judgment to support the planning, execution, analysis, and documentation of energy efficiency research projects, particularly those related to heating and cooling systems.
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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 (e.g., FDM and SLA 3D printing).
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Proficiency in engineering software and technical tools, such as SolidWorks, MATLAB and/or Python, LabVIEW, and Microsoft Excel, with the ability to analyze technical data and develop clear, comprehensive technical documentation and reports.
Preferred Qualifications
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Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and university policies and procedures related to research projects and laboratory operations.
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Knowledge of data center liquid cooling technologies, cooling loop designs, and associated thermal-fluid system components.
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Experience presenting technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
Key Responsibilities
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30% - FIELD EXPERIMINTATION
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30% - LABORATORY EXPERIMENTATION
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30% - PERFORMANCE MODELING
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10% - PROJECT TRACKING
Department Overview
The Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC) is an authoritative and objective research center at the UC Davis Energy and Efficiency Institute that accelerates the development and commercialization of efficient heating, cooling, and energy distribution solutions.
Department Specific Job Scope
The UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC) works on energy efficiency technology research and development 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
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High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
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UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
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Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
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Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
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WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
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On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
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Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
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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
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Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Environmental Demands
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Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Mental Demands
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Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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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 flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, usually on short notice. Occasional overnight travel to field sites primarily in California.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
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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
