Research and Development Engineer 3 - 138802

Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX Department:

CLIMATE/ATMOS SCI/PHY OCEANOG Hiring Pay Scale

$88,000 - $124,800 / Annually Worksite:

SIO Appointment Type:

Career Appointment Percent:

100% Union:

TX Contract Total Openings:

1 Work Schedule:

8 hrs/day

#138802 Research and Development Engineer 3

Filing Deadline: Mon 4/13/2026

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UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

This is a UC San Diego Internal Recruitment open to UC San Diego Employees Only

DESCRIPTION

The Research and Development Engineer 3 uses skills as a seasoned, experienced engineering professional to lead design, deployment, and long term maintenance of specialized hydrometeorological stations to support major, long-term research efforts, overseeing the robust operation of the mechanical components of networks which could consist of hundreds of stations of various types.

Assignments typically require concentration in a field of application where subject matter knowledge relevant to research objectives and methodology is of great value in understanding and establishing engineering design criteria. The incumbent leads the development, documentation, and implementation for the integration, configuration, and maintenance of data logging and telemetry platforms, including Campbell Scientific, Onset HOBO MicroRX, and Sutron Satlink systems, as well as other emerging or future technologies. The incumbent regularly balances multiple project deliverables and manages dynamic schedules that may change due to stakeholder needs, environmental considerations, or other factors.

Under general direction, the engineer is independently responsible for hardware development, design, and fabrication of stations from off the shelf and designed components, demonstrating good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. The engineer stays current with the latest technologies and research advances. The incumbent is responsible for robust documentation of designed systems including schematics, standardized CAD designs, engineering drawings, lab testing, and installation procedures. The incumbent provides technical leadership for CW3E field operations, working alongside staff to design, prepare, test, deploy, and maintain specialized field equipment in harsh environments, while coordinating efforts to meet sponsored project deliverables across multiple projects.

Responsibilities include coordinating multidisciplinary design and telemetry efforts, ensuring reliable data collection and transmission, and maintaining system documentation and configuration standards. The incumbent also oversees the incorporation of new sensors, communication modules, and telemetry units into established workflows.

The Research & Development Engineer 3 completes project deliverables on time and within budget with minimal oversight. The incumbent provides regular technical updates and recommendations to management and sponsors, and proactively identifies and resolves issues to maintain operational reliability and data integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Thorough knowledge and experience with engineering principles and methods to independently perform the full range of engineering professional design work. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in materials selection, fabrication techniques, procurement procedures, assembly techniques, testing, troubleshooting, and calibration methods used in hydrometeorological instrument development and production.

• Thorough knowledge necessary to apply principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments. Strong background in designing unique mechanical engineering solutions to deploy hardware in a variety of harsh environments.

• Demonstrated organizational and decision-making abilities to prioritize competing work assignments in order to meet deadlines and adherence to quality standards. Strong decision-making and ability to use independent judgement and to respond effectively to unexpected events or changes. Proven ability to perform design and fabrication, assembly and maintenance, and other tasks under stressful and difficult conditions (e.g., in the field).

• Strong analytical and judgment skills to independently conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations.

• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to work in a collaborative manner; identify challenges and barriers and recommend resolutions. Excellent interpersonal communication skills including thoughtfulness, diplomacy and flexibility with students, staff, faculty, vendors, collaborators, stakeholders, communities, and partners from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Ability to problem solve and resolve conflict. Willingness and demonstrated ability to emb