AIR RESOURCES ENGINEER

Are you looking for a position working on interesting and challenging cutting-edge programs that will help the environment? Are you an enthusiastic team player with good analytic, research, and writing skills? Come join a fast-paced, supportive team of engineers and scientists, programmers, and mathematicians working to reduce greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions from heavy-duty trucks.

We are looking for a motivated individual that has the technical background and ability to work on the development and implementation of the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) program, called Clean Truck Check. Similar to the Smog Check program in California for light-duty passenger vehicles, Clean Truck Check implements stringent emissions compliance standards and test procedures for heavy-duty diesel vehicles to ensure their emissions control systems are working properly. The selected candidate will have a significant role in protecting the public health of citizens in California and implementing a new regulatory program that will be a model for other states and the rest of the world to use when looking to update their programs in the future.

Under the supervision of an Air Resources Supervisor 1, the incumbent will work with a team of Air Resources Engineers and Air Pollution Specialists within the section implementing the program. The incumbent will work with team members and outside vendors to design, develop, test, and certify new on-board diagnostics (OBD) testing equipment, such as scan tools and telematics devices used to assess vehicle compliance within the program. The incumbent will also support the design and development of new OBD testing equipment requirements and specifications to improve vehicle compliance determination capabilities and limit fraudulent activity.

Such efforts will require the incumbent to analyze vehicle on-board diagnostics (OBD) test data and develop custom data query scripts to identify ways to enhance collection methods, strengthen compliance requirements, and improve overall program effectiveness. The incumbent will also support work done in laboratory and field settings to aid in vehicle testing, diagnostics, and research efforts.

Additional tasks may include, but not be limited to, preparing and reviewing engineering studies; developing and evaluating test programs; and evaluating and monitoring research projects and technical contracts. Activities also include program assessments to determine the appropriate methods of regulating industries, and regulatory development which involves writing and amending regulations and test procedures and directing them through the public hearing process. These activities may also include working with fleet operators, engine, vehicle, and device manufacturers, as well as other relevant stakeholders in developing and implementing cost effective program requirements. Finally, the incumbent will represent the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) in meetings; and present program concepts and proposals to stakeholders at workshops, conferences, and other venues.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for hybrid in-office work and in-state telework. The amount of telework is at the agency's discretion and is based on the California Air Resources Boards' (CARB) current telework policy. While the CARB may support telework, some in-person attendance is also required. 

The positions at the CARB may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria outlined in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of hybrid telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location at their own expense, as indicated on their duty statement. 

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay. 

• Position located in a high-rise building.
• Requires being in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods.
• Standard office environment (for example, artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.)
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
• Must be able to move/transport office and testing equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.