Air Resources Engineer

The Emissions Certification and Compliance Division is recruiting an Air Resources Engineer (ARE) for the Heavy-Duty In-Use Compliance (HDIUC) Section. This section is responsible for the largest heavy-duty engine recall in history.  For an engineer, this is the stuff of dreams: getting out of the ordinary and making a difference in people's lives by helping to reduce in-use emissions so that we can all enjoy cleaner air. The heavy-duty and off-road in-use compliance programs are essential to protect public health by helping to guarantee that the stringent engine emissions standards are met in-use and are remedied through recall or possible enforcement action.  

This job requires the ARE to be a project manager for the in-use engine/equipment emissions testing programs, conduct emissions compliance and defeat device analysis, review and process recalls to correct noncompliance, and support CARB enforcement actions. The ARE will be working with various CARB groups, manufacturers, and U.S. EPA to support testing, facilitate discussions, and investigate emissions noncompliance issues.

For the CARB-run in-use compliance programs, the ARE will create test plans, direct procurement of vehicles/off-road equipment (evaluating proper operation and maintenance), collaborate with various CARB sections to have vehicles instrumented, and coordinate testing. The successful candidate will perform engineering analysis of emissions test data and complex technical information, generate clear and concise technical reports, and organize/present the results.   

For the manufacturer-run in-use testing programs, the ARE will review and process in-use compliance test reports and coordinate with manufacturers on the completion and compliance of the testing. The ARE may also travel to testing sites and manufacturer's emissions test facilities to perform laboratory audits and verify compliance. Travel is expected to be up to 10% of the time and may include overnight or multi-day trips. Depending on the activity, travel may involve flying or driving a car or truck. In some cases, work outside of normal hours may also be required. Safety footwear and safety glasses are required.

Throughout these processes, the ARE will communicate and coordinate with the engine manufacturer to support testing and when necessary, develop corrective actions, review and process voluntary/influenced recalls, and track their implementation. The ARE will also support CARB enforcement staff with litigation or settlement actions for in-use compliance investigations when necessary.

In addition, the ARE may be called upon to serve as a lead staff person for work groups and technical meetings, and to engage in outreach events with industry, government organizations, and the public.

The candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders, as well as create and review technical documents.   

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 Resource Boards' (CARB) current telework policy. While the CARB may support telework, some in-person attendance is also required. 

Beginning July 1st, 2025, per Executive Order N-22-25, CARB employees will be required to report into office four days a week.

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.

• Standard office environment (artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.)  
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
• High Physical Demand: required safety footwear is needed for hazardous work conditions which may include: transportation and set-up of gas cylinders for laboratory audits, and set-up for emissions testing (vehicle emission testing, emission control component inspections, vehicle maintenance activity, etc.). Management requires that staff use safety footwear due to working in the lab or field under the conditions listed above.