Air Resources Engineer

The Aerosol Analysis and Methods Evaluation Section seeks a highly engaged individual with multiple discipline engineering skills and chemistry knowledge to work in a dynamic laboratory environment for the standardization of mobile source PM measurement metrologies, in particular in their sizes, counts, and optical properties, under complex chemical constituents. The candidate will develop a quality assurance and quality control program, including the evaluation and development of state-of-the-art instrumentation and principles; root-cause test program design, development, and review; and generation of defensible data, for various PM measurement methods deployed for emissions inventory, programs, regulations, and standards, while addressing complex and interactive physicochemical properties of mobile source PM. The candidate will also collaborate with international test bodies, such as ASTM, ISO, and NIST.

The mission of the CAERB is to timely provide accurate measurements of mobile source emissions and fuels and provide technical expertise in support of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) motor vehicle and clean fuels programs. The AAMES applies, assesses, and develops methodologies that determine the chemical and physical properties of mobile source aerosol emissions, in particular those that contribute to adverse public health, climate change, and reduced visibility. These analyses and measurements are in support of various CARB programs and regulations, including the low emissions vehicle regulations of Advanced Clean Cars (ACC), short-lived climate pollutants, the diesel risk reduction program, low carbon fuel standards (AB32), and the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for PM2.5.

Measurement methods utilized by AAMES include the following: gravimetric with seven decimal microbalances in ISO Class 6 cleanrooms; ion chromatography (IC) for cations and anions; thermal/optical carbon analysis for organic and elemental carbon (OC/EC); energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescent (ED XRF) for elements; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) for trace metals in ISO Class 5 cleanrooms; high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HR GC MS) and thermal desorption triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (TD GC MS-MS) for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); particle size distribution determinations with differential mobility analyzera and impactors; particle number quantification with condensable particle counter, optical particle counter, and solid particle counter; and black carbon with the photoacoustic analyzer, aethalometer, and opacity transmissometer; and aerosol generators with various calibration standards.

Under the direction of the Air Resources Supervisor I or designated lead person, the Air Resources Engineer shall use the skills, knowledge, and experience of engineering principles and analytical chemistry of aerosol sciences, combustion and environmental chemistries, sampling of aerosols, to conduct measurements, analyses, and evaluation of the physical and chemical properties of mobile source aerosols with the AAMES test methods and their test method standardization. The candidate shall design, develop, calibrate, integrate, maintain, and set up instrument systems; design, compare, and evaluate complex PM measurement techniques used in emissions testing programs and emissions standards; collect, store, validate, merge, and evaluate measurement results with sound engineering and scientific principles; participate in the development, evaluation, and review of new test methods; conduct and design root-cause analyses and experiments; prepare and review laboratory data quality control reports, interim and final technical reports, and emission test plans; manage instrument contracts and procure lab supplies; and conduct statistical analyses of a large dataset generated in emissions testing programs. The Air Resources Engineer may participate in test program planning, design, and implementation; data analyses and interpretation; test coordination and collaboration; and review and preparation of final reports or manuscripts for these test methods and vehicle emissions testing programs. Other laboratory duties include but not are limited to the performance and carryout of AAMES chemical speciation methods; tracking samples with the chain of custody forms and record retention; management of waste and hazardous waste disposal and safety; and final data submittal to and administering of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The Air Resources Engineer may be required to travel or work in a fast-paced working environment such as dynamometers to conduct field studies; evaluate, develop, and integrate instrument systems; and give presentations at conferences.