Accelerated Pavement Testing Research Engineer

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Compensation

$65,000.00 to Negotiable Annual

 

General Summary / Primary Purpose

Position provides engineering assistance on-site in support of the
Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) Program at the FDOT State Materials Office (SMO) in
Gainesville, Florida. The APT Research Engineer will perform engineering, analysis, reporting,
programming, and field operations functions.

The APT uses two Heavy Vehicle Simulators (HVS) to simulate traffic loading on pavement test
sections. Using a combination of electric drive and hydraulics, the HVS can apply up to a 32,000
lb. load for up to 12,000 tire passes per day on a test section. This simulated load is used to test
pavement designs and placement methods. Additionally, the APT program oversees
instrumentation and data collection for the 301 Test Roads.

Job Functions

The APT Research Engineer will support the APT effort by performing job duties which include
the following:

• Maintaining and improving the instrumentation systems related to HVS health
  monitoring and the Test Road data acquisition systems.
• Creating and maintaining custom software for acquiring and processing sensor data.
  Installing, wiring, and interpreting sensors for use in pavement performance monitoring
  and HVS health monitoring, including pressure cells, strain gauges, hydraulic pressure
  gauges, thermocouples, etc.
• Maintaining and improving the LabVIEW based HVS Health Monitoring Program which
  monitors HVS performance and notifies users of fault conditions.
• Designing and selecting products for data acquisition and instrumentation components to
  meet the department’s research needs.
• Assisting with operating and maintaining the HVS as required.

Departmental Qualifications

Relevant research/engineering work experience.

Basic Computer skills and basic knowledge of electronics, instrumentation, and programming are required.

Experience with LabVIEW, Python, or Arduino is a plus as well as familiarity with hydraulics and heavy machinery.

 

Required Qualifications:

This position requires either (a) Master’s degree from an acceptable accredited institution in a directly related area of specialization; (b) Bachelor’s degree from an acceptable accredited institution in a directly related area of specialization and two years of experience directly related to the job functions; or (c ) 6 years of direct experience.

Job Location: Florida Department of Transportation State Materials Office
5007 NE 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
(in-person required)

Work Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 4:30PM
Contact Person: Dr. James Fletcher
Contact Phone Number: (904) 334 5633
Contact Email Address: jfletche@unf.edu

 

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator

Pursuant to Florida Statute 1010.35, this position requires additional information from all applicants seeking research or research-related positions prior to an interview or offer of employment. Applicants MUST fully complete the Foreign Influence Review section of their application. Additional documents (e.g., passport) may be required based on form responses.

 

 

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

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