Low Carbon Fuel Systems Engineer

California Air Resources Board; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Air Resources Board seeks an engineer focused on Low Carbon Fuel Standard implementation. You will conduct life cycle analyses, model fuel pathways, and evaluate project-based crediting to ensure LCFS compliance. The role involves communicating technical findings to diverse stakeholders and supporting regulatory amendments.

You will work with tools like CA-GREET and OPGEE, contribute to project evaluations, and may travel for site visits or workshops as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience with life cycle assessment of fuels and transportation fuels
• Familiarity with LCFS program requirements and regulatory analysis
• Ability to communicate technical results to a broad audience

Responsibilities

• Conduct modeling and life cycle analysis for fuel pathways and project-based crediting applications.
• Support regulatory amendments and evaluate fuel pathway proposals for LCFS compliance.
• Prepare briefings, white papers, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders

Skills

Life cycle assessment

CA-GREET modeling

OPGEE usage

Regulatory analysis

Tools

CA-GREET model

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-532053

Position #(s): 673-450-3735-011

Working Title: Low Carbon Fuel Systems Engineer

Classification: AIR RESOURCES ENGINEER (MAND)

Salary ranges
$6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A
$7,428.00 - $9,296.00 B
$9,158.00 - $11,455.00 C
$9,712.00 - $12,152.00 D

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: Multiple

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to www.dhs.gov/e-verify

CARB values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment where employees from various backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. CARB believes the diversity of our employees collectively makes up one of the world’s most respected environmental organizations. CARB offers various modern interview options, including remote phone and video interviews. Join CARB and help us improve the lives of all Californians.

Department Website http://www.arb.ca.gov

Job Description And Duties The California Air Resources Board is seeking motivated and experienced applicants to work on a flagship greenhouse gas reduction program—the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). We are seeking an Air Resources Engineer to support the objectives of the LCFS, which are to promote alternative fuels and reduce emissions in California’s transportation sector. This position is part of a team responsible for providing support of fuel pathways involving dairy/swine digester projects producing renewable natural gas or electricity for transportation use and evaluating the project-based applications that will reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in conventional petroleum fuels supply chains, including innovative crude projects, refinery investment projects, renewable hydrogen refinery projects, and low complexity/low- energy-use refinery projects. The team is also responsible for co-processing of low-CI feedstock, as well as carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and direct air capture projects. Expertise in the team extends to life cycle assessment of conventional and alternative fuels production and supply chain using tools such as the California-modified Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation (CA-GREET) model suites, and the Oil Production Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimator (OPGEE). As an Air Resources Engineer, you will conduct modeling and life cycle analysis for fuel pathway and project-based crediting applications, contribute to the regulatory amendments, and use engineering principles to evaluate the technical accuracy and completeness of proposed fuel pathways (e.g. biomethane) and projects (e.g. carbon capture and sequestration) to ensure compliance with the LCFS regulation. You will analyze the role of transportation fuels-related policies in the context of California’s long-term climate goals, and produce briefings, white papers, and other documentation for the program. You will also communicate technical and policy analysis to both internal audiences and a broad set of external stakeholders, in common, easy-to-understand terminology that includes verbal discussions, reports and presentations. Demonstrating adherence to the regulation while maintaining good working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders is essential skill for this position. May require occasional travel up to five percent (5%) of the time for site visits, meetings and workshops.

• NOTE* This is an open advertisement and anyone can apply. The State of California requires applicants to take the Air Resources Engineer "exam" to get on the eligibility list for this position. The "exam" is not a test in the traditional sense; rather, it is designed to assess the candidates’ background, training and experience related to the needs of the position through an online self assessment of your knowledge and experience. Details on the exam can be found at: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/JOBSGEN/3PB06.PDF for the Air Resources Engineer position (Exame Code: 3PB06).

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

Special Requirements A concise one-page cover letter must be included to highlight your qualifications, experience, and demonstrate how you can effectively perform the expected duties and contribute to the program.

Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Final Filing Date: 10/5/2026

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.