Engineering Assistant I or II - El Paso, TX

Performs engineering work. Work involves job rotation, training and continuing education in design, construction, construction inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental and/or transportation operations-related activities with the intent to actively pursue engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams. Design activity is supervised by a licensed professional engineer who has authority for final approval of all projects. Work requires contact with local governmental representatives, engineering contractors and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

NOTE:  All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the Engineering Assistant Career Development program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment.

Essential Duties:

The essential duties for the Engineering Assistant I include:

• Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams and completion/maintenance of required documentation.

• Applies engineering principles, methods, and techniques to a wide variety of transportation-related activities.

• Assists during emergencies and inclement weather.

• Creates detailed PS&E.

• Participates in Career Development for the Engineering Assistants program which includes job rotation, training, and continuing education.

• Performs construction inspection and material sampling/testing.

• Performs engineering-related calculations and drafting/design work.

• Performs engineering-related duties in the field of transportation engineering.

• Performs research and problem solving of engineering-related problems. 

• Prepares and checks plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) and designs.

• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Additional duties for Engineering Assistant II include:

• Performs advanced and specialized engineering design work.

• Assists in training less experienced engineering assistants, specialist and/or technicians.

• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for all levels:

Education: 

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Note: If you graduate in May 2026 with a Bachelor’s Degree in accordance with the requirements above, you can apply for this position. However, if offered the job, you must provide proof of your degree no later than your start date.

Acceptable Substitutions for all levels:

• Master's degree in engineering or a Master of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

• Doctoral degree in engineering or a doctor of engineering degree from an institution that offers a bachelor of science degree, in the same discipline, which has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• Engineering Assistant I:  No work experience is required.  No supervisory experience required.

• Engineering Assistant II:  1 year of Engineering related experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).  No supervisory experience required.

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Valid US driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

   

   

Additional Certification required for Engineering Assistant II: 

• Mandatory:  TX Engineer In Training Certificate

    

Competencies:

The required competencies for the Engineering Assistant I include:

Some knowledge of:

• Transportation engineering terminology and fundamentals

• Applicable plans, specifications and estimates preparation, review, processing, and compliance requirements

• Computer-aided drafting and design systems

Proficient skill in: 

• Application of engineering fundamentals

• Research and anlysis methodologies

• Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints, and maps

• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities

• Performing calculations using algebra, trigonometry, and geometry

• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data

• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others

   

   

  Some skill in: 

• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decision that support business objectives and goals

Additional competencies for Engineering Assistant II include:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance

• Highway construction and maintenance

• Computer-aided drafting and design systems

   

• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities

   

Expert skill in:

• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities

• Application of engineering fundamentals

   

   

  Proficient skill in:

   

   

• Advanced and specialized design/drafting

• Design review

• Performing calculations to include material and labor estimates, expenses, technical survey data and engineering calculation

   

   

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions for Engineering Assistant I or II:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.

• Subject to noise

• Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals.

• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device.

• Light work: Life up to 20lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.

• Balancing- walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling.

• Standing- prolonged period of time

• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading.

• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words

• Reptetitive Motion- substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

Conditions of Employment:

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical. 

• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.

  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize medical marijuana under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

• All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the EA program. Participation in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP) requires that employees sign a Program Agreement, which outlines employee responsibilities and service time commitment. Failure to comply with all terms of the Program Agreement will result in reclassification.