Engineering Assistant I or II

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.

• Assists during emergencies and inclement weather.

• Assists with contract administration for construction and maintenance projects to ensure contractor compliance.

• 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 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.

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 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

• Engineering designs

• Computer-aided drafting and design systems

• The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

• Highway construction and maintenance

• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations

Proficient skill in:

• Application of engineering fundamentals

• Collecting, sorting and compiling data

• Training in a classroom, office or field environment

• Performing calculations using algebra, trigonometry, and geometry

Additional competencies for Engineering Assistant II include:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Transportation design engineering principles, practices and methods and the application of engineering theory

• Plan review methods, processes and procedures

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour.

• Subject to noise.

• Subject to vibration.

• Subject to atmospheric conditions-fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation.

• Medium work: Lift up to 50 pounds at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 pounds.

• Stooping - bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist.

• Feeling - determining size, shape, temperature or texture of objects.

• Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words.

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.

• Required to work weekends and holidays.

• Required to work hours other than 8 to 5.

• Required to work under exposure to inclement weather conditions.

• Required to wear personal protective equipment provided by employer and comply with all safety requirements.