Texas Department of Transportation→
Engineering Assistant I, II, or III - Abilene… at Texas… · UST-Texas…
Job Description
TxDOT's Abilene District is seeking a motivated Engineering Assistant I, II, or III to join the Central Design Office team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to projects that improve safety, enhance mobility, and connect communities across the region.
As an Engineering Assistant, you will participate in TxDOT's Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP), a unique program designed to support your progression toward Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure through comprehensive training, mentorship, job rotation opportunities, and hands-on project experience.
Working alongside experienced professionals, you will gain exposure to a wide range of transportation projects and play a meaningful role in delivering solutions that benefit the traveling public.
TxDOT offers a supportive environment where your ideas, contributions, and professional growth are valued. We are seeking individuals with a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
If you are ready to take on meaningful challenges, build a rewarding engineering career, and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Abilene Central Design Office team.
At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:
Retirement Plans
Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
Paid Leave and Holidays
Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
On-the-Job Training
Tuition Assistance Program
Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
Family-Friendly Policies and Programs
In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)
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 design computations and plan preparations to include preparing plan sheets for construction projects.
- Performs engineering calculations for plan quantities as part of PS&E preparation activities.
Performs engineering-related calculations and drafting/design work.
Uses automated roadway/structural/hydraulic design programs and computer-assisted design/engineering systems.
Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.
Additional duties for Engineering Assistant II include:
Performs advanced and specialized engineering design work.
Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams and completion/maintenance of required documentation.
Assists in survey activities.
Assists in training less experienced engineering assistants, specialist and/or technicians.
Creates detailed PS&E.
Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.
Additional duties for Engineering Assistant III include:
Trains less experienced engineering assistants, specialists, and technicians.
May serve as a lead worker and the related tasks.
Performs engineering-related planning, design, data collection, evaluation, and analysis activities.
Reviews/designs and details bridge and structural elements.
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 December 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.
Additional Acceptable Substitution Engineering Assistant III:
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.
Engineering Assistant III: 2 years of Engineering related experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). No supervisory experience required. Passing Professional Engineer (PE) exam prior to obtaining requisite experience for gaining PE licensure may substitute for two (2) years of engineering related work experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
Additional Certification required for Engineering Assistant II and III:
Mandatory: TX Engineer In Training Certificate
Preferred Qualifications:
Has passed the FE
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
Plan review methods, processes, and procedures
The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
Proficient skill in:
Application of engineering fundamentals
Using engineering workstations and applications of engineering technology
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
Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
Additional competencies for Engineering Assistant II include:
Considerable knowledge of:
Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
Highway construction and maintenance
Proficient skill in:
Advanced and specialized design/drafting
Design review
Performing calculations to include material and labor estimates, expenses, technical survey data and engineering calculations
Additional competencies for Engineering Assistant III include:
Considerable knowledge of:
Applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations specific to area of responsibility for safeguarding information and information technology related systems
Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
Transportation design engineering principles, practices and methods and the application of engineering theory
Engineering designs
Proficient skill in:
Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
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.
Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading.
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.
TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.
Click on the appropriate occupational category to view the MOS codes.
The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.
Additional Applicant Information for applicants