AI Apprentice

Work Location

Onsite

Office Location: 6230 E Stassney Ln, Austin, TX 78744

Candidates must be local to Austin, TX or surrounding areas.**

Job Description

We are currently seeking a contract AI Apprentice to be a key resource on a technical services team for our client, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Responsibilities

The AI Apprenticeship Program establishes a sustainable and governed pathway for developing entry-level AI talent in support of TxDOT's AI Strategic Plan. Under supervision, the intern will:

• Assist in evaluating emerging AI trends, tools, and vendor solutions against defined business use cases
• Contribute to the development of AI/ML models and prototype applications for prioritized use cases
• Help design and document data and AI pipelines that integrate with existing systems
• Create reports, analyses, and presentations that communicate findings and outcomes clearly
• Collaborate with data, engineering, software development, and governance teams

An AI Apprentice will also provide direct support for Planning & Administration team in the following areas:

• Assisting TPOs in identifying and assessing AI opportunities across supported divisions.
• Creating proofs of concept (POCs) and pilots for AI and automation use cases.
• Researching, maintaining documentation, analyzing findings, and preparing reports for AI initiatives.
• Supporting AI governance activities, developing risk assessments, and maintaining compliance documentation.
• Assessing vendor AI capabilities and emerging AI technologies.
• Maintaining and supporting AI applications developed for the divisions.
• Contributing to AI modernization initiatives in divisions such as AVN, MRD, RTI, RRD, and other business areas exploring automation opportunities.
• Serving as Administrators for enterprise applications.

Minimum Years of Experience, Skills, and Qualifications

• Typically, 1-3 years of academic, internship, or entry-level experience in AI, data science, software engineering, or a related field
• Possesses foundational knowledge of common concepts, tools, and practices
• Works under guidance using established processes and standards
• Does not typically exercise independent production decision making

Qualifications

Minimum (Required):

• Proficiency in Python
• Familiarity with object-oriented programming concepts
• Experience with version control
• Exposure to data analysis, data migration, and basic model development
• Understanding of basic software development and testing concepts
• Coursework toward or completion of a degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related discipline
• Demonstrated interest in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and applied analytics

1-3 years of:

• Academic, internship, or entry-level experience in AI, data science, software engineering, or a related field

Preferred (Optional):

• Data pipelines (e.g., Airflow, Prefect, or cloud-native equivalents)
• Model deployment concepts (e.g., REST APIs, serverless patterns)
• Cloud platforms or AI services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, OCI)
• Containerization concepts (Docker)
• CI/CD fundamentals
• Monitoring or model versioning concepts

Company Overview

Texas GovLink has been contracted with the Texas State Government, we are a Top Ten ranked vendor, and premier provider of technical and business staffing solutions. Texas GovLink offers its family of consultants excellent rates, a local support staff, and an attractive benefits package which includes medical insurance (TGL shares a percentage of the cost), life insurance, a matching 401(k) plan and a cafeteria plan. Candidates selected for interview will be required to undergo criminal background checks and may be required to complete a drug screen in accordance with Federal and State Law. Offers of Employment are contingent on a successful background check. Texas GovLink is an equal opportunities employer.