Position InformationTxDOT's Waco District is looking for motivated individual(s) to join our Engineering Assistant Program and begin building a meaningful career in transportation engineering.
This program is designed to provide hands-on experience in key areas such as construction, roadway design, and maintenance while helping Engineering Assistants develop the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a Professional Engineer license. Participants will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers, project managers, inspectors, and technical staff on real projects that directly serve the traveling public.
The program also provides training and support for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineering (PE) exams, along with continued opportunities for career development and professional growth. If you are driven, eager to learn, and interested in being part of a strong team that values training, development, and public service, we encourage you to apply and begin your career with the Texas Department of Transportation's Waco District.
At TxDOT we value employee work-life balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value, our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include flexed and compressed work schedules, wellness leave incentive, in-house wellness center, career development programs, tuition assistance, and various other benefits.
Salary/Grade:
Engineering Assistant I: B20, $4,020.33 - $6,335.66 (monthly)
Engineering Assistant II: B21, $4523.16 - $7,253.83 (monthly)
Engineering Assistant III: B22, $4,801.16 - $7,761.50 (monthly)
The rotation schedule includes:
24 months in Design
18 months in Construction
6 months in Operations
All EA's are assigned a mentor.
Work Locations:
Waco District Headquarters
Waco Area Office
Belton Area Office
Gatesville Area Office
Hillsboro Area Office
NOTE: All employees classified as Engineering Assistants are required to participate in the Engineering Assistant Career Development Program (EACDP).
The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.
Benefits and PerksAt 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)
Position DescriptionPerforms 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.
- Assists in survey activities.
- Collects engineering data at project sites.
- Creates detailed PS&E.
- Participates in Career Development for the Engineering Assistants program which includes job rotation, training, and continuing education.
- Performs engineering-related calculations and drafting/design work.
- Performs engineering-related duties in the field of transportation engineering.
- Prepares and checks plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) and designs.
- Prepares drawings and exhibits to support public involvement.
- Reviews construction plans prepared by consultants.
- 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 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: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.
- Must maintain regular and dependable attendance and adhere to established work schedules.
- Must be available to work weekends and holidays, as required.
- Must be willing and able to work beyond regularly scheduled hours when operational needs require.
- Must participate in a rotating on-call schedule, when applicable to the position.
- Must wear employer-provided personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all applicable safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
