Engineering Assistant I, II, or III (Lufkin District)

Texas Department of Transportation; Lufkin (TX); On-site; USD 51,158 - 81,351; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement Plans

Flexible Work Schedules

Paid Leave and Holidays

Health premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees

On-the-Job Training

Job summary

A state transportation agency in Lufkin is looking for an Engineering Support professional to assist with various engineering tasks involving data collection, drafting, and safety operations. Candidates need a Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, along with relevant skills and a valid driver's license. This full-time role provides opportunities for professional licensing and career growth within transportation engineering. The position offers competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required for driving a state vehicle.
• Experience during emergencies and inclement weather preferred.
• Passed the FE exam is a preferred qualification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for professional engineering licensing/registration.
• Assist in survey activities and emergency operations.
• Prepare and check plans, specifications, and estimates.

Skills

Knowledge of engineering principles

Data collection

Drafting and design

Education

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or a related science

Job description

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

Performs engineering work. Job involves rotation, training, and continuing education in design, construction, inspection, maintenance, surveying, environmental and transportation operations with the intent to actively pursue engineering licensing/registration. 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 work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Engineering Assistant Career Development Program

• All employees classified as Engineering Assistants must participate in the program. Participation requires signing a Program Agreement outlining responsibilities and a service time commitment.

Essential Duties – Engineer Assistant I

• Actively prepare for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training, exams and required documentation.
• Apply engineering principles, methods, and techniques to a wide variety of transportation-related activities.
• Assist during emergencies and inclement weather.
• Assist in survey activities.
• Collect engineering data at project sites.
• Participate in Career Development program which includes job rotation, training and continuing education.
• Perform engineering-related calculations and drafting/design work.
• Perform engineering-related duties in the field of transportation engineering.
• Prepare and check plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) and designs.
• Prepare drawings and exhibits to support public involvement.
• Review construction plans prepared by consultants.
• Use automated roadway/structural/hydraulic design programs and computer-assisted design/engineering systems.
• Perform other job responsibilities as assigned.

Additional Duties – Engineer Assistant II

• Perform advanced and specialized engineering design work.
• Actively prepare for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training, exams and required documentation.
• Assist in survey activities.
• Assist in training less experienced engineering assistants, specialists, and/or technicians.
• Create detailed PS&E.
• Perform other job responsibilities as assigned.

Additional Duties – Engineer Assistant III

• Train less experienced engineering assistants, specialists, and technicians.
• Serve as a lead worker and related tasks.
• Perform engineering-related planning, design, data collection, evaluation, and analysis activities.
• Review/Design and detail bridge and structural elements.
• Perform other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications – All Levels

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in engineering or a related science.
• Acceptable Substitutions:
  • Master’s degree in engineering or a Master of Engineering degree from a ABET-accredited institution may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.
  • Doctoral degree in engineering or a Doctor of Engineering degree from a ABET-accredited institution may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.

Experience

• Engineer Assistant I: No work experience required. No supervisory experience required.
• Engineer Assistant II: 1 year of engineering-related experience. No supervisory experience required.
• Engineer Assistant III: 2 years of engineering-related experience. Passing the Professional Engineer (PE) exam prior to obtaining requisite experience may substitute for two years of experience. No supervisory experience required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver’s license. Position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Additional certification required for Engineer Assistant II and III: TX Engineer In Training Certificate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Passed the FE exam.

Competencies

• Engineer Assistant I:
  • 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; 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.
• Engineer Assistant II:
  • 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.
• Engineer Assistant III:
  • Considerable knowledge of applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations specific to area of responsibility; transportation design engineering principles, practices and methods; 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: lift up to 20 lbs 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 – involves data/figures, view a computer screen, extensive reading.

Conditions of Employment

Standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT).

Launch Your Engineering Career with TxDOT – Lufkin District!

Graduating in December 2025 or already hold a degree in engineering or related science? Join our Engineering Assistant Program and gain paid, hands‑on experience across five key areas:

• 18 months in Planning and Development
• 12 months in Construction
• 6 months in Maintenance Operations
• 6 months in Traffic Operations
• 6 months in Lab

Programs build confident, well‑rounded engineers ready to shape the future of transportation in Texas.

Salary Information

• Engineer Assistant I – Salary Grade: B20; Salary Range: $51,158 – $81,351 yearly
• Engineer Assistant II – Salary Grade: B21; Salary Range: $54,278 – $87,046 yearly
• Engineer Assistant III – Salary Grade: B22; Salary Range: $57,614 – $93,138 yearly

Benefits and Perks

• 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

Job Details

• Job Title: Engineering Support
• Schedule: Full‑time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Job Type: Standard
• Job Level: Non‑Management

Applicant Information

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Additional applicant information can be found in the standard conditions of employment and EPA statements.