Engineering Assistant I or II - El Paso District HQ - APD & Bridge

Texas Department of Transportation; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 51,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Flexible work schedules

Health premiums paid for full-time

Job summary

Texas Department of Transportation seeks Engineering Assistants I and II to contribute to planning, design, and construction efforts for roadway and bridge projects. The positions offer structured rotation, training, and mentorship within a thriving public sector environment.

Participants engage in license progression, required certifications, and cross-discipline experiences to advance toward professional licensure while supporting safety and mobility for Texans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science is required.
• Substitutions with advanced degrees may apply as noted by TX PELS approvals.
• License: TX Engineer In Training certificate required for Engineering Assistant II.

Responsibilities

• Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through training and exams.
• Applies engineering principles to transportation-related activities.
• Participates in Career Development for the Engineering Assistants program.
• Performs design computations and prepares plan sheets for construction projects.
• Reviews and checks plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E).
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Engineering terminology

Design engineering principles

Plans, specifications & estimates

Engineering calculations

Education

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science

ABET/EAC accreditation substitutions

Job description

Engineering Assistants 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.

Engineering Assistants 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.
• Applies engineering principles, methods, and techniques to a wide variety of transportation-related activities.
• 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-related calculations and drafting/design work.
• Performs engineering-related duties in the field of transportation engineering.
• Performs engineering-related duties in the field of transportation engineering.
• Performs engineering-related planning, design, data collection, evaluation and analysis activities.
• 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.
• Assists in training less experienced engineering assistants, specialist and/or technicians.
• Performs traffic barricade inspections, identifies problems and assists with resolution of traffic control plans.
• Reviews construction plans prepared by consultants.
• Reviews/designs and details bridge and structural elements.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for all levels: Education:
Engineering Assistant I & II

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 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 U.S. 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 & II include:
Some knowledge of:

• Transportation engineering terminology and fundamentals
• Transportation design engineering principles, practices and methods and the application of engineering theory
• Applicable plans, specifications and estimates preparation, review, processing, and compliance requirements
• The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Proficient skill in:

• 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

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device.
• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools.
• Balancing- walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling.
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading.
• Crouching-bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine.
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words.
• Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication.
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• 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.

Position Information
Civil/Transportation Engineer-in-Training - Bridge Office

Looking to launch or grow your engineering career while making a real impact on Texas communities? The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is seeking Engineering Assistants I and II to join a collaborative, professional environment where you’ll contribute to the planning and design of safe, efficient roadway and bridge projects. These positions are part of TxDOT’s structured Career Development Program, offering training, mentorship, and opportunities to rotate through specialized areas of engineering. As an Engineering Assistant, you’ll apply fundamental and advanced design principles, prepare plans and specifications, review consultant work, and support innovative solutions that shape the state’s infrastructure. With clear pathways to professional licensure, flexible assignments, and the chance to grow your expertise while serving millions of Texans, this role is more than a job—it’s a career that builds the future.

Salary Range for each position:

• Engineering Assistant I - B20 - $51,158.00 - $81,351.00
• Engineering Assistant II - B21 - $54,278.00 - $87,046.00
• 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 Perks
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)

Job
Engineering/Engr Support

Schedule
Full-time

Employee Status
Regular

Job Level
Non-Management

Job Posting
Oct 13, 2026, 7:06:14 AM

State Job Title/s
Engineering Specialist III/IV

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
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 .

Applicant Information
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