Engineering Assistant I; Pharr District (Various Sections)

Texas Department of Transportation; Pharr (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Department of Transportation is seeking an Engineering Assistant I to support design, construction inspection, testing and licensing preparations as part of a structured career development program. The role emphasizes rotation, training and exams under supervision and requires a valid driver’s license.

The position involves preparing plans, specs and PS&E, performing calculations, and using CAD tools across transportation projects, with opportunities to advance toward professional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science accepted by TX PELS.
• Substitutions for minimum qualifications available (Master's or Doctoral).
• If graduating in December 2026, proof of degree required by start date.
• Engineering Assistant I: no prior work experience required.

Responsibilities

• Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through training and exams.
• Participates in Career Development for the Engineering Assistants program including rotation, training and continuing education.
• Performs construction inspection and material sampling/testing.
• Prepares design computations and plan sheets for construction projects.
• Performs engineering calculations for PS&E quantities.
• Performs drafting/design work and related calculations.
• Covers planning, data collection, evaluation and analysis activities.
• Prepares PS&E plans, specs and estimates and designs.
• Uses automated roadway/structural/hydraulic design programs and CAD systems.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Transportation engineering

Design engineering principles

Plans & estimates

CAD systems

Inspection methods

Highway materials

TXDOT MUTCD

Engineering calculations

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science

Master's degree substitution for Bachelor's

Tools

AutoCAD

CAD software

Survey tools

MS Office

Job description

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:

• Actively prepares for professional engineering licensing/registration through appropriate training and exams and completion/maintenance of required documentation.
• Participates in Career Development for the Engineering Assistants program which includes job rotation, training and continuing education.
• Performs construction inspection and material sampling/testing.
• 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.
• Performs engineering-related planning, design, data collection, evaluation and analysis activities.
• Prepares and checks plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) and designs.
• Uses automated roadway/structural/hydraulic design programs and computer-assisted design/engineering systems.
• 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.

Experience:

• Engineering Assistant I: No work experience is required. No supervisory experience required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid US driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies:

• 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
• Computer-aided drafting and design systems
• Applicable inspection methods, procedures and techniques
• Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
• The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities
• Performing calculations to include material and labor estimates, expenses, technical survey data and engineering calculations
• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools.
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words.
• 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 a