Engineering Co-op

State of Iowa; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Iowa (Iowa Department of Transportation) Traffic Operations and Safety Bureau seeks an engineering Co-Op to support traffic operations and ITS tasks in Ames, starting December 2026 or January 2027. The role focuses on coordinating work zone ITS deployments and maintaining ATMS configurations while collaborating with field staff and vendors.

Ideal candidates are pursuing civil, mechanical, industrial, construction, or electrical engineering and have two years of study toward junior

Qualifications

• Two years in civil, mechanical, industrial, construction or electrical engineering curriculum with junior status eligibility.
• Ability to coordinate among field staff and central office, and to communicate effectively.
• Understanding of traffic safety principles and basic technical troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate IWZ deployments with IWZ vendor, consultants, inspectors and contractors.
• Collaborate with field and central office staff to deploy, operate and maintain ITS devices.
• Monitor dozens of ITS devices daily and track status.
• Check IWZ device configurations in Iowa’s ATMS software.
• Use GIS to plan and track ITS deployments.

Skills

Traffic safety principles

Coordination

Technical troubleshooting

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Two years in civil/mechanical/industrial/construction or electrical engineering curriculum

Tools

GIS

ATMS software

Job description

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Traffic Operations and Safety Bureau is looking for an engineering Co-Op student to start in December 2026 or January 2027!

This engineering student will work on a variety of traffic operations and intelligent transportation systems tasks. The primary responsibility is to coordinate with others to deploy, operate and maintain work zone Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).

The Traffic Operations and Safety Bureau is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of Iowa’s Interstates and highways, including Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). ITS include cameras, traffic sensors, dynamic message signs, as well as the communications network and control and monitoring software.

This position will be responsible for:

• Collaborating with field staff and central office staff on the deployment of Intelligent Work Zones (IWZ) on Traffic Critical Projects in Iowa
• Coordinating IWZ deployments with the IWZ vendor, consultant support, construction inspectors, and contractors
• Daily monitoring and tracking of dozens of ITS devices
• Checking the configuration of IWZ devices into Iowa’s Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) Software
• Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to track and plan ITS deployments

Desired Skills for this position include:

• Understanding and appreciation of general traffic safety principles
• Proactive approach to coordinating efforts among a several people
• Technical troubleshooting skills, strong communication, computer, and organizational skills.

Duration options: 40 hours/week; December 2026/January 2027 - August 2027

Completion of at least two years in civil, mechanical, industrial, construction or electrical engineering curriculum at an accredited four-year college or university with eligibility for junior status upon return to school.

Valid driver’s license