Engineering Co-op

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Traffic Operations and Safety Bureau is seeking an engineering Co-Op to start in December 2026 or January 2027, working on traffic operations and ITS tasks with a focus on deploying, operating and maintaining work zone ITS.

You will collaborate with field and central staff, monitor ITS devices, and use GIS to plan deployments, gaining hands-on experience in IWZ coordination and ATMS systems.

Qualifications

• Completion of at least two years in an engineering curriculum with junior status on return to school.
• Understanding of traffic safety principles and ITS deployments.
• Strong communication, coordination and troubleshooting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on IWZ deployments for priority projects across Iowa.
• Coordinate IWZ with vendors, inspectors and contractors.
• Monitor dozens of ITS devices daily and track status.
• Verify IWZ device configurations in ATMS software.
• Use GIS to plan and track ITS deployments.

Skills

Traffic safety basics

Coordination

Technical troubleshooting

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Two years of engineering curriculum (Civil/Mechanical/Industrial/Construction/Electrical)

Tools

GIS

ATMS software

IWZ deployments

Job description

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

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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