Engineering Co-op

State-of-Iow; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Transportation's Traffic Operations and Safety Bureau is seeking an engineering Co-Op student to begin in December 2026 or January 2027 in Ames, Iowa.

The role focuses on coordinating with teams to deploy, operate, and maintain work zone ITS, including IWZ deployments and GIS tracking within ATMS. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Two years of engineering curriculum completed with junior status upon return to school.
• Experience with ITS concepts is a plus.
• Ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assist deployment and operation of Intelligent Work Zones (IWZ) on traffic projects.
• Coordinate IWZ deployments with vendors, inspectors and contractors.
• Monitor ITS devices daily and track performance.
• Verify IWZ device configurations in ATMS software and GIS systems.

Skills

Traffic safety principles

Coordinating across teams

Technical troubleshooting

Communication

Computer skills

Organizational skills

Education

Two years of engineering coursework (civil, mechanical, industrial, construction or electrical)

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