Highway Engineering Assistant
Date Posted: Aug 4, 2026
Requisition ID: 481849
Location:
West Lafayette, IN, US, 47906
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Transportation:
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state's quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.
Role Overview:
Directly supervises all specialized field-testing program operations and coordinates with Division engineering staff on all field-testing data analysis requirements.
Ensures testing system calibration of electro-mechanical systems and oversee upgrading and repair of multiple (currently 9 but adding 2 more very soon) specialized test systems.
Assigns research technicians for testing, data analysis, traffic control, and safety plans during field testing.
Provides technical guidance and oversees training operations of testing operators, testing equipment calibrations, and coordinates the completion and fulfillment of multiple specialized testing programs and special requests.
Directs specialized electro-mechanical maintenance, repair, fabrication, upgrades, and replacement of complex testing and calibration systems/equipment.
Develops maintenance and operational manuals for test systems.
Responsible for budgeting, approval of expenditures, and resource allocation for special test system repairs and upgrades.
Prepares and achieves specialized testing systems as well as testing operators' performance metrics for program deliverables.
Supervises staff of 9 research technicians (HEA3 & HEA4) and more if required.
Presents testing equipment and concepts for visitors, university students, and federal highway staff; and
Participates in various research studies as directed.
Extensive training/experience in related safety (including MUTCD), project management, electro-mechanical, theory and practice, and related standards and regulations.
Extensive training and technical knowledge in operation and calibration to the standards of testing equipment.
General knowledge of statistics, sampling protocols, and data quality.
Extensive knowledge in repairing and upgrading electro-mechanical, specialized testing equipment, and vehicle fleet budget.
Broad knowledge of scheduling and planning for operators and testing systems to meet deadlines.
Ability to supervise and train technicians on complex testing equipment, and the ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
Must be able to operate Specialized Testing Systems, travel overnight, and acquire a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Location:
This position is with INDOT's Research and Development Center, West Lafayette, Indiana.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/0) to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Directly supervises all specialized laboratory testing program operations and data analysis requirements.
Ensures testing system calibration of all testing systems and oversees upgrading and repair of multiple specialized test systems.
Assigns technicians for testing, data analysis, during testing.
Provides technical guidance and oversees training operations of new laboratory testing technicians and equipment calibrations.
Directs specialized mechanical maintenance, repair, upgrades and replacement of complex testing and calibration systems/equipment.
Develops maintenance and operational manuals for test systems.
Responsible for approval of resource allocation for special test system repairs and upgrades.
Prepares and achieves performance metrics for program deliverables.
Supervises staff of 3-10 laboratory technicians.
Participates in various special investigative studies as directed.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Must possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or obtain one with the first 90 days of employment.
Supports a strong management culture by coaching and mentoring team members.
Work with Construction and Materials technical staff to create and provide training to staff members.
Responsible for assembling project team and assigning individual responsibilities.
Understands project objectives and role of each team members.
Supervises Appeal Laboratories.
Works with team to ensure testing standard, safety, and project scope compliance.
Prepares reports and analysis to manage risk and recommend necessary adjustments.
Presents project status and prepares recommendations for improving the project workflow.
May delegate low-level project tasks to assigned team member.
Responsible for ensuring the Laboratories compliance with all AASHTO, ASTM, Indiana Test Method, Directives, and other established standards, as well as all applicable laboratory and workplace safety standards.
Completes the scope of work while ensuring INDOT's quality, financial, risk management and policy expectations are met.
Responsible for overall work progress and technical performance on project.
Performs other related duties as required.
A degree is not required. However, at least four (4) years of Laboratory testing, developing, and leading project teams experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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