Chief Engineer

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to oversee and direct district operations and engineering divisions across the state. The executive-level role is critical to shaping the future of transportation in Texas, ensuring operational excellence, and aligning with federal and state regulations. This position is based in Austin, TX.

With a dedicated team of over 13,000 professionals statewide, TxDOT offers a dynamic environment where your leadership can shape the future of mobility in Texas. Ready to make a difference? Let's connect!

Work Location: 125 E. 11th, Greer Building, Austin, TX 78701 Overnight Travel 25%

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Program

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Oversees and directs the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) district operations and related engineering divisions to include policies, programs, and operating strategies in a manner consistent with federal and state laws and regulations and directives issued by the Commission. Oversees the Director of District Operations and Engineering Division Operations to ensure the Department operates efficiently and effectively. Reports directly to the Executive Director. Recommends policy, procedures, staffing, and funding required to execute agency programs. Work requires extensive travel and contact with high-level executives, governmental officials, and private entities. Employees at this level perform work at the highest level of discretion and independent judgment and are responsible for the final outcome.

Essential Duties:

• Assists in overseeing the formulation of plans and policies for the location, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of a statewide multimodal transportation system.
• Prepares and presents information on various programs, projects, and activities at professional meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Prepares sensitive and high-level correspondence and technical reports.
• Engages in senior executive-level meetings and resolves issues with a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including commissioners, elected officials, and business leaders
• Acts as a consultant to facilitate the operations of the Department. Serves as an information source on agency responsibilities, fiscal and operational data, plans and programs, and transportation needs of Texas.
• Assists in directing the long-range and short-range planning process, establishes overall operating objectives, and directs districts, divisions, and the Senior Leadership Team in the achievement of strategic priorities.
• Collaborates with all business segments within the Department to continuously improve the effectiveness of the engineering operations, policies, and procedures.
• Directs and reviews the performance of the Districts and Engineering Division Operations in support of the Department goals and strategies.
• Represents the Department with international, federal, state, and private entities, the public, and Texas State Legislature and the Legislative Board to exchange information, address concerns, and coordinate activities.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

• 7 years in transportation management. (Experience can be satisfied by full-time or prorated part-time equivalent). Related graduate-level education may be substituted for experience on a year-per-year basis.
• Must have four (4) years managerial/supervisory experience.

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• TX Licensed Professional Engineer*

• Professional engineers licensed in another state in the United States, but not currently licensed in the State of Texas, must (1) meet the license requirements of the State of Texas Engineering Practices Act, (2) obtain a professional engineering license from the State of Texas within six (6) months of the date of hire, and (3) sign an agreement to that effect as a condition of employment

• Government programs and operations affecting highway transportation development, including federal and state regulations that apply to and impact TxDOT's work, organization, programs, and policies.
• Construction, maintenance, and operation of transportation facilities.
• Economic, demographic, fiscal, legal, and technical aspects involving state transportation programs.
• Legislative process.
• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities
• Persuasion and negotiation of critical issues
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data
• Interpreting and analyzing legislation and rules
• Communicating clearly, concisely and effectively, including developing and giving presentations
• Collaborate and cooperate with others and build effective working relationships both internally and externally to accomplish policy objectives

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information