
Junior Civil Engineer (Field Operations)
ARA · Dallas, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $65,000 / year
- Dallas, TX

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Job highlights
- Entry-level civil engineer role in pavement engineering.
- Hands-on field testing and equipment operation.
- Data analysis and report generation using various tools.
- Opportunity for travel across the US and internationally.
- Employee-owned company with ownership opportunities.
About the role
Junior Civil Engineer Field Operations
ARA is seeking entry-level civil engineers with an interest in pavement engineering to work full-time for our Transportation Division Aviation Directorate. Opportunities are available in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
This role is a great fit for someone who combines engineering fundamentals with hands-on mechanical skills and an interest in field work/travel. You will be actively involved in problem solving, using subject matter knowledge and innovation to offer high-quality solutions to our clients, marketing to bring in new business, and writing high-quality proposals.
Join a team where you can immediately make an impact!
This in-person position requires travel to project sites throughout the US, with occasional international travel. Overall, you can expect to travel between 25% and 50% of the time. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements for badging/access to project sites.
What You Will Do As a Junior Pavement Engineer
- Develop your knowledge of pavement engineering through projects including pavement design, condition assessment, and pavement management.
- Conduct pavement-related field testing, data collection, and evaluation in a professional manner with attention to accurate and complete reporting.
- Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate pavement testing equipment.
- Analyze data and report results using tools such as Microsoft Excel, GIS, AutoCAD, and databases.
- Assist with developing reports and creating presentations discussing the results of analyses performed by yourself and others.
- Participate in business development and marketing activities, including proposal writing.
Flexibility is a requirement for this position, as work changes frequently.
Junior Pavement Engineer Requirements
- BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited institution.
- EIT/passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam preferred.
- Ability to pass a DOT physical and meet other requirements to drive commercial motor vehicles under 26,000lb GVWR (no CDL required).
- Excellent driving skills and willingness to drive pickup trucks and vans, sometimes with trailers; must be able to drive long distances and work in a vehicle for long periods of time.
- Ability to learn and assist with equipment mechanical and electrical repairs, calibrate equipment, and troubleshoot equipment issues.
- Interest and availability to travel and conduct field work, occasionally for weeks at a time.
- Strong communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills.
Compensation
The anticipated salary for this position ranges from $56,000 to $65,000/year, depending on experience. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/.
About ARA
ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs more than 2,200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in civil technologies, computer software and simulation, defense technologies, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for pavement analysis, environmental site characterization, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.
Key skills/competency
- Civil Engineering
- Pavement Engineering
- Field Operations
- Data Analysis
- Equipment Calibration
- Proposal Writing
- Client Relations
- Project Management
- Transportation Engineering
- DOT Compliance
Skills & topics
- Civil Engineer
- Field Operations
- Pavement Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Data Analysis
- Equipment Operation
- Proposal Writing
- Entry-Level
- EIT
- DOT
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight civil engineering coursework, field experience, and mechanical aptitude. Emphasize any experience with pavement testing or data analysis tools.
- Showcase mechanical skills: Detail any experience with equipment operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, or calibration. Mention your ability to drive long distances and operate various vehicles.
- Express your interest in travel: Clearly state your willingness and availability to travel frequently for field operations. Mention your comfort with occasional extended trips.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your understanding of pavement engineering principles, data analysis methods, and equipment operation.
- Demonstrate problem-solving ability: Provide examples of how you've used engineering fundamentals to solve practical problems.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities for a Junior Civil Engineer at ARA?
- As a Junior Civil Engineer at ARA, you'll focus on pavement engineering, including design, condition assessment, and management. Your role involves conducting field testing, operating and calibrating specialized equipment, analyzing data using tools like Excel and AutoCAD, and assisting with report and proposal writing. You'll also be involved in business development activities.
- What qualifications are essential for the Junior Civil Engineer position at ARA?
- A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is required. Preferred qualifications include EIT certification or passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, a valid driver's license, excellent driving skills, and the ability to pass a DOT physical. Mechanical aptitude for equipment troubleshooting and repair is also important.
- How much travel is expected for the Junior Civil Engineer role at ARA?
- This position requires significant travel, estimated between 25% and 50% of the time. Travel will be to project sites across the US, with occasional international travel. Flexibility is key, as work assignments can change frequently.
- What is the compensation and benefits package for a Junior Civil Engineer at ARA?
- The anticipated salary range for this role is $56,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on your experience. ARA also offers competitive benefits and is an employee-owned company, providing opportunities for employees to gain ownership stakes through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
- What kind of company culture can I expect at ARA?
- ARA fosters a challenging and innovative culture, driven by its employee-owners. The company motto, 'Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit,' reflects its commitment to high performance, creativity, and employee initiative. Experimentation and active participation in the company's success are encouraged.
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