Top 10 Consulting Firms Hiring OPT Students
The top 10 consulting firms hiring OPT students include Thermo Fisher Scientific, Burns & McDonnell, and Columbia University, spanning consulting and professional services, science and research, and education. Migrate Mate is tracking 2,631 live OPT jobs across these employers as of August 26, 2026, updated daily. For F-1 students on OPT, roles at these firms are tied to field-of-study requirements, meaning each position you apply to must align with your degree.
Which consulting firms hire the most OPT students?
Ranked by live OPT openings on Migrate Mate, updated daily
- 01
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Life SciencesResearchLab ServicesThermo Fisher Scientific has 407 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate, the most of any consulting firm on this list. Its openings concentrate in Science & Research and Project & Program Management. Thermo Fisher Scientific supplies laboratory instruments, reagents, and life science services to research and industry worldwide.
Open roles by team
- Science & Research170
- Project & Program Management141
- Business Development126
- Manufacturing Operations117
- Engineering (Non-Software)110
+1,024 roles across other teams
Open roles at Thermo Fisher Scientific407 openSee all 407+ Thermo Fisher Scientific OPT jobsApplyVariant Scientist IIIAnn Arbor, Michigan · On-siteApplyEngineer II, ValidationMiddletown, Virginia · On-siteApplyEHS Specialist IICincinnati, Ohio · On-siteApplyBuyer IIMarietta, Ohio · On-siteApplyScientific/Technical WriterKing of Prussia, Pennsylvania · On-site - 02
Burns & McDonnell
EngineeringInfrastructureConstructionBurns & McDonnell has 316 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Project & Program Management. Burns & McDonnell is an employee-owned engineering, architecture, and construction firm serving energy and infrastructure clients.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)407
- Project & Program Management246
- Civil & Structural Engineering159
- Electrical Engineering104
- Construction63
+326 roles across other teams
Open roles at Burns & McDonnell316 openSee all 316+ Burns & McDonnell OPT jobsApplyTransmission Planning ConsultantBrea, California · On-siteApplyProposal StrategistFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplyConsultant – Grid SystemsHouston, Texas · On-siteApplyStaff Civil EngineerSan Juan, PR · On-siteApplyTransmission Planning Project ManagerAtlanta, Georgia · On-site - 03
Columbia University
Higher EducationResearchProfessional ServicesColumbia University has 295 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Science & Research and Nursing. Columbia University is a private research university in New York City offering graduate and professional programs across dozens of disciplines.
Open roles by team
- Science & Research177
- Nursing142
- Project & Program Management126
- Healthcare Administration122
- Teaching & Instruction53
+505 roles across other teams
Open roles at Columbia University295 openSee all 295+ Columbia University OPT jobsApplyClinical VeterinarianNew York, New York · On-siteApplyManager I, Pre-Award ServicesNew York, New York · On-siteApplyProgram ManagerNew York, New York · On-siteApplyNurse PractitionerNew York, New York · On-siteApplyTechnician BNew York, New York · On-site Unlock every OPT job from these sponsors
Find 11,000+ OPT jobs- 04
Kimley-Horn
Civil EngineeringPlanningConsultingKimley-Horn has 286 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Civil & Structural Engineering. Kimley-Horn is a planning and design consulting firm specializing in transportation, land development, and civil engineering.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)435
- Civil & Structural Engineering413
- Project & Program Management51
- Electrical Engineering24
- Data Science & Analytics15
+139 roles across other teams
Open roles at Kimley-Horn286 openSee all 286+ Kimley-Horn OPT jobsApplyCivil AnalystPearland, Texas · On-siteApplyCivil Engineering AnalystAlpharetta, Georgia · On-siteApplyLandscape ArchitectFranklin, Tennessee · On-siteApplyStructural AnalystRaleigh, North Carolina · On-siteApplyLandscape Architecture AnalystRaleigh, North Carolina · On-site - 05
Alvarez & Marsal
Financial AdvisoryConsultingRestructuringAlvarez & Marsal has 281 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Consulting & Strategy and Project & Program Management. Alvarez & Marsal is a professional services firm specializing in turnaround management, performance improvement, and financial advisory.
Open roles by team
- Consulting & Strategy423
- Project & Program Management333
- Business Development137
- Business Analysis79
- Warehouse & Logistics74
+324 roles across other teams
Open roles at Alvarez & Marsal281 openSee all 281+ Alvarez & Marsal OPT jobsApplySenior AssociatesDallas, Texas · On-siteApplySenior Associate, FP&AWashington, Washington DC · On-siteApplyCorporate Transformation ManagersGreenwood Village, Colorado · On-siteApplyConflicts AnalystNew York, New York · On-siteApplyAssociate, Procurement & SourcingRemote · Remote - Editor’s note
How this list is ranked
These employers are ranked by how many roles open to OPT candidates they have live on Migrate Mate right now. OPT is your own work authorization rather than something the employer files, so the practical question is whether the role fits your field of study and whether the team has hired people on OPT before.
- 06
WSP
EngineeringEnvironmentalProfessional ServicesWSP has 232 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Civil & Structural Engineering. WSP is a global engineering and professional services firm working across transportation, infrastructure, environment, and buildings.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)352
- Civil & Structural Engineering227
- Science & Research55
- Project & Program Management52
- Electrical Engineering49
+157 roles across other teams
Open roles at WSP232 openSee all 232+ WSP OPT jobsApplyEarly Career Highway EngineerValhalla, New York · On-siteApplyElectrical EngineerBaltimore, Maryland · On-siteApplyBridge Engineer-In-TrainingAustin, Texas · On-siteApplyEarly Professional, Electrical EngineeringHailey, Idaho · On-siteApplyMid-Level Structural EngineerDallas, Texas · On-site - 07
Stanford University
Higher EducationResearchScienceStanford University has 227 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Science & Research and Project & Program Management. Stanford University is a private research institution in California known for science, engineering, and interdisciplinary graduate programs.
Open roles by team
- Science & Research312
- Project & Program Management94
- Healthcare Administration61
- Data Science & Analytics39
- Teaching & Instruction37
+355 roles across other teams
Open roles at Stanford University227 openSee all 227+ Stanford University OPT jobsApplyStudent Services SpecialistStanford, California · On-siteApplyClinical Research Coordinator AssociateStanford, California · On-siteApplyProgram Development & Project ManagerStanford, California · HybridApplyIT Support AnalystStanford, California · On-siteApplyCancer Clinical Research Coordinator AssociateStanford, California · Hybrid See OPT jobs from all 10 sponsors and thousands more
Find 11,000+ OPT jobs- 08
Boston Consulting Group
Management ConsultingStrategyOperationsBoston Consulting Group has 200 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Consulting & Strategy and Data Science & Analytics. Boston Consulting Group is a global management consulting firm advising corporations and governments on strategy and operations.
Open roles by team
- Consulting & Strategy202
- Data Science & Analytics162
- Project & Program Management111
- Technical Program Management101
- Software Engineering74
+478 roles across other teams
Open roles at Boston Consulting Group200 openSee all 200+ Boston Consulting Group OPT jobsApplyProject LeaderDetroit, Michigan · On-siteApplyForward Deployed AI EngineerSan Francisco, California · On-siteApplyForward Deployed AI ScientistMiami, Florida · On-siteApplyExecutive AssistantDetroit, Michigan · HybridApplyManagerBoston, Massachusetts · On-site - 09
Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences
Life SciencesStaffingConsultingKatalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences has 197 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Manufacturing Operations and Engineering (Non-Software). Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences places scientific and clinical professionals within pharmaceutical and biotech organizations.
Open roles by team
- Manufacturing Operations171
- Engineering (Non-Software)127
- Compliance & Legal86
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering62
- Project & Program Management45
+212 roles across other teams
Open roles at Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences197 openSee all 197+ Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences OPT jobsApplyTest Technician 1Sparks, Maryland · On-siteApplyRobotics Online ProgrammerVonore, Tennessee · On-siteApplySenior Quality SpecialistBoston, Massachusetts · On-siteApplySoftware EngineerRaymond, Ohio · On-siteApplyVerification and Validation EngineerSalt Lake, Utah · On-site - 10
HDR
EngineeringEnvironmentalConsultingHDR has 190 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Civil & Structural Engineering. HDR provides architecture, engineering, environmental, and consulting services across transportation, water, and public infrastructure sectors.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)251
- Civil & Structural Engineering194
- Project & Program Management82
- Electrical Engineering36
- Environmental Engineering15
+65 roles across other teams
Open roles at HDR190 openSee all 190+ HDR OPT jobsApplyElectrical Distribution Project EngineerAlbuquerque, New Mexico · On-siteApplyProject EngineerOmaha, Nebraska · On-siteApplyStructural EngineerSeattle, Washington · On-siteApplyReal Estate Services Agent 2Omaha, Nebraska · On-siteApplySite Civil EngineerSalt Lake City, Utah · On-site
How OPT works
OPT is work authorization for F-1 students, not an employer-sponsored visa. The student applies through their school's international office (the DSO) and USCIS with Form I-765; the employer files nothing. The role must relate to the student's field of study. OPT gives up to 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension for eligible degrees.
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Find 11,000+ OPT jobsConsulting OPT Employers: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies hire the most OPT students?
Thermo Fisher Scientific has the most, with 407 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate, followed by Burns & McDonnell (316) and Columbia University (295). Across the 10 consulting firms on this list, Migrate Mate is tracking 2,631 live OPT jobs, updated daily.
Who is eligible for OPT?
F-1 students who have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year at a U.S. college or university are eligible for OPT. Authorization lasts up to 12 months and must be used in a role directly related to your field of study. Students in STEM-designated degree programs may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after their initial period, subject to DSO approval and employer eligibility.
How much does F-1 OPT cost?
F-1 OPT is student work authorization, so there is no employer sponsorship fee. The student pays the USCIS filing fee for the work-authorization application, plus any costs their school charges. Fee amounts change from time to time, so check the current figure before you rely on it.
How do I get OPT through a top employer?
OPT is student-driven, not employer-driven. You work with your Designated School Official to recommend OPT in your SEVIS record, then file Form I-765 with USCIS to request your Employment Authorization Document. Once you receive your EAD card, you present it to your employer along with your other onboarding documents. The employer does not file anything on your behalf; they simply verify your work authorization and hire you like any other employee.