CPT Civil Engineer Jobs
Civil Engineer CPT jobs let F-1 students apply structural analysis, site design, and project management skills to real construction and infrastructure work. Your DSO must authorize CPT before your start date, and the position must directly connect to your engineering curriculum. Many firms integrate CPT students into licensed project teams under PE supervision.
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Company Description
KPFF Consulting Engineers provides structural and civil engineering services to architects, government agencies, developers, and contractors for projects with a wide range of functions. Established in 1960, KPFF has offices in Austin, Birmingham, Boise, Chicago, Des Moines, Eugene, Irvine, Lacey, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Louisville, Nashville, Newport Beach, New York City, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Spokane, St. Louis, Tacoma, and Washington, DC..
KPFF's civil engineering staff accomplishes projects for site development, parks, and recreation facilities and the improvements to existing city streets, urban arterials, and highways. Scope of services may include site planning, environmental analysis, storm drainage studies, wetlands enhancement, permit coordination, and design of site grading, drainage, storm detention, utilities, access roads, parking facilities, and public street improvements.
In addition to typical site development engineering, our civil group serves as a prime consultant to government clients for management and design of transportation, waterfront, site improvements, and major utility projects.
Our engineers work in dynamic teams with open communication and strong support from senior-level mentors. These teams work directly with our clients on some of the most challenging projects in the region. We promote decision-making at the level closest to the issue in order to most efficiently and effectively serve our clients, and to promote professional growth for our staff.
Job Description
Civil Engineering Internship
KPFF proudly takes part in students’ educational and professional development. We go beyond giving interns a glimpse into the job; we place them in the middle of it. We do this by incorporating them into teams that are ready to share their professional experience as they work on projects together. Job responsibilities vary by groups, and each intern walks away with a unique story to tell.
Below is a list of representative entry-level engineer responsibilities that an Intern may be tasked to complete:
- Assist in Project Design and Development: Contribute to civil engineering design projects, including site plans, grading, drainage, and utility designs, under the supervision of senior engineers.
- Prepare Engineering Calculations and Documentation: Create calculations, drawings, and specifications using AutoCAD and Civil 3D; support technical reports and construction documents.
- Conduct Site Visits and Field Investigations: Collect data, monitor project progress, and ensure compliance with design standards and safety protocols.
- Support Project Coordination and Scheduling: Help maintain project schedules and documentation, and assist with permits and regulatory compliance.
- Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: Participate in project meetings, work with contractors and vendors, and contribute to sustainable design and environmental compliance efforts.
- Research and Stay Updated on Industry Standards: Engage in research to support innovative engineering solutions and uphold best practices in civil engineering.
- Prepare Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan: Make appropriate changes to the plan and conduct site inspections in accordance with the General Permit issued by the California Water Resources Control Board.
KPFF Los Angeles is always on the lookout for motivated and energetic civil interns. We continuously accept applications and review candidates for positions as they become available. We typically hire interns during the summer, and begin reviewing resumes during the spring. Internship opportunities also arise during other times of the year, in which case we will review all applications. In order to make the experience as beneficial as possible, we hire Civil interns who are Juniors or above, including students pursuing their master’s degree.
We are passionate about developing great engineers. Join us and be part of a team that works on exciting projects with exceptional clients!
Qualifications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to visit job sites to inspect existing conditions and document potential scope of work
- Ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods of time at a desk working on a computer and viewing a screen
- Ability to learn and apply established engineering principles to solve problems and/or overcome obstacles using sound judgment, independent decision making, and prolonged focus
Additional Information
Why KPFF?
Mentorship & Development: Through KPFF’s Forefront Education Program, you’ll receive unparalleled mentorship from seasoned professionals, empowering you to excel in your career from day one. Thrive in a setting that values your development and independence, where your ideas are welcomed, and your contributions make a real impact.
Relationship Building: At our core, we focus on forging meaningful connections. By prioritizing trust and stability, we create lasting relationships with our partners and clients that stand the test of time.
Supportive Environment: We cultivate growth in all aspects of your life in a supportive environment that values your well-being. From promoting a healthy lifestyle to organizing social activities, we strive to create a balanced and fulfilling workplace.
Compensation
The base salary for this role is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, and skills. The expected Salary for this position is $28.50. Additionally, we offer performance-based bonuses to recognize and reward outstanding contributions in each Reporting Center. During the interview process, we'll provide detailed information and address any questions you may have about the overall compensation package and benefits.
KPFF Consulting Engineers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.
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Get Access To All JobsCivil Engineer CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does civil engineering CPT work have to be on a construction site?
No. CPT authorization covers any work setting where the tasks are an integral part of your curriculum, including office-based roles doing structural calculations, CAD drafting, environmental permitting, or transportation planning. Your DSO cares about the connection to your coursework, not the physical location. Field and site roles qualify equally as long as the work ties to your program.
Can I do CPT at a government agency or public works department?
Yes. Federal, state, and municipal engineering offices regularly hire F-1 students on CPT for roles in transportation, water infrastructure, and urban planning. Government employers follow the same CPT authorization rules as private firms. Confirm the agency is comfortable with your I-20 CPT authorization documentation before accepting an offer, since some public HR departments are less familiar with F-1 work authorization.
How do I find civil engineering employers who understand CPT authorization?
Search civil engineering roles on Migrate Mate to surface employers with documented work authorization filing history. Firms that have previously sponsored F-1 employees are significantly more likely to have onboarding processes that accommodate CPT documentation, E-Verify requirements, and DSO authorization letters without delays or last-minute policy objections.
Does part-time CPT affect my eligibility for STEM OPT later?
Part-time CPT, defined as less than 20 hours per week, does not affect your OPT or STEM OPT eligibility regardless of how many semesters you use it. Full-time CPT used for 12 months or more eliminates your OPT eligibility entirely, including STEM OPT. If you're planning on post-graduation work authorization, track your full-time CPT usage carefully across every semester.
What should my CPT offer letter include for DSO approval?
Your offer letter needs the employer's legal name and address, your job title, a description of engineering duties that maps to your curriculum, your start and end dates, your weekly hours, and confirmation that the position is paid or for academic credit. Many DSOs also want the supervising engineer's name and title. A vague letter referencing only 'engineering support' is frequently rejected, so ask the employer to be specific about project types and tasks.