E-3 Visa Civil Project Engineer Jobs
Civil Project Engineer roles in infrastructure, transport, and construction qualify as E-3 visa specialty occupations, making Australian engineers strong candidates for U.S. visa sponsorship. The E-3 has no lottery and no annual cap, so your application competes on merit, not chance. Most civil engineering positions require a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering, which aligns directly with E-3 requirements.
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INTRODUCTION
WSP is seeking a Technical Project Manager, Civil Engineer to join our Washington transportation team. This position can be based out of our Tacoma, WA, Seattle, WA or Portland, OR offices.
Provides subject matter technical project leadership, and guidance with managing the administrative, commercial, and technical components of assigned project(s) or portfolio of projects in accordance with WSP’s core values, and the level of project services agreed upon in the contract by WSP and the client(s). Tasks include responsibility for the overall performance of assigned project(s) that are moderate and larger size/complexity and regional in scope, and includes oversight for financial, technical, client satisfaction, quality, safety, and schedule. Ensures that responsibilities throughout the project lifecycle (proposal phase, project startup and planning, project execution, reporting, and project closeout) are adhered to, delivered, and audited with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable corporate standards for safety, execution, profitability, and operational purpose.
YOUR IMPACT
- Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams of technical professionals and subject matter experts to execute project work on mid-level and/or multiple concurrent projects, including budgets, tracking hours and expenses, task completion, cost and quantities of materials/equipment/labor, deliverables, compliance documentation, and managing the contractual obligations to deliver the project(s) as defined in the contract.
- Support the long-term strategy, growth, and pipeline development of Civil Engineering work for WSP in assigned area of responsibility, with a focus on infrastructure opportunities in all business lines (planning, design, and strategic consulting and program/construction management).
- Lead and develop and inform proposal and project scopes, timelines, pricing, and budgetary metrics. Accountable for planning, development and management of projects in compliance with all applicable City/State/Federal codes and regulations, and in accordance with all acceptable engineering practices.
- Lead complex civil engineering projects ensuring contributors know what they are required to do and by when, preparing and overseeing relevant project budgets, monitoring external events, tracking hours and expenses, ensuring satisfactory performance, and supervising subcontractors, contract work, and employees.
- Establish and actively drive the appropriate levels of technical review required for the project, selecting appropriately qualified staff to perform the required reviews, and adherence to the QA/QC plan, as applicable.
- Supervise and mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
- Manage contract negotiations, presentations, and meetings from project inception to completion.
- Provide verbal and/or written inputs to multi-disciplinary project teams and contribute to providing high level strategic advice to clients.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
WHO YOU ARE
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a related major, or equivalent experience in a technical or engineering firm.
- WA Professional Engineering license required.
- 10+ years of relevant post education experience with roadway/highway/site development/transit design within Transportation industry.
- A minimum of 5+ years’ project management experience on transportation infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with Sound Transit, WSDOT, and City of Seattle engineering practices.
- Highly proficient with civil engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, standard of care, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues.
- Highly proficient with transportation and infrastructure design.
- Proficient understanding of project delivery process within the A/E/C industry and strong background and experience in project management.
- Highly proficient analytical and organizational skills, with business acumen to bridge the business and project management.
- Highly proficient with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make assessments and calculations involving the application of project management principles, with a sound understanding of intent, impact, and optimal outcomes.
- Highly proficient interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively, persuasively, and tactfully with leadership, subcontractors, and employees at all levels of the organization.
- Strong self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and adjusting readily to the changing prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Works independently to provide guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior-level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
- Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, relevant software, MS Office suite products (e.g., Word, Excel, Visio, Project, SharePoint), technology, spreadsheets, and PM tools.
- Experienced with providing critical review for documents and preparing project deliverables and plans with a high degree of complexity.
- Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating resources and assertively directing consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, and others to consistently complete tasks competently and efficiently.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical work week.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Engineering.
- Member of and actively participates in local professional practice organization(s) including attending meetings and events.
WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $147,150 - $235,000
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding E-3 Visa Sponsorship as a Civil Project Engineer
Get your credentials assessed before applying
Australian three-year engineering degrees are generally accepted for E-3 purposes, but some U.S. employers ask for a credential evaluation from a NACES-approved agency. Having an assessment ready removes a common bottleneck in the offer stage.
Target firms with active federal infrastructure contracts
U.S. firms delivering FHWA, Army Corps of Engineers, or state DOT projects are accustomed to sponsoring international engineers. These employers file LCAs regularly and understand the E-3 process, which shortens the time from offer to approval.
Search for E-3 sponsorship roles on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service to handle your LCA and visa paperwork once you have an offer. Migrate Mate filters roles by sponsorship willingness, so you're not spending time on employers who won't support an E-3 application.
Clarify PE licensure expectations early in interviews
Many U.S. civil engineering roles list a Professional Engineer license as preferred. Your Australian RPEQ or NER registration doesn't transfer directly, but you can work toward a U.S. PE through NCEES. Addressing this upfront prevents late-stage surprises with employers.
Confirm the LCA wage level matches your offered role
DOL requires your employer to file an LCA certifying your salary meets the prevailing wage for the specific civil engineering SOC code in that metro area. If you're offered a senior-level role but the LCA is filed at Level I, it can create compliance problems.
Time your E-3 application around active project pipelines
E-3 visas are employer-tied, so your application reflects a specific job. Employers mid-project have stronger justification for sponsoring an international hire. Targeting firms that have recently won large infrastructure bids improves your chances of a firm, document-ready offer.
E-3 Visa Civil Project Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find Civil Project Engineer jobs that offer E-3 visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for Australian professionals searching for U.S. roles with E-3 sponsorship. It surfaces civil engineering positions where employers are open to sponsoring E-3 applicants, saving you from filtering through roles where visa support isn't available. Standard job boards don't filter by E-3 willingness, which makes the search far less efficient.
How much does it cost to get an E-3 visa?
Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service covers the entire process for $499, including the Labor Condition Application, visa document preparation, and consulate appointment guidance. Traditional immigration lawyers charge $2,000–$5,000+ for the same work. The E-3 has less paperwork than most work visas, so paying thousands for legal help is usually unnecessary.
Does a Civil Project Engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for E-3 purposes?
Yes. Civil engineering roles that require a bachelor's degree or higher in civil, structural, or a directly related engineering discipline meet the specialty occupation standard for E-3 purposes. The role must require theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge. Generic project management roles without an engineering degree requirement may not qualify, so the job description wording matters.
How does the E-3 compare to H-1B for Australian civil engineers?
The E-3 is available only to Australian citizens and has no lottery, so you aren't competing against tens of thousands of registrants for a limited slot. The H-1B visa selection rate has been below 30% in recent years, meaning most applicants don't get picked regardless of qualifications. For an Australian civil engineer, the E-3 is a direct path to U.S. employment that the H-1B simply doesn't offer.
Can I change employers or projects while on an E-3 visa?
You can change employers, but the new employer must file a fresh LCA with DOL and you'll need a new E-3 visa or amended status before starting work. If you're already in the U.S., your new employer can file a change of status petition. There's no grace period that allows you to work for the new employer while the application is pending, so timing matters.