H-1B Visa Civil Engineer Jobs
Civil Engineer roles in infrastructure, transportation, and construction qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field is required. Many large public agencies and private contractors sponsor H-1B workers, and project-based roles with multi-year timelines give employers a clear incentive to file.
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At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.
With over 1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths.
Job Description
KPFF's NorCal Civil team is seeking an Entry Level Civil Engineer or Graduate Civil Engineer to join our San Francisco office. This role is ideal for an engineer who is ready to take on greater project responsibility while continuing to develop technical expertise, client exposure, and leadership skills.
As part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to a diverse portfolio of land development and infrastructure projects, working alongside experienced engineers and project managers to deliver thoughtful, high-quality solutions.
Engineering Design and Analysis
- Assist with the design of site development, grading, drainage, utility, roadway, and infrastructure projects.
- Perform engineering calculations and technical analyses under the guidance of experienced engineers.
- Prepare plans, specifications, and construction documents using AutoCAD Civil 3D and other engineering tools.
Project Support and Coordination
- Assist with project planning, scheduling, and documentation.
- Support permitting efforts and coordination with public agencies and utility providers.
- Participate in project meetings and collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams.
Field Experience
- Conduct site visits, field investigations, and data collection activities.
- Observe construction activities and assist with evaluating field conditions.
- Verify design assumptions and support project implementation efforts.
Professional Development
- Learn industry best practices, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in design reviews and quality control processes.
- Work closely with mentors and project managers to develop technical expertise and progress toward professional licensure.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, or the ability to obtain EIT certification within six months of hire
- Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Understanding of civil engineering fundamentals and design principles
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Eagerness to learn, grow, and take on new challenges
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on design and technical tasks
- Ability to conduct occasional site visits and navigate active project sites
- Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds of equipment or materials as needed
Compensation
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $64,000 - $85,000, depending on education, experience, qualifications, and overall alignment with the role.
In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for performance-based bonus opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.
Why KPFF
At KPFF, you'll find the flexibility of a locally empowered office backed by the resources of a national firm. We believe the best way to develop engineers is through meaningful project experience, mentorship, and opportunities to take on increasing responsibility.
Our employees enjoy:
- Flexible schedules and work-life integration
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
- Two floating holidays each year
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% company contribution
- Six weeks of paid family leave
- Professional development and mentorship opportunities
- Support for FE, PE, and professional licensure goals
- Continuing education and industry involvement opportunities
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.
Company Description
At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.
With over 1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths.
Job Description
KPFF's NorCal Civil team is seeking an Entry Level Civil Engineer or Graduate Civil Engineer to join our San Francisco office. This role is ideal for an engineer who is ready to take on greater project responsibility while continuing to develop technical expertise, client exposure, and leadership skills.
As part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to a diverse portfolio of land development and infrastructure projects, working alongside experienced engineers and project managers to deliver thoughtful, high-quality solutions.
Engineering Design and Analysis
- Assist with the design of site development, grading, drainage, utility, roadway, and infrastructure projects.
- Perform engineering calculations and technical analyses under the guidance of experienced engineers.
- Prepare plans, specifications, and construction documents using AutoCAD Civil 3D and other engineering tools.
Project Support and Coordination
- Assist with project planning, scheduling, and documentation.
- Support permitting efforts and coordination with public agencies and utility providers.
- Participate in project meetings and collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams.
Field Experience
- Conduct site visits, field investigations, and data collection activities.
- Observe construction activities and assist with evaluating field conditions.
- Verify design assumptions and support project implementation efforts.
Professional Development
- Learn industry best practices, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in design reviews and quality control processes.
- Work closely with mentors and project managers to develop technical expertise and progress toward professional licensure.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, or the ability to obtain EIT certification within six months of hire
- Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Understanding of civil engineering fundamentals and design principles
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Eagerness to learn, grow, and take on new challenges
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on design and technical tasks
- Ability to conduct occasional site visits and navigate active project sites
- Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds of equipment or materials as needed
Compensation
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $64,000 - $85,000, depending on education, experience, qualifications, and overall alignment with the role.
In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for performance-based bonus opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.
Why KPFF
At KPFF, you'll find the flexibility of a locally empowered office backed by the resources of a national firm. We believe the best way to develop engineers is through meaningful project experience, mentorship, and opportunities to take on increasing responsibility.
Our employees enjoy:
- Flexible schedules and work-life integration
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
- Two floating holidays each year
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% company contribution
- Six weeks of paid family leave
- Professional development and mentorship opportunities
- Support for FE, PE, and professional licensure goals
- Continuing education and industry involvement opportunities
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.
See all 8,394+ H-1B Visa Civil Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Civil Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Civil Engineer
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation
USCIS scrutinizes civil engineering petitions when your degree field doesn't directly match the role. A structural engineering degree supporting a geotechnical position can trigger an RFE, so prepare a credential evaluation before you start applying.
Target contractors with federal project portfolios
Firms holding federal infrastructure contracts often have established H-1B filing processes and dedicated immigration counsel. Search DOL LCA disclosure data on Migrate Mate to identify which civil engineering employers have active H-1B filing history by role and location.
Check prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Your offered salary must meet the DOL prevailing wage for your exact SOC code and work location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up Level I through Level IV wages for civil engineers in your metro area before negotiating your offer.
Ask employers about PE licensure and cap-exempt status
Some civil engineering roles at universities or nonprofit research institutions qualify for cap-exempt H-1B filing, bypassing the annual lottery. If you hold or are pursuing a Professional Engineer license, ask whether the employer has affiliations that enable cap-exempt petitions.
File for premium processing on project-start deadlines
Civil engineering roles tied to project kickoff dates can't afford a six-month standard processing window. Confirm your employer will request premium processing through USCIS, which guarantees a 15-business-day adjudication decision for time-sensitive project assignments.
Clarify worksite changes before your I-129 is filed
Civil engineers frequently rotate across job sites, and each new worksite in a different metropolitan statistical area may require a new LCA. Confirm with your employer how they handle multi-site LCA compliance before your H-1B petition is submitted to USCIS.
H-1B Visa Civil Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a civil engineering role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, civil engineering roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations when the position normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a directly related field. USCIS evaluates whether the degree requirement is specific to the role, so positions requiring any bachelor's degree regardless of field can face additional scrutiny and may receive a Request for Evidence.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for civil engineers?
Private engineering and construction firms, transportation authorities, environmental consultancies, and public works agencies all sponsor H-1B visas for civil engineers. Employers with long-term infrastructure projects have stronger incentives to sponsor because project timelines exceed the duration of OPT. You can search employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history for civil engineering roles on Migrate Mate.
How does working across multiple construction sites affect my H-1B status?
Each metropolitan statistical area where you work for more than 90 consecutive days requires a separate Labor Condition Application certified by DOL. Your employer must post LCA notices at each worksite and maintain a public access file. If your employer hasn't set up a blanket LCA or place-of-employment process for field engineers, unplanned site assignments can create compliance gaps that affect your H-1B validity.
Does holding a Professional Engineer license strengthen an H-1B petition?
A PE license supports the specialty occupation argument because state licensure bodies require a bachelor's degree in engineering as a prerequisite. USCIS treats PE licensure as evidence that the profession itself demands a specific academic background. It doesn't guarantee approval, but it directly addresses the specialty occupation requirement and reduces the likelihood of an RFE on that basis.
Can a civil engineer on H-1B work for a public agency like a city or county?
Yes, government agencies can sponsor H-1B visas, and some state and local government employers qualify as cap-exempt if they meet the nonprofit or governmental research institution criteria under USCIS rules. Standard city and county public works departments are cap-subject, meaning your petition enters the annual lottery. Confirm the agency's cap status with their HR or legal team before counting on a cap-exempt filing.