H-1B Visa Project Architect Jobs
Project Architect roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because they require a professional architecture degree and licensure. Many large firms and corporate real estate developers sponsor H-1B visas for this role, and the 85,000-slot annual cap means timing your job search around the April lottery window matters.
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Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Data Center Project Architect to join its design team in Herndon, VA.
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.
You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
AWS designs, builds, and operates Data Centers (DC) around the world and is a leader in worldwide cloud-computing infrastructure.
Architects at AWS work to design resilient, cost effective DC facilities. Our team is responsible for achieving a world class uptime for our customers and drive to develop a fleet of buildings that emphasize security, safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness, while finding new ways to meet AWS’s growing demand.
As a DC Project Architect at AWS, you will lead designs for Amazon DCs in our Americas Region and impact other projects around the world. As a DC Project Architect, you will be part of a highly creative and efficient design team comprised of Architects, Engineers, and Designers tasked with solving problems and challenging the status quo. As a subject matter expert, you will have a direct impact on the design of prototypical DC facilities, provide technical guidance, solve large scale implementation issues, and be responsible for architectural design requirements.
Key job responsibilities
- Communicate conceptual designs and create/maintain project documentation before, during, and after construction.
- Maintenance of Basis of Design, prototype design, and template specifications for architectural elements.
- Review and inform design RFPs.
- Manage our external design consultants through the design and construction process.
- Coordinate with internal and external Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, and Cabling design engineers.
- Effectively communicate design standards to internal and external project partners.
- Manage multiple fast paced projects simultaneously.
- Think outside of the box to find innovative solutions prior to and during the construction process to reduce costs without negative impacts on quality or reliability.
- Travel for site assessments, internal design meetings, construction review, and interfacing with design consultants. Anticipated travel not to exceed 25%.
About the team
Diverse Experiences
AWS values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
Why AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Mentorship & Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Experience with the design, construction, operation, or maintenance of mission critical facilities, especially data centers
- 4+ years of technical specialist, design and architecture experience
- NCARB recognized architecture license.
- 1+ years leading sub-consultants and project teams.
- Proficiency in building codes, regulations, and standards including IBC or equivalent.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of building codes and regulations for your region
- Experience carrying design concepts through exploration, development, and into deployment or mass production
- Ability to travel internationally.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
Location: USA, VA, Herndon
Salary: 96,600.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Data Center Project Architect to join its design team in Herndon, VA.
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.
You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
AWS designs, builds, and operates Data Centers (DC) around the world and is a leader in worldwide cloud-computing infrastructure.
Architects at AWS work to design resilient, cost effective DC facilities. Our team is responsible for achieving a world class uptime for our customers and drive to develop a fleet of buildings that emphasize security, safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness, while finding new ways to meet AWS’s growing demand.
As a DC Project Architect at AWS, you will lead designs for Amazon DCs in our Americas Region and impact other projects around the world. As a DC Project Architect, you will be part of a highly creative and efficient design team comprised of Architects, Engineers, and Designers tasked with solving problems and challenging the status quo. As a subject matter expert, you will have a direct impact on the design of prototypical DC facilities, provide technical guidance, solve large scale implementation issues, and be responsible for architectural design requirements.
Key job responsibilities
- Communicate conceptual designs and create/maintain project documentation before, during, and after construction.
- Maintenance of Basis of Design, prototype design, and template specifications for architectural elements.
- Review and inform design RFPs.
- Manage our external design consultants through the design and construction process.
- Coordinate with internal and external Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, and Cabling design engineers.
- Effectively communicate design standards to internal and external project partners.
- Manage multiple fast paced projects simultaneously.
- Think outside of the box to find innovative solutions prior to and during the construction process to reduce costs without negative impacts on quality or reliability.
- Travel for site assessments, internal design meetings, construction review, and interfacing with design consultants. Anticipated travel not to exceed 25%.
About the team
Diverse Experiences
AWS values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
Why AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Mentorship & Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Experience with the design, construction, operation, or maintenance of mission critical facilities, especially data centers
- 4+ years of technical specialist, design and architecture experience
- NCARB recognized architecture license.
- 1+ years leading sub-consultants and project teams.
- Proficiency in building codes, regulations, and standards including IBC or equivalent.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of building codes and regulations for your region
- Experience carrying design concepts through exploration, development, and into deployment or mass production
- Ability to travel internationally.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
Location: USA, VA, Herndon
Salary: 96,600.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
See all 190+ H-1B Visa Project Architect Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Project Architect Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Project Architect
Verify your NCARB credentials transfer correctly
Foreign architecture licenses don't automatically satisfy state licensure requirements. Confirm your credentials are evaluated through NCARB before your employer files the LCA, so the specialty occupation claim holds up under USCIS review.
Target firms with active LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to filter Project Architect roles by employers who have certified LCAs for this occupation code. That filing history signals the firm understands H-1B sponsorship and won't back out after an offer.
Distinguish yourself from unlicensed candidates
Employers sponsoring H-1B visas for Project Architects must justify the specialty occupation requirement. Holding an active architecture license or documented ARE progress strengthens the petition and reduces the chance of a USCIS Request for Evidence.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Run your job title and work location through the OFLC Wage Search before accepting any offer. Your employer's LCA must certify at least the Level I prevailing wage, and knowing the tiers lets you negotiate from an informed position.
Ask about cap-exempt sponsorship routes early
Some Project Architect roles at universities, nonprofits, or government-affiliated research entities qualify for cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship. If a firm has institutional partnerships, ask whether your position could be structured to bypass the annual lottery.
Plan your timeline around the April registration window
USCIS opens H-1B registration each March, with employment starting October 1 if selected. Start interviewing in January so your employer can register in time, and confirm they're prepared to pay premium processing if your start date is urgent.
H-1B Visa Project Architect: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Architect role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. USCIS consistently recognizes architecture as a specialty occupation because it requires a professional degree in architecture as a minimum entry requirement. The O*NET classification for architects lists a typical education requirement of a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field, which meets the statutory definition. Your employer documents this in the LCA and I-129 petition.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Project Architects?
Large commercial architecture firms, corporate real estate developers, healthcare system facilities groups, and higher education institutions are the most active H-1B sponsors for this role. Government contractors with design-build contracts also sponsor regularly. You can find employers with verified LCA filing history for Project Architect positions on Migrate Mate, filtered by location and firm size.
Does my foreign architecture license satisfy H-1B specialty occupation requirements?
A foreign license alone isn't sufficient. USCIS evaluates whether your degree and credentials are equivalent to a U.S. professional architecture degree. A credential evaluation from a NCARB-recognized body or a recognized equivalency assessment is typically required. Some employers also accept documented progress toward the ARE as evidence of professional-level qualification, depending on the role's specific duties.
Can I switch firms while on an H-1B as a Project Architect?
Yes, under H-1B portability provisions in AC21, you can change employers once your petition has been pending for at least 180 days and your new employer files a new I-129 petition. The new employer must sponsor you in the same or a similar specialty occupation, so a lateral move to another architecture firm is straightforward. Your status remains valid while the new petition is pending.
How does prevailing wage apply to Project Architect H-1B roles?
DOL requires your employer to pay at least the prevailing wage for the Project Architect occupation in the specific geographic area where you'll work. Prevailing wage is determined by the OFLC Wage Search tool and varies by location and experience level across four wage tiers. Employers must certify compliance in the LCA before USCIS will approve the H-1B petition, so your offered salary must meet or exceed that threshold.