Architect Jobs for OPT Students
Architect roles qualify for OPT work authorization when tied to a professional architecture degree. Most positions require or lead to ARE licensure, which strengthens your case for H-1B sponsorship. STEM OPT extension is not available for architecture, so a 12-month timeline applies unless your degree program is STEM-designated.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting End Date
03-31-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company!
We’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
Job Description
Part of a larger team delivering technology solutions to address business problems and opportunities. Focus on translating specific business requirements into technical solution architectures including application architecture, integration architecture, data architecture, and non-functional requirements around supportability, resiliency, security, etc. Translate general business requirements and business trends in architecture patterns and technology ecosystems including data center architecture, application architecture patterns, integration architecture patterns, technology standards, non-functional technical requirements, and computing paradigms. Under limited supervision, participates in all aspects of application delivery.
What You'll Do:
- Previous experience as a Software developer
- Previous experience as an Architect in an environment supporting vendor software tools
- Willingness to be flexible and help in other roles as the team needs, such as helping with coding or troubleshooting system outages
Nice To Have:
- Advance communication, problem-solving and leadership skills
- Previous experience with one of the following tools - Electric Office, CYME, Docking Station
What We're Looking For:
Architect (SG7):
Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related technical field is required.
Experience: 3 years of relevant work experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.
Architect Sr (SG8):
Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related technical field is required.
Experience: 6 years of relevant work experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.
What You Will Get:
Architect (SG7): $85,081 - $106,353
Architect Sr (SG8): $96,110 - $124,940
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade: SP20-007
Compensation Range: $87,633.00 - $128,688.00
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
Job Posting End Date
03-31-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company!
We’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
Job Description
Part of a larger team delivering technology solutions to address business problems and opportunities. Focus on translating specific business requirements into technical solution architectures including application architecture, integration architecture, data architecture, and non-functional requirements around supportability, resiliency, security, etc. Translate general business requirements and business trends in architecture patterns and technology ecosystems including data center architecture, application architecture patterns, integration architecture patterns, technology standards, non-functional technical requirements, and computing paradigms. Under limited supervision, participates in all aspects of application delivery.
What You'll Do:
- Previous experience as a Software developer
- Previous experience as an Architect in an environment supporting vendor software tools
- Willingness to be flexible and help in other roles as the team needs, such as helping with coding or troubleshooting system outages
Nice To Have:
- Advance communication, problem-solving and leadership skills
- Previous experience with one of the following tools - Electric Office, CYME, Docking Station
What We're Looking For:
Architect (SG7):
Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related technical field is required.
Experience: 3 years of relevant work experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.
Architect Sr (SG8):
Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related technical field is required.
Experience: 6 years of relevant work experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.
What You Will Get:
Architect (SG7): $85,081 - $106,353
Architect Sr (SG8): $96,110 - $124,940
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade: SP20-007
Compensation Range: $87,633.00 - $128,688.00
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Architect
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Architecture hiring cycles can run three to six months. If your OPT start date is approaching, communicate your authorization timeline early so employers can plan onboarding and initiate any sponsorship paperwork before your status becomes urgent.
Highlight U.S.-specific software proficiency
Revit, AutoCAD, and Rhino are standard expectations at most U.S. firms. Demonstrating fluency with these tools removes a common hiring hesitation and signals you can contribute immediately, which matters more when sponsorship is part of the equation.
Frame ARE progress as a hiring asset
Employers sponsoring architects for H-1B want long-term hires. Showing that you have passed ARE divisions or have a structured exam plan signals commitment to U.S. licensure and makes you a stronger candidate for sponsorship investment.
Consider construction and development companies
In-house architecture roles at real estate developers, general contractors, and large corporations often have more flexible sponsorship processes than traditional design firms. These employers hire architects regularly and may be more accustomed to work authorization requirements.
Architect jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an architecture degree qualify for OPT?
Yes. A professional architecture degree (B.Arch, M.Arch, or D.Arch) from an USCIS-recognized institution qualifies for 12 months of OPT work authorization. However, architecture is generally not classified as a STEM field, so the 24-month STEM OPT extension is not available unless your specific program holds a STEM CIP code designation.
Can architects on OPT find employers who sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes, and architecture qualifies as a specialty occupation under H-1B rules because the role typically requires a professional architecture degree. To find employers with a documented sponsorship track record, browse architect roles on Migrate Mate, which filters for visa-sponsoring employers. Targeting firms that have filed H-1B petitions previously significantly improves your odds of a successful transition before OPT expires.
How does OPT employment need to be related to architecture?
USCIS requires that your OPT employment be directly related to your degree field. For architecture graduates, qualifying roles include licensed architect positions, architectural design, project management within a design firm, urban planning roles tied to architectural coursework, and building information modeling. Roles in unrelated fields, such as general construction labor or project coordination without design scope, would not satisfy the OPT requirement.
What happens if my OPT expires before I receive an H-1B approval?
If your H-1B is filed before OPT expires and you are selected in the lottery, USCIS typically issues a cap-gap extension that bridges your status from OPT expiration through October 1, when the H-1B takes effect. You can continue working for the same employer during cap-gap. If you are not selected in the lottery, your employment authorization ends when OPT expires and you would need to depart or change status.
Are there architecture roles that are harder to get sponsored for?
Roles at small boutique firms with fewer than five employees are the most difficult. These employers rarely have immigration counsel on retainer and may decline sponsorship due to cost and administrative complexity. Internship-level positions are also harder, since H-1B sponsorship requires a full-time, permanent job offer. Focusing on mid-size and large firms during your OPT year gives you the best chance of converting to long-term sponsorship.
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