OPT Architect Jobs
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 visa 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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INTRODUCTION
We are actively seeking multiple Architects in our Burlington, MA office and are open to a variety of levels of experience.
Under the direct supervision of the Group Lead and Director of Architecture, the Architect independently evaluates, selects and applies architectural techniques, procedures and modifications. Assignments require the investigation of many variables. Works directly with clients to select and recommend procedures. Develops preliminary designs and is responsible for work in all phases of the architectural process. When in a project team environment, the Architect III will supervise his/her team members which may consist of Architect I, Architectural Designer I, II, Senior Architectural Designer.
KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assess the requirements of a project, break a project into tasks, and work with a Project Manager to determine scope of work, budget and staffing.
- Corrects and updates design documents. Develops solutions to design problems. Reviews drawings and documents to assure compliance with company, regulatory agencies, and production standards.
- Leads or at times assist in the development of design documentation for the following design phases; programming, master planning, schematic (Concept), preliminary (BOD), and construction documentation (Detailed Design).
- Leads Architectural construction administration activities such as preparing bulletins, construction sketches, submittal review, and RFI responses as well as performing on-site observations and field support when called upon.
- Proactively alerting team members of a project design change which may affect time and costs of the project.
- Capable of recognizing design support abilities of team and empowering those to have opportunities to elevate their design capabilities through my challenging assignments.
- Keeps Project Team aware of workload and requests additional resources and work assignments ahead of schedule.
- Ensures project specifications are delivered with company quality standards and are delivered on time as required by the client.
- Capable of developing “Workplans” and computing hours and deliverables needed to complete design tasks.
- Works with equipment suppliers/vendors to obtain the necessary information needed for design completion.
- Interacts with clients to secure scope and design intent.
- Research equipment selection from catalogs as needed for the project.
- Ensure acceptable levels of quality and checks for coordination of work to assure documents reflect design intent and necessary coordination.
- Coordinates architectural design work with related engineering disciplines. Attend job and construction meetings and participate in the coordination of the work.
- Assists the design team with design solutions by having the ability to interpret drawing mark-up drawings and execute changes on the project based on such mark-ups.
- Uses Revit to develop architectural design documentation that aligns with company BIM/CAD standards.
- Reviews drawings and documents to assure compliance with company design and production standards.
- Ability to work as a team member and capable of interpreting the Project Architect's design requests.
- Participate in architectural design work coordination with related engineering disciplines.
- Supports and/or leads field visits and site surveys when requested by the Architect.
- Capable of creating renderings, generate diagrams and special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 3 years of architectural office experience or equivalent as a Registered Architect (RA).
- Bachelor Degree; Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree with NAAB Accreditation is required.
- Ability to interpret a building program and generate varied design concepts. Knowledge of building and zoning codes and is capable of interpreting project specifications.
- Life Sciences Industry experience preferred.
- Must be highly proficient in the use of Autodesk Revit and possess a strong understanding of BIM workflows.
- Ample experience and knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system design and how these systems integrate into architectural designs.
- The ability to exhibit and develop strong oral and written communication skills.
- Proven team player with strong time management skills; must be able to juggle more than one project at a time.
CONTEXT AND ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY
- Travel duration, if any, is based on project complexity and location.
- This position is a safety sensitive position. The employee is designated for field work and attends activities at client sites where they work in construction, process, packaging, manufacturing, research or other "non-administrative" areas.
DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCIES
- Must exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit by consistently seeking new opportunities to add value to the organization. Must strive for excellence in all aspects of job performance.
- Must approach their work enthusiastically with a contagious energy and drive that shows everyone they love what they do.
- Must be capable and willing for upholding the highest level of professionalism by maintaining the Health, Safety, and Welfare for all their projects and occupants that will inhabit these projects.
- Must show competency in finding meaningful purpose and maintaining the upmost level of pride in their work.
- Must display creativity and innovation by continually working to improve solutions, tools, methods and service delivery system.
- Must conduct oneself with an uncompromising commitment to the welfare of our clients and each other. Must act in an ethical, professional and respectful manner at all times.
- Must be willing and able to maintain composure under pressure in order to meet schedule deadlines and budgets.
- Must be willing to keep an open mind and respect co-workers ideas even if disagreeing.
- Must exhibit the ability to build and sustain long term relationships of mutual value through teamwork.
- Must be driven to succeed and committed to goal attainment.
- Must be willing to come to the office every day to learn something new, and when possible, teach something new to a co-worker.
- Must be punctual and capable of putting in the required time for project and office related events and activities.
About us
IPS-Integrated Project Services is a global leader in developing innovative and cost effective solutions for the engineering, construction, commissioning and qualification of complex pharmaceutical and biotech research and manufacturing facilities. With technical expertise spanning R&D to pilot-scale to large-scale production, our team specializes in the technology, trends and regulatory environment to successfully deliver capital projects and improve operations. For over thirty years, we have applied unique LEAN methodologies throughout the project life cycle, continually finding ways to do things better and more efficiently, delivering higher quality and controlling costs. Headquartered in Blue Bell, PA, IPS is a multi-national company with over 1,500 professionals worldwide and offices in California, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Brazil, Canada, China, Ireland, Singapore, Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom and four locations in India.
IPS is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer of protected veterans (M/F/D/V).
Attention Search Firms / Third Party Recruiters: IPS is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for employment opportunities with IPS. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at IPS via-email, the Internet or directly to hiring managers at IPS in any form without a valid written search agreement in place for a specific position will be deemed the sole property of IPS, and no fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by IPS as a result of the referral or through other means.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Architect
Target licensed architecture firms first
Firms with AIA membership and established HR processes are more familiar with visa sponsorship. Mid-size and large practices that regularly hire international staff are the most realistic starting point for OPT and future H-1B visa support.
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.
Research firms with a history of H-1B filings
USCIS and DOL disclosure data show which architecture employers have filed H-1B petitions previously. Prioritizing those firms on your list means you are not starting a conversation about sponsorship from scratch during the interview process.
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 OPT: Frequently 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.