OPT Architectural Designer Jobs
Architectural Designer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students, as the role directly aligns with architecture and design degrees required for OPT authorization. Most positions qualify under STEM-adjacent fields, and some roles with a computational or engineering focus may support a 24-month STEM OPT extension.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You’ll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes your development. Whether you’re working in our four global Home Offices, Distribution Centers or Retail Stores—TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Homegoods, Homesense, Sierra, Winners, and TK Maxx, you’ll find abundant opportunities to learn, thrive, and make an impact. Come join our TJX family—a Fortune 100 company and the world’s leading off-price retailer.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Architectural & Engineering Project Specialist
The Opportunity: Contribute To The Growth Of Your Career.
As the Architectural & Engineering Project Specialist, you will support the A&E Department by coordinating, reviewing, and approving architectural and engineering construction documents submitted by landlords, developers, and external or TJX-retained architects, ensuring that they maintain the integrity of the TJX Criteria Set and Specifications for all TJX New Store projects.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: YOU!
- Support & coordinate all A&E drawing submittals schedule and distribute to outside consultants for project review for all TJX new store brands.
- Ensure A&E reviews are done correctly and on time.
- Support external project review consultants, create and distribute review reminder documentation to update information for reviews.
- Respond to daily questions from architects, engineers, external project review vendors, TJX MOD’s, PM’s. Provides support to other TJX division and upper management as required.
- Assist the A&E Department with Landlord, developers, architects regarding A&E review issues. Attend meetings, when necessary, with both Landlord architects and TJX consultants to resolve these issues.
- Coordination of REH project site survey scheduling and tracking. Receive finished site survey packages, set up for review, and distribute them as required.
- Support maintenance of the TJX Specifications Manuals and MEP sample sets on an annual basis.
- Interfaces with TJX internal departments including Store Planning, Fixtures, Design and Construction to evaluate and assist with atypical existing conditions for site specific new store locations.
- Work with construction project managers and Managers of Development to keep them current on content of specifications and MEP sample sets.
- Work with architects/engineers and general contractors to advise and inform on company needs and monitor conformance of those requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate’s degree, Construction Management, or related fields. With additional technical education in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, estimating, project management or equivalent work experience in retail construction.
- Minimum 1-2+ years of experience in one or more: Engineering, Architecture, Store Designer, Store Planning/Drafting, Construction Superintendent/Project Management, General Construction.
- Experience using Outlook, Excel, Blue Beam, Adobe, Lucernex.
- Knowledge of General Construction and Retail Store Planning.
- Solid understanding of store layouts, HVAC, electrical, plumbing criteria, and specifications.
- Experience in plan preparation, retail construction methods and procedures.
- Ability to read and understand construction documents and details.
This position is hybrid requiring at least two days per week in the Marlborough, MA office and is not open to remote.
BENEFITS
Benefits include Associate discount; 401(k) match; medical/dental/vision; HSA; health care FSA; life insurance; short/long-term disability; paid holidays/vacation/sick/bereavement/parental leave; EAP; incentive programs for management; auto/home insurance discounts; tuition reimbursement; scholarship program; adoption/surrogacy assistance; smoking cessation; child care/cell phone discounts; pet/legal insurance; credit union; referral bonuses. All benefits are subject to applicable plan or program terms (including eligibility terms) and may change from time to time. Contact your TJX representative for more information.
In addition to our open door policy and supportive work environment, we also strive to provide a competitive salary and benefits package. TJX considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status, or based on any individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. TJX also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.
ADDRESS:
300 Value Way
LOCATION:
USA Home Office Marlborough MA 300 Value Way
This position has a starting salary range of USD $59,100.00 to $73,900.00 per year. Actual starting pay is determined by a number of factors, including relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.
INTRODUCTION
At TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You’ll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes your development. Whether you’re working in our four global Home Offices, Distribution Centers or Retail Stores—TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Homegoods, Homesense, Sierra, Winners, and TK Maxx, you’ll find abundant opportunities to learn, thrive, and make an impact. Come join our TJX family—a Fortune 100 company and the world’s leading off-price retailer.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Architectural & Engineering Project Specialist
The Opportunity: Contribute To The Growth Of Your Career.
As the Architectural & Engineering Project Specialist, you will support the A&E Department by coordinating, reviewing, and approving architectural and engineering construction documents submitted by landlords, developers, and external or TJX-retained architects, ensuring that they maintain the integrity of the TJX Criteria Set and Specifications for all TJX New Store projects.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: YOU!
- Support & coordinate all A&E drawing submittals schedule and distribute to outside consultants for project review for all TJX new store brands.
- Ensure A&E reviews are done correctly and on time.
- Support external project review consultants, create and distribute review reminder documentation to update information for reviews.
- Respond to daily questions from architects, engineers, external project review vendors, TJX MOD’s, PM’s. Provides support to other TJX division and upper management as required.
- Assist the A&E Department with Landlord, developers, architects regarding A&E review issues. Attend meetings, when necessary, with both Landlord architects and TJX consultants to resolve these issues.
- Coordination of REH project site survey scheduling and tracking. Receive finished site survey packages, set up for review, and distribute them as required.
- Support maintenance of the TJX Specifications Manuals and MEP sample sets on an annual basis.
- Interfaces with TJX internal departments including Store Planning, Fixtures, Design and Construction to evaluate and assist with atypical existing conditions for site specific new store locations.
- Work with construction project managers and Managers of Development to keep them current on content of specifications and MEP sample sets.
- Work with architects/engineers and general contractors to advise and inform on company needs and monitor conformance of those requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate’s degree, Construction Management, or related fields. With additional technical education in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, estimating, project management or equivalent work experience in retail construction.
- Minimum 1-2+ years of experience in one or more: Engineering, Architecture, Store Designer, Store Planning/Drafting, Construction Superintendent/Project Management, General Construction.
- Experience using Outlook, Excel, Blue Beam, Adobe, Lucernex.
- Knowledge of General Construction and Retail Store Planning.
- Solid understanding of store layouts, HVAC, electrical, plumbing criteria, and specifications.
- Experience in plan preparation, retail construction methods and procedures.
- Ability to read and understand construction documents and details.
This position is hybrid requiring at least two days per week in the Marlborough, MA office and is not open to remote.
BENEFITS
Benefits include Associate discount; 401(k) match; medical/dental/vision; HSA; health care FSA; life insurance; short/long-term disability; paid holidays/vacation/sick/bereavement/parental leave; EAP; incentive programs for management; auto/home insurance discounts; tuition reimbursement; scholarship program; adoption/surrogacy assistance; smoking cessation; child care/cell phone discounts; pet/legal insurance; credit union; referral bonuses. All benefits are subject to applicable plan or program terms (including eligibility terms) and may change from time to time. Contact your TJX representative for more information.
In addition to our open door policy and supportive work environment, we also strive to provide a competitive salary and benefits package. TJX considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status, or based on any individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. TJX also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.
ADDRESS:
300 Value Way
LOCATION:
USA Home Office Marlborough MA 300 Value Way
This position has a starting salary range of USD $59,100.00 to $73,900.00 per year. Actual starting pay is determined by a number of factors, including relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.
See all 119+ OPT Architectural Designer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Architectural Designer
Target firms that already file H-1B petitions
Firms that have sponsored H-1B visas before are far more likely to hire OPT students. Search Department of Labor disclosure data for architecture firms with a history of LCA filings before applying.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Let hiring managers know your OPT start date and expiration. Firms plan project staffing months ahead, and a clear timeline helps them evaluate whether sponsorship makes sense before your work authorization expires.
Emphasize software skills that justify sponsorship
Proficiency in Revit, Rhino, ArchiCAD, or computational design tools like Grasshopper signals specialized value. Firms are more willing to sponsor candidates with technical skills that are genuinely difficult to replace.
Pursue licensure milestones to strengthen your case
Passing ARE sections or enrolling in the AXP program demonstrates long-term commitment to the profession. Firms investing in your visa sponsorship want confidence you're building a career, not just filling a short-term role.
Focus on firms with active project pipelines
Mid-size firms with ongoing commercial, healthcare, or civic projects have sustained hiring needs. Consistent project backlog means they need reliable staffing, which makes sponsoring a strong OPT candidate a practical business decision.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly architecture roles
Browse Migrate Mate to find Architectural Designer positions posted by employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship. Filtering by sponsorship willingness saves time and connects you directly with firms that understand your situation.
Architectural Designer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Architectural Designer role qualify for OPT?
Yes, Architectural Designer positions qualify for OPT when your degree is in architecture, architectural engineering, or a closely related design field. Your job duties must directly relate to your major field of study. USCIS requires a practical connection between your degree and the work you perform, so a role focused on design development, construction documentation, or project coordination with an architecture background meets that standard.
Can I get a STEM OPT extension as an Architectural Designer?
It depends on your degree classification. A Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture is not always listed under the official STEM designated degree program list, but degrees in architectural engineering, computational design, or urban systems often are. If your diploma falls under a STEM CIP code, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
Do architecture firms commonly sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Large and mid-size firms with institutional, commercial, or healthcare portfolios sponsor H-1B visas more often than small residential studios. Firms like Gensler, HOK, and Perkins&Will have consistent H-1B filing histories. Smaller firms may be willing but lack the HR infrastructure to manage the process without outside counsel. Sponsorship is most common when you've built demonstrable value during your OPT period.
How should I explain my OPT status to architecture firm recruiters?
Be direct and specific. Tell recruiters your OPT authorization period, your STEM extension eligibility if applicable, and when you'd need H-1B sponsorship. Avoid vague language like 'I'll need a visa eventually.' Firms that have sponsored before respond better to candidates who present their timeline clearly and come prepared with basic knowledge of what the H-1B process involves for the employer.
Where can I find Architectural Designer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and international candidates seeking U.S. roles with visa sponsorship. You can browse Architectural Designer listings from employers who are open to OPT work authorization and understand the sponsorship process. Searching general job boards often surfaces roles where the employer hasn't considered sponsorship at all, which wastes application effort during a time-sensitive OPT window.