OPT Architectural Engineer Jobs
Architectural Engineer jobs on OPT sit at the intersection of structural systems, building technology, and design. Most roles require a degree in architectural engineering or a closely related field, and STEM OPT designation gives you up to three years of work authorization, making you an attractive candidate for firms with multi-year project timelines.
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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 Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Architectural Engineer
Lead with your STEM OPT timeline
Architectural engineering is a designated STEM field, so your OPT can extend to 36 months. Tell hiring managers upfront. A three-year authorization window reduces their sponsorship urgency and makes you easier to hire without immediate visa planning.
Target firms with active H-1B histories
Engineering and architecture firms that have sponsored H-1B visa workers before are far more likely to sponsor again. Focus your search on mid-size to large AEC firms with established HR processes, as they understand visa timelines and have legal infrastructure already in place.
Align your degree to the job description
Architectural engineering roles qualify as specialty occupations, but your degree must match the role. A structural focus supports structural engineering positions. A building systems focus supports MEP roles. Mismatches create H-1B complications, so apply to roles that map directly to your coursework.
Build a portfolio that shows systems-level thinking
Employers sponsoring OPT candidates want to see long-term value. A portfolio showcasing integrated building systems, load analysis, or energy modeling signals you can contribute to complex projects, making the investment in sponsorship feel clearly justified to hiring managers reviewing your application.
Apply early relative to your OPT end date
Firms often need three to six months to initiate H-1B sponsorship. If your OPT expires in a year or less, start applying now. Waiting until the final months compresses the timeline for both you and the employer, reducing your chances significantly.
Prepare to explain the E-3 and TN pathways if applicable
If you hold Australian or Canadian citizenship, the E-3 visa and TN visas are faster and cheaper alternatives to H-1B. Many architectural engineering employers are unfamiliar with these options. Coming prepared with a brief explanation can remove the sponsorship hesitation that ends otherwise strong conversations.
Architectural Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Is architectural engineering a STEM-designated field for OPT purposes?
Yes. Architectural engineering programs carry a STEM designation under the Department of Homeland Security's STEM OPT list, which means eligible F-1 graduates can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond the initial 12-month OPT period, giving you up to 36 months of total work authorization. Your degree must be from a STEM-designated program at your institution, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to qualify.
What types of employers hire architectural engineers on OPT?
Large integrated AEC firms, structural engineering consultancies, building systems consultancies specializing in MEP, and government agencies working on infrastructure and public buildings are the most common employers. Firms with multi-year project pipelines tend to be more open to sponsorship because your STEM OPT window aligns with their staffing needs. You can browse architectural engineer roles from sponsoring employers directly on Migrate Mate.
Can I work on-site at a client's project location while on OPT?
Yes, but your employment must remain with your sponsoring employer, not the client. Working at a client's construction site or project office is standard in the AEC industry and is permitted on OPT as long as the direction and payment flow through your employer of record. If your role involves multiple job sites, confirm with your DSO that your I-983 training plan reflects the scope of where you will physically work.
Does holding a PE license or EIT certification improve my OPT sponsorship prospects?
Holding an Engineer in Training (EIT) certification demonstrates you have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and are on the professional licensure track. Many employers prefer EIT-certified candidates because it signals long-term commitment to the profession. While it does not directly affect OPT eligibility, it strengthens the case for H-1B sponsorship by showing you are building a credential set that justifies a long-term employment relationship.
What happens if my OPT expires before my H-1B petition is approved?
If your employer files a cap-subject H-1B petition before your OPT expires and you maintain valid status, you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension, which automatically bridges your authorized stay and work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year the H-1B would take effect. You must remain employed with the same sponsoring employer throughout the gap period. Consult your DSO as soon as your employer begins the H-1B process to track your status carefully.