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
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an entry-level Associate with a degree in architecture, architectural engineering, or building science to join our Indianapolis, IN office. WJE is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients around the world turn to us to solve the most significant, complex, and challenging problems in the built environment. With experience from more than 175,000 projects and unmatched laboratory and testing capabilities, WJE is recognized as a leader in delivering innovative, yet practical, solutions. Working at WJE is a collaborative team experience, grounded in trust and personal responsibility. We foster an environment of open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, and hands-on mentoring. Our culture thrives on free-flowing collaboration and knowledge sharing across disciplines. We seek highly motivated and dedicated individuals who want to be challenged, engage directly in project work, and learn from the industry’s most accomplished experts. We value people who demonstrate outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our mission and culture, deepening Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.
Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on forensic investigations, condition assessments, and construction observations of building enclosure and materials related issues, which may include documenting distress and collecting test samples
- Conduct field testing and gather data using a variety of technologies including digital instrumentation and imaging tools
- Analyze data and research modern and historic construction documents, governing codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis, problem-solving, and repair design
- Complete analysis using a combination of advanced analysis software and calculations
- Assist with drafting and preparation of conceptual, preliminary, and final client deliverables, including structural and architectural construction drawings, specifications, written reports, and presentations
- Interface with project teams, clients, contractors, and other architectural and engineering disciplines
- Assume responsibility for key aspects of projects and complete assignments with limited oversight, under the guidance of licensed professionals
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree or better in architecture, architectural engineering, or building science from an NAAB or ABET accredited program
- Solid foundation in architectural and/or structural engineering principles with demonstrated interest in the investigation, rehabilitation, construction, and design of various modern and historic structures, building systems, and construction materials
- Relevant internship and/or research experience
- Effective technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills
- Proactive team player willing to take on various responsibilities and work independently
- Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands while maintaining a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention to detail
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment such as computers, printers, fax, copier, telephone, voice mail system, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:
- Ability to attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites
- Ability to perform inspections of buildings and other structures, both visually and with instruments
- Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to perform work in the temperature extremes presented by work in the outdoors
- Ability to read construction drawings, diagrams, printed materials, and computer screens
- Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.
- Ability to travel
- Ability to safely work at heights
- Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment
- Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and construction hazards
- Ability to safely work in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations
- Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
- Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle
CULTURE, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve. Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry’s most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.
WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry-leading benefits:
- Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.
- Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above-market total compensation. A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range: $79,280.00 - $118,920.00
WJE’s industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:
- Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options
- Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately
- Time off to care for yourself and others
- Investments in employees’ educational assistance and professional development
WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.
INTRODUCTION
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an entry-level Associate with a degree in architecture, architectural engineering, or building science to join our Indianapolis, IN office. WJE is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients around the world turn to us to solve the most significant, complex, and challenging problems in the built environment. With experience from more than 175,000 projects and unmatched laboratory and testing capabilities, WJE is recognized as a leader in delivering innovative, yet practical, solutions. Working at WJE is a collaborative team experience, grounded in trust and personal responsibility. We foster an environment of open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, and hands-on mentoring. Our culture thrives on free-flowing collaboration and knowledge sharing across disciplines. We seek highly motivated and dedicated individuals who want to be challenged, engage directly in project work, and learn from the industry’s most accomplished experts. We value people who demonstrate outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our mission and culture, deepening Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.
Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on forensic investigations, condition assessments, and construction observations of building enclosure and materials related issues, which may include documenting distress and collecting test samples
- Conduct field testing and gather data using a variety of technologies including digital instrumentation and imaging tools
- Analyze data and research modern and historic construction documents, governing codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis, problem-solving, and repair design
- Complete analysis using a combination of advanced analysis software and calculations
- Assist with drafting and preparation of conceptual, preliminary, and final client deliverables, including structural and architectural construction drawings, specifications, written reports, and presentations
- Interface with project teams, clients, contractors, and other architectural and engineering disciplines
- Assume responsibility for key aspects of projects and complete assignments with limited oversight, under the guidance of licensed professionals
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree or better in architecture, architectural engineering, or building science from an NAAB or ABET accredited program
- Solid foundation in architectural and/or structural engineering principles with demonstrated interest in the investigation, rehabilitation, construction, and design of various modern and historic structures, building systems, and construction materials
- Relevant internship and/or research experience
- Effective technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills
- Proactive team player willing to take on various responsibilities and work independently
- Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands while maintaining a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention to detail
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment such as computers, printers, fax, copier, telephone, voice mail system, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:
- Ability to attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites
- Ability to perform inspections of buildings and other structures, both visually and with instruments
- Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to perform work in the temperature extremes presented by work in the outdoors
- Ability to read construction drawings, diagrams, printed materials, and computer screens
- Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.
- Ability to travel
- Ability to safely work at heights
- Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment
- Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and construction hazards
- Ability to safely work in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations
- Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
- Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle
CULTURE, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve. Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry’s most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.
WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry-leading benefits:
- Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.
- Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above-market total compensation. A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range: $79,280.00 - $118,920.00
WJE’s industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:
- Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options
- Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately
- Time off to care for yourself and others
- Investments in employees’ educational assistance and professional development
WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.
See all 537+ OPT Architectural Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Architectural Engineer Jobs.
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.