Civil Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
Civil Engineer OPT jobs are available across infrastructure, transportation, geotechnical, and construction management sectors. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT positions, making you eligible for a 24-month STEM extension on top of your initial 12 months. Strong demand from federal contractors and municipal agencies means many employers are familiar with OPT work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company. We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Olsson provides multidisciplinary, preliminary, and construction design services for mixed-use, commercial, and residential land development projects, along with industrial, sports, schools, and other site development types. As a Licensed Civil Engineer, you will serve as project manager on small projects, prepare planning and design documents, and process design calculations. You will also coordinate with other Olsson teams, professional staff, technical staff, and clients. You may travel to job sites for observation and attend client meetings.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
- Performs various engineering duties related to evaluating, designing, and constructing plans for small to large-sized projects.
- Assists with preparation of project documents and is knowledgeable of project scope, schedule, and budget.
- Performs process design calculations and analyzes reports to prepare cost estimates and determine feasibility of projects.
- Applies knowledge and experience with standard techniques, methods, and procedures to assist with coordination of project design aspects.
- Communicates project development and progress with project managers and/or clients.
- Enters and maintains project information and client records in the firm’s project management system.
- Evaluates and proposes adaptations to standard methods and procedures for components of assignments.
- May supervise and provide technical guidance to less experienced staff.
- May travel and work in all types of terrain and weather conditions at project sites in various stages of construction.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Having ownership in the work you do.
- Using your talents to positively affect communities.
You Bring To The Team
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
- Minimum of 4 years of engineering experience.
- AutoCAD Civil 3D experience is preferred.
- Must be a registered professional engineer.
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As An Olsson Employee, You Will
- Receive a competitive 401(k) match
- Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
- Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
- Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
- Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status. Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants’ personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the “CCPA”), this notice explains Olsson’s practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices. For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.
Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company. We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Olsson provides multidisciplinary, preliminary, and construction design services for mixed-use, commercial, and residential land development projects, along with industrial, sports, schools, and other site development types. As a Licensed Civil Engineer, you will serve as project manager on small projects, prepare planning and design documents, and process design calculations. You will also coordinate with other Olsson teams, professional staff, technical staff, and clients. You may travel to job sites for observation and attend client meetings.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
- Performs various engineering duties related to evaluating, designing, and constructing plans for small to large-sized projects.
- Assists with preparation of project documents and is knowledgeable of project scope, schedule, and budget.
- Performs process design calculations and analyzes reports to prepare cost estimates and determine feasibility of projects.
- Applies knowledge and experience with standard techniques, methods, and procedures to assist with coordination of project design aspects.
- Communicates project development and progress with project managers and/or clients.
- Enters and maintains project information and client records in the firm’s project management system.
- Evaluates and proposes adaptations to standard methods and procedures for components of assignments.
- May supervise and provide technical guidance to less experienced staff.
- May travel and work in all types of terrain and weather conditions at project sites in various stages of construction.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Having ownership in the work you do.
- Using your talents to positively affect communities.
You Bring To The Team
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
- Minimum of 4 years of engineering experience.
- AutoCAD Civil 3D experience is preferred.
- Must be a registered professional engineer.
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As An Olsson Employee, You Will
- Receive a competitive 401(k) match
- Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
- Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
- Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
- Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status. Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants’ personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the “CCPA”), this notice explains Olsson’s practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices. For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Civil Engineer
Target STEM-designated programs
Civil engineering degrees from ABET-accredited programs almost always carry a STEM designation, qualifying you for the 24-month extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can communicate your full OPT timeline confidently to employers.
Prioritize federal contractors and public agencies
Firms holding federal contracts, state DOTs, and municipal engineering agencies hire OPT students regularly and have established HR processes for work authorization. These employers are far more likely to be comfortable with your status than smaller private firms.
Get your EIT certification before you start applying
Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam signals professional seriousness and removes one hiring objection. Many civil engineering employers view EIT certification as a proxy for commitment, which helps offset any hesitation about sponsoring your future visa status.
Clarify your authorization window in your cover letter
Briefly state your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility upfront. Civil engineering hiring cycles are long, so employers need to know whether your authorization covers the full onboarding and project ramp-up period before they invest in interviewing you.
Build a portfolio of software proficiency
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and HEC-RAS is expected for most entry-level civil roles. Document specific projects where you used these tools. Employers are more willing to navigate OPT paperwork for candidates who can contribute immediately without additional technical training.
Network through professional engineering associations
ASCE student chapters and regional engineering societies regularly connect students with employers. Attending local branch events puts you in front of hiring managers who already understand OPT timelines, making conversations about work authorization far less awkward than a cold application.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do civil engineering jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Civil engineering degree programs are classified under STEM CIP codes, which means graduates are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after their initial 12-month OPT period. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you must file Form I-765 before your current OPT expires. This gives you up to 36 months of total work authorization.
What types of civil engineering employers commonly hire OPT students?
Federal contractors, state transportation departments, municipal public works agencies, and large engineering consultancies are the most OPT-friendly employers in civil engineering. Firms like AECOM, WSP, and Jacobs regularly hire international graduates. Smaller boutique firms may be less familiar with OPT authorization. You can browse civil engineer roles filtered by sponsorship willingness on Migrate Mate.
Can I work on federally funded infrastructure projects while on OPT?
Yes, OPT work authorization does not restrict you from working on federally funded projects. However, some classified government contracts require security clearance, which non-citizens cannot typically obtain. Most infrastructure roles, including highway, bridge, and water systems projects, do not require clearance and are fully accessible to OPT students working for eligible employers.
Does my OPT job need to be directly related to my civil engineering degree?
Yes. USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your major field of study. For civil engineering graduates, this covers structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, and construction management roles. A position in general project management or facilities operations may not satisfy the requirement. Your DSO can confirm whether a specific role qualifies before you accept an offer.
What happens to my OPT if my civil engineering job ends before my authorization expires?
You have a cumulative 90-day unemployment allowance during standard OPT, which extends to 150 days if you are in an approved STEM extension period. Unemployment is counted from your OPT start date, not from when you lose the job. Exceeding the limit terminates your F-1 status, so securing a new qualifying position quickly is important.
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