OPT Civil Engineer Jobs
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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Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?
Geosyntec is seeking an Early Career Civil/Geotechnical Engineer (Dams & Levees) in our Davis, California, office to support dams, levees, and other water infrastructure projects. In this role, you will apply your academic background to real-world dam safety, flood protection, water containment, and heavy civil infrastructure work while learning from experienced civil, geotechnical, and risk-informed-design professionals. You will gain hands-on experience in dam and levee design, field investigations, engineering analysis, construction engineering support, construction observation, and technical reporting. This position provides a strong foundation for a consulting career through practical field experience, technical development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship on resilient infrastructure solutions.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, and technical professionals serve our clients worldwide. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.
We invest in our people. Each employee’s journey at Geosyntec is unique. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support dam and levee design projects.
- Participate in field investigations for dams, levees, embankments, and related water infrastructure, including drilling observation, sampling, logging, and field documentation.
- Assist with site inspections, condition assessments, and engineering evaluations of existing dams, levees, spillways, outlet works, and appurtenant structures.
- Perform basic civil and/or geotechnical calculations and data evaluations with senior guidance, including slope stability, seepage, and settlement.
- Contribute to design and rehabilitation projects involving embankments, foundations, seepage controls, drainage systems, erosion protection, and retaining structures.
- Prepare field notes, data summaries, calculations, reports, drawings, specifications, and other project deliverables.
- Perform construction observation and quality assurance for earthwork, foundation preparation, materials testing, and instrumentation installation.
- Work with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, constructible solutions for public and private clients.
- Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company office sites, project sites, and other business locations, as needed.
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE:
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, geological engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline. (required)
- Coursework or academic project experience in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, slope stability, seepage, earth structures, or dam/levee engineering. (preferred)
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. (preferred)
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prior internship or work experience in engineering. (preferred)
- Interest in dams, levees, water infrastructure, earthworks, foundations, and heavy civil construction.
- Familiarity with geotechnical field methods, laboratory testing, soil and rock classification, groundwater observations, and subsurface data interpretation. (preferred)
- Exposure to AutoCAD/Civil 3D or similar tools. (preferred)
- Strong written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, sound engineering judgment, and willingness to learn from senior technical mentors. (required)
- Ability to work in field and office settings, including field work and overnight travel. (required)
- Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing. (required)
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)
COMPENSATION:
- Minimum: $73,880 /year / Maximum: $92,350/year (Davis, CA)
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.
Overview:
Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?
Geosyntec is seeking an Early Career Civil/Geotechnical Engineer (Dams & Levees) in our Davis, California, office to support dams, levees, and other water infrastructure projects. In this role, you will apply your academic background to real-world dam safety, flood protection, water containment, and heavy civil infrastructure work while learning from experienced civil, geotechnical, and risk-informed-design professionals. You will gain hands-on experience in dam and levee design, field investigations, engineering analysis, construction engineering support, construction observation, and technical reporting. This position provides a strong foundation for a consulting career through practical field experience, technical development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship on resilient infrastructure solutions.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, and technical professionals serve our clients worldwide. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.
We invest in our people. Each employee’s journey at Geosyntec is unique. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support dam and levee design projects.
- Participate in field investigations for dams, levees, embankments, and related water infrastructure, including drilling observation, sampling, logging, and field documentation.
- Assist with site inspections, condition assessments, and engineering evaluations of existing dams, levees, spillways, outlet works, and appurtenant structures.
- Perform basic civil and/or geotechnical calculations and data evaluations with senior guidance, including slope stability, seepage, and settlement.
- Contribute to design and rehabilitation projects involving embankments, foundations, seepage controls, drainage systems, erosion protection, and retaining structures.
- Prepare field notes, data summaries, calculations, reports, drawings, specifications, and other project deliverables.
- Perform construction observation and quality assurance for earthwork, foundation preparation, materials testing, and instrumentation installation.
- Work with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, constructible solutions for public and private clients.
- Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company office sites, project sites, and other business locations, as needed.
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE:
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, geological engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline. (required)
- Coursework or academic project experience in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, slope stability, seepage, earth structures, or dam/levee engineering. (preferred)
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. (preferred)
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prior internship or work experience in engineering. (preferred)
- Interest in dams, levees, water infrastructure, earthworks, foundations, and heavy civil construction.
- Familiarity with geotechnical field methods, laboratory testing, soil and rock classification, groundwater observations, and subsurface data interpretation. (preferred)
- Exposure to AutoCAD/Civil 3D or similar tools. (preferred)
- Strong written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, sound engineering judgment, and willingness to learn from senior technical mentors. (required)
- Ability to work in field and office settings, including field work and overnight travel. (required)
- Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing. (required)
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)
COMPENSATION:
- Minimum: $73,880 /year / Maximum: $92,350/year (Davis, CA)
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.
See all 844+ OPT Civil Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Civil Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Civil Engineer OPT: Frequently 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.