OPT Civil Project Engineer Jobs
Civil Project Engineer jobs on OPT are available across infrastructure, transportation, and construction sectors. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT work authorization, and STEM OPT extensions apply if your degree is in civil or structural engineering, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
As a 100% employee-owned contractor, when you work at Sundt, you’re not just hiring on at a company, you’re joining a culture. Because everyone at Sundt is part owner, you’ll join a team of people who are deeply invested in their work. From apprentices to managers, we’re passionate about the details and deliberate in everything we do.
At Sundt we focus on building long-term prosperity for our clients, communities, and employee-owners. We offer competitive pay, industry-leading benefits including a 401k and employee stock ownership plan, incentive programs for craft and administrative employees as well as training that focuses on your personal and professional growth. We’re driven by skill, grit and purpose. Join us as we strive to be the most skilled builder in America.
JOB SUMMARY
Project Engineer is the technical source of information for the project and should have a thorough knowledge of the construction documents, subcontracts, and purchase orders. Responds to questions about drawings, specifications, shop drawings, and change orders. Maintains an effective and professional working relationship with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers. May assist with the supervision and/or training of Field Engineers. This position includes three 'steps' (I, II, and Senior), which provide for a progression of skill and experience. Step I is the entry level for individuals with a minimum of experience in this position.
This Project Engineer will perform all standard PE responsibilities with a primary focus on concrete batch plant operations and materials quality control for heavy civil projects. The role includes daily oversight of batch plant production, mix designs, calibration, compliance with project specifications, and coordination with operations to maintain production efficiency. Responsibilities also include managing materials testing programs (concrete, aggregates, soils), reviewing test results, resolving nonconformances in the field, and working directly with crews, suppliers, and inspectors to ensure quality is built into the work—not just documented afterward.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Demonstrates an understanding of the components of the project management plan (PMP) including the project scope management plan, procurement plan, environmental plan, time management plan, financial plan, quality management and safety plans and risk management plan to ensure successful project execution. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the change management process.
-
Develop a procurement schedule and integrate it with the project CPM schedule. Procures necessary material and equipment. Coordinates submittals with other trades. Reviews all submittals for compliance with the contract documents.
-
Develops an understanding of the prime contract, subcontracts, purchase order agreements, and allowance items as well as contract drawings and specifications. Administers elements of the processes involved in budgeting and controlling costs so that the project can be completed within the approved budget. Demonstrates business acumen within area of responsibility.
-
Maintains "As-built" contract documents. Compiles close-out requirements, including operation and maintenance manuals, warranties, and other job-specific items required by the specifications.
-
May participate in concrete form design and related equipment selection and will participate in takeoffs for concrete, asphalt concrete, earthwork, and utilities as required.
-
Plans, acquires, develops and supervises members of the project team to ensure relentless execution of the project.
-
Prepares and maintains quantity reporting mechanisms and coordinates agendas and prepares minutes for all meetings as well as maintaining various project logs.
-
Prepares and reviews change orders, including time extensions, with the appropriate personnel before submittal to the owner. Maintains the change order log and, upon receipt of executed change orders, distributes documents as required to company and subcontractor field personnel. Prepares cost control budget adjustments and executes in a timely manner.
-
Prevents claims, identify potential claims, quantify, mitigate/resolve the effects of those that do occur on a timely basis.
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:
-
An advanced knowledge of construction engineering technology, codes, standards, etc., plus in-depth understanding of the interdependence and relationship between other functional units, is required.
-
Four-year construction-related degree or equivalent technical training and related experience, plus a minimum of three to four years of similar construction engineering experience.
-
Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, plus demonstrated ability to manage a team of varied disciplines. Should have the skill/ability to supervise and/or train Field Engineer positions if so required.
NOTE: Job Description is subject to change at any time and may include other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
-
Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hardhat, vest, etc.)
-
May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
-
May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
-
May use telephone, computer system, email, or other electronic devices on a limited basis to communicate with internal and external customers or vendors.
-
Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
-
Occasionally will climb stairs, ladders, etc.
-
Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
-
Will interact with people frequently during a shift/workday.
-
Will lift, push or pull objects on an occasional basis.
-
Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift/workday.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT:
Sundt is committed to the equal treatment of all employees, and/or applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, disability, national origin, covered veteran status, genetic information; or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, state, or local laws.
BENEFIT LIST:
-
Market Competitive Salary (paid weekly)
-
Bonus Eligibility based on company, group, and individual performance
-
Employee Stock Ownership Plan & 401K
-
Industry Leading Health Coverage Starting Your First Day
-
Flexible Time Off (FTO)
-
Medical, Health Savings, and Wellness credits
-
Flexible Spending Accounts
-
Employee Assistance Program
-
Workplace Wellness Programs
-
Mental Health Program
-
Life and Disability Insurance
-
Employee-Owner Perks
-
Educational Assistance
-
Sundt Foundation - Charitable Employee-Owner's program
INTRODUCTION
As a 100% employee-owned contractor, when you work at Sundt, you’re not just hiring on at a company, you’re joining a culture. Because everyone at Sundt is part owner, you’ll join a team of people who are deeply invested in their work. From apprentices to managers, we’re passionate about the details and deliberate in everything we do.
At Sundt we focus on building long-term prosperity for our clients, communities, and employee-owners. We offer competitive pay, industry-leading benefits including a 401k and employee stock ownership plan, incentive programs for craft and administrative employees as well as training that focuses on your personal and professional growth. We’re driven by skill, grit and purpose. Join us as we strive to be the most skilled builder in America.
JOB SUMMARY
Project Engineer is the technical source of information for the project and should have a thorough knowledge of the construction documents, subcontracts, and purchase orders. Responds to questions about drawings, specifications, shop drawings, and change orders. Maintains an effective and professional working relationship with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers. May assist with the supervision and/or training of Field Engineers. This position includes three 'steps' (I, II, and Senior), which provide for a progression of skill and experience. Step I is the entry level for individuals with a minimum of experience in this position.
This Project Engineer will perform all standard PE responsibilities with a primary focus on concrete batch plant operations and materials quality control for heavy civil projects. The role includes daily oversight of batch plant production, mix designs, calibration, compliance with project specifications, and coordination with operations to maintain production efficiency. Responsibilities also include managing materials testing programs (concrete, aggregates, soils), reviewing test results, resolving nonconformances in the field, and working directly with crews, suppliers, and inspectors to ensure quality is built into the work—not just documented afterward.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Demonstrates an understanding of the components of the project management plan (PMP) including the project scope management plan, procurement plan, environmental plan, time management plan, financial plan, quality management and safety plans and risk management plan to ensure successful project execution. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the change management process.
-
Develop a procurement schedule and integrate it with the project CPM schedule. Procures necessary material and equipment. Coordinates submittals with other trades. Reviews all submittals for compliance with the contract documents.
-
Develops an understanding of the prime contract, subcontracts, purchase order agreements, and allowance items as well as contract drawings and specifications. Administers elements of the processes involved in budgeting and controlling costs so that the project can be completed within the approved budget. Demonstrates business acumen within area of responsibility.
-
Maintains "As-built" contract documents. Compiles close-out requirements, including operation and maintenance manuals, warranties, and other job-specific items required by the specifications.
-
May participate in concrete form design and related equipment selection and will participate in takeoffs for concrete, asphalt concrete, earthwork, and utilities as required.
-
Plans, acquires, develops and supervises members of the project team to ensure relentless execution of the project.
-
Prepares and maintains quantity reporting mechanisms and coordinates agendas and prepares minutes for all meetings as well as maintaining various project logs.
-
Prepares and reviews change orders, including time extensions, with the appropriate personnel before submittal to the owner. Maintains the change order log and, upon receipt of executed change orders, distributes documents as required to company and subcontractor field personnel. Prepares cost control budget adjustments and executes in a timely manner.
-
Prevents claims, identify potential claims, quantify, mitigate/resolve the effects of those that do occur on a timely basis.
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:
-
An advanced knowledge of construction engineering technology, codes, standards, etc., plus in-depth understanding of the interdependence and relationship between other functional units, is required.
-
Four-year construction-related degree or equivalent technical training and related experience, plus a minimum of three to four years of similar construction engineering experience.
-
Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, plus demonstrated ability to manage a team of varied disciplines. Should have the skill/ability to supervise and/or train Field Engineer positions if so required.
NOTE: Job Description is subject to change at any time and may include other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
-
Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hardhat, vest, etc.)
-
May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
-
May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
-
May use telephone, computer system, email, or other electronic devices on a limited basis to communicate with internal and external customers or vendors.
-
Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
-
Occasionally will climb stairs, ladders, etc.
-
Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
-
Will interact with people frequently during a shift/workday.
-
Will lift, push or pull objects on an occasional basis.
-
Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift/workday.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT:
Sundt is committed to the equal treatment of all employees, and/or applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, disability, national origin, covered veteran status, genetic information; or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, state, or local laws.
BENEFIT LIST:
-
Market Competitive Salary (paid weekly)
-
Bonus Eligibility based on company, group, and individual performance
-
Employee Stock Ownership Plan & 401K
-
Industry Leading Health Coverage Starting Your First Day
-
Flexible Time Off (FTO)
-
Medical, Health Savings, and Wellness credits
-
Flexible Spending Accounts
-
Employee Assistance Program
-
Workplace Wellness Programs
-
Mental Health Program
-
Life and Disability Insurance
-
Employee-Owner Perks
-
Educational Assistance
-
Sundt Foundation - Charitable Employee-Owner's program
See all 1,106+ OPT Civil Project Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Civil Project Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Civil Project Engineer
Target infrastructure-heavy employers
Large construction firms, transportation agencies, and municipal contractors hire civil engineers at scale and have established visa sponsorship pipelines. These employers file H-1B visa petitions regularly and are more likely to support your transition beyond OPT.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Civil Engineering (CIP 14.0801) and Structural Engineering (CIP 14.1101) are both on the STEM OPT designated degree list. Confirm your exact degree classification with your DSO before applying, since your extension eligibility depends on the recorded CIP code.
Apply to project engineer roles, not just entry-level
Project Engineer is a specialty occupation with clear degree requirements, making H-1B sponsorship more straightforward. Roles with defined engineering responsibilities are easier for employers to justify sponsorship on versus vague or generalist titles.
Highlight licensure progress on your resume
Listing your Engineer-in-Training certification or active FE exam status signals long-term commitment to the profession. Employers sponsoring visas want candidates who are building a career in the U.S., and licensure progress is concrete evidence of that.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before final interview rounds
Raise sponsorship directly after an employer expresses genuine interest, not in the first conversation. Frame it as confirming fit: ask whether they have sponsored H-1B petitions for engineers in similar roles before and what that process looks like.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for sponsoring employers
Migrate Mate surfaces civil engineering roles from employers with verified H-1B sponsorship history, so you spend less time chasing dead ends. Filter by role type and location to find positions where your OPT authorization and future sponsorship needs align.
Civil Project Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Civil Project Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related STEM field listed on the DHS STEM designated degree list. You can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month OPT period, giving you up to three years total to work in the U.S. while pursuing H-1B sponsorship. Your DSO must verify your degree's CIP code qualifies before you apply.
How do I find Civil Project Engineer jobs where employers will sponsor an H-1B?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. It aggregates civil engineering roles from employers with documented H-1B sponsorship histories, so you can identify which firms have actually sponsored engineers before rather than guessing. Filtering by role and location helps you prioritize applications to employers already comfortable navigating the visa process for positions like yours.
Can I work on federal infrastructure projects as a Civil Project Engineer on OPT?
It depends on the project and contract structure. Private firms working on federally funded projects typically do not require citizenship for civil engineering roles. However, some contracts with direct federal agencies or those involving sensitive infrastructure may require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Always ask the employer specifically whether the role has any citizenship or security clearance requirements before accepting an offer.
Is Civil Project Engineer considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Civil Project Engineer roles that require a bachelor's degree or higher in civil, structural, or geotechnical engineering meet the specialty occupation standard. USCIS has consistently approved H-1B petitions for engineering roles with specific degree requirements. The key is that the job description must require a degree in a specific engineering discipline, not just any bachelor's degree in any field.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my civil engineering project ends early?
Your OPT authorization remains valid through its expiration date even if a project ends, but you must find new employment within 90 days of unemployment to stay in status. Civil engineers on OPT should track cumulative unemployment carefully, since exceeding 90 days total during the OPT period triggers a status violation. Notify your DSO immediately if your employment situation changes so they can advise on next steps.