OPT Design Lead Jobs
Design Lead roles are among the more accessible senior positions for F-1 OPT students, as many companies hiring for portfolio-driven leadership don't require H-1B visa sponsorship upfront. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies) gives you real runway to land a role and build toward long-term sponsorship.
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PAE is seeking a technically sharp and collaborative Lead Plumbing Design Engineer in our Seattle office to guide project teams through the successful design and execution of complex plumbing and fire protection systems. In this role, you will bridge the gap between high-level design and project management, overseeing the creation of comprehensive deliverables from initial narratives to final construction documents. You will serve as a vital technical mentor, ensuring that plumbing systems for various building types are innovative, cost-effective, and strictly compliant with UPC, IPC, NFPA, and IBC standards.
Who We Are
PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.
- Oversee the preparation of deliverables and documents including narratives, calculations, drawings and specifications
- Able to effectively communicate plumbing design options to a diverse stakeholder group
- Determine fire protection and plumbing system requirements for various building types
- Provide design direction, mentorship and guidance for the project team
- Independently evaluate and apply engineering judgment, techniques, and procedures to complete a project from concepts through construction
- Complete the project within the budget and schedule
- Knowledge of other disciplines and direct interdisciplinary coordination
- Provide updates to master specifications; provide input into standards
- Perform plumbing design calculations and equipment selection
- Provide opinions of probable construction costs
- Perform site visits and issues reports
- Implement the project quality management plan (QMP)
- Perform other duties as assigned
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s Degree for discipline work or equivalent experience
- Relevant Professional Credential (i.e., PE, CPD) preferred
- 4+ years’ experience in plumbing design
- Thorough understanding of mechanical engineering concepts, HVAC, Plumbing, and Fire Protection
- Thorough understanding of project phases and their associated deliverables
- Develop the ability to assemble and run a team
- Understand plumbing design concepts and effectively communicate them to others
- Knowledge of applicable plumbing codes and standards including: UPC, IPC, NFPA and IBC
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Revit/AutoCAD
What We Offer
- Hiring Base Salary Range: $87,400-$108,000 annual
- This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay
The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
- Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution
- Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
- Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
- Cell phone stipend
- Life insurance and disability benefits
- Hybrid work schedule
- Employee Assistance Program
- 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
- Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act
Our commitment to pay equity
PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity – paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.
What We’re Made Of
Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.
Fine Print
Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
LI-hybrid
The Opportunity
PAE is seeking a technically sharp and collaborative Lead Plumbing Design Engineer in our Seattle office to guide project teams through the successful design and execution of complex plumbing and fire protection systems. In this role, you will bridge the gap between high-level design and project management, overseeing the creation of comprehensive deliverables from initial narratives to final construction documents. You will serve as a vital technical mentor, ensuring that plumbing systems for various building types are innovative, cost-effective, and strictly compliant with UPC, IPC, NFPA, and IBC standards.
Who We Are
PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.
- Oversee the preparation of deliverables and documents including narratives, calculations, drawings and specifications
- Able to effectively communicate plumbing design options to a diverse stakeholder group
- Determine fire protection and plumbing system requirements for various building types
- Provide design direction, mentorship and guidance for the project team
- Independently evaluate and apply engineering judgment, techniques, and procedures to complete a project from concepts through construction
- Complete the project within the budget and schedule
- Knowledge of other disciplines and direct interdisciplinary coordination
- Provide updates to master specifications; provide input into standards
- Perform plumbing design calculations and equipment selection
- Provide opinions of probable construction costs
- Perform site visits and issues reports
- Implement the project quality management plan (QMP)
- Perform other duties as assigned
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s Degree for discipline work or equivalent experience
- Relevant Professional Credential (i.e., PE, CPD) preferred
- 4+ years’ experience in plumbing design
- Thorough understanding of mechanical engineering concepts, HVAC, Plumbing, and Fire Protection
- Thorough understanding of project phases and their associated deliverables
- Develop the ability to assemble and run a team
- Understand plumbing design concepts and effectively communicate them to others
- Knowledge of applicable plumbing codes and standards including: UPC, IPC, NFPA and IBC
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Revit/AutoCAD
What We Offer
- Hiring Base Salary Range: $87,400-$108,000 annual
- This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay
The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
- Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution
- Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
- Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
- Cell phone stipend
- Life insurance and disability benefits
- Hybrid work schedule
- Employee Assistance Program
- 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
- Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act
Our commitment to pay equity
PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity – paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.
What We’re Made Of
Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.
Fine Print
Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
LI-hybrid
See all 178+ OPT Design Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Design Lead Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Design Lead
Lead with your portfolio, not your visa status
Design Lead hiring is portfolio-first. Get the decision-maker invested in your work before authorization comes up. A compelling body of work reframes you as a high-value candidate worth the sponsorship conversation, not a compliance headache.
Target mid-size companies with active design teams
Companies with four to fifteen person design functions are more likely to sponsor than early-stage startups. They have HR infrastructure, budget for headcount, and enough design work to justify a lead-level hire on OPT.
Frame your OPT timeline as a low-risk trial
Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume it means immediate H-1B visa paperwork. Clarify that OPT lets you start working now with no employer petition required, giving them a full year to evaluate sponsorship before committing.
Highlight cross-functional leadership experience explicitly
Design Lead roles require more than craft. Emphasize experience running design sprints, managing junior designers, or aligning stakeholders. Employers sponsoring a lead-level hire want proof you can operate beyond individual contribution.
Identify whether your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Degrees in HCI, interaction design, or computer science often qualify for the 24-month STEM extension, giving you 36 months total. This significantly improves your sponsorship prospects by covering multiple H-1B lottery cycles for the employer.
Time your job search around your OPT start date strategically
You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date. Aligning your job search so an offer lands within that window avoids gaps, keeps your status clean, and gives employers a clear, immediate start timeline.
Design Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Design Lead on F-1 OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes. During your OPT period, your work authorization comes from USCIS through your DSO and school, not from the employer. You can accept any Design Lead offer without the employer filing any petition. Sponsorship only becomes relevant when your OPT period ends and you need to transition to an H-1B or other long-term visa.
Does a Design Lead role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as human-computer interaction, computer science, or information systems, you likely qualify for the extension. The role itself must also be directly related to that degree. Many Design Lead positions at tech companies satisfy this requirement, but confirm with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
How do I find Design Lead jobs where employers are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. The platform filters for employers who have sponsored work visas before, which is the strongest proxy for OPT-friendliness at the Design Lead level. Searching broadly without that filter wastes time on companies that will pull offers the moment you mention your visa status.
Will working as a Design Lead affect my chances of H-1B sponsorship later?
Positively. Design Lead is a senior specialty occupation with a clear degree-to-role connection, which makes H-1B petitions more straightforward to support than generalist or ambiguously scoped roles. Employers sponsoring a lead-level hire have also already made a meaningful investment in you, making them more motivated to follow through with the petition.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I'm laid off from a Design Lead role?
F-1 OPT students have a 60-day unemployment buffer after losing a job. During this period, you must actively pursue new employment to remain in valid status. The clock starts from your last day of employment, not when you receive notice. If you find a new Design Lead role within the window, your OPT authorization continues without interruption.