Geotechnical Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
Geotechnical Engineer roles involve soil analysis, site investigation, and foundation design work that typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in civil or geotechnical engineering. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under OPT, and STEM OPT extensions are widely available, giving you up to three years of authorized work.
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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
As a Geotechnical Engineer, you will perform geotechnical engineering design, project proposal and management duties with integrity and a drive to succeed. You will also process design calculations, develop project scopes and schedules, and travel to job sites for observation. You will be required to ensure high client service by providing constructible designs, meeting deadlines and creating clear communications with our clients.
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/geotechnical engineering required
- Must be a registered professional engineer
- 4+ years of related Geotechnical analysis and design experience
- The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner
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
As a Geotechnical Engineer, you will perform geotechnical engineering design, project proposal and management duties with integrity and a drive to succeed. You will also process design calculations, develop project scopes and schedules, and travel to job sites for observation. You will be required to ensure high client service by providing constructible designs, meeting deadlines and creating clear communications with our clients.
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/geotechnical engineering required
- Must be a registered professional engineer
- 4+ years of related Geotechnical analysis and design experience
- The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner
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 Geotechnical Engineer
Target firms with active infrastructure projects
Engineering consultancies working on federal highway, transit, or dam projects file LCAs regularly and are accustomed to sponsoring visas. These firms have established HR processes for work authorization, making them far more receptive to OPT candidates than smaller local firms.
Confirm your degree field matches the role
Geotechnical engineering positions typically require a degree in civil, geotechnical, or structural engineering. A degree in a loosely related field may complicate H-1B sponsorship later, so verify your degree field aligns before investing time in an application.
Pursue your EIT or FE certification early
The Engineer in Training credential signals commitment to professional licensure in the United States. Many geotechnical employers prioritize candidates working toward their PE license, and holding the FE strengthens both your application and your case for future visa sponsorship.
Emphasize field and lab experience on your resume
Employers value hands-on experience with soil borings, triaxial testing, and site characterization. Listing specific equipment, software like PLAXIS or gINT, and field investigation methods demonstrates technical depth that compensates for concerns about short OPT authorization timelines.
Ask about sponsorship policy before the final interview
Raise the sponsorship question after you have demonstrated value, ideally before a formal offer stage. Framing it as confirming next steps rather than asking a favor gives the employer context to evaluate feasibility without feeling pressured early in the process.
Apply to firms with prior H-1B filings in your specialty
Geotechnical and environmental engineering consultancies that have sponsored before understand the process and associated costs. Searching DOL disclosure data for firms filing LCAs under civil engineering job codes helps you identify employers who are genuinely open to sponsoring.
Geotechnical Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Geotechnical Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Geotechnical engineering falls under CIP code 14.0802, which is on the official STEM Designated Degree Program list. If your degree is in civil, geotechnical, or a closely related engineering discipline, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total OPT work authorization.
Where can I find Geotechnical Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for candidates who need visa sponsorship, so you're not wading through postings from employers who won't consider OPT. Geotechnical roles at engineering consultancies, state DOT contractors, and environmental firms appear regularly. Browsing by role type on Migrate Mate saves significant time compared to unfiltered job searches.
Can I work for a government agency as a Geotechnical Engineer on OPT?
Federal government positions are generally closed to non-citizens, which rules out direct federal employment. However, state transportation departments and municipal engineering offices do hire OPT students in some cases. The most common path is through private engineering firms contracted to government agencies, where citizenship restrictions do not apply to the consulting staff.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my geotechnical employer goes through a project slowdown?
OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your degree field, but it does not require continuous full-time employment. You have a 90-day unemployment buffer on standard OPT and 150 days on STEM OPT. If a project slowdown reduces your hours significantly, confirm with your DSO whether your situation still satisfies the employment reporting requirements before your next reporting deadline.
Does freelance or contract geotechnical consulting work count as valid OPT employment?
Yes, self-employment and contract work are permitted under OPT rules, provided the work is directly related to your geotechnical engineering degree. You must be able to demonstrate an actual working relationship, which means having a contract, invoices, or other documentation showing the scope of services. Your DSO will need details about the arrangement for your SEVIS reporting obligations.
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