OPT Highway Engineer Jobs
Highway Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in civil or transportation engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM-designated positions, making you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of your initial 12 months of work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
We believe construction services are more than project delivery; they’re about safeguarding quality, safety, and trust at every step. As part of HDR’s Field Services team, you’ll be on the front lines of infrastructure development, making sure that what’s designed is built to the highest standards. From highways and bridges to water treatment plants, transit systems, and power facilities, your work ensures that our clients’ visions become reality, with precision, integrity, and excellence. Our construction professionals; Construction Managers, Inspectors, Resident Engineers, and field specialists bring deep technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and a commitment to quality that sets industry benchmarks. Your contributions are critical to delivering successful, resilient infrastructure. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to lead in the field, uphold the highest standards, and leave a legacy of quality that communities can rely on for generations. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community but around the world.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
HDR is seeking a Highway Roadway Engineer in our Durango or Grand Junction offices to design, pursue, lead design tasks and project teams.
The primary duties of the Highway Roadway Engineer are to serve in a technical role while growing project management and marketing skills. The assigned projects and roles, which will be completed under the direction of a Project Manager, could range from rural and urban street, highway, and multimodal design to transit planning and design for municipal, state, and/or federal clients. The transportation engineer will also oversee the work of CAD Designers and other engineers and EITs. The duties of this position include preparing detailed engineering plans, specifications, project schedules, permitting, and designs for roadways, urban streets, highways, multimodal design, and transit related projects. Project involvement will range from feasibility and alternatives analysis to final design and through field and office construction support. Experience should include urban street and multimodal design, transit planning and design, highway interchange layout, intersection design, traffic management tools, transportation planning, alternatives analysis, and conceptual design. The ideal candidate will have experience with multi-disciplinary coordination between survey, right-of-way, geotechnical, grading, drainage, traffic, lighting, urban design, and utilities. The candidate will also assume some project management duties and will have opportunities for client interaction through project meetings as well as marketing opportunities.
In the role of Highway/Roadway Engineer, we'll count on you to:
- Serve in a technical role under the direction of a Project Manager on the engineering development of urban and rural highway/roadway projects
- Oversee the work of CAD Designers, and possibly other EITs
- Prepare detailed engineering designs for roadway and highway projects
- Participate in activities ranging from site feasibility analysis to final design and through the construction phase
- Assume some project management duties and interact with clients as needed
- Perform other duties as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree
- Previous experience in all aspects of roadway engineering design
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Hands-on experience with Highways and Roads CAD engineering software such as Bentley ConceptStation and Open Roads Designer and/or Autodesk Infraworks and Civil3d
- MS Office knowledge
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Experience should include urban and rural highway interchanges, intersection design, traffic management, transportation planning, site planning, preparation of concept alignments, geometrical layout and CAD base alignment plans
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Colorado: $73,549.00 - $105,070.00
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-Colorado-Grand Junction
Other Locations: United States-Colorado-Durango
INDUSTRY
Highway + Road
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
JOB POSTING
Sep 10, 2026
INTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
We believe construction services are more than project delivery; they’re about safeguarding quality, safety, and trust at every step. As part of HDR’s Field Services team, you’ll be on the front lines of infrastructure development, making sure that what’s designed is built to the highest standards. From highways and bridges to water treatment plants, transit systems, and power facilities, your work ensures that our clients’ visions become reality, with precision, integrity, and excellence. Our construction professionals; Construction Managers, Inspectors, Resident Engineers, and field specialists bring deep technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and a commitment to quality that sets industry benchmarks. Your contributions are critical to delivering successful, resilient infrastructure. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to lead in the field, uphold the highest standards, and leave a legacy of quality that communities can rely on for generations. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community but around the world.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
HDR is seeking a Highway Roadway Engineer in our Durango or Grand Junction offices to design, pursue, lead design tasks and project teams.
The primary duties of the Highway Roadway Engineer are to serve in a technical role while growing project management and marketing skills. The assigned projects and roles, which will be completed under the direction of a Project Manager, could range from rural and urban street, highway, and multimodal design to transit planning and design for municipal, state, and/or federal clients. The transportation engineer will also oversee the work of CAD Designers and other engineers and EITs. The duties of this position include preparing detailed engineering plans, specifications, project schedules, permitting, and designs for roadways, urban streets, highways, multimodal design, and transit related projects. Project involvement will range from feasibility and alternatives analysis to final design and through field and office construction support. Experience should include urban street and multimodal design, transit planning and design, highway interchange layout, intersection design, traffic management tools, transportation planning, alternatives analysis, and conceptual design. The ideal candidate will have experience with multi-disciplinary coordination between survey, right-of-way, geotechnical, grading, drainage, traffic, lighting, urban design, and utilities. The candidate will also assume some project management duties and will have opportunities for client interaction through project meetings as well as marketing opportunities.
In the role of Highway/Roadway Engineer, we'll count on you to:
- Serve in a technical role under the direction of a Project Manager on the engineering development of urban and rural highway/roadway projects
- Oversee the work of CAD Designers, and possibly other EITs
- Prepare detailed engineering designs for roadway and highway projects
- Participate in activities ranging from site feasibility analysis to final design and through the construction phase
- Assume some project management duties and interact with clients as needed
- Perform other duties as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree
- Previous experience in all aspects of roadway engineering design
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Hands-on experience with Highways and Roads CAD engineering software such as Bentley ConceptStation and Open Roads Designer and/or Autodesk Infraworks and Civil3d
- MS Office knowledge
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Experience should include urban and rural highway interchanges, intersection design, traffic management, transportation planning, site planning, preparation of concept alignments, geometrical layout and CAD base alignment plans
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Colorado: $73,549.00 - $105,070.00
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-Colorado-Grand Junction
Other Locations: United States-Colorado-Durango
INDUSTRY
Highway + Road
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
JOB POSTING
Sep 10, 2026
See all 38+ OPT Highway Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Highway Engineer
Target public-sector employers first
State and local departments of transportation hire highway engineers regularly and are experienced with OPT work authorization. Government agencies often have established HR processes for international students, which reduces friction during onboarding and work authorization verification.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Highway engineer roles typically fall under STEM-designated CIP codes in civil or transportation engineering. Confirm your specific degree program is on the STEM OPT extension list with your DSO before applying, so you can accurately communicate your full authorization period to employers.
Apply to large infrastructure contractors early
Firms like AECOM, WSP, and Jacobs file OPT I-983 training plans routinely and understand federal reporting requirements. Prioritizing established contractors reduces the risk of an employer being unfamiliar with OPT obligations once you receive an offer.
Be upfront about your OPT end date
Highway engineering projects run on multi-year timelines, so employers want staffing continuity. Tell hiring managers your current OPT expiration date and STEM extension eligibility early, so they can assess the timeline and plan any H-1B visa sponsorship before authorization gaps occur.
Highlight licensure progress on your resume
Passing the FE exam while on OPT signals long-term commitment to the profession and the U.S. market. Engineers who are actively working toward PE licensure are significantly more attractive to firms that invest in visa sponsorship for multi-year employee retention.
Frame federal project experience strategically
Many highway projects involve federal funding and require E-Verify compliance from contractors. Mention relevant federal-aid project coursework or internship exposure in your applications, as it signals familiarity with the compliance environment these employers already operate in.
Highway Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do highway engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most highway engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they fall under civil or transportation engineering CIP codes, which are on the STEM designated degree program list. To use the extension, your employer must be E-Verify enrolled, and you must file the extension with your DSO before your initial OPT expires. Confirm your specific program's CIP code with your international student office.
Where can I find highway engineer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lists highway engineer roles from employers familiar with OPT and STEM extension requirements. Searching there narrows your results to opportunities where work authorization for international students is already part of the employer's hiring process, saving time compared to filtering general job boards manually.
Do highway engineer employers need to file anything for my OPT?
For standard OPT, your employer does not need to file anything with USCIS. Your work authorization is based on your EAD card. However, if you use the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and co-sign your Form I-983 training plan, which outlines your learning objectives and supervision structure for the extension period.
Can I work on federally funded highway projects while on OPT?
Yes, OPT status does not disqualify you from working on federally funded highway projects. The key requirement is that your employer, or the prime contractor, complies with E-Verify if your position is covered under federal contracting rules. Some security-sensitive projects may have additional requirements, so confirm access restrictions with your employer before accepting an offer.
What happens to my OPT if my highway engineer employer loses a contract and I am laid off?
If you lose your job on OPT, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you must find new employment, change status, or depart the U.S. Unemployment during OPT cannot exceed 90 cumulative days for standard OPT or 150 days across both standard and STEM OPT combined. Report any employment changes to your DSO promptly to keep your SEVIS record accurate and avoid status violations.