OPT Professional Engineer Jobs
Professional Engineer jobs on OPT require STEM-designated roles in fields like civil, mechanical, electrical, or structural engineering. Most positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers typically sponsor H-1B visa after OPT, making engineering one of the stronger visa pathways for international students.
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Booth Faculty Research - Healthcare Programs
About the Department
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges.
Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Chicago Booth is proud to claim:
- an unmatched faculty.
- degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents.
- a global body of nearly 61,000 accomplished alumni.
- strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities.
As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment.
Job Summary
The Research Professional (RP) will work with the Tolan Center for Healthcare and Professor Dan Adelman in the Healthcare Analytics Laboratory. In the Laboratory, teams of MBA students and other graduate students from across campus work with healthcare providers to improve delivery by analyzing large, complex datasets. The RP will work with faculty, staff, students, and sponsors to manage the IT environment and data resources, and to convert analytic tools developed in the Lab into applications that can be piloted within healthcare organizations and in the classroom.
Responsibilities
- Develops and tests data-driven applications.
- Designs and manages databases, performs preliminary research.
- Liaises with technical teams to build and maintain IT infrastructure for lab activities, including generative AI applications and optimization models.
- Obtains and organizes information for research from other academic institutions and practitioners.
- Maintains effective communication with faculty and outside institutions.
- Collects data, conducts analysis, writes software programs, and organizes the presentation of results.
- Creates charts, tables, and descriptive text for presentations.
- Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
- Maintains technical, administrative, and project management support for application development, deployment and validation research projects.
- Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
- Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a field relevant to the research being conducted by start date.
Experience:
- Relevant research experience.
Technical Skills or Knowledge
- Proficiency in standard software development architecture, user experience design, programming, database architecture and pipelines, web application design, and basic statistics tools.
- Proficient in generative AI applications and infrastructure in the research setting.
- Background with optimization modeling.
Preferred Competencies
- Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills.
- Work independently with little supervision; possess a self-motivated disposition; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes, all while achieving key objectives resulting in desired outcomes.
- Excellent strategic planning, critical thinking, analytical, and persuasion skills.
- Handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines with frequent interruptions.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty and corporate contacts in a multitude of communication methods, including in person, email, and phone.
- Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach.
Working Conditions
This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$59,000.00 - $62,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Department
Booth Faculty Research - Healthcare Programs
About the Department
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges.
Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Chicago Booth is proud to claim:
- an unmatched faculty.
- degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents.
- a global body of nearly 61,000 accomplished alumni.
- strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities.
As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment.
Job Summary
The Research Professional (RP) will work with the Tolan Center for Healthcare and Professor Dan Adelman in the Healthcare Analytics Laboratory. In the Laboratory, teams of MBA students and other graduate students from across campus work with healthcare providers to improve delivery by analyzing large, complex datasets. The RP will work with faculty, staff, students, and sponsors to manage the IT environment and data resources, and to convert analytic tools developed in the Lab into applications that can be piloted within healthcare organizations and in the classroom.
Responsibilities
- Develops and tests data-driven applications.
- Designs and manages databases, performs preliminary research.
- Liaises with technical teams to build and maintain IT infrastructure for lab activities, including generative AI applications and optimization models.
- Obtains and organizes information for research from other academic institutions and practitioners.
- Maintains effective communication with faculty and outside institutions.
- Collects data, conducts analysis, writes software programs, and organizes the presentation of results.
- Creates charts, tables, and descriptive text for presentations.
- Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
- Maintains technical, administrative, and project management support for application development, deployment and validation research projects.
- Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
- Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a field relevant to the research being conducted by start date.
Experience:
- Relevant research experience.
Technical Skills or Knowledge
- Proficiency in standard software development architecture, user experience design, programming, database architecture and pipelines, web application design, and basic statistics tools.
- Proficient in generative AI applications and infrastructure in the research setting.
- Background with optimization modeling.
Preferred Competencies
- Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills.
- Work independently with little supervision; possess a self-motivated disposition; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes, all while achieving key objectives resulting in desired outcomes.
- Excellent strategic planning, critical thinking, analytical, and persuasion skills.
- Handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines with frequent interruptions.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty and corporate contacts in a multitude of communication methods, including in person, email, and phone.
- Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach.
Working Conditions
This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$59,000.00 - $62,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Professional Engineer
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Engineering firms that have sponsored H-1B visas before are far more likely to sponsor yours. Look for companies with consistent H-1B filings in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering roles through public Department of Labor disclosure data.
Confirm your degree field aligns with the role
STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree classification, not just your job title. A civil engineering degree supports a structural engineering role. A general management role using your engineering background may not qualify for the extension.
Start your STEM OPT extension application 90 days early
USCIS recommends filing your STEM OPT extension application at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Late applications create gaps in work authorization that can disrupt active engineering projects and jeopardize your employment.
Get your Professional Engineer license process started early
Many senior engineering roles require a PE license. You can sit the Fundamentals of Engineering exam on OPT. Starting the licensure process early signals long-term commitment to employers and strengthens your case for sponsorship.
Be direct about your OPT timeline when negotiating offers
Engineering employers value clarity. When you receive an offer, raise your OPT end date and STEM extension timeline proactively. Most established engineering firms have handled this before and will appreciate the straightforward conversation.
Focus your search on firms with established immigration support
Large engineering consultancies and infrastructure contractors typically have HR teams experienced with OPT and H-1B processes. Smaller boutique firms may be willing but lack the internal infrastructure to move quickly when your status requires action.
Professional Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Professional Engineer jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Most do, provided your degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering and the role directly uses that training. Your DSO must certify the connection between your degree and the position. Roles where the engineering component is incidental to general project management may face more scrutiny from your DSO during the evaluation.
How do I find Professional Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by sponsorship willingness, so you can focus on engineering employers who have a track record of supporting international candidates. Searching general job boards makes it difficult to distinguish firms that actively sponsor from those that don't, which costs you time during a period when your OPT clock is running.
Can I work as a Professional Engineer on OPT before I have my PE license?
Yes. Most entry and mid-level engineering roles do not require a PE license, and OPT work authorization is not affected by your licensure status. You can work under a licensed PE's supervision, which is the standard path for engineers early in their careers. The PE license becomes relevant for roles requiring independent sign-off on engineering documents, typically after gaining four or more years of experience.
What happens to my OPT if my engineering employer goes through layoffs or a project ends?
Your OPT remains valid, but you must find new employment within 90 days of becoming unemployed. However, note that unemployment periods count against your OPT authorization and accumulating more than 90 days of unemployment renders you out of status. Engineering project cycles can create gaps, so it's worth having your next role lined up before a contract ends rather than relying on the full 90-day window.
Do engineering employers count internship OPT toward my 12-month limit?
Yes. Any authorized OPT work, including internships completed before or during your degree, counts toward your 12-month cap. If you used pre-completion OPT for an engineering internship, that time is deducted from your post-completion OPT authorization. Students who completed multiple co-ops or internships on CPT are generally unaffected, since CPT does not reduce your OPT limit unless you used 12 or more months of full-time CPT.