Project Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
Project Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in civil, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure regularly sponsor international engineers for H-1B visas.
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Overview:
Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and program management firm. We are seeking a Project Engineer - Water/Wastewater for the planning, design, feasibility analysis, and construction delivery of water and wastewater utility infrastructure projects. The Project Engineer will assess utility service availability, evaluating project costs and constraints, coordinating with developers and contractors, and providing technical leadership throughout design and construction. The position coordinates with project managers to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory standards and utility regulations. This is an essential position that contributes to ensuring a safe and compliant water supply for communities and customers.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare engineering layouts, drawings, design support and upgrades for water, wastewater utility systems, including pipelines, pump stations, storage facilities
- Conduct feasibility studies, evaluate capacity, and review CCN (Certificate of Convenience and Necessity) coverage to determine project viability.
- Perform engineering calculations for water, wastewater systems including hydraulic flow, pipe sizing, pressures, and system demands.
- Conduct site visits and construction observations to verify compliance with design, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Document field conditions, test results, and as-built information.
- Lead project schedules, scopes, and budgets, while serving as a technical subject matter expert.
- Read and interpret construction documents, site plans, and permits in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Prepare technical reports, meeting notes, project status to provide authoritative recommendations and updates for leadership.
- Review shop drawings, RFIs (Request for Information), and field change orders for water and wastewater projects.
- Coordinate with developers, contractors, project managers, and engineers to ensure timely delivery of design information and resolve technical conflicts.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in civil, chemical, mechanical engineering or related field required
- 3-8 years of engineering experience in water, wastewater, land development, or municipal infrastructure required
- Project site visits required; Projects can vary location based on project needs within utility the service area
- EIT (Engineer in Training) certification preferred
- OSHA 10 training preferred
- Knowledge of water distribution, wastewater collection, utility system design, including hydraulic flow analysis and regulatory requirements
- Advanced knowledge of civil engineering principles and utility infrastructure design
- Proven ability to evaluate utility service availability, cost estimating, and managing construction-related changes
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and familiarity with hydraulic modeling software and project management tools a plus
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and regulatory documents.
- Proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to provide technical guidance
PAY RANGE: $100,000 - $120,000 per year
WORK LOCATION: Onsite 3-4 days per week in the field and office in Phoenix, AZ
TRAVEL: Up to 80% travel to various project sites in Phoenix, AZ
VISA SPONSORSHIP: Legal authorization to work in the U.S.A. on a full-time basis without sponsorship
Physical Requirements: Ability to pass a pre-authorized physical including a drug-screening and background check
OUR COMPANY:
Cordoba Corporation, Making a Difference
Cordoba Corporation is a nationally recognized civil engineering, construction management, program management, and planning firm. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, including education and facilities, transportation, water, and energy. Collaborating closely with our clients, we have successfully delivered complex and high-impact infrastructure projects across California.
National Recognition - Cordoba’s efforts have garnered national acclaim. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently ranked us as a “top 100 construction management firm” and a “top 50 program management firm.” Additionally, ENR recognized Cordoba as a “top 100 design firm” in California in 2018. Our business model emphasizes efficiency, fostering a dynamic work environment. We approach projects with multifaceted strategies, ensuring successful outcomes.
Statewide Presence - With headquarters in Los Angeles, Cordoba maintains a strong statewide presence. Our offices extend to San Francisco, Sacramento, San Ramon, Chatsworth, Santa Ana, Ontario, and San Diego.
ENHANCING EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING
Benefits and Perks: We offer multiple medical and dental insurance plans, as well as vision insurance. Plans are subsidized for both employees and dependents with coverage effective the first month after hire. Additionally, Cordoba provides employees with paid AD&D and life insurance, a 401k with an industry leading employer match, generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 9 paid holidays, and other forms of paid time off. We also offer flexible spending accounts (FSA’s) including medical care reimbursement, dependent care reimbursement, and commuter benefit plans. Employees are also eligible for our employee assistance program and well-being benefits that include stress management, nutrition, and financial well-being.
Cordoba Corporation provides equal employment opportunities, promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
Harassment-Free Workplace: We strictly prohibit workplace harassment based on any factor, including race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Cordoba is committed to fostering a healthy and happy lifestyle for our employees, both within and beyond the workplace.
For inquiries or accommodations, please contact our HR Department at: (213) 895-0224.
Join Cordoba Corporation and be part of shaping California’s future!

Overview:
Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and program management firm. We are seeking a Project Engineer - Water/Wastewater for the planning, design, feasibility analysis, and construction delivery of water and wastewater utility infrastructure projects. The Project Engineer will assess utility service availability, evaluating project costs and constraints, coordinating with developers and contractors, and providing technical leadership throughout design and construction. The position coordinates with project managers to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory standards and utility regulations. This is an essential position that contributes to ensuring a safe and compliant water supply for communities and customers.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare engineering layouts, drawings, design support and upgrades for water, wastewater utility systems, including pipelines, pump stations, storage facilities
- Conduct feasibility studies, evaluate capacity, and review CCN (Certificate of Convenience and Necessity) coverage to determine project viability.
- Perform engineering calculations for water, wastewater systems including hydraulic flow, pipe sizing, pressures, and system demands.
- Conduct site visits and construction observations to verify compliance with design, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Document field conditions, test results, and as-built information.
- Lead project schedules, scopes, and budgets, while serving as a technical subject matter expert.
- Read and interpret construction documents, site plans, and permits in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Prepare technical reports, meeting notes, project status to provide authoritative recommendations and updates for leadership.
- Review shop drawings, RFIs (Request for Information), and field change orders for water and wastewater projects.
- Coordinate with developers, contractors, project managers, and engineers to ensure timely delivery of design information and resolve technical conflicts.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in civil, chemical, mechanical engineering or related field required
- 3-8 years of engineering experience in water, wastewater, land development, or municipal infrastructure required
- Project site visits required; Projects can vary location based on project needs within utility the service area
- EIT (Engineer in Training) certification preferred
- OSHA 10 training preferred
- Knowledge of water distribution, wastewater collection, utility system design, including hydraulic flow analysis and regulatory requirements
- Advanced knowledge of civil engineering principles and utility infrastructure design
- Proven ability to evaluate utility service availability, cost estimating, and managing construction-related changes
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and familiarity with hydraulic modeling software and project management tools a plus
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and regulatory documents.
- Proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to provide technical guidance
PAY RANGE: $100,000 - $120,000 per year
WORK LOCATION: Onsite 3-4 days per week in the field and office in Phoenix, AZ
TRAVEL: Up to 80% travel to various project sites in Phoenix, AZ
VISA SPONSORSHIP: Legal authorization to work in the U.S.A. on a full-time basis without sponsorship
Physical Requirements: Ability to pass a pre-authorized physical including a drug-screening and background check
OUR COMPANY:
Cordoba Corporation, Making a Difference
Cordoba Corporation is a nationally recognized civil engineering, construction management, program management, and planning firm. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, including education and facilities, transportation, water, and energy. Collaborating closely with our clients, we have successfully delivered complex and high-impact infrastructure projects across California.
National Recognition - Cordoba’s efforts have garnered national acclaim. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently ranked us as a “top 100 construction management firm” and a “top 50 program management firm.” Additionally, ENR recognized Cordoba as a “top 100 design firm” in California in 2018. Our business model emphasizes efficiency, fostering a dynamic work environment. We approach projects with multifaceted strategies, ensuring successful outcomes.
Statewide Presence - With headquarters in Los Angeles, Cordoba maintains a strong statewide presence. Our offices extend to San Francisco, Sacramento, San Ramon, Chatsworth, Santa Ana, Ontario, and San Diego.
ENHANCING EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING
Benefits and Perks: We offer multiple medical and dental insurance plans, as well as vision insurance. Plans are subsidized for both employees and dependents with coverage effective the first month after hire. Additionally, Cordoba provides employees with paid AD&D and life insurance, a 401k with an industry leading employer match, generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 9 paid holidays, and other forms of paid time off. We also offer flexible spending accounts (FSA’s) including medical care reimbursement, dependent care reimbursement, and commuter benefit plans. Employees are also eligible for our employee assistance program and well-being benefits that include stress management, nutrition, and financial well-being.
Cordoba Corporation provides equal employment opportunities, promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
Harassment-Free Workplace: We strictly prohibit workplace harassment based on any factor, including race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Cordoba is committed to fostering a healthy and happy lifestyle for our employees, both within and beyond the workplace.
For inquiries or accommodations, please contact our HR Department at: (213) 895-0224.
Join Cordoba Corporation and be part of shaping California’s future!
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Project Engineer
Target engineering firms with active H-1B histories
Large construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing companies file H-1B petitions regularly for engineers. Focusing your search on firms with established sponsorship pipelines significantly improves your odds of converting OPT to long-term work authorization.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Project Engineer roles typically fall under STEM-designated CIP codes in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Verify your specific program is on the STEM OPT list before accepting an offer, since your extension eligibility depends on it.
Frame your EIT or PE progress clearly on your resume
Engineer-in-Training certification or progress toward a Professional Engineer license signals long-term commitment to U.S. employers. Mentioning it directly addresses a common hesitation around sponsoring early-career engineers on OPT.
Prepare a concise explanation of your OPT timeline
Hiring managers in engineering often have limited immigration knowledge. A clear, one-paragraph summary of your current status, STEM extension eligibility, and H-1B timeline helps move conversations forward without making sponsorship feel complicated or uncertain.
Prioritize roles tied to long-term projects
Multi-year infrastructure, construction, or manufacturing projects give employers a strong business reason to sponsor you. Roles on projects with defined timelines beyond 18 months make the cost of H-1B sponsorship easier for hiring managers to justify internally.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Project Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Project Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. The extension requires your employer to enroll in E-Verify and submit a formal training plan with your DSO. Confirm your specific CIP code is on the official STEM OPT list before relying on extension eligibility.
How do I find Project Engineer employers willing to sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Project Engineer jobs by OPT and visa sponsorship eligibility, so you can focus on employers who are already open to international candidates. Large engineering, construction, and infrastructure firms tend to have the most established sponsorship processes, but mid-size firms with active federal or state contracts also sponsor engineers regularly.
Can I start a Project Engineer job while my OPT application is still pending?
No. You must have your EAD card in hand before starting work. USCIS recommends filing your OPT application 90 days before your program end date, and processing takes up to 90 days. Coordinate your offer acceptance and start date carefully to avoid a gap between your I-20 program end date and EAD receipt.
What happens to my OPT status if a Project Engineer contract ends early?
F-1 OPT students are allowed an unemployment period of up to 90 cumulative days on standard OPT, reduced to 60 days during the STEM extension. If a contract ends unexpectedly, you need to find new qualifying employment within that window or your OPT status falls out of compliance. Report any employment changes to your DSO promptly.
Is a Project Engineer role considered qualifying employment for OPT purposes?
Yes, as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. A civil engineering graduate working on construction project management clearly qualifies. A mechanical engineering graduate in a manufacturing coordination role also qualifies. The key is that your job duties must connect to your major field of study, which most Project Engineer roles do by definition.
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