OPT Roadway Engineer Jobs

Roadway Engineer OPT jobs are a strong fit for F-1 students with degrees in civil or transportation engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers in this field regularly sponsor H-1B visas, making it a viable long-term path.

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Overview

Open Jobs108+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type83% On-site
Median Salary$61K
Top LocationRaleigh, NC
Most JobsKimley-Horn

Showing 5 of 108+ Roadway Engineer jobs

Consor Engineers
Roadway Engineering Designer
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Consor Engineers
Added 1w ago
Roadway Engineering Designer
Consor Engineers
San Antonio, Texas
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Jobot
Roadway Engineer
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Jobot
Added 2w ago
Roadway Engineer
Jobot
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
$100,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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WSP
Roadway Engineer
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WSP
Added 3w ago
Roadway Engineer
WSP
Omaha, Nebraska
Civil & Structural Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Civil Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Kimley-Horn
Roadway Engineer
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Kimley-Horn
Added 1mo ago
Roadway Engineer
Kimley-Horn
Pleasanton, California
Civil & Structural Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Civil Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$105,000/yr - $135,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Volkert, Inc.
Roadway Engineer
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Volkert, Inc.
Added 2mo ago
Roadway Engineer
Volkert, Inc.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Civil & Structural Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Civil Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Roadway Engineer

Target infrastructure-focused employers

Engineering consultancies like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP file H-1B petitions regularly for civil and transportation engineers. These firms have established immigration processes and are more likely to sponsor OPT students than smaller regional firms.

Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT

Civil engineering, transportation engineering, and urban planning degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your program CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles that expect multi-year availability from OPT candidates.

Apply before your OPT start date

Roadway engineering roles often involve government contracts with hiring timelines that run two to four months. Start applications at least 90 days before your OPT begins so offers and employment authorization align without a gap.

Highlight software skills tied to deliverables

Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, or OpenRoads Designer signals direct project readiness. Employers sponsoring OPT students want to see tools that translate immediately to roadway design and construction documentation work.

Ask about sponsorship during the second interview round

Raise H-1B sponsorship after receiving a hiring signal, not before. At that stage, ask directly whether the firm sponsors for full-time engineers who begin on OPT. Most established consultancies will give a clear answer.

Use your EIT credential as a differentiator

Passing the Engineer in Training exam before or during OPT demonstrates professional commitment and reduces employer hesitation about sponsoring an international hire. Many state DOTs and consultancies prefer or require EIT certification for junior roadway roles.

Roadway Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Do Roadway Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes, in most cases. Civil engineering and transportation engineering programs are on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, which makes graduates eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond the initial 12 months. Your DSO must approve the extension using Form I-983, which requires a signed training plan from your employer. Confirm your specific CIP code with your school's international student office before assuming eligibility.

Which types of employers commonly sponsor OPT students for Roadway Engineer roles?

Large engineering and infrastructure consultancies are the most consistent sponsors. Firms that hold federal highway or state DOT contracts file H-1B petitions regularly because roadway engineering is consistently classified as a specialty occupation. Smaller firms without dedicated HR or legal infrastructure are less likely to have an established sponsorship process. Browse Migrate Mate to filter for employers that have a track record of sponsoring F-1 and H-1B workers in civil and transportation engineering.

Can I work on government infrastructure projects as an OPT student?

Yes, OPT work authorization allows you to work for private employers on government-funded projects. The restriction to be aware of is that OPT does not permit direct federal employment with agencies like the Federal Highway Administration. Working for a private consultancy that holds a contract with a state DOT or FHWA is standard practice and raises no OPT eligibility issues. Security clearance requirements on certain projects may add a separate layer of review.

What happens to my OPT status if my Roadway Engineer role ends before my authorization expires?

F-1 students on post-completion OPT are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment in total. If your position ends, that clock starts running. For STEM OPT extension holders, the limit is 150 days across the full OPT period. Finding a new qualifying position before those thresholds are crossed is critical. Make sure any new role is in a field directly related to your degree, and report the job change to your DSO promptly.

Does roadway engineering qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?

Roadway engineering consistently qualifies as a specialty occupation under H-1B standards because the work requires a bachelor's degree or higher in civil or transportation engineering as a minimum. USCIS has approved H-1B petitions for roadway and highway engineers across a wide range of employers, including both large consultancies and state-level infrastructure contractors. This makes the transition from OPT to H-1B more straightforward than in fields where the degree requirement is ambiguous.