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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Manage and support preconstruction project activities, design and production of right of way and construction roadway plans (SAAP, RAAP, emergency, no-plan, minimum plan and C-plan projects), and Enhancement and Locally Administered Programs. Provide engineering expertise in assigned program areas. Provide recommendations for resolution of project issues. Communicate with internal VDOT staff, local government staff, consultants, citizens and FHWA regarding transportation projects and programs. Assist in developing, implementing and monitoring policies, procedures, guidance and practices for engineering projects and programs.
How you will contribute:
- Communications: Communicate effectively with customers internal and external to VDOT including local governments, elected officials, citizen groups, and FHWA.
- Computer and CADD Skills: Complete roadway design tasks in OpenRoads Designer, AASHTOWare, PCES, ProjectWise and other non-CADD applications. Recognize and analyze significant problems and develop and recommend solutions.
- Conduct Engineering Studies: Participate in or oversee engineering studies. Collect, analyze and process data and information. Develop written reports, recommendations, and solutions that are technically accurate and compliant. Prepare business correspondence and technical letters with recommendations for suggested corrective measures as a result of studies. Prepare or present formal presentations for VDOT staff, or other organizations.
- Manage contracts: For projects designed by consultants by guiding the consultant through the project development process, negotiating contracts, processing vouchers, evaluating performance, resolving contract issues and enforcing terms and conditions of contracts. Manage city administered and, or consultant designed projects as necessary. Maintain project schedules and perform Project Closeout Procedures, including a systematic review of project charges.
- Policies and Procedures: Assist in the development of policies, procedures and practices reflecting proactive management of the assigned engineering program area.
- Process Improvements: Develop, recommend and implement process and policy improvements as needed. Assist in monitoring compliance to ensure conformance to the policy, procedures and state and federal laws and regulations.
- Project Management and Documentation: Organize work and monitor work tasks such that projects and documentation are completed within schedule using VDOT's standards, policies and procedures.
- Project Management: Manage all aspects of multiple projects to include in-house and consultant designs. Establish and update schedules and budgets to ensure roadway plans are developed using VDOT's Standards, Policies and Procedures. Coordinate with other divisions ensuring project segments (scope, schedule, budget) remain on target. Manage the iPM system to control schedules and revise as needed.
- Project Team Participation: Participate or lead project teams as assigned. Ensure timely communications between project team members and stakeholders. Ensure information is technically accurate and effectively disseminated. Review and resolve challenges to enhance team performance.
- Responsible Charge Engineer: Fulfill duties as responsible charge engineer in compliance with policies, procedures and the Code of Virginia.
Roadway Design: Develop roadway designs for a wide range of transportation projects. Attend project scoping's, pre-construction conferences and field visits to gather information and develop design concepts. Take appropriate action to resolve difficult problems. Ensure deliverables to customers are accurate and correct in content. Serve as responsible charge engineer for designs prepared by self or others under his or her direction (signing and sealing).
What will make you successful:
- Ability to apply advanced engineering principles and practices to a variety of complex transportation projects.
- Ability to build networks and relationships with employees from other divisions, field personnel, contractors, manufacturers and FHWA representatives.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
- Ability to develop effective working relationships at all organizational levels, both internally and externally.
- Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis; make independent decisions; and manage multiple assignments.
- Ability to interpret and apply local, state and federal transportation laws, regulations and guidelines.
- Ability to plan, coordinate and manage multiple, concurrent assignments.
- Ability to read and interpret plans, contracts, specifications and regulations.
- Ability to research, analyze, and prepare technical reports and project correspondence.
- Considerable knowledge of civil engineering principles related to roadway design.
- Considerable knowledge of roadway design criteria, basic storm water management regulations, construction methods, standards, specifications and materials.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances and policies pertaining to transportation engineering.
- Knowledge of financial management to include budgeting and cost estimation.
- Knowledge of project management processes.
- Knowledge of strategic, operational and financial management principles, practices and techniques.
- Knowledge of the principles of roadway safety that impact roadway standards and special designs.
- Knowledge of transportation engineering principles, practices, standards, and specifications.
- Skill and ability to positively interact with employees, citizens and government officials.
- Skill in delivering exemplary customer service and the ability to interact courteously and professionally with the public and other employees.
- Skill in negotiating.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include engineering software.
- Skill in the use of design software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to coach and train others.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences.
- Ability to effectively plan and schedule work.
- Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
- Experience applying civil engineering principles related to roadway design.
- Experience applying local, state and federal transportation rules, regulations, specifications and standards.
- Experience applying principles of roadway safety that impact roadway standards and special designs.
- Experience applying roadway design criteria, basic storm water management regulations, construction methods, standards, specifications and materials.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include engineering and design software.
- Valid Professional Engineer's license.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
- Certification as a Project Management Professional.
- Progressively responsible experience in roadway design and project management to include responsible charge engineering.
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
INTRODUCTION
Manage and support preconstruction project activities, design and production of right of way and construction roadway plans (SAAP, RAAP, emergency, no-plan, minimum plan and C-plan projects), and Enhancement and Locally Administered Programs. Provide engineering expertise in assigned program areas. Provide recommendations for resolution of project issues. Communicate with internal VDOT staff, local government staff, consultants, citizens and FHWA regarding transportation projects and programs. Assist in developing, implementing and monitoring policies, procedures, guidance and practices for engineering projects and programs.
How you will contribute:
- Communications: Communicate effectively with customers internal and external to VDOT including local governments, elected officials, citizen groups, and FHWA.
- Computer and CADD Skills: Complete roadway design tasks in OpenRoads Designer, AASHTOWare, PCES, ProjectWise and other non-CADD applications. Recognize and analyze significant problems and develop and recommend solutions.
- Conduct Engineering Studies: Participate in or oversee engineering studies. Collect, analyze and process data and information. Develop written reports, recommendations, and solutions that are technically accurate and compliant. Prepare business correspondence and technical letters with recommendations for suggested corrective measures as a result of studies. Prepare or present formal presentations for VDOT staff, or other organizations.
- Manage contracts: For projects designed by consultants by guiding the consultant through the project development process, negotiating contracts, processing vouchers, evaluating performance, resolving contract issues and enforcing terms and conditions of contracts. Manage city administered and, or consultant designed projects as necessary. Maintain project schedules and perform Project Closeout Procedures, including a systematic review of project charges.
- Policies and Procedures: Assist in the development of policies, procedures and practices reflecting proactive management of the assigned engineering program area.
- Process Improvements: Develop, recommend and implement process and policy improvements as needed. Assist in monitoring compliance to ensure conformance to the policy, procedures and state and federal laws and regulations.
- Project Management and Documentation: Organize work and monitor work tasks such that projects and documentation are completed within schedule using VDOT's standards, policies and procedures.
- Project Management: Manage all aspects of multiple projects to include in-house and consultant designs. Establish and update schedules and budgets to ensure roadway plans are developed using VDOT's Standards, Policies and Procedures. Coordinate with other divisions ensuring project segments (scope, schedule, budget) remain on target. Manage the iPM system to control schedules and revise as needed.
- Project Team Participation: Participate or lead project teams as assigned. Ensure timely communications between project team members and stakeholders. Ensure information is technically accurate and effectively disseminated. Review and resolve challenges to enhance team performance.
- Responsible Charge Engineer: Fulfill duties as responsible charge engineer in compliance with policies, procedures and the Code of Virginia.
Roadway Design: Develop roadway designs for a wide range of transportation projects. Attend project scoping's, pre-construction conferences and field visits to gather information and develop design concepts. Take appropriate action to resolve difficult problems. Ensure deliverables to customers are accurate and correct in content. Serve as responsible charge engineer for designs prepared by self or others under his or her direction (signing and sealing).
What will make you successful:
- Ability to apply advanced engineering principles and practices to a variety of complex transportation projects.
- Ability to build networks and relationships with employees from other divisions, field personnel, contractors, manufacturers and FHWA representatives.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
- Ability to develop effective working relationships at all organizational levels, both internally and externally.
- Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis; make independent decisions; and manage multiple assignments.
- Ability to interpret and apply local, state and federal transportation laws, regulations and guidelines.
- Ability to plan, coordinate and manage multiple, concurrent assignments.
- Ability to read and interpret plans, contracts, specifications and regulations.
- Ability to research, analyze, and prepare technical reports and project correspondence.
- Considerable knowledge of civil engineering principles related to roadway design.
- Considerable knowledge of roadway design criteria, basic storm water management regulations, construction methods, standards, specifications and materials.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances and policies pertaining to transportation engineering.
- Knowledge of financial management to include budgeting and cost estimation.
- Knowledge of project management processes.
- Knowledge of strategic, operational and financial management principles, practices and techniques.
- Knowledge of the principles of roadway safety that impact roadway standards and special designs.
- Knowledge of transportation engineering principles, practices, standards, and specifications.
- Skill and ability to positively interact with employees, citizens and government officials.
- Skill in delivering exemplary customer service and the ability to interact courteously and professionally with the public and other employees.
- Skill in negotiating.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include engineering software.
- Skill in the use of design software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to coach and train others.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences.
- Ability to effectively plan and schedule work.
- Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
- Experience applying civil engineering principles related to roadway design.
- Experience applying local, state and federal transportation rules, regulations, specifications and standards.
- Experience applying principles of roadway safety that impact roadway standards and special designs.
- Experience applying roadway design criteria, basic storm water management regulations, construction methods, standards, specifications and materials.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include engineering and design software.
- Valid Professional Engineer's license.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
- Certification as a Project Management Professional.
- Progressively responsible experience in roadway design and project management to include responsible charge engineering.
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
See all 57+ OPT Roadway Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Roadway Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips 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.