OPT Structural Designer Jobs
Structural Designer jobs on OPT typically fall under civil or mechanical engineering roles, which are STEM-designated and qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most employers require proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or STAAD.Pro, and many will sponsor H-1B visa after your OPT period.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At DPR, roles and responsibilities are more than describing a job title—they are a commitment to building great things together. The job description(s) below defines core responsibilities and the scope of the role and is a starting point. Every employee is expected to lead from where they are, take ownership of outcomes, and always act in the best interest of the team, customer, project and organization.
As a purpose-driven organization on a journey to be most admired, we rely on trust, shared leadership, open communication, disciplined action and a deep respect for the individual to drive exceptional performance. Success is not just about what we build, but who we build and how we build it: with integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and an ever-forward mindset.
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for the development of drawings, specifications, and calculations throughout all phases of project design under close supervision. Assist in developing structural designs and analytical models for various building types and materials and perform calculations and analyses using working knowledge of common codes with limited assistance from team members. Collaborate with engineers, modelers, and detailers to produce accurate 2D and 3D models using CAD tools, including Tekla Structures, and deliver coordinated, high-quality design solutions within budget and schedule. Support construction administration activities by reviewing submittals, responding to RFIs, and participating in site visits as directed.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Assist in the production of drawings, specifications, and calculations, with tasks that are general and system-wide in nature, during a project’s design phase life cycle from conceptual design to completion of construction documents under close supervision and coordination with managers.
-
Assist in the development of structural designs and analytical models for various building types and materials using working knowledge of common codes, with limited assistance provided by other team members.
-
Supports construction administration activities, including reviewing shop drawings, responding to RFIs, and conducting site visits.
-
Utilize working knowledge of CAD software, including Tekla Structures, and other tools to create 2D drawings and 3D models.
-
Collaborate with team members, including engineers, modelers and detailers, to meet project deadlines and deliver high-quality design solutions within budget.
EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in engineering with a structural focus or equivalent experience required.
WORK EXPERIENCE
2+ years of experience in structural design or building engineering required.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required.
NCEES record maintenance for future licensure preferred.
DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.
Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.
Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers.
INTRODUCTION
At DPR, roles and responsibilities are more than describing a job title—they are a commitment to building great things together. The job description(s) below defines core responsibilities and the scope of the role and is a starting point. Every employee is expected to lead from where they are, take ownership of outcomes, and always act in the best interest of the team, customer, project and organization.
As a purpose-driven organization on a journey to be most admired, we rely on trust, shared leadership, open communication, disciplined action and a deep respect for the individual to drive exceptional performance. Success is not just about what we build, but who we build and how we build it: with integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and an ever-forward mindset.
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for the development of drawings, specifications, and calculations throughout all phases of project design under close supervision. Assist in developing structural designs and analytical models for various building types and materials and perform calculations and analyses using working knowledge of common codes with limited assistance from team members. Collaborate with engineers, modelers, and detailers to produce accurate 2D and 3D models using CAD tools, including Tekla Structures, and deliver coordinated, high-quality design solutions within budget and schedule. Support construction administration activities by reviewing submittals, responding to RFIs, and participating in site visits as directed.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Assist in the production of drawings, specifications, and calculations, with tasks that are general and system-wide in nature, during a project’s design phase life cycle from conceptual design to completion of construction documents under close supervision and coordination with managers.
-
Assist in the development of structural designs and analytical models for various building types and materials using working knowledge of common codes, with limited assistance provided by other team members.
-
Supports construction administration activities, including reviewing shop drawings, responding to RFIs, and conducting site visits.
-
Utilize working knowledge of CAD software, including Tekla Structures, and other tools to create 2D drawings and 3D models.
-
Collaborate with team members, including engineers, modelers and detailers, to meet project deadlines and deliver high-quality design solutions within budget.
EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in engineering with a structural focus or equivalent experience required.
WORK EXPERIENCE
2+ years of experience in structural design or building engineering required.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required.
NCEES record maintenance for future licensure preferred.
DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.
Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.
Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers.
See all 33+ OPT Structural Designer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Structural Designer
Highlight Your STEM OPT Eligibility Upfront
Structural design roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension under CIP codes for civil or mechanical engineering. Mentioning your STEM eligibility in your resume and cover letter reduces employer hesitation about your work authorization timeline.
Lead With Software Proficiency
Employers sponsoring OPT structural designers prioritize technical skills. List AutoCAD, Revit, STAAD.Pro, SAP2000, and any BIM experience prominently. These tools are hiring signals that justify sponsorship investment for engineering and architecture firms.
Target Engineering Consulting and Infrastructure Firms
Large civil and structural engineering firms sponsor OPT students with more consistency than boutique practices. Focus your search on companies with active federal or infrastructure contracts, which tend to have established visa sponsorship processes and dedicated HR teams.
Frame Your OPT Period as Low-Risk for Employers
With STEM OPT, you can work legally for up to three years before H-1B visa is needed. Communicating this timeline clearly in interviews removes the urgency employers fear and positions sponsorship as a future step, not an immediate burden.
Get Licensed or Start the Process Early
The EIT or Engineer-in-Training credential signals commitment to a U.S. engineering career. Employers sponsoring structural designers want long-term hires, and starting your PE licensure path during OPT demonstrates exactly that kind of investment in your professional trajectory.
Negotiate the E-Verify Requirement Before Accepting Offers
OPT STEM extension requires your employer to be E-Verify enrolled. Confirm this before your final interview round, not after receiving an offer. Most large engineering firms already participate, but smaller firms or subcontractors may need time to enroll.
Structural Designer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Structural Designer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Structural Designer positions typically fall under civil or mechanical engineering degree programs, both of which carry STEM-designated CIP codes. That qualifies you for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total OPT work authorization. Your degree must be from a U.S. accredited institution and listed as STEM by your DSO.
Do employers in structural design commonly sponsor OPT students?
Large civil and structural engineering firms, particularly those working on public infrastructure or government contracts, sponsor OPT students with reasonable frequency. Smaller residential or boutique firms are less consistent. Migrate Mate filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, so you can focus your search on employers who have actively hired OPT and visa-sponsored candidates.
What is the E-Verify requirement for STEM OPT in a structural design role?
To extend your OPT from 12 to 36 months under the STEM extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. This is a federal employment eligibility verification system. Most engineering firms with federal contracts are already enrolled, but you should confirm enrollment before accepting an offer. Your DSO also needs to approve the STEM extension before your initial OPT expires.
Can I work on a structural design project basis during OPT, or does it need to be full-time employment?
OPT requires that your work authorization is used for employment directly related to your degree. Full-time employment is standard and easiest to document. Project-based or contract work can qualify, but you must be able to demonstrate at least 20 hours per week of work related to your field. Independent contracting arrangements require careful documentation and DSO guidance to avoid jeopardizing your status.
What happens to my OPT status if my structural design employer is acquired or restructured?
If your employer is acquired, merged, or significantly restructured, you need to report the change to your DSO within 10 days. Your OPT authorization is tied to your job being in a field related to your degree, not to a specific employer, but your employer of record must still be E-Verify enrolled for STEM OPT. Confirm the acquiring company's E-Verify status and update your SEVP portal accordingly.