OPT Structural Engineer Jobs
Structural Engineer OPT jobs are a strong match for F-1 students with degrees in civil or structural engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in this field routinely sponsor H-1B visas, making it one of the more stable long-term paths for international engineers.
See All OPT Structural Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 3,673+ Structural Engineer jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 3,673+ Structural Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Structural Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsThis Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Part-Time Early Career Structural Engineer for our Buffalo, NY office. Be involved in projects with our Northeast Transportation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.
Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the design, development, and construction of building and infrastructure projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of load-bearing structures or structural elements, such as buildings, bridges, roadways, and mechanical structures. Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, structural soundness, and functionality.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface utility information, maps, geotechnical data, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.
- Assist with performing basic professional structural engineering work relating to conducting research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, building, infrastructure, and transportation channels to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
- Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on securing structural soundness from loads and pressures caused by environmental or human influence.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, 2D/3D illustrations, and work site notebook/logs.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or closely related discipline.
- 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience
- Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
- Familiarity with process and concepts for design/build.
- Familiarity with relevant structural and civil construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
- Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, GeoSlope, ANSYS, STADD, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS).
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
- A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
Please note that this role will be part-time non-benefit eligible.
WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary: $29.48 - $41.35 per hour
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and may offer additional benefits and compensation, depending on circumstances and the type of work being performed not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
This Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Part-Time Early Career Structural Engineer for our Buffalo, NY office. Be involved in projects with our Northeast Transportation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.
Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the design, development, and construction of building and infrastructure projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of load-bearing structures or structural elements, such as buildings, bridges, roadways, and mechanical structures. Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, structural soundness, and functionality.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface utility information, maps, geotechnical data, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.
- Assist with performing basic professional structural engineering work relating to conducting research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, building, infrastructure, and transportation channels to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
- Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on securing structural soundness from loads and pressures caused by environmental or human influence.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, 2D/3D illustrations, and work site notebook/logs.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or closely related discipline.
- 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience
- Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
- Familiarity with process and concepts for design/build.
- Familiarity with relevant structural and civil construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
- Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, GeoSlope, ANSYS, STADD, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS).
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
- A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
Please note that this role will be part-time non-benefit eligible.
WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary: $29.48 - $41.35 per hour
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and may offer additional benefits and compensation, depending on circumstances and the type of work being performed not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
See all 3,673+ OPT Structural Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Structural Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Structural Engineer
Target firms with an active H-1B filing history
Engineering consultancies and construction firms that file H-1B petitions regularly are far more likely to extend OPT students. Check public LCA disclosure data to confirm a firm has sponsored engineers before applying.
Apply your STEM OPT extension early
File your STEM OPT extension application at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Missing this window means losing work authorization, which makes employer sponsorship conversations far more complicated and urgent.
Align your degree field with the job description
Structural Engineer roles require a degree in civil, structural, or architectural engineering. Confirm your diploma field matches before applying. A mismatch between your degree and role can create complications for both OPT eligibility and future H-1B petitions.
Highlight PE exam progress in your applications
Many structural engineering roles expect candidates to be working toward Professional Engineer licensure. Mentioning your EIT credential or exam progress signals long-term commitment and makes employers more willing to invest in sponsorship.
Focus on mid-sized engineering consultancies
Large infrastructure and structural engineering firms often have established international hiring pipelines. Mid-sized firms with government or infrastructure contracts also sponsor frequently and tend to have faster hiring decisions than large corporations.
Be transparent about your OPT timeline upfront
Disclose your work authorization status before the offer stage, not after. Structural engineering hiring cycles can be long. Employers who know your timeline early can plan H-1B sponsorship without feeling blindsided by a deadline.
Structural Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Structural Engineer jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Structural engineering roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because civil and structural engineering degrees appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. That gives eligible F-1 students up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization, which is enough time to go through two H-1B lottery cycles.
How common is H-1B sponsorship for structural engineers?
Structural and civil engineering is one of the more sponsorship-friendly fields. Engineering consultancies, infrastructure contractors, and firms working on federal or state projects regularly file H-1B petitions for foreign national engineers. The specialty occupation requirement is straightforward to satisfy because the role demands a specific engineering degree, which makes approvals more predictable than in fields with broader degree requirements.
Can I work on a project site on OPT as a structural engineer?
Yes, working on construction or project sites is permitted under OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. Structural engineering fieldwork, site inspections, and project coordination all qualify. Your employer should document how your on-site responsibilities connect to your engineering degree in case your DSO ever needs to verify compliance.
Where can I find Structural Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness. Searching for structural engineer roles there surfaces employers who have already indicated openness to sponsoring international candidates, saving you time you'd otherwise spend filtering out positions that won't consider OPT or H-1B applicants.
Does consulting or contract work count toward my OPT employment requirement?
It can, but with important conditions. OPT allows self-employment and independent contracting as long as the work is directly related to your major field of study and meets the minimum 20-hours-per-week threshold. If you take contract structural engineering work, keep clear records of your projects, hours, and how each engagement ties to your engineering degree. Report any employer changes to your DSO promptly.