Structural Project Engineer Jobs for OPT Students

Structural Project Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in civil or structural engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM-designated positions, making you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers in this field routinely sponsor H-1B visas, giving you a realistic path beyond your initial OPT period.

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Overview

Open Jobs1,273+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type83% On-site
Salary Range$85K – $113K
Top LocationDallas, TX
Most JobsWestwood Professional Services

Showing 5 of 1,273+ Structural Project Engineer jobs

Thornton Tomasetti
Structural Project Engineer
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Thornton Tomasetti
Added 1w ago
Structural Project Engineer
Thornton Tomasetti
New York, New York
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering
$142,750/yr
Hybrid
4+ yrs exp.
Master's

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Osborn Engineering
Structural Project Engineer
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Osborn Engineering
Added 2w ago
Structural Project Engineer
Osborn Engineering
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Westwood Professional Services
Structural Project Engineer
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Westwood Professional Services
Added 3w ago
Structural Project Engineer
Westwood Professional Services
Minnetonka, Minnesota
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering
$100,000/yr - $120,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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DCI Engineers
Structural Project Engineer
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DCI Engineers
Added 1mo ago
Structural Project Engineer
DCI Engineers
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's

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KPFF Consulting Engineers
Structural Project Engineer
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KPFF Consulting Engineers
Added 1mo ago
Structural Project Engineer
KPFF Consulting Engineers
San Francisco, California
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering
$90,000/yr - $115,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Structural Project Engineer

Target firms with active H-1B filing histories

Large structural engineering firms and ENR 500 contractors file H-1B petitions regularly. Prioritizing employers with a documented sponsorship track record reduces the risk of accepting a role that dead-ends at the OPT expiration date.

Confirm your degree qualifies the role as STEM OPT

Structural Project Engineer roles tied to a civil or structural engineering degree typically qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to lock in that timeline.

Raise sponsorship before the offer stage

Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the final interview round, not after receiving an offer. Structural engineering hiring managers expect this question and a clear yes or no saves both sides significant time and avoids late-stage surprises.

Get your PE licensure process started early

Many senior structural roles require a Professional Engineer license. Beginning your FE exam and experience hours during OPT signals long-term commitment to U.S. practice and makes you a stronger H-1B sponsorship candidate in the eyes of hiring managers.

Emphasize software proficiency in your application materials

Proficiency in ETABS, SAP2000, RISA, or Revit Structure strengthens your case as a specialty occupation candidate, which is the legal standard H-1B sponsorship requires. List specific software and project types prominently on your resume.

Understand your OPT reporting obligations when changing projects

Structural engineers often move between project sites or get reassigned between office locations. Each substantive change in employer address or job duties may require a SEVIS update. Keep your DSO informed to stay in lawful status throughout your OPT period.

Structural Project Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.

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See all 1,273+ Structural Project Engineer jobs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Structural Project Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

It typically does, provided your degree is in civil engineering, structural engineering, or a closely related STEM-designated field. The qualifying factor is your CIP code, not the job title itself. Confirm with your DSO that your degree program appears on the current STEM OPT designated degree program list before you begin the extension application process.

How do I find Structural Project Engineer employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?

Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for visa-sponsoring employers, making it the most direct way to find Structural Project Engineer roles open to OPT students. Outside of that, reviewing DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data for engineering firms shows which companies have filed H-1B petitions for similar roles in previous years, which is a reliable proxy for sponsorship willingness.

Can I work on multiple construction sites or projects across different states on OPT?

Yes, but each new work location may require a SEVIS address update, and if you move to a new primary employer site, your DSO needs to be notified. Structural engineers who rotate between project sites should keep a clear record of work locations and confirm with their DSO what reporting thresholds trigger a required update to avoid any status issues.

Does the PE licensure process affect my OPT or visa sponsorship eligibility?

Pursuing your FE exam or accumulating PE experience hours has no direct effect on your OPT work authorization or H-1B eligibility. However, some states require a U.S. engineering degree or specific residency for PE licensure, so research your target state's board requirements early. Having an active PE pathway strengthens your value as a long-term H-1B sponsorship candidate.

What happens to my OPT if my employer's project ends and I'm between assignments?

OPT does not allow for extended unemployment. F-1 regulations permit a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT and 150 days across the full 36-month STEM OPT period. If a project ends and you're between assignments, that time counts against your unemployment limit. Securing a new role or transitioning to a new employer before the gap extends is essential.

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