OPT Structural Project Engineer Jobs
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.
Find OPT Structural Project Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 501+ Structural Project Engineer jobs










See all 501+ Structural Project Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Structural Project Engineer roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
RRC is seeking a talented Structural Engineer I to help us build the future of U.S. and Canadian energy production. This position will be based in Minneapolis, MN. RRC is a multi-disciplinary engineering firm that specializes in energy projects, particularly renewable energy, throughout the United States. Founded in 2007, RRC provides a culture where employees are valued while contributing to meaningful projects. This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of the evolving energy production landscape.
RRC CORE VALUES
Must understand and personify RRC’s core values:
- Client Satisfaction – understands the goal of always exceeding our client’s expectations
- Employee Happiness – able to work well with others, communicate clearly with coworkers, promote a positive work environment, and mediate conflicts between team members
- Quality Work – able to take ownership, work independently, prioritize workload, and deliver quality results on time while working on multiple projects simultaneously
- Above and Beyond – versatile, flexible, able to anticipate the needs of the company, take the initiative, and willing to go out of your way to assist others
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Take directions from senior-level engineers to assist with design related tasks while gaining experience and learning the skills necessary to carry out successful projects.
- Review project-related design documents, such as fabrication shop drawings, for completion and errors.
- Help model various structures using finite element modeling to be used for design.
- Review various design codes to apply the appropriate design standards.
- Assist in preparing engineering calculations, technical reports, design packages, and construction documents.
- Perform value engineering design analyses to determine the most cost-competitive design.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams to support successful project execution.
- Ability to manage detailed project information and prioritize tasks.
- Utilize Microsoft Excel and Word to analyze and communicate design information.
- Project site-visits to inspect construction quality are possible on occasion.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (required); Master’s degree preferred.
- 0 - 3+ years of engineering experience.
- Successful completion of the F.E. exam (Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) registration) is required with the goal of pursuing professional licensure once the required experience has been acquired.
- Prior experience within the energy industry is preferred but not required.
- An interest in reinforced concrete is preferred.
- Possess strong oral and writing skills to effectively communicate between project team members and clients.
- Ability to manage detailed project information and prioritize tasks.
- Interest in using several different structural design codes including IBC, ACI, ASCE 7, AISC, etc.
- Well versed in Microsoft Excel and Word.
- AutoCAD and/or finite element analysis experience is preferred, but not required. All necessary training will be provided.
- Must be willing to travel to project locations for short durations (typically one to two days per trip) around the U.S. at least a few times per year. Must have the ability to walk on and inspect structural reinforcement.
BENEFITS
RRC is committed to investing in talented employees because we recognize that healthy, happy employees provide the best path to sustaining a successful business. RRC offers competitive salaries and benefits for full-time employees, including:
- Flexible work hours to accommodate work-life balance.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401k matching.
- Bonus eligibility.
- Tuition reimbursement for certain pre-approved education pursuits.
- RRSP matching (Canada), 401k matching (US).
RRC thanks you for your interest in joining RRC. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
No recruiters or staffing firms please.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
RRC Companies is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and assessment process. If you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources or the recruitment contact listed in this posting.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
See all 501+ OPT Structural Project Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Structural Project Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 OPT: 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.