Subject Matter Expert Jobs for OPT Students
Subject Matter Expert jobs on OPT require employers to verify that your role qualifies as a specialty occupation, since USCIS scrutinizes advisory and consulting titles closely. Most SME positions in defense, healthcare, and technology do qualify, but your job offer letter needs to specify the degree field required for the role.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company. We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Olsson offers its clients a full spectrum of water and wastewater services, including a complete line of planning, design, permitting, and construction phase services. Maintaining water quality is Olsson’s number one concern, and we are able to respond to a broad set of client demands in a timely and cost-effective manner. As a Wastewater Treatment Subject Matter Expert, you will be responsible for mentoring, quality, technical excellence, and design reviews. The Subject Matter Expert provides direction on design and development activities across the firm to improve or design new concepts and processes for services within the discipline, focusing on technical performance and production, technical innovation, and quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Serves as a subject matter expert for the firm, acting as an advisor internally and externally and elevating the level of technical capabilities related to wastewater treatment.
- Provides firmwide direction, internal consultation, and services to clients in a specialized service or discipline integral to the firm.
- Ensure all processes and systems comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Prepare and review compliance documentation and reports.
- Maintains a reputation as a technical expert outside of the firm; writes papers, gives technical presentations, and/or regularly represents the firm in professional and technical societies.
- Promotes efficiencies in producing quality work and ensures quality control standards are maintained.
- Researches and analyzes wastewater-related data, trends, and emerging technologies to provide insights and recommendations internally and externally.
- Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders and industry partners to stay informed of developments and to identify opportunities for collaboration.
- May represent the firm on governing bodies of professional organizations to elevate the profession and the firm’s brand.
- Lead and manage water/wastewater treatment projects from conceptual design through to implementation. Prepare detailed project plans, budgets, and schedules.
We have two current openings and will consider candidates located in any of our office locations or remote.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Having ownership in the work you do.
- Using your talents to positively affect communities.
You Bring To The Team
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required. Master’s degree in Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering preferred.
- Must be a licensed professional engineer (PE).
- 12+ years of experience in water/wastewater process engineering.
- Strong technical background and experience in wastewater treatment, wastewater modeling, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience in leading and mentoring others.
- Innovative and proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including participation in professional organizations.
Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, geographic location, skills, education, and internal equity. Colorado Pay Range $156,000—$241,000 USD
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As An Olsson Employee, You Will
- Receive a competitive 401(k) match
- Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
- Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
- Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
- Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status. Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants’ personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the “CCPA”), this notice explains Olsson’s practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices. For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.
Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company. We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Olsson offers its clients a full spectrum of water and wastewater services, including a complete line of planning, design, permitting, and construction phase services. Maintaining water quality is Olsson’s number one concern, and we are able to respond to a broad set of client demands in a timely and cost-effective manner. As a Wastewater Treatment Subject Matter Expert, you will be responsible for mentoring, quality, technical excellence, and design reviews. The Subject Matter Expert provides direction on design and development activities across the firm to improve or design new concepts and processes for services within the discipline, focusing on technical performance and production, technical innovation, and quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Serves as a subject matter expert for the firm, acting as an advisor internally and externally and elevating the level of technical capabilities related to wastewater treatment.
- Provides firmwide direction, internal consultation, and services to clients in a specialized service or discipline integral to the firm.
- Ensure all processes and systems comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Prepare and review compliance documentation and reports.
- Maintains a reputation as a technical expert outside of the firm; writes papers, gives technical presentations, and/or regularly represents the firm in professional and technical societies.
- Promotes efficiencies in producing quality work and ensures quality control standards are maintained.
- Researches and analyzes wastewater-related data, trends, and emerging technologies to provide insights and recommendations internally and externally.
- Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders and industry partners to stay informed of developments and to identify opportunities for collaboration.
- May represent the firm on governing bodies of professional organizations to elevate the profession and the firm’s brand.
- Lead and manage water/wastewater treatment projects from conceptual design through to implementation. Prepare detailed project plans, budgets, and schedules.
We have two current openings and will consider candidates located in any of our office locations or remote.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Having ownership in the work you do.
- Using your talents to positively affect communities.
You Bring To The Team
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required. Master’s degree in Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering preferred.
- Must be a licensed professional engineer (PE).
- 12+ years of experience in water/wastewater process engineering.
- Strong technical background and experience in wastewater treatment, wastewater modeling, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience in leading and mentoring others.
- Innovative and proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including participation in professional organizations.
Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, geographic location, skills, education, and internal equity. Colorado Pay Range $156,000—$241,000 USD
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As An Olsson Employee, You Will
- Receive a competitive 401(k) match
- Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
- Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
- Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
- Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status. Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants’ personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the “CCPA”), this notice explains Olsson’s practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices. For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Subject Matter Expert
Confirm your role qualifies as a specialty occupation
Subject Matter Expert is a broad title, so your offer letter must specify that a bachelor's degree in a particular field is required. Roles tied to engineering, cybersecurity, or life sciences qualify far more reliably than general advisory positions.
Track your OPT end date against your job search timeline
Most SME contract roles take 4 to 8 weeks to finalize. Start your search at least 90 days before your OPT expires so you have enough runway to complete interviews, negotiate terms, and remain in valid status throughout.
Target employers with established visa sponsorship pipelines
Federal contractors, defense primes, and large healthcare systems hire SMEs regularly and have HR infrastructure for H-1B sponsorship. Smaller consulting firms may offer the role but lack the legal resources to sponsor you long-term.
Clarify whether the role is W-2 employment or 1099 contracting
OPT requires authorized employment with a specific employer. Independent contractor arrangements on a 1099 basis do not satisfy OPT work authorization requirements. Confirm the role is W-2 before accepting any offer.
Document the connection between your degree and your SME domain
When your employer later files for H-1B sponsorship, USCIS will want proof your expertise derives from formal education. Keep transcripts, certifications, and publications that directly connect your academic background to the subject area you advise on.
Understand how STEM OPT extension eligibility applies to SME roles
If your degree is in a STEM field and your SME role falls under a STEM-designated SOC code, you may qualify for a 24-month extension. Confirm the SOC code your employer will use on your I-983 training plan before signing your offer.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Subject Matter Expert jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, as long as the role meets the specialty occupation standard, meaning it genuinely requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. SME positions in cybersecurity, clinical research, engineering, and policy analysis typically qualify. Generic advisory roles that accept any degree field are more likely to face USCIS scrutiny during a later H-1B petition, so the job description matters significantly.
Can I work as a Subject Matter Expert on a contract or consulting basis while on OPT?
Only if the arrangement is structured as W-2 employment with a single authorized employer. Self-employment and independent contracting on a 1099 basis are not permitted under OPT. If you are placed at a client site through a staffing agency, the agency must be your employer of record on your EAD, and the work must be directly related to your degree field.
Where can I find Subject Matter Expert jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness, so you are not wasting time applying to roles that will not work for your situation. SME openings in defense contracting, healthcare systems, and technology consulting appear regularly, and you can filter by industry and degree field to surface the most relevant matches.
Does a Subject Matter Expert role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on the SOC code your employer assigns to the position and whether your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field. Many SME roles in information technology, biomedical research, and data science do qualify. The key document is the I-983 training plan, which your employer must sign. Confirm the SOC code with your employer before your initial OPT period ends to avoid a gap in authorization.
What should I look for in a Subject Matter Expert job offer to ensure it supports future H-1B sponsorship?
The offer letter should state a specific degree requirement in a defined field, not just a general preference for a bachelor's degree. The role should be classified under an SOC code consistent with specialty occupation standards. Employers with prior H-1B filing history in your domain are lower risk. Avoid titles that describe broad advisory work without anchoring the role to a technical or scientific discipline, since those create problems at the petition stage.
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