STEM OPT Architectural Engineer Jobs
Architectural Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code, giving you up to 24 months of additional work authorization beyond your initial OPT period. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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INTRODUCTION
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an entry-level Associate with a degree in architecture, architectural engineering, or building science to join our Indianapolis, IN office. WJE is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients around the world turn to us to solve the most significant, complex, and challenging problems in the built environment. With experience from more than 175,000 projects and unmatched laboratory and testing capabilities, WJE is recognized as a leader in delivering innovative, yet practical, solutions. Working at WJE is a collaborative team experience, grounded in trust and personal responsibility. We foster an environment of open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, and hands-on mentoring. Our culture thrives on free-flowing collaboration and knowledge sharing across disciplines. We seek highly motivated and dedicated individuals who want to be challenged, engage directly in project work, and learn from the industry’s most accomplished experts. We value people who demonstrate outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our mission and culture, deepening Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.
Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on forensic investigations, condition assessments, and construction observations of building enclosure and materials related issues, which may include documenting distress and collecting test samples
- Conduct field testing and gather data using a variety of technologies including digital instrumentation and imaging tools
- Analyze data and research modern and historic construction documents, governing codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis, problem-solving, and repair design
- Complete analysis using a combination of advanced analysis software and calculations
- Assist with drafting and preparation of conceptual, preliminary, and final client deliverables, including structural and architectural construction drawings, specifications, written reports, and presentations
- Interface with project teams, clients, contractors, and other architectural and engineering disciplines
- Assume responsibility for key aspects of projects and complete assignments with limited oversight, under the guidance of licensed professionals
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree or better in architecture, architectural engineering, or building science from an NAAB or ABET accredited program
- Solid foundation in architectural and/or structural engineering principles with demonstrated interest in the investigation, rehabilitation, construction, and design of various modern and historic structures, building systems, and construction materials
- Relevant internship and/or research experience
- Effective technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills
- Proactive team player willing to take on various responsibilities and work independently
- Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands while maintaining a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention to detail
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment such as computers, printers, fax, copier, telephone, voice mail system, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:
- Ability to attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites
- Ability to perform inspections of buildings and other structures, both visually and with instruments
- Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to perform work in the temperature extremes presented by work in the outdoors
- Ability to read construction drawings, diagrams, printed materials, and computer screens
- Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.
- Ability to travel
- Ability to safely work at heights
- Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment
- Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and construction hazards
- Ability to safely work in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations
- Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
- Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle
CULTURE, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve. Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry’s most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.
WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry-leading benefits:
- Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.
- Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above-market total compensation. A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range: $79,280.00 - $118,920.00
WJE’s industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:
- Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options
- Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately
- Time off to care for yourself and others
- Investments in employees’ educational assistance and professional development
WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Architectural Engineer
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Architectural Engineering (CIP 14.0401) and Civil Engineering (CIP 14.0801) are both STEM-designated, but your exact degree title determines eligibility. Cross-check your transcript against your school's DSO records before submitting your STEM OPT extension request.
Filter firms by E-Verify enrollment status
Not every AEC firm is enrolled in E-Verify. Ask HR directly before accepting an offer, or search E-Verify's employer search tool by company name to confirm enrollment before your start date.
Build your I-983 training plan around billable roles
Architectural engineer roles in project delivery, structural analysis, or BIM coordination map cleanly to I-983 learning objectives. Document specific software tools, codes, and deliverables you'll own so the plan reflects real engineering work, not generic descriptions.
Target firms with active H-1B LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to find architectural and engineering firms with verified DOL Labor Condition Application filing history. Employers who have filed LCAs for similar roles have already cleared the sponsorship process and are more likely to support your long-term status.
Check prevailing wage for your geographic market
Use the OFLC Wage Search to verify the prevailing wage for Architectural Engineer roles in your target metro. Your STEM OPT training plan salary must meet this threshold, and knowing the number strengthens your position when negotiating with smaller firms.
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Find Architectural Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an Architectural Engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in Architectural Engineering (CIP 14.0401) or a closely related STEM field. Your DSO confirms eligibility by matching your program's CIP code against the DHS STEM designated degree program list. Degrees in Architecture (CIP 04.0201) without an engineering component typically do not qualify, so verify your exact program code with your school before filing.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify for me to work as an Architectural Engineer on STEM OPT?
Yes, E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for all STEM OPT employers, including AEC firms of any size. Your employer must be enrolled before you begin work, and their E-Verify company ID must appear on your signed I-983 training plan. If a firm is not enrolled, they cannot legally employ you under the STEM OPT extension, even if they're willing to sponsor you later.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for an Architectural Engineer role?
Your I-983 must describe specific engineering activities tied to your STEM degree, such as structural load calculations, energy modeling, building systems coordination, or code compliance review. Generic job descriptions don't satisfy USCIS requirements. Include the software platforms you'll use, the engineering standards you'll apply, and measurable outcomes for each learning objective. Your supervisor must co-sign and confirm the work aligns with your academic background.
How does cap-gap protection apply if my employer files an H-1B petition before my STEM OPT expires?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT EAD expires and the petition is selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working for the same employer without interruption. USCIS does not issue a new EAD for cap-gap; your existing EAD plus the I-797 receipt notice serve as proof of continued authorization.
Where can I find Architectural Engineer jobs at employers who already support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Architectural Engineer roles filtered for employers with E-Verify enrollment and verified DOL LCA filing history, so you're not guessing which firms are set up to hire STEM OPT students. You can search by location, firm type, and project specialization to find positions that match both your engineering background and your work authorization timeline.
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