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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This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Due to the available budget allocated for this position, the hiring rate will not exceed $33.00/hour.
Why does the job exist?
The purpose of this position is to improve physical access in places of public accommodation and government entities through accessibility site surveys, architectural plan reviews for buildings and facilities, technical assistance, and trainings on state and federal accessibility standards. This position works to ensure compliance with current accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the International Building Code, and the American National Standards Institute. In addition, this position provides project management for GCD's Residential Accessibility Modification Program (RAMP).
How does it get done?
Duties of this position include:
- Assisting the RAMP Manager in coordinating home modification projects from start to finish to include: conducting a preliminary assessment, prepare computer aided project drawings for proposed project, document existing conditions (photographs), solicit bids from contractors, coordinate project scope of work with contractor, coordinate between contractor and homeowner, conduct final inspection/walk-through and documentation of completed project with contractor for final approval.
- Conducting Site Accessibility Assessments as requested and write detailed reports on the physical access issues affecting people with disabilities.
- Reviewing architectural plans and specifications for accessibility compliance with the NM Building Code (NMBC), The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Standards 2010 (ADA) and any updates, and the American National Standards Institute.
Who are the customers?
These services are provided for individuals with disabilities of any age throughout the state of New Mexico.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor Degree in Architecture from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of professional experience in architectural design, project management, or construction management. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and complete a Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico within thirty (30) days of hire.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive phone and personal computer usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Direct client interaction and some travel may be required.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Nadine Flores, (505) 470-7885, Nadine.Flores@gcd.nm.gov Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Posting Details
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Due to the available budget allocated for this position, the hiring rate will not exceed $33.00/hour.
Why does the job exist?
The purpose of this position is to improve physical access in places of public accommodation and government entities through accessibility site surveys, architectural plan reviews for buildings and facilities, technical assistance, and trainings on state and federal accessibility standards. This position works to ensure compliance with current accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the International Building Code, and the American National Standards Institute. In addition, this position provides project management for GCD's Residential Accessibility Modification Program (RAMP).
How does it get done?
Duties of this position include:
- Assisting the RAMP Manager in coordinating home modification projects from start to finish to include: conducting a preliminary assessment, prepare computer aided project drawings for proposed project, document existing conditions (photographs), solicit bids from contractors, coordinate project scope of work with contractor, coordinate between contractor and homeowner, conduct final inspection/walk-through and documentation of completed project with contractor for final approval.
- Conducting Site Accessibility Assessments as requested and write detailed reports on the physical access issues affecting people with disabilities.
- Reviewing architectural plans and specifications for accessibility compliance with the NM Building Code (NMBC), The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Standards 2010 (ADA) and any updates, and the American National Standards Institute.
Who are the customers?
These services are provided for individuals with disabilities of any age throughout the state of New Mexico.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor Degree in Architecture from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of professional experience in architectural design, project management, or construction management. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and complete a Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico within thirty (30) days of hire.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive phone and personal computer usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Direct client interaction and some travel may be required.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Nadine Flores, (505) 470-7885, Nadine.Flores@gcd.nm.gov Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
See all STEM OPT Architectural Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Architectural Engineer Jobs.
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.
Request your offer letter before your OPT end date
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed while your initial OPT EAD is still valid. Coordinate with HR to receive your signed offer and complete your I-983 at least 90 days before your current EAD expires.
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.
Frequently 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 visa 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.