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
WSP is currently initiating a search for an Architectural Engineer (Electrical design focus) for our Denver, CO office.
Be involved in projects with our Property & Buildings Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges.
At WSP, we are driven by inspiring the right people to be part of our future-focused business objectives. Our devotion to teamwork has allowed us to build communities and expand our skylines. Here at WSP, anything is within our reach and yours as a WSP employee. Come join us and help shape the future!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides technical assistance and guidance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Assist with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding material, installations, component, and construction specifications. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
Your Impact
- Collect, compile, and analyze data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.
- Assist in reviewing third-party design documents, procurement lists, and project plans.
- Perform professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Participate in incorporating future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and various design requirements with equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies that account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
- Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of fundamental components identified in design requirements, as well as field equipment applications and operations.
- Verify the characteristics of a site, providing technical assistance on various engineering, design, testing maintenance modifications, and construction procedures and issues.
- Develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
- Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
- Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, statistical analysis, and reporting.
- Work as an individual or as part of a cross-functional team of engineers, planners, scientific, and construction professionals to execute project work, assist with laying out installations, calculating costs and quantities of material/equipment/labor, and ensuring project work conforms with specifications, permit applications, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
- Assist with development and scoping of small- to medium-sized projects.
- Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and presentations that explain research and findings to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design and/or electrical engineering issues or problems.
- Conduct engineering studies and surveys to gain further information on a particular design and construction problem or issue and/or to plan for future needs.
- Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data obtained during field investigations, offering input with developing action plans for low to mid-level risk mitigation activities.
- Assist in the preparation and implementation of site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
- Work collaboratively with other engineers and disciplines on projects with electrical infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering
- 3 to 5 years of relevant post education experience in an electrical engineering or prior electrical design experience
- Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues.
- Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including rehabilitation and new design.
- Ability to coordinate with agency regulators and understand requirements.
- Knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Effective self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
- Moderate proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek. Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s Degree in Engineering.
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- Essential Professional Licensure/Certification.
- Prior Design Experience on Healthcare related projects.
WSP BENEFITS
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
COMPENSATION
Expected Salary (Colorado only): $85,200 - $121,700
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of Colorado, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
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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.
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.