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.

Find STEM OPT Architectural Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs356+
Work Type74% On-site
Top LocationAustin, TX
Most JobsMolex

Showing 5 of 356+ Architectural Engineer jobs

WSP
Architectural Engineer
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WSP
Added 1w ago
Architectural Engineer
WSP
Denver, Colorado
Electrical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$85k - $122k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Rimkus
Consultant - Architectural Engineering
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Rimkus
Added 4d ago
Consultant - Architectural Engineering
Rimkus
New York, New York
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Construction Management
Consulting & Professional Services
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
$121k - $150k/yr
On-Site
Master's
1,001-5,000

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Apple
Graphics (GPU) Architectural Modeling Engineer
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Apple
Added 3w ago
Graphics (GPU) Architectural Modeling Engineer
Apple
Austin, Texas
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$127k - $191k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Westinghouse Electric Company
Engineer 1- Mechanical/Architectural
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Westinghouse Electric Company
Added 4mo ago
Engineer 1- Mechanical/Architectural
Westinghouse Electric Company
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$58k - $73k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's

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ECS Limited
Architectural Specifications Writer
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ECS Limited
Added 1w ago
Architectural Specifications Writer
ECS Limited
Roseville, California
Specialized Engineering
Construction Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
$73k - $98k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Tips 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.