STEM OPT Bridge Engineer Jobs
Bridge Engineer roles in structural and civil engineering qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of F-1 work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree must align with an approved STEM CIP code in civil or structural engineering.
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Get Access To All JobsGENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Entech Civil Engineers, Inc. is currently hiring for a Bridge Engineer-in-Training to join our Bridges and Structures Engineering Team located in Austin, Texas. As a member of our team at Entech you will work in a dynamic collaborative environment assisting a team of engineers and technicians in designing and producing a variety of bridge and structural projects, under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer with clear and specified objectives. Job location is 811 Barton Springs, Austin, TX, 78704.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Under direct supervision, design bridges, retaining walls, culverts, sign supports and other highway related structures using TxDOT manuals, standards and policies, Toll Road Requirements, Municipal Standards and AASHTO Specifications and procedures.
- Provide engineering supervision to CADD draftsmen and technicians in daily work activities associated with project plan development.
- Under direct supervision, use design software like Bentley OpenBridge Modeler, OpenBridge Designer (LEAP Concrete, LEAP Steel), PG Super, STAAD Pro, CSI Bridge, LPILE, SNAILPLUS and TxDOT bridge programs to perform engineering analysis and design on bridge elements.
- Perform QA/QC on bridge layouts, construction plans and detail drawings produced by CADD technicians.
- Perform detailed calculations for quantity takeoff of concrete, steel and other items for cost estimates.
- Checking calculations and QA/QC plans by others.
- Assist in review and approval of shop drawings for structural components.
- Perform calculations and develop plans for field change requests from TxDOT.
- Assist in conducting field visits to perform site assessments of bridges throughout Texas.
- Perform related bridge and roadway work as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering a plus. Structural or transportation emphasis required.
- Zero to five years of industry experience in engineering.
- Experience in the design of TxDOT Bridge, structural projects, and roadway design experience a plus.
REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE
Texas EIT Certification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Career minded, proactive, critical thinking problem solver with a desire to grow professionally as we continue to grow our company.
- Knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, and procedures of applicable laws, regulations, and rules.
- Knowledge of AASHTO LRFD.
- Some familiarity with the following software applications: Bentley OpenBridge Modeler, OpenBridge Designer (LEAP Concrete, LEAP Steel), Bentley MicroStation, PG Super, Bluebeam, STAAD Pro, Adobe, and GEOPAK a plus.
- Ability learn Bentley OpenRoads and OpenBridge software to develop designs of transportation projects.
- Ability to learn to produce 3D geometric designs for horizontal & vertical geometry for bridges, culverts, retaining walls and embankments, and cutting cross sections and detail sheets.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft office software such as: MS Word, Power Point, Excel.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Passion for all types of bridge engineering and the drive to perform structural engineering for heavy highway and bridge projects.
ENTECH’S VISION
Founded in 1999 by Tony Gelacio and Nick Alanis, Entech Civil Engineers Inc. (Entech) was established with a vision to provide engineering services for projects that improve quality of life for all. Entech’s focus was to provide infrastructure design and construction management services to municipal, county and state partners. Today, Entech is a well-established multidiscipline consulting firm and one of the strongest consulting practices in Texas. Our specialties range from feasibility studies, planning and schematics to PS&E final design and construction management. We understand that our future depends on consistently providing a quality product, clearly communicating with our clients, and meeting expectations every day. Entech has amassed a staff that includes professional engineers, project managers, hydrologists, technicians, construction managers, inspectors, and administrative support to complete our clients’ projects.
GROWTH
Entech is always looking for highly qualified new team members. We have established ourselves as one of the leading Civil Engineering Companies in the Houston Texas Area and for TxDOT Statewide. We continue to push the boundaries of technology, developing exciting and innovative products and services for the engineering market. We have a culture of innovation where our employees are encouraged to make a difference, and we are looking for like-minded, dynamic individuals to join our rapidly expanding team.
BENEFITS
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401k Investments/Match
- Disability Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Holidays
- Entech supports a limited hybrid work policy.
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Entech Civil Engineers, Inc. is currently hiring for a Bridge Engineer-in-Training to join our Bridges and Structures Engineering Team located in Austin, Texas. As a member of our team at Entech you will work in a dynamic collaborative environment assisting a team of engineers and technicians in designing and producing a variety of bridge and structural projects, under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer with clear and specified objectives. Job location is 811 Barton Springs, Austin, TX, 78704.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Under direct supervision, design bridges, retaining walls, culverts, sign supports and other highway related structures using TxDOT manuals, standards and policies, Toll Road Requirements, Municipal Standards and AASHTO Specifications and procedures.
- Provide engineering supervision to CADD draftsmen and technicians in daily work activities associated with project plan development.
- Under direct supervision, use design software like Bentley OpenBridge Modeler, OpenBridge Designer (LEAP Concrete, LEAP Steel), PG Super, STAAD Pro, CSI Bridge, LPILE, SNAILPLUS and TxDOT bridge programs to perform engineering analysis and design on bridge elements.
- Perform QA/QC on bridge layouts, construction plans and detail drawings produced by CADD technicians.
- Perform detailed calculations for quantity takeoff of concrete, steel and other items for cost estimates.
- Checking calculations and QA/QC plans by others.
- Assist in review and approval of shop drawings for structural components.
- Perform calculations and develop plans for field change requests from TxDOT.
- Assist in conducting field visits to perform site assessments of bridges throughout Texas.
- Perform related bridge and roadway work as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering a plus. Structural or transportation emphasis required.
- Zero to five years of industry experience in engineering.
- Experience in the design of TxDOT Bridge, structural projects, and roadway design experience a plus.
REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE
Texas EIT Certification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Career minded, proactive, critical thinking problem solver with a desire to grow professionally as we continue to grow our company.
- Knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, and procedures of applicable laws, regulations, and rules.
- Knowledge of AASHTO LRFD.
- Some familiarity with the following software applications: Bentley OpenBridge Modeler, OpenBridge Designer (LEAP Concrete, LEAP Steel), Bentley MicroStation, PG Super, Bluebeam, STAAD Pro, Adobe, and GEOPAK a plus.
- Ability learn Bentley OpenRoads and OpenBridge software to develop designs of transportation projects.
- Ability to learn to produce 3D geometric designs for horizontal & vertical geometry for bridges, culverts, retaining walls and embankments, and cutting cross sections and detail sheets.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft office software such as: MS Word, Power Point, Excel.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Passion for all types of bridge engineering and the drive to perform structural engineering for heavy highway and bridge projects.
ENTECH’S VISION
Founded in 1999 by Tony Gelacio and Nick Alanis, Entech Civil Engineers Inc. (Entech) was established with a vision to provide engineering services for projects that improve quality of life for all. Entech’s focus was to provide infrastructure design and construction management services to municipal, county and state partners. Today, Entech is a well-established multidiscipline consulting firm and one of the strongest consulting practices in Texas. Our specialties range from feasibility studies, planning and schematics to PS&E final design and construction management. We understand that our future depends on consistently providing a quality product, clearly communicating with our clients, and meeting expectations every day. Entech has amassed a staff that includes professional engineers, project managers, hydrologists, technicians, construction managers, inspectors, and administrative support to complete our clients’ projects.
GROWTH
Entech is always looking for highly qualified new team members. We have established ourselves as one of the leading Civil Engineering Companies in the Houston Texas Area and for TxDOT Statewide. We continue to push the boundaries of technology, developing exciting and innovative products and services for the engineering market. We have a culture of innovation where our employees are encouraged to make a difference, and we are looking for like-minded, dynamic individuals to join our rapidly expanding team.
BENEFITS
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401k Investments/Match
- Disability Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Holidays
- Entech supports a limited hybrid work policy.
See all 117+ STEM OPT Bridge Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Bridge Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Civil engineering (14.0801) and structural engineering (14.0803) both qualify, but dual-degree or interdisciplinary programs sometimes carry a non-STEM CIP code that disqualifies the extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask your recruiter to confirm E-Verify employer ID or search the E-Verify employer search portal directly. Engineering firms with federal contracts are usually enrolled, but smaller regional bridge consultancies often are not, which would block your STEM OPT extension.
Target firms with active federal infrastructure contracts
Firms holding FHWA or Army Corps of Engineers contracts must comply with federal contractor E-Verify requirements, making them structurally more likely to be enrolled and experienced with OPT students than state-only or private-sector firms.
Build your I-983 training plan around PE licensure milestones
Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. Frame objectives around structural analysis software proficiency, load rating methodologies, and AASHTO standards, which directly map to bridge engineering job duties and strengthen DSO approval.
Use Migrate Mate to filter by E-Verify enrollment
Search Bridge Engineer roles on Migrate Mate, which filters listings by verified E-Verify employer status using DOL LCA data, so you're not spending time on firms that can't legally support your STEM OPT extension.
Understand cap-gap timing relative to PE exam schedules
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30. Align your EIT exam and PE exam prep timeline with this window so a status gap doesn't interrupt licensure requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a civil engineering or structural engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, both civil engineering and structural engineering degrees are on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List and qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm your exact CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles, since interdisciplinary programs sometimes carry a non-qualifying code even when the coursework is technical.
Is the E-Verify requirement a real barrier for bridge engineering firms?
It can be. Large engineering consultancies and firms holding federal or state transportation contracts are typically enrolled in E-Verify as a condition of those contracts. Smaller regional firms or niche specialty contractors may not be. Always confirm enrollment directly with HR before investing time in an application process, since your STEM OPT extension is blocked without it.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Bridge Engineer role?
Your I-983 must connect your daily job duties to your STEM degree's learning objectives. For bridge engineering, that means listing specific technical skills you'll develop: structural load analysis, finite element modeling, inspection methodology, or bridge rating software. Generic job descriptions are often rejected. Work with your DSO and employer supervisor to draft objectives that reference actual project types and engineering standards you'll apply on the job.
How do I find Bridge Engineer employers who are already enrolled in E-Verify?
Migrate Mate filters Bridge Engineer job listings by verified E-Verify enrollment using DOL LCA disclosure data, so you can focus only on employers who can legally support your STEM OPT extension. For additional verification, the E-Verify employer search tool lets you look up any firm by name or employer ID before you apply.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my employer files an H-1B petition before my OPT expires?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition and it's selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year, or until USCIS makes a decision if the petition is still pending. You can continue working for the same employer without interruption. Your DSO must issue a new I-20 reflecting the cap-gap extension for your records.