STEM OPT Civil Engineer Jobs
Civil Engineer roles in transportation, structural design, and infrastructure qualify for the STEM OPT extension when your degree maps to an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build licensure hours and transition to long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Civil Engineer
Location: Grand Junction, CO
Job Summary
Bohannan Huston is currently seeking a full-time experienced Civil Engineer to join our Water and Wastewater Systems Engineering Group in our Grand Junction Colorado office.
Your Role & Responsibilities
As an engineer in the Water Systems Engineering group, you would be involved in numerous tasks that include:
- Working collaboratively with a team and applying individual expertise.
- Conduct feasibility studies of water infrastructure facilities.
- Perform hydraulic analysis of water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
- Prepare engineering design plans for wastewater and potable / non-potable water systems including booster pump stations, transmission and distribution lines and extensions, wells and storage reservoirs, water treatment facilities and groundwater wells, and sanitary sewer collection and lift stations.
- Prepare reports and other project-related documents such as Technical Memorandums, Preliminary Engineering Reports and Design Analysis Reports.
- Serve as a design engineer on projects, managing time to stay within schedule and budget constraints.
- Working with clients, presenting information and status throughout the project, preparing and assisting with bid documents, and construction assistance on water/wastewater engineering projects.
- Responsible for project management and technical oversight of staff and teams.
- Conduct QAQC of deliverables.
- Serve as the Client Manager working directly with the primary contacts to serve as a trusted advisor and complete projects successfully.
- In support of marketing and business development, you will prepare proposals and provide assistance in marketing efforts including occasional attendance at local and regional conferences.
Who You Are
- You have graduated with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering/environmental engineering. Preference given to those holding a Master's degree.
- You have earned your PE license in Colorado.
- You have four (4) or more years of proven experience in water/wastewater engineering, to include two (2) years of project management. Preference given to prior experience in consulting engineering and experience with managing multi-disciplinary projects.
- You have experience with the development of water and wastewater type projects including items such as facility design, wastewater collection system (treatment facilities, pump stations, etc.), water distribution and conveyance systems and water supply.
- You have demonstrated organizational skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, ability to problem solve, supervision of staff and work, as well as the ability to mentor and train staff members. Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team.
- You have the ability to manage multiple projects and mentor/train staff.
- You have demonstrated ability using applicable software and modeling programs such as Civil 3D, InfoWater, InfoSWMM, etc.
Technologies We Use and Teach
- AutoCAD Civil 3D
- ESRI ARCGIS
- InfoWater
- InfoSWMM
- Microsoft Office
Why Choose Bohannan Huston?
At Bohannan Huston, we are committed to delivering sustainable engineering solutions that positively impact our communities. We offer a collaborative work environment where innovation is encouraged, and professional growth is supported. As a member of our Water Systems Engineering Group, you will have the opportunity to work on diverse projects that shape the future of our built environment.
Why Grand Junction, Colorado?
Grand Junction is known for breathtaking landscapes, outdoor recreation, and affordable living with access to hiking, biking, and wineries.
What We Offer
- Professional Development – Access to mentorship, training, and a diverse range of engineering projects.
- Work-Life Balance – Three weeks of flexible leave plus an additional week off during the winter break to support personal and professional well-being.
- Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus an HSA with company contributions.
- Financial Security – A 401(k) retirement plan with a competitive company match.
- Award-Winning Workplace – Recognized as a Top Workplace and ENR Top 500 Firm since 1998.
Take the Next Step in Your Career
If you are ready to apply your engineering expertise, develop professionally, and contribute to meaningful projects, we encourage you to join our team.
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Job Title: Civil Engineer
Location: Grand Junction, CO
Job Summary
Bohannan Huston is currently seeking a full-time experienced Civil Engineer to join our Water and Wastewater Systems Engineering Group in our Grand Junction Colorado office.
Your Role & Responsibilities
As an engineer in the Water Systems Engineering group, you would be involved in numerous tasks that include:
- Working collaboratively with a team and applying individual expertise.
- Conduct feasibility studies of water infrastructure facilities.
- Perform hydraulic analysis of water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
- Prepare engineering design plans for wastewater and potable / non-potable water systems including booster pump stations, transmission and distribution lines and extensions, wells and storage reservoirs, water treatment facilities and groundwater wells, and sanitary sewer collection and lift stations.
- Prepare reports and other project-related documents such as Technical Memorandums, Preliminary Engineering Reports and Design Analysis Reports.
- Serve as a design engineer on projects, managing time to stay within schedule and budget constraints.
- Working with clients, presenting information and status throughout the project, preparing and assisting with bid documents, and construction assistance on water/wastewater engineering projects.
- Responsible for project management and technical oversight of staff and teams.
- Conduct QAQC of deliverables.
- Serve as the Client Manager working directly with the primary contacts to serve as a trusted advisor and complete projects successfully.
- In support of marketing and business development, you will prepare proposals and provide assistance in marketing efforts including occasional attendance at local and regional conferences.
Who You Are
- You have graduated with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering/environmental engineering. Preference given to those holding a Master's degree.
- You have earned your PE license in Colorado.
- You have four (4) or more years of proven experience in water/wastewater engineering, to include two (2) years of project management. Preference given to prior experience in consulting engineering and experience with managing multi-disciplinary projects.
- You have experience with the development of water and wastewater type projects including items such as facility design, wastewater collection system (treatment facilities, pump stations, etc.), water distribution and conveyance systems and water supply.
- You have demonstrated organizational skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, ability to problem solve, supervision of staff and work, as well as the ability to mentor and train staff members. Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team.
- You have the ability to manage multiple projects and mentor/train staff.
- You have demonstrated ability using applicable software and modeling programs such as Civil 3D, InfoWater, InfoSWMM, etc.
Technologies We Use and Teach
- AutoCAD Civil 3D
- ESRI ARCGIS
- InfoWater
- InfoSWMM
- Microsoft Office
Why Choose Bohannan Huston?
At Bohannan Huston, we are committed to delivering sustainable engineering solutions that positively impact our communities. We offer a collaborative work environment where innovation is encouraged, and professional growth is supported. As a member of our Water Systems Engineering Group, you will have the opportunity to work on diverse projects that shape the future of our built environment.
Why Grand Junction, Colorado?
Grand Junction is known for breathtaking landscapes, outdoor recreation, and affordable living with access to hiking, biking, and wineries.
What We Offer
- Professional Development – Access to mentorship, training, and a diverse range of engineering projects.
- Work-Life Balance – Three weeks of flexible leave plus an additional week off during the winter break to support personal and professional well-being.
- Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus an HSA with company contributions.
- Financial Security – A 401(k) retirement plan with a competitive company match.
- Award-Winning Workplace – Recognized as a Top Workplace and ENR Top 500 Firm since 1998.
Take the Next Step in Your Career
If you are ready to apply your engineering expertise, develop professionally, and contribute to meaningful projects, we encourage you to join our team.
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
See all 2,878+ STEM OPT Civil Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Civil Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Civil Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your civil, structural, or environmental engineering degree maps to an approved STEM CIP code on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List. A mismatch blocks your extension even if your role qualifies, so confirm with your DSO before you start applying.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify before you start work. Search the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment before accepting an offer. Many civil engineering firms, including municipal contractors and federal subcontractors, are already enrolled due to federal contracting requirements.
Use O*NET to anchor your training plan
Your I-983 training plan must tie your civil engineering tasks to specific learning objectives. Pull the O*NET occupation profile for Civil Engineers to identify technical competencies, then map your day-to-day project work directly to those outcomes so your DSO and employer can sign off without revisions.
Target firms with active H-1B filing history
Civil engineering firms that have previously sponsored H-1B visa petitions have already navigated the prevailing wage and specialty occupation requirements your future sponsorship will need. Use Migrate Mate to filter civil engineer roles by employers with verified DOL Labor Condition Application filing history.
Align your offer letter with DOL prevailing wage
Before signing, run your job title and work location through the OFLC Wage Search to check the prevailing wage level. If your offered salary falls below the Level I or II wage for your county, your employer's future LCA filing will require a salary adjustment, which can stall H-1B sponsorship.
File your I-983 update within the required window
USCIS requires a revised I-983 within 10 days of any material change to your training plan, including a project reassignment, change in supervisor, or shift in core duties. Civil engineering roles often involve phase-based project work, so flag scope changes to your DSO proactively rather than after the fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a civil engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Civil engineering degrees typically qualify if the program's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Core civil engineering CIP codes, including those for structural, environmental, and transportation engineering, are covered. Interdisciplinary programs like construction management may or may not qualify depending on how your school classified the degree, so confirm the CIP code with your DSO before you rely on it.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my civil engineering employer?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension start date. This is a federal requirement, not a company policy option. Many civil engineering firms already meet this threshold because federal contracting rules require E-Verify participation for government project work. You can confirm enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool before accepting an offer, not after.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a civil engineering role?
Your I-983 must describe the specific technical and professional goals you'll pursue, the supervision structure, and how your daily work connects to your degree. For civil engineering roles, that typically means mapping tasks like site analysis, AutoCAD or Civil 3D modeling, load calculations, or permit coordination to named learning objectives. Generic job descriptions won't satisfy the requirement. The O*NET occupation profile for Civil Engineers is a practical starting point for drafting objective language your DSO can approve.
How does cap-gap protection work if my employer files an H-1B for me?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before April 1 and USCIS selects it in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your OPT work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. Your EAD remains valid and you can keep working without a gap. If premium processing is used and the petition is approved before October 1, your H-1B status begins on October 1. Your DSO issues a cap-gap I-20 to document the extension.
How do I find civil engineering employers who are set up for STEM OPT?
Start with Migrate Mate, which filters civil engineer roles by employers with active E-Verify enrollment and prior DOL Labor Condition Application filing history. That filing history signals the employer has already handled the prevailing wage and specialty occupation documentation that STEM OPT and eventual H-1B sponsorship both require. Infrastructure, transportation, and environmental consulting firms are among the most active sponsors in this occupation.