STEM OPT Graduate Jobs
Graduate roles in research, engineering, and analytics are among the most accessible entry points for F-1 students on STEM OPT. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies as long as your degree falls under an eligible CIP code and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, giving you up to 36 months total to build U.S. work experience.
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At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.
With over 1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths.
Job Description
KPFF's NorCal Civil team is seeking an Entry Level Civil Engineer or Graduate Civil Engineer to join our San Francisco office. This role is ideal for an engineer who is ready to take on greater project responsibility while continuing to develop technical expertise, client exposure, and leadership skills.
As part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to a diverse portfolio of land development and infrastructure projects, working alongside experienced engineers and project managers to deliver thoughtful, high-quality solutions.
Engineering Design and Analysis
- Assist with the design of site development, grading, drainage, utility, roadway, and infrastructure projects.
- Perform engineering calculations and technical analyses under the guidance of experienced engineers.
- Prepare plans, specifications, and construction documents using AutoCAD Civil 3D and other engineering tools.
Project Support and Coordination
- Assist with project planning, scheduling, and documentation.
- Support permitting efforts and coordination with public agencies and utility providers.
- Participate in project meetings and collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams.
Field Experience
- Conduct site visits, field investigations, and data collection activities.
- Observe construction activities and assist with evaluating field conditions.
- Verify design assumptions and support project implementation efforts.
Professional Development
- Learn industry best practices, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in design reviews and quality control processes.
- Work closely with mentors and project managers to develop technical expertise and progress toward professional licensure.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, or the ability to obtain EIT certification within six months of hire
- Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Understanding of civil engineering fundamentals and design principles
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Eagerness to learn, grow, and take on new challenges
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on design and technical tasks
- Ability to conduct occasional site visits and navigate active project sites
- Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds of equipment or materials as needed
Compensation
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $64,000 - $85,000, depending on education, experience, qualifications, and overall alignment with the role.
In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for performance-based bonus opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.
Why KPFF
At KPFF, you'll find the flexibility of a locally empowered office backed by the resources of a national firm. We believe the best way to develop engineers is through meaningful project experience, mentorship, and opportunities to take on increasing responsibility.
Our employees enjoy:
- Flexible schedules and work-life integration
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
- Two floating holidays each year
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% company contribution
- Six weeks of paid family leave
- Professional development and mentorship opportunities
- Support for FE, PE, and professional licensure goals
- Continuing education and industry involvement opportunities
KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.
Company Description
At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.
With over 1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths.
Job Description
KPFF's NorCal Civil team is seeking an Entry Level Civil Engineer or Graduate Civil Engineer to join our San Francisco office. This role is ideal for an engineer who is ready to take on greater project responsibility while continuing to develop technical expertise, client exposure, and leadership skills.
As part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to a diverse portfolio of land development and infrastructure projects, working alongside experienced engineers and project managers to deliver thoughtful, high-quality solutions.
Engineering Design and Analysis
- Assist with the design of site development, grading, drainage, utility, roadway, and infrastructure projects.
- Perform engineering calculations and technical analyses under the guidance of experienced engineers.
- Prepare plans, specifications, and construction documents using AutoCAD Civil 3D and other engineering tools.
Project Support and Coordination
- Assist with project planning, scheduling, and documentation.
- Support permitting efforts and coordination with public agencies and utility providers.
- Participate in project meetings and collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams.
Field Experience
- Conduct site visits, field investigations, and data collection activities.
- Observe construction activities and assist with evaluating field conditions.
- Verify design assumptions and support project implementation efforts.
Professional Development
- Learn industry best practices, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in design reviews and quality control processes.
- Work closely with mentors and project managers to develop technical expertise and progress toward professional licensure.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, or the ability to obtain EIT certification within six months of hire
- Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Understanding of civil engineering fundamentals and design principles
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Eagerness to learn, grow, and take on new challenges
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on design and technical tasks
- Ability to conduct occasional site visits and navigate active project sites
- Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds of equipment or materials as needed
Compensation
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $64,000 - $85,000, depending on education, experience, qualifications, and overall alignment with the role.
In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for performance-based bonus opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.
Why KPFF
At KPFF, you'll find the flexibility of a locally empowered office backed by the resources of a national firm. We believe the best way to develop engineers is through meaningful project experience, mentorship, and opportunities to take on increasing responsibility.
Our employees enjoy:
- Flexible schedules and work-life integration
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
- Two floating holidays each year
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% company contribution
- Six weeks of paid family leave
- Professional development and mentorship opportunities
- Support for FE, PE, and professional licensure goals
- Continuing education and industry involvement opportunities
KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.
See all 139+ STEM OPT Graduate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Graduate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Graduate
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Your STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code appearing on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list. Pull your transcript and cross-check the code with your DSO before targeting Graduate roles, not after receiving an offer.
Verify E-Verify enrollment before every application
Any employer who hires you on STEM OPT must be enrolled in E-Verify. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name before you apply, so you're not chasing an offer from a non-enrolled employer who can't legally onboard you.
Use O*NET to match your degree to Graduate job duties
Graduate roles vary widely in how they're classified. Pull the O*NET occupation profile for your target job title to confirm the degree field requirement aligns with your major, which strengthens both your I-983 training plan and your pitch to hiring managers.
Build your I-983 training plan around measurable outcomes
Don't wait until you have an offer to draft your I-983. Outline learning objectives tied to Graduate-level tasks like data analysis, research methods, or systems testing. Employers unfamiliar with STEM OPT respond better to a ready-made framework than a blank form.
Target employers through Migrate Mate's E-Verify filter
Searching broadly wastes time on employers who can't sponsor STEM OPT. Migrate Mate filters Graduate job listings to show only E-Verify-enrolled employers, so every application you send goes to a company that's already cleared the baseline requirement.
Flag cap-gap status when your OPT end date overlaps October 1
If your initial OPT expires between April and September and your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf, cap-gap extends your work authorization through September 30. Tell HR and your DSO immediately so your I-20 and EAD records stay current with USCIS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Graduate employers need to be enrolled in E-Verify for STEM OPT?
Yes, without exception. Any employer who hires you under the 24-month STEM OPT extension must be enrolled in E-Verify at the time you start work. This applies to full-time, part-time, and contract Graduate roles alike. You can confirm enrollment through the E-Verify employer search before you accept an offer. Working for a non-enrolled employer during STEM OPT violates your status.
Which STEM degrees qualify for the 24-month OPT extension in Graduate roles?
Eligibility is determined by your degree's CIP code, not your job title. Your degree must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list. Common qualifying fields for Graduate roles include computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, data science, and biology. Your DSO can confirm your CIP code from your transcript. Degrees in non-STEM fields do not qualify, even if the Graduate role itself is technical.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Graduate position?
The I-983 is a formal training agreement between you and your employer that outlines how the Graduate role provides practical training in your degree field. It must include learning objectives tied to specific job duties, supervision details, performance evaluation criteria, and confirmation that your compensation meets prevailing wage standards. Both you and an authorized employer representative sign it. Your DSO submits the updated I-20 to SEVP after approval.
How do I find Graduate jobs where the employer already understands STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Graduate roles filtered to E-Verify-enrolled employers, which removes the first and most common barrier. Beyond eligibility, look for employers who have previously hired F-1 students or who list STEM OPT explicitly in their job postings, since those hiring managers are already familiar with the I-983 process and won't treat your work authorization as a liability.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my employer loses E-Verify enrollment after I start?
If your employer's E-Verify participation is terminated after your STEM OPT begins, you're required to find a new E-Verify-enrolled employer within a reasonable period to maintain valid status. Your DSO and USCIS must be notified of employer changes through an updated I-983 and I-20. Continuing to work for a non-enrolled employer after termination puts your F-1 status at risk, so monitor your employer's enrollment status throughout your authorization period.