STEM OPT Project Architect Jobs
Project Architect roles at E-Verify-enrolled firms qualify for STEM OPT, giving graduates with architecture, engineering, or related STEM degrees up to 36 months of work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you submit the I-983 training plan to your DSO to activate the 24-month extension.
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Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Data Center Project Architect to join its design team in Herndon, VA.
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.
You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
AWS designs, builds, and operates Data Centers (DC) around the world and is a leader in worldwide cloud-computing infrastructure.
Architects at AWS work to design resilient, cost effective DC facilities. Our team is responsible for achieving a world class uptime for our customers and drive to develop a fleet of buildings that emphasize security, safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness, while finding new ways to meet AWS’s growing demand.
As a DC Project Architect at AWS, you will lead designs for Amazon DCs in our Americas Region and impact other projects around the world. As a DC Project Architect, you will be part of a highly creative and efficient design team comprised of Architects, Engineers, and Designers tasked with solving problems and challenging the status quo. As a subject matter expert, you will have a direct impact on the design of prototypical DC facilities, provide technical guidance, solve large scale implementation issues, and be responsible for architectural design requirements.
Key job responsibilities
- Communicate conceptual designs and create/maintain project documentation before, during, and after construction.
- Maintenance of Basis of Design, prototype design, and template specifications for architectural elements.
- Review and inform design RFPs.
- Manage our external design consultants through the design and construction process.
- Coordinate with internal and external Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, and Cabling design engineers.
- Effectively communicate design standards to internal and external project partners.
- Manage multiple fast paced projects simultaneously.
- Think outside of the box to find innovative solutions prior to and during the construction process to reduce costs without negative impacts on quality or reliability.
- Travel for site assessments, internal design meetings, construction review, and interfacing with design consultants. Anticipated travel not to exceed 25%.
About the team
Diverse Experiences
AWS values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
Why AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Mentorship & Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Experience with the design, construction, operation, or maintenance of mission critical facilities, especially data centers
- 4+ years of technical specialist, design and architecture experience
- NCARB recognized architecture license.
- 1+ years leading sub-consultants and project teams.
- Proficiency in building codes, regulations, and standards including IBC or equivalent.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of building codes and regulations for your region
- Experience carrying design concepts through exploration, development, and into deployment or mass production
- Ability to travel internationally.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
Location: USA, VA, Herndon
Salary: 96,600.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Data Center Project Architect to join its design team in Herndon, VA.
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.
You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
AWS designs, builds, and operates Data Centers (DC) around the world and is a leader in worldwide cloud-computing infrastructure.
Architects at AWS work to design resilient, cost effective DC facilities. Our team is responsible for achieving a world class uptime for our customers and drive to develop a fleet of buildings that emphasize security, safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness, while finding new ways to meet AWS’s growing demand.
As a DC Project Architect at AWS, you will lead designs for Amazon DCs in our Americas Region and impact other projects around the world. As a DC Project Architect, you will be part of a highly creative and efficient design team comprised of Architects, Engineers, and Designers tasked with solving problems and challenging the status quo. As a subject matter expert, you will have a direct impact on the design of prototypical DC facilities, provide technical guidance, solve large scale implementation issues, and be responsible for architectural design requirements.
Key job responsibilities
- Communicate conceptual designs and create/maintain project documentation before, during, and after construction.
- Maintenance of Basis of Design, prototype design, and template specifications for architectural elements.
- Review and inform design RFPs.
- Manage our external design consultants through the design and construction process.
- Coordinate with internal and external Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, and Cabling design engineers.
- Effectively communicate design standards to internal and external project partners.
- Manage multiple fast paced projects simultaneously.
- Think outside of the box to find innovative solutions prior to and during the construction process to reduce costs without negative impacts on quality or reliability.
- Travel for site assessments, internal design meetings, construction review, and interfacing with design consultants. Anticipated travel not to exceed 25%.
About the team
Diverse Experiences
AWS values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
Why AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Mentorship & Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Experience with the design, construction, operation, or maintenance of mission critical facilities, especially data centers
- 4+ years of technical specialist, design and architecture experience
- NCARB recognized architecture license.
- 1+ years leading sub-consultants and project teams.
- Proficiency in building codes, regulations, and standards including IBC or equivalent.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of building codes and regulations for your region
- Experience carrying design concepts through exploration, development, and into deployment or mass production
- Ability to travel internationally.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
Location: USA, VA, Herndon
Salary: 96,600.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
See all STEM OPT Project Architect Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Project Architect Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Project Architect
Verify your degree CIP code qualifies
Architecture programs typically fall under CIP code 04.0201, which is on the STEM OPT CIP code list. Confirm your specific degree program's code with your DSO before applying, since a mismatch delays or blocks your extension.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether the firm is enrolled in E-Verify before your offer stage. A firm can be licensed and reputable but still not E-Verify enrolled, which disqualifies them as your STEM OPT employer entirely.
Target firms with active federal contracts
Federal contractors are legally required to use E-Verify, so architecture firms pursuing federal or GSA projects are near-certain to be enrolled. Filter your search by firms holding government contracts to concentrate on guaranteed-eligible employers.
Build your I-983 training plan around project phases
Your I-983 must tie STEM learning goals to specific, measurable job tasks. Map objectives to concrete project architect responsibilities like design development, construction documents, and site observation so the plan satisfies USCIS scrutiny at reporting intervals.
Use Migrate Mate to find pre-verified employers
Search Project Architect roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment so you're not manually vetting each firm. This cuts the screening stage down to the firms that can actually sponsor your STEM OPT.
File your extension before your OPT EAD expires
Submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD end date. An auto cap-gap provision does not apply here, so a late filing leaves you without work authorization while the application is pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Architect role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your underlying degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as architecture, civil engineering, or a related discipline listed on the STEM OPT CIP code list. The role itself must also provide practical training directly related to that degree. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before relying on eligibility, since the degree program drives qualification, not the job title alone.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my STEM OPT employer?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify before you begin STEM OPT employment. Enrollment is not retroactive, so a firm that signs up after your start date cannot validate the extension. Ask the HR or legal team to share the E-Verify company ID or confirmation number before you sign an offer. You can browse firms already confirmed as E-Verify enrolled on Migrate Mate.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Project Architect?
The I-983 requires your employer to identify specific STEM learning objectives tied to your daily work. For a Project Architect role, acceptable objectives include applying structural analysis principles to design decisions, using BIM software to meet engineering tolerances, and coordinating with licensed engineers on code compliance. Both you and your supervisor must sign the plan, and you'll submit status reports at 12 and 24 months.
How does cap-gap affect Project Architects transitioning to H-1B?
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your STEM OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as a Project Architect during this period without interruption. If your EAD expires before the lottery results are confirmed, your authorized stay extends but work authorization depends on the timely filing receipt.
Can I work for multiple architecture firms on STEM OPT?
Yes, but each employer must independently meet the E-Verify enrollment requirement, and each concurrent or subsequent employer must be added to an updated I-983 training plan filed with your DSO. You cannot begin work for a second firm until that firm's enrollment is confirmed and your DSO has processed the update. USCIS requires that all STEM OPT employment remain directly related to your qualifying STEM degree.