STEM OPT Project Designer Jobs
Project Designer roles in engineering, architecture, and product development qualify for STEM OPT when your degree aligns with the position's technical requirements. The 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total to gain U.S. work experience, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and you maintain a compliant I-983 training plan.
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Fire Sprinkler Project Designer
Location: New York, NY (in office)
Company: Code Consultants Inc. (CCI)
Start Your Career with Code Consultants Inc. (CCI) and Make a Difference!
Are you passionate about designing cutting-edge fire protection systems and ensuring safety in diverse environments? Do you thrive in a collaborative setting and seek opportunities for professional growth? CCI is looking for both entry-level and experienced Fire Sprinkler Project Designers to join our dynamic team in New York. Whether you're starting your career or seeking a new challenge, we offer a stimulating work environment, career advancement opportunities, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
Why Choose CCI?
At CCI, we are dedicated to your professional and personal growth. Our supportive culture fosters innovation and excellence. We offer:
- Competitive Salaries reflecting your experience and contributions.
- Performance-based Bonuses to reward your achievements.
- Hybrid (in office/work from home) Scheduling after the first 6 months of employment to balance work and personal life.
- Comprehensive Benefits including medical, dental, and company-paid vision and life insurance.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match.
- Generous Paid Time Off - up to 4 weeks in your first year.
- 10 Paid Holidays annually.
- Career Growth Potential with opportunities to advance into senior-level positions.
About the Role: Fire Sprinkler Project Designer
As a Fire Sprinkler Project Designer at CCI, you'll be integral to designing advanced fire protection systems for a variety of projects. You will:
- Design and Develop fire sprinkler systems, including creating design documents and coordinating with the design team and officials.
- Collaborate with internal teams and clients, and interface with Building/Fire Officials.
- Support Project Managers by ensuring timely and effective project execution.
- Participate in Business Development to expand and enhance CCI's service offerings.
- Travel as needed for projects across the U.S. and Canada.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design fire sprinkler systems from concept to completion, including documentation and review.
- Engage with project teams and officials to ensure design accuracy and compliance.
- Provide project support and contribute to business development initiatives.
- Travel to project sites as required to oversee installation and ensure compliance.
Qualifications
We are looking for candidates who:
- Have 2-5 years of experience in fire sprinkler system design or consulting.
- Hold a relevant technical or engineering degree.
- Preferably have NICET certification in fire sprinkler system design.
- Are proficient in AutoCAD and Revit software.
- Possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Exhibit excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Demonstrate a strong desire for professional growth and a passion for delivering high-quality services.
Bonus Qualifications:
- Background in mechanical or civil engineering.
- Experience with labor and surveys.
- Additional certifications or experience in fire protection design are a plus.
About CCI:
Founded in 1973, Code Consultants Inc. (CCI) is a leader in fire protection engineering and life safety consulting. Our multidisciplinary team of over 100 professionals - including engineers, architects, and fire protection experts - delivers innovative solutions across a broad spectrum of services, including:
- Fire protection engineering and design.
- Building and fire code consulting.
- Accessibility consulting and life safety services.
- Hazardous materials analysis and more.
Join us in shaping the future of fire protection and safety. Apply now and become part of a team committed to excellence and innovation.
Apply Today!
Ready to make an impact? Submit your resume and cover letter via the "Apply Now" option on this page.
EEO Statement:
Code Consultants, Inc. is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Project Designer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Cross-check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Project Designer roles often require engineering, architecture, or applied sciences credentials, and a mismatched CIP code disqualifies the extension regardless of your job duties.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether their company is currently enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered in the past. An employer can lapse in participation, which makes your STEM OPT extension invalid. The E-Verify website lets you search participating employers by name.
Build a portfolio that documents STEM application
Project Designer hiring panels evaluate technical problem-solving alongside aesthetic output. Showcase projects where you applied engineering principles, CAD software, or data-driven design decisions. This evidence also strengthens your I-983 training plan by tying your daily tasks to your STEM degree field.
Draft your I-983 training plan with the job description
Work with your DSO and hiring manager to map specific Project Designer responsibilities to measurable learning objectives before your start date. USCIS scrutinizes whether the role genuinely advances your STEM training, so generic plans that don't reference design software, technical standards, or project scopes draw RFEs.
Target employers with STEM OPT hiring infrastructure
Use Migrate Mate to filter Project Designer openings by employers already set up to hire STEM OPT students, so you're not educating HR from scratch on E-Verify requirements or the I-983 co-signing process during your offer negotiation.
File your extension application 90 days early
Submit your STEM OPT extension to USCIS up to 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Late filings create an authorization gap that halts your employment. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS before you can file Form I-765.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a Project Designer?
Your degree must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List by its CIP code. Project Designer roles most commonly align with degrees in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, architecture, or industrial design with a technical concentration. Check your official transcript for the exact CIP code and compare it against the DHS list before applying to roles or filing your extension.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Project Designer role?
The I-983 must describe how your specific Project Designer duties relate to your STEM degree field, list measurable learning objectives tied to technical skills like CAD, BIM software, or engineering standards, and identify a supervisor who will evaluate your progress. Both you and your employer sign it, and your DSO submits it in SEVIS. Vague plans that don't connect design tasks to STEM coursework are a common reason USCIS issues RFEs on extension applications.
Can I work for a Project Designer role while my STEM OPT extension is pending?
Yes, if you filed your STEM OPT extension application before your current EAD expired and while you were in a valid OPT period, you receive an automatic 180-day cap-gap that lets you keep working under the same employer and same authorized scope. You can't change employers or job duties during this gap without jeopardizing your authorization, so plan role transitions carefully and confirm timing with your DSO.
How do I confirm my prospective employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly and request written confirmation before you accept an offer. You can also search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name to verify active participation. Enrollment status can change, so confirm it is current at the time of your offer, not just at initial contact. An employer that is not enrolled in E-Verify cannot legally hire you on a STEM OPT extension.
Where can I find Project Designer jobs that are set up to hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Project Designer openings filtered for employers who are already familiar with STEM OPT requirements and E-Verify enrollment, which saves you from discovering mid-process that a company can't support your work authorization. Searching there narrows your list to roles where the hiring infrastructure for your status already exists, so your offer and onboarding timeline stay on track.