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.
Find STEM OPT Project Designer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 36+ Project Designer jobs
See all 36+ Project Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Project Designer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTransportation Project Designer-EIT
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
At J-U-B ENGINEERS, Inc., our purpose is simple but powerful: Helping Each Other Create Better Communities. Founded in 1954, we are an employee-owned, privately held engineering firm with 23 offices across seven states. For more than 70 years, we’ve been delivering innovative solutions that strengthen the communities where we live and work.
We’re proud that 97% of employees would recommend J-U-B and 95% are satisfied with our benefits, a reflection of a culture where people feel supported, connected, and empowered to grow.
Why join J-U-B?
- Proudly employee-owned and privately held
- Strong, values-driven culture rooted in Integrity, Comradery, and Work/Life Balance
- Coaching and career development focused on your growth and success
- Active Young Professionals groups that foster connection, learning, and community
- A collaborative, team-centered culture where your contributions are valued and celebrated, and every employee is paired with a coach to help guide and shape their career path
We are looking for a collaborative and solutions-oriented individual to serve as a Project Designer-EIT. This position is part of the J-U-B Transportation Services Group (TSG), which consists of over 80 full-time staff focused on surface transportation projects in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Nevada, Oregon, and Wyoming. The TSG is currently managing over 200 active projects, many of which include a variety of local roadways, highways, intersections, interchanges, roundabouts, and active transportation. Some exciting projects the local Idaho Falls staff are currently working on include Taylor Boulevard Bridge for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), West Bridge Street Bridge for the City of Blackfoot, US-30 Yellowstone to Garrett Way for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), several local bridges for the Leading Idaho Local Bridge (LILB) program, and several other notable projects throughout the Idaho region. If you enjoy problem-solving, thrive in a team environment, and take pride in delivering accurate, high-quality work that helps drive business success, we'd love to meet you!
What You’ll Do
- Work with multidisciplinary design teams in the planning, design, construction, and permitting of a wide variety of transportation projects throughout the company, primarily for local agencies and State DOTs, including projects with both local and federal aid funds.
- Operate CAD (AutoCAD Civil 3D and/or MicroStation/OpenRoads Designer) to effectively produce alignments, models, and plans of transportation projects using current standards.
- Work in a team setting, reporting to and taking direction from a Project Engineer or Project Manager.
- Analyze engineering data and utilize sound engineering judgement to assist in producing final engineering documents including project plans, opinions of probable construction cost, construction drawings, technical specifications, studies, feasibility analyses, technical memoranda, and preliminary engineering reports.
- Assist in business development by building relationships with clients and producing quality work.
- Attend client meetings and participate in public meetings or open houses to discuss project details and inform the public.
- Coordinate with utility companies.
- Perform periodic fieldwork including construction observation and project reconnaissance.
What We’re Looking For
- A collaborative engineer who thrives in a team-oriented environment and enjoys solving complex problems
- A detail-oriented professional who takes pride in delivering accurate, high-quality work
- A motivated self-starter eager to grow their skills and take on increasing responsibility
- Someone with strong communication skills who can engage effectively with clients, team members, and the public
- A community-minded individual who connects with J-U-B's purpose of Helping Each Other Create Better Communities
- Someone who values integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Civil Engineering.
- Certification as Engineer-in-Training (EIT) (passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam) required.
- 1–3 years of transportation engineering experience.
- Strong communication skills and a focus on quality deliverables.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- History of working on transportation projects is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and/or MicroStation/OpenRoads Designer.
- 1–3 years of experience working as a civil design professional.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary: $72,000 – $90,000 annually, depending on experience
- Performance bonuses for qualified employees
- 401(k) with up to 4% company match and up to 2% profit sharing contribution
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan — ownership opportunities after three qualified years of service
- 100 hours of paid time off to start, with increases based on tenure
- 2 weeks of sick leave
- 8 paid holidays
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
- Education reimbursement
- Health club subsidy
- Paid parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program
Career Growth & Licensure Support
At J-U-B, we don't just offer a job — we invest in your long-term career. Here's how we support your professional development:
- PE Licensure Support: Our Young Professionals (YP) group provides PE exam prep tools. A bonus is paid upon passing the PE exam, and a pay increase is given upon becoming licensed.
- Technical Development: The Transportation Services Group (TSG) hosts monthly Lunch & Learns, and J-U-B provides an extensive library of training videos covering a wide variety of topics.
- Conferences & Training: J-U-B pays for staff to attend external trainings and conferences to keep your skills current and expand your professional network.
- Professional Memberships: Paid professional organization memberships (ASCE, ITE, WTS, etc.) are provided to keep you connected to the industry.
- Formal Coaching Program: Every employee is connected with a coach who helps define and guide your career path through regular development conversations — 96% of employees are satisfied with their coaching sessions.
- Mentor Connect Program: A formal Mentor Connect program pairs you with experienced professionals outside of your office, broadening your perspective and network across the company.
- Office Mentors: Dedicated office mentors provide daily guidance and support as you navigate projects and grow in your role.
- Clearly Defined Career Paths: From EIT - Project Engineer - Project Manager and beyond, J-U-B provides a clear roadmap for advancement with defined qualifications and expectations at each level.
The application window will be open through September 1, 2026. Applications will be reviewed frequently, and interviews may be scheduled throughout the posting period.
Transportation Project Designer-EIT
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
At J-U-B ENGINEERS, Inc., our purpose is simple but powerful: Helping Each Other Create Better Communities. Founded in 1954, we are an employee-owned, privately held engineering firm with 23 offices across seven states. For more than 70 years, we’ve been delivering innovative solutions that strengthen the communities where we live and work.
We’re proud that 97% of employees would recommend J-U-B and 95% are satisfied with our benefits, a reflection of a culture where people feel supported, connected, and empowered to grow.
Why join J-U-B?
- Proudly employee-owned and privately held
- Strong, values-driven culture rooted in Integrity, Comradery, and Work/Life Balance
- Coaching and career development focused on your growth and success
- Active Young Professionals groups that foster connection, learning, and community
- A collaborative, team-centered culture where your contributions are valued and celebrated, and every employee is paired with a coach to help guide and shape their career path
We are looking for a collaborative and solutions-oriented individual to serve as a Project Designer-EIT. This position is part of the J-U-B Transportation Services Group (TSG), which consists of over 80 full-time staff focused on surface transportation projects in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Nevada, Oregon, and Wyoming. The TSG is currently managing over 200 active projects, many of which include a variety of local roadways, highways, intersections, interchanges, roundabouts, and active transportation. Some exciting projects the local Idaho Falls staff are currently working on include Taylor Boulevard Bridge for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), West Bridge Street Bridge for the City of Blackfoot, US-30 Yellowstone to Garrett Way for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), several local bridges for the Leading Idaho Local Bridge (LILB) program, and several other notable projects throughout the Idaho region. If you enjoy problem-solving, thrive in a team environment, and take pride in delivering accurate, high-quality work that helps drive business success, we'd love to meet you!
What You’ll Do
- Work with multidisciplinary design teams in the planning, design, construction, and permitting of a wide variety of transportation projects throughout the company, primarily for local agencies and State DOTs, including projects with both local and federal aid funds.
- Operate CAD (AutoCAD Civil 3D and/or MicroStation/OpenRoads Designer) to effectively produce alignments, models, and plans of transportation projects using current standards.
- Work in a team setting, reporting to and taking direction from a Project Engineer or Project Manager.
- Analyze engineering data and utilize sound engineering judgement to assist in producing final engineering documents including project plans, opinions of probable construction cost, construction drawings, technical specifications, studies, feasibility analyses, technical memoranda, and preliminary engineering reports.
- Assist in business development by building relationships with clients and producing quality work.
- Attend client meetings and participate in public meetings or open houses to discuss project details and inform the public.
- Coordinate with utility companies.
- Perform periodic fieldwork including construction observation and project reconnaissance.
What We’re Looking For
- A collaborative engineer who thrives in a team-oriented environment and enjoys solving complex problems
- A detail-oriented professional who takes pride in delivering accurate, high-quality work
- A motivated self-starter eager to grow their skills and take on increasing responsibility
- Someone with strong communication skills who can engage effectively with clients, team members, and the public
- A community-minded individual who connects with J-U-B's purpose of Helping Each Other Create Better Communities
- Someone who values integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Civil Engineering.
- Certification as Engineer-in-Training (EIT) (passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam) required.
- 1–3 years of transportation engineering experience.
- Strong communication skills and a focus on quality deliverables.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- History of working on transportation projects is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and/or MicroStation/OpenRoads Designer.
- 1–3 years of experience working as a civil design professional.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary: $72,000 – $90,000 annually, depending on experience
- Performance bonuses for qualified employees
- 401(k) with up to 4% company match and up to 2% profit sharing contribution
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan — ownership opportunities after three qualified years of service
- 100 hours of paid time off to start, with increases based on tenure
- 2 weeks of sick leave
- 8 paid holidays
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
- Education reimbursement
- Health club subsidy
- Paid parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program
Career Growth & Licensure Support
At J-U-B, we don't just offer a job — we invest in your long-term career. Here's how we support your professional development:
- PE Licensure Support: Our Young Professionals (YP) group provides PE exam prep tools. A bonus is paid upon passing the PE exam, and a pay increase is given upon becoming licensed.
- Technical Development: The Transportation Services Group (TSG) hosts monthly Lunch & Learns, and J-U-B provides an extensive library of training videos covering a wide variety of topics.
- Conferences & Training: J-U-B pays for staff to attend external trainings and conferences to keep your skills current and expand your professional network.
- Professional Memberships: Paid professional organization memberships (ASCE, ITE, WTS, etc.) are provided to keep you connected to the industry.
- Formal Coaching Program: Every employee is connected with a coach who helps define and guide your career path through regular development conversations — 96% of employees are satisfied with their coaching sessions.
- Mentor Connect Program: A formal Mentor Connect program pairs you with experienced professionals outside of your office, broadening your perspective and network across the company.
- Office Mentors: Dedicated office mentors provide daily guidance and support as you navigate projects and grow in your role.
- Clearly Defined Career Paths: From EIT - Project Engineer - Project Manager and beyond, J-U-B provides a clear roadmap for advancement with defined qualifications and expectations at each level.
The application window will be open through September 1, 2026. Applications will be reviewed frequently, and interviews may be scheduled throughout the posting period.
See all 36+ STEM OPT Project Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Project Designer Jobs.
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.