STEM OPT Project Engineer Jobs
Project Engineer roles in construction, manufacturing, and systems integration are strong fits for STEM OPT students with engineering or applied science degrees. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, but your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan before your extension start date.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Step into a role where your talent drives real-world impact. At AHBL, we’re looking for professionals who thrive in a collaborative environment and see every project as an adventure. If you enjoy working closely with clients and cross-functional teams to bring projects from concept to construction, we want to meet you!
At AHBL, we don’t just shape cities—we help to build vibrant communities where the work is rewarding. Our teams enjoy coming to work and flourish through innovation and creativity.
Since 1969, our multi-discipline firm has delivered innovative solutions in engineering, planning, landscape architecture, and land surveying. Our team is passionate about creative problem-solving, and we take pride in the meaningful, diverse projects we deliver.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role you will provide structural analysis and design on both new and renovation projects, including civic centers, industrial buildings, educational facilities, maintenance buildings, medical office buildings, mid-rise mixed-use developments, and military projects utilizing a full range of building materials. You will collaborate with a team of talented engineers to ensure client satisfaction on every project.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A high level of organization and communication to help us drive projects to completion.
- Diligent attention to detail because the details are what make a project successful.
- A desire to make a positive impact in communities we serve.
- Motivation to meet our clients’ deadlines and rise to the occasion when the pressure is on.
- Bachelor’s degree in civil, structural, or architectural engineering.
- EIT Certification.
- 0-3 years of experience in structural analysis and design, including internship or related work.
- Knowledge of Steel, Concrete, and Wood Design.
- Familiarity with International Building Code and ASCE 7.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Anything on this list would be an asset, but is not required:
Master’s degree.
Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis software.
* Knowledge of Masonry Design.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The pay range for this position is dependent on which of our internal company levels the selected candidate aligns with. This role could be filled by candidates at either a Project Engineer I or Project Engineer II level, and the hiring team will determine which level is most appropriate for each candidate based on their relevant background and experience. Actual pay will be based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Project Engineer I - $32.93 - $41.35 per hour
Project Engineer II – $36.37 - $47.84 per hour
- Annual discretionary performance-based bonus.
- 100% paid employee medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, life insurance and long-term disability protection. Subsidized dependent coverage.
- Option of PPO health plan or HDHP with Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution.
- Optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Paid Time Off (PTO) Benefits. PTO is accrued at 16.5 days (132 hours) annually for new hires.
- 8 company-paid holidays each calendar year.
- Discretionary company-matched 401(k) plan.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Additional voluntary benefits include voluntary hospital indemnity coverage, voluntary accident insurance, and voluntary critical illness insurance.
WHY AHBL?
We offer a fun and friendly atmosphere with team outings and ensure that the work is always enjoyable.
We encourage out of the box thinking and innovative approaches to every project.
Our teams celebrate successes and support each other through challenges.
Our projects are primarily in the Pacific Northwest, so our work shapes the communities where we live and work.
We offer continuous learning and professional development to advance your career.
AHBL is committed to the principles of equal opportunity by providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We provide equal opportunity to all candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, ancestry, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, mental or physical disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
AHBL will also take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that covered individuals, including protected veterans and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.
AHBL will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us.
INTRODUCTION
Step into a role where your talent drives real-world impact. At AHBL, we’re looking for professionals who thrive in a collaborative environment and see every project as an adventure. If you enjoy working closely with clients and cross-functional teams to bring projects from concept to construction, we want to meet you!
At AHBL, we don’t just shape cities—we help to build vibrant communities where the work is rewarding. Our teams enjoy coming to work and flourish through innovation and creativity.
Since 1969, our multi-discipline firm has delivered innovative solutions in engineering, planning, landscape architecture, and land surveying. Our team is passionate about creative problem-solving, and we take pride in the meaningful, diverse projects we deliver.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role you will provide structural analysis and design on both new and renovation projects, including civic centers, industrial buildings, educational facilities, maintenance buildings, medical office buildings, mid-rise mixed-use developments, and military projects utilizing a full range of building materials. You will collaborate with a team of talented engineers to ensure client satisfaction on every project.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A high level of organization and communication to help us drive projects to completion.
- Diligent attention to detail because the details are what make a project successful.
- A desire to make a positive impact in communities we serve.
- Motivation to meet our clients’ deadlines and rise to the occasion when the pressure is on.
- Bachelor’s degree in civil, structural, or architectural engineering.
- EIT Certification.
- 0-3 years of experience in structural analysis and design, including internship or related work.
- Knowledge of Steel, Concrete, and Wood Design.
- Familiarity with International Building Code and ASCE 7.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Anything on this list would be an asset, but is not required:
Master’s degree.
Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis software.
* Knowledge of Masonry Design.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The pay range for this position is dependent on which of our internal company levels the selected candidate aligns with. This role could be filled by candidates at either a Project Engineer I or Project Engineer II level, and the hiring team will determine which level is most appropriate for each candidate based on their relevant background and experience. Actual pay will be based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Project Engineer I - $32.93 - $41.35 per hour
Project Engineer II – $36.37 - $47.84 per hour
- Annual discretionary performance-based bonus.
- 100% paid employee medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, life insurance and long-term disability protection. Subsidized dependent coverage.
- Option of PPO health plan or HDHP with Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution.
- Optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Paid Time Off (PTO) Benefits. PTO is accrued at 16.5 days (132 hours) annually for new hires.
- 8 company-paid holidays each calendar year.
- Discretionary company-matched 401(k) plan.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Additional voluntary benefits include voluntary hospital indemnity coverage, voluntary accident insurance, and voluntary critical illness insurance.
WHY AHBL?
We offer a fun and friendly atmosphere with team outings and ensure that the work is always enjoyable.
We encourage out of the box thinking and innovative approaches to every project.
Our teams celebrate successes and support each other through challenges.
Our projects are primarily in the Pacific Northwest, so our work shapes the communities where we live and work.
We offer continuous learning and professional development to advance your career.
AHBL is committed to the principles of equal opportunity by providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We provide equal opportunity to all candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, ancestry, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, mental or physical disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
AHBL will also take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that covered individuals, including protected veterans and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.
AHBL will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us.
See all 974+ STEM OPT Project Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Project Engineer
Verify your degree's CIP code eligibility
Not every engineering degree automatically qualifies for STEM OPT. Cross-reference your degree program against USCIS's official STEM Designated Degree Program List using your CIP code before applying, so you're not caught off guard after accepting an offer.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Project Engineer roles span construction firms, manufacturers, and consultancies with uneven compliance records. Ask HR directly whether the company is currently enrolled in E-Verify, since enrollment lapses are common and your STEM OPT extension is invalid without it.
Target employers with active DOL LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Project Engineer openings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and Labor Condition Application history, so you're only applying to companies already set up to extend your work authorization.
Build your I-983 training plan around engineering deliverables
Your I-983 must tie specific learning objectives to your day-to-day Project Engineer tasks, like cost estimation, schedule management, or technical drawing review. Generic training plans draw scrutiny from DSOs, so draft it with your supervisor before your extension start date.
Check prevailing wage requirements before negotiating salary
Your employer's LCA must certify your wage meets the prevailing rate for Project Engineer roles in your metro area. Run the OFLC Wage Search before your offer negotiation so you know the floor and can flag any underpayment risk early.
Use your OPT cap-gap window strategically if transitioning to H-1B
If you're in your STEM OPT extension when an H-1B visa petition is filed on your behalf, cap-gap rules automatically extend your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. Plan project handoffs and contract renewals around that timeline to avoid gaps in employment continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Project Engineer positions typically qualify if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering, and your CIP code appears on USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program List. The role itself must provide practical training directly related to that degree. Your DSO confirms eligibility when approving your I-20 endorsement for the extension.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my Project Engineer employer?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify at the time your STEM OPT extension begins. Enrollment must cover the specific site where you'll work, not just the company's headquarters. If your employer acquired the company or changed legal entities recently, ask HR to confirm the E-Verify company ID is current, since those changes can disrupt enrollment status.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Project Engineer role?
Your I-983 must identify specific learning objectives tied to Project Engineer tasks, such as project scheduling, budget tracking, technical specification review, or contractor coordination, and connect each objective to your STEM degree field. Both you and your supervisor sign it before your extension start date. USCIS allows amendments if your responsibilities change materially, but your DSO must receive an updated form within five business days.
How does cap-gap protection work if I'm on STEM OPT and get H-1B selected?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition while your STEM OPT extension is valid, cap-gap automatically continues your work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year the H-1B takes effect. You can keep working as a Project Engineer during that gap without any additional filing. Your EAD card may expire during this period, but your I-20 with a cap-gap notation serves as proof of continued authorization.
Where can I find Project Engineer jobs at companies that support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Project Engineer openings filtered for employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and active DOL filing history, so you're not spending applications on companies that can't legally extend your status. You can search by industry, location, and engineering discipline to find roles where the employer already understands the STEM OPT training plan requirement and has completed it before.