STEM OPT Staff Engineer Jobs
Staff Engineer roles in software, systems, and hardware engineering qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months of F-1 work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree must fall under an eligible STEM CIP code. Most Staff Engineer positions at tech and engineering firms meet both requirements.
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The Staff Process Engineer will work on project teams to create world class designs for new projects, alterations and redevelopments on a variety of projects including power, process, corporate, healthcare, pipeline airports, institutional, industrial, manufacturing, government and military facilities. The Staff Process Engineer will work with the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting process plans according to budget constraints, design factors or client needs.
- Perform process design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion.
- Modify and review production drawings for a variety of projects including, but not limited to: power plants, process facilities, industrial facilities, healthcare facilities, airports, educational institutions, commercial, and governmental and military facilities.
- Design process components for project needs and requirements that are set forth by the project managers.
- Applies strong knowledge of commonly used process engineering/design concepts, principles, practices, codes, and procedures within the process engineering services industry.
- Research and compile project related data as required by the project managers.
- Update drawings provided by senior engineers to verify corrections are made within multiple CAD related software.
- Compiles information for client presentations, shop drawing review, and contract administration for the design of power, process, pipeline, industrial, healthcare, airports, educational institutions, commercial, and governmental and military facilities.
- Performs field inspections, measurements or calculations for public and private clients.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and minimum 3 years of process engineering experience, consulting preferred, required.
- Or, bachelor's degree in chemical or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and minimum 3 years of process engineering experience, consulting preferred, required.
- Or, master's degree in chemical engineering and minimum 2 years of process engineering experience, consulting preferred, required.
- Strong knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
- Proficient in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
- Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
- Strong computer skills include process simulation software (i.e. Hysys and/or Aspen, HTRI).
- Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
- Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
LOCATION
Primary Location: US-MO-Kansas City
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Job Hire Type Experienced
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Description
The Staff Process Engineer will work on project teams to create world class designs for new projects, alterations and redevelopments on a variety of projects including power, process, corporate, healthcare, pipeline airports, institutional, industrial, manufacturing, government and military facilities. The Staff Process Engineer will work with the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting process plans according to budget constraints, design factors or client needs.
- Perform process design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion.
- Modify and review production drawings for a variety of projects including, but not limited to: power plants, process facilities, industrial facilities, healthcare facilities, airports, educational institutions, commercial, and governmental and military facilities.
- Design process components for project needs and requirements that are set forth by the project managers.
- Applies strong knowledge of commonly used process engineering/design concepts, principles, practices, codes, and procedures within the process engineering services industry.
- Research and compile project related data as required by the project managers.
- Update drawings provided by senior engineers to verify corrections are made within multiple CAD related software.
- Compiles information for client presentations, shop drawing review, and contract administration for the design of power, process, pipeline, industrial, healthcare, airports, educational institutions, commercial, and governmental and military facilities.
- Performs field inspections, measurements or calculations for public and private clients.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and minimum 3 years of process engineering experience, consulting preferred, required.
- Or, bachelor's degree in chemical or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and minimum 3 years of process engineering experience, consulting preferred, required.
- Or, master's degree in chemical engineering and minimum 2 years of process engineering experience, consulting preferred, required.
- Strong knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
- Proficient in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
- Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
- Strong computer skills include process simulation software (i.e. Hysys and/or Aspen, HTRI).
- Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
- Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
LOCATION
Primary Location: US-MO-Kansas City
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Job Hire Type Experienced
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
See all 1,489+ STEM OPT Staff Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Staff Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Pull up your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code and cross-check it against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list before you apply. Degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, and systems engineering typically qualify, but interdisciplinary programs sometimes don't.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
Staff Engineer hiring managers at mid-size companies often don't know their firm's E-Verify status offhand. Search the E-Verify employer database directly and confirm enrollment before your first interview to avoid offers that can't legally proceed.
Target companies with active LCA filings for engineering roles
Use Migrate Mate to filter Staff Engineer openings by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for engineering positions, showing they've already navigated the DOL process and are equipped to support your STEM OPT training plan.
Draft your I-983 training plan before receiving an offer
Prepare a working draft of your I-983 that maps Staff Engineer responsibilities to your STEM degree's learning objectives. Arriving at the offer stage with a draft ready shortens the DSO review cycle and signals professionalism to the hiring team.
Benchmark your offer against the OFLC Wage Search
STEM OPT regulations require that your compensation not adversely affect similarly situated U.S. workers. Run your job title and location through the OFLC Wage Search to confirm your offered compensation meets the prevailing wage level before you sign.
Understand cap-gap coverage if your employer files for H-1B
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your STEM OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Talk to your DSO as soon as your employer confirms intent to file so your I-20 reflects the extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Staff Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
Yes, if two conditions are met: your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree falls under a DHS-designated STEM CIP code. Staff Engineer positions in software, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering consistently qualify because they require a directly related STEM degree. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying, since interdisciplinary or professionally focused degrees occasionally fall outside the eligible list.
What does the I-983 training plan require for a Staff Engineer position?
The I-983 must describe how your Staff Engineer duties directly relate to your STEM degree's goals, identify a supervising employee who will oversee your training, and confirm that your compensation is commensurate with similarly situated U.S. workers. Both you and your employer sign it, and your DSO must authorize it before your STEM OPT extension begins. USCIS expects updates if your role or employer changes materially during the extension period.
How do I confirm that a Staff Engineer employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Search the E-Verify employer database by company name or FEIN to confirm active enrollment before you reach the offer stage. Some large companies enroll only certain subsidiaries or locations, so verify the specific legal entity that will appear on your employment contract. An employer who is not enrolled cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT, and retroactive enrollment after the fact doesn't resolve the compliance gap.
How do I find Staff Engineer jobs that support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters Staff Engineer openings by employers with documented LCA filing histories, so you can focus on companies that have already engaged with DOL's labor certification process and are structured to support F-1 work authorization. That's a more reliable signal than asking recruiters cold whether the company is E-Verify enrolled.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my employer initiates an H-1B petition before my extension expires?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition on your behalf and you are selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection automatically extends your F-1 status and employment authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. If the petition is denied or withdrawn, your authorization ends and you enter the standard 60-day grace period. Notify your DSO as soon as your employer confirms they'll file so your I-20 end date is updated before any gap appears.