STEM OPT Structural Engineer Jobs
Structural Engineer roles in civil and architectural engineering qualify for STEM OPT when your degree maps to an eligible CIP code. The 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months of F-1 work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and signs your I-983 training plan.
Find STEM OPT Structural Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 343+ Structural Engineer jobs
See all 343+ Structural Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Structural Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Structural Engineer
Location: Wakefield, MA
Experience: 3–5 years
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Position Overview
We are seeking a Structural Engineer with 3–5 years of experience to support the design, analysis, evaluation, and delivery of structural engineering projects. The engineer will work on a variety of projects, potentially including buildings, bridges, industrial facilities, and other structures. The role requires strong technical capabilities, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with architects, construction professionals, and other engineers.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Analysis:
- Develop structural plans and designs for buildings, bridges, industrial facilities, and other structures.
- Perform structural analysis considering applicable loads and environmental factors, including wind, seismic activity, and snow.
- Evaluate structural systems and materials to ensure safety, stability, and performance.
- Prepare detailed structural calculations, drawings, and technical documentation.
Code Compliance:
- Ensure structural designs comply with applicable local, state, and international building codes and safety regulations.
- Apply relevant standards and codes, including:
- AASHTO
- ACI
- AISC
- IBC
- Interpret and apply engineering standards throughout the design process.
Software & Modeling:
- Use CAD, BIM, and structural engineering software for design and documentation.
- Develop structural models and drawings using tools such as AutoCAD and Revit.
- Utilize structural analysis and modeling software to evaluate loads and verify structural performance.
Collaboration & Project Support:
- Work closely with architects, construction managers, contractors, and other engineering disciplines.
- Coordinate structural solutions with architectural, functional, and construction requirements.
- Prepare technical specifications, bid documents, engineering reports, and other project documentation.
- Review contractor submittals and provide technical guidance during construction.
- Support project planning, execution, and coordination activities.
Inspection & Structural Evaluation:
- Evaluate existing structures for safety, condition, and code compliance.
- Identify structural deficiencies and potential risks.
- Recommend appropriate repairs, modifications, or upgrades.
- Support ongoing structural maintenance and compliance efforts.
Feasibility & Risk Assessment:
- Conduct structural feasibility studies.
- Assess potential structural risks and design constraints.
- Provide engineering recommendations to support project planning and decision-making.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 3–5 years of relevant structural engineering experience.
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam required.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
- Experience with structural design and analysis.
- Knowledge of structural materials including:
- Steel
- Reinforced concrete
- Masonry
- Working knowledge of applicable structural codes and standards.
- Proficiency with structural engineering software and modeling tools.
- Experience with AutoCAD and/or Revit.
Experience Level
At the 3–5 year level, the engineer is expected to independently manage significant design responsibilities and contribute to medium-to-large projects. Responsibilities may include:
- Independently handling assigned structural design elements.
- Preparing detailed structural designs and calculations.
- Supporting project planning and execution.
- Providing technical oversight of drafting and design activities.
- Coordinating with architects, contractors, and other engineering disciplines.
- Working under the guidance of senior engineers while progressively taking on greater project responsibility.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in structural engineering software and modeling tools.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in engineering calculations.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong collaboration and coordination abilities.
- Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards and regulations.
- Ability to manage multiple project responsibilities and deadlines.
- Strong organizational and project-support skills.
Preferred Experience
Experience with the following is desirable:
- Building structural design
- Bridge engineering
- Industrial facilities
- Structural inspections and evaluations
- Structural rehabilitation and upgrades
- Steel and reinforced concrete design
- AASHTO, ACI, AISC, and IBC standards
- CAD/BIM-based structural documentation
- Construction administration and contractor coordination
Job Title: Structural Engineer
Location: Wakefield, MA
Experience: 3–5 years
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Position Overview
We are seeking a Structural Engineer with 3–5 years of experience to support the design, analysis, evaluation, and delivery of structural engineering projects. The engineer will work on a variety of projects, potentially including buildings, bridges, industrial facilities, and other structures. The role requires strong technical capabilities, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with architects, construction professionals, and other engineers.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Analysis:
- Develop structural plans and designs for buildings, bridges, industrial facilities, and other structures.
- Perform structural analysis considering applicable loads and environmental factors, including wind, seismic activity, and snow.
- Evaluate structural systems and materials to ensure safety, stability, and performance.
- Prepare detailed structural calculations, drawings, and technical documentation.
Code Compliance:
- Ensure structural designs comply with applicable local, state, and international building codes and safety regulations.
- Apply relevant standards and codes, including:
- AASHTO
- ACI
- AISC
- IBC
- Interpret and apply engineering standards throughout the design process.
Software & Modeling:
- Use CAD, BIM, and structural engineering software for design and documentation.
- Develop structural models and drawings using tools such as AutoCAD and Revit.
- Utilize structural analysis and modeling software to evaluate loads and verify structural performance.
Collaboration & Project Support:
- Work closely with architects, construction managers, contractors, and other engineering disciplines.
- Coordinate structural solutions with architectural, functional, and construction requirements.
- Prepare technical specifications, bid documents, engineering reports, and other project documentation.
- Review contractor submittals and provide technical guidance during construction.
- Support project planning, execution, and coordination activities.
Inspection & Structural Evaluation:
- Evaluate existing structures for safety, condition, and code compliance.
- Identify structural deficiencies and potential risks.
- Recommend appropriate repairs, modifications, or upgrades.
- Support ongoing structural maintenance and compliance efforts.
Feasibility & Risk Assessment:
- Conduct structural feasibility studies.
- Assess potential structural risks and design constraints.
- Provide engineering recommendations to support project planning and decision-making.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 3–5 years of relevant structural engineering experience.
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam required.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
- Experience with structural design and analysis.
- Knowledge of structural materials including:
- Steel
- Reinforced concrete
- Masonry
- Working knowledge of applicable structural codes and standards.
- Proficiency with structural engineering software and modeling tools.
- Experience with AutoCAD and/or Revit.
Experience Level
At the 3–5 year level, the engineer is expected to independently manage significant design responsibilities and contribute to medium-to-large projects. Responsibilities may include:
- Independently handling assigned structural design elements.
- Preparing detailed structural designs and calculations.
- Supporting project planning and execution.
- Providing technical oversight of drafting and design activities.
- Coordinating with architects, contractors, and other engineering disciplines.
- Working under the guidance of senior engineers while progressively taking on greater project responsibility.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in structural engineering software and modeling tools.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in engineering calculations.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong collaboration and coordination abilities.
- Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards and regulations.
- Ability to manage multiple project responsibilities and deadlines.
- Strong organizational and project-support skills.
Preferred Experience
Experience with the following is desirable:
- Building structural design
- Bridge engineering
- Industrial facilities
- Structural inspections and evaluations
- Structural rehabilitation and upgrades
- Steel and reinforced concrete design
- AASHTO, ACI, AISC, and IBC standards
- CAD/BIM-based structural documentation
- Construction administration and contractor coordination
See all 343+ STEM OPT Structural Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Structural Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Structural Engineer
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list. Civil Engineering (14.0801) and Structural Engineering (14.0802) both qualify, but some interdisciplinary programs use codes that don't appear on the list.
Verify E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Structural engineering firms, especially small and mid-size practices, aren't always enrolled in E-Verify. Search the E-Verify employer search tool before your offer stage, not after. An unenrolled employer cannot legally supervise your STEM OPT extension.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate to filter structural engineering roles by employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and active OPT hiring history. This cuts out the manual research of cross-referencing firm websites against E-Verify records.
Align your I-983 goals with PE licensure milestones
Your I-983 training plan must include specific learning objectives. Frame your goals around FE exam preparation, project experience toward Professional Engineer licensure, and exposure to IBC or ASCE load standards. Generic plans draw more DSO scrutiny.
Target firms with active DOL wage certifications
Run your target employers through the OFLC Wage Search to confirm they've filed prevailing wage certifications for structural roles. Prior LCA filings signal that the firm understands visa compliance obligations and has supported international engineers before.
File your extension application 90 days before OPT ends
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed during the 90-day window before your current EAD expires. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS before you file I-765, so start your school's internal process at least 120 days out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Structural Engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree program carries an eligible CIP code. Civil Engineering (14.0801) and Structural Engineering (14.0802) both appear on the DHS STEM designated degree list. If your degree is in a related field like Architectural Engineering or Mechanics, verify the exact CIP code on your transcript against the published list before your DSO submits the SEVIS recommendation.
Does my structural engineering employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for any employer who wants to supervise a STEM OPT student. Engineering firms that have never hired international graduates are often not enrolled. Confirm enrollment through the E-Verify employer search before you reach the offer stage. An employer who enrolls after you accept can still qualify, but the enrollment must be complete before your extension begins.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a structural engineer?
The I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. For structural engineering roles, that typically means project experience in load analysis, connection design, or code compliance under standards like ASCE 7 or the IBC. Include milestones tied to FE exam preparation or exposure to structural analysis software such as ETABS or RISA. Vague objectives increase the risk your DSO will request revisions before approving the plan.
How does cap-gap protection apply if my employer files an H-1B petition while I'm on STEM OPT?
If your employer files a timely H-1B visa petition before your STEM OPT EAD expires, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. If the petition is selected in the lottery and approved with a premium processing upgrade, you can begin H-1B status on October 1. USCIS issues an updated I-20 reflecting the cap-gap period, which you carry with your expired EAD as proof of continued authorization.
Where can I find structural engineering jobs where employers are already set up for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters structural engineering roles by employers with E-Verify enrollment and a history of hiring F-1 students, so you're not cold-applying to firms that have never navigated OPT paperwork. You can also cross-reference target employers through the OFLC Wage Search to see whether they've previously filed prevailing wage certifications for engineering roles, which is a practical proxy for visa compliance experience.