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.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Richard Design Services (RDS) is currently seeking an experienced Licensed Jr. Civil/Structural Engineer.
Position Summary
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Licensed Jr. Civil/Structural Engineer to be part of our team at our Beaumont office.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform Structural Engineering duties in the design, analysis, and preparation of calculations, drawings, and specifications for use on concrete and steel projects.
- Perform and prepare structural designs and modifications of industrial structures and systems for one or multiple assigned projects.
- Interface with customers, suppliers, and construction throughout all phases of planning, design, and construction.
- Independently evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgment in making minor adaptations and modifications.
- Prepare conceptual and detailed design sketches, engineering calculations, construction drawings, and specifications.
- Coordinate with multiple disciplines to participate in development of plans, elevations, and basis of design documents to guide construction.
- Apply basic structural engineering technical principles, theories, standards, and concepts in development of engineering design packages.
- Consider construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards, and other factors in planning stages and risk analysis.
- Understand and apply applicable building codes and industry specific standards for engineering projects. Understand and be able to determine applicability of local, state, and international building codes.
- Specify building materials such as concrete and steel for use in specific projects, and review supplier submittals and test reports from third-party laboratories.
- Present technical information to peers or other personnel for review, to implement standards, or operating procedures.
- Provide Material Take Offs and cost estimates for materials, labor, and engineering to determine a project’s economic feasibility.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering
- 5-10 years of experience
- Working to be licensed (FE & PE)
- Excellent presentation and communication skills required
- Proficient with Civil Engineering Software (STAAD Pro, RISA)
- Occasional travel required to client sites
- Professional Engineer (PE) License
- Structural Engineer (SE) License
- Proficient with Engineering and Computer Software (MS Office, AutoCAD, 2D &/or 3D CAD, BlueBeam, RISA, NavisWorks, STAAD, SPMats, Enercalc)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position primarily is performed from the RICHARD office located in Beaumont, TX, but may be posted temporarily on project sites, when required. Field site visits may be required regularly. The work will mostly take place in an office setting, and the employee will need to communicate with others in person, over the phone, and through email. The employee should be physically able to carry out the required tasks. They may need to visit Client facilities, so it's important that the employee is in good physical health in order to travel, conduct field assessments, attend meetings at various locations, and perform other duties as required.
RDS is dedicated to providing a SAFE and Drug Free environment.
RDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).
INTRODUCTION
Richard Design Services (RDS) is currently seeking an experienced Licensed Jr. Civil/Structural Engineer.
Position Summary
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Licensed Jr. Civil/Structural Engineer to be part of our team at our Beaumont office.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform Structural Engineering duties in the design, analysis, and preparation of calculations, drawings, and specifications for use on concrete and steel projects.
- Perform and prepare structural designs and modifications of industrial structures and systems for one or multiple assigned projects.
- Interface with customers, suppliers, and construction throughout all phases of planning, design, and construction.
- Independently evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgment in making minor adaptations and modifications.
- Prepare conceptual and detailed design sketches, engineering calculations, construction drawings, and specifications.
- Coordinate with multiple disciplines to participate in development of plans, elevations, and basis of design documents to guide construction.
- Apply basic structural engineering technical principles, theories, standards, and concepts in development of engineering design packages.
- Consider construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards, and other factors in planning stages and risk analysis.
- Understand and apply applicable building codes and industry specific standards for engineering projects. Understand and be able to determine applicability of local, state, and international building codes.
- Specify building materials such as concrete and steel for use in specific projects, and review supplier submittals and test reports from third-party laboratories.
- Present technical information to peers or other personnel for review, to implement standards, or operating procedures.
- Provide Material Take Offs and cost estimates for materials, labor, and engineering to determine a project’s economic feasibility.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering
- 5-10 years of experience
- Working to be licensed (FE & PE)
- Excellent presentation and communication skills required
- Proficient with Civil Engineering Software (STAAD Pro, RISA)
- Occasional travel required to client sites
- Professional Engineer (PE) License
- Structural Engineer (SE) License
- Proficient with Engineering and Computer Software (MS Office, AutoCAD, 2D &/or 3D CAD, BlueBeam, RISA, NavisWorks, STAAD, SPMats, Enercalc)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position primarily is performed from the RICHARD office located in Beaumont, TX, but may be posted temporarily on project sites, when required. Field site visits may be required regularly. The work will mostly take place in an office setting, and the employee will need to communicate with others in person, over the phone, and through email. The employee should be physically able to carry out the required tasks. They may need to visit Client facilities, so it's important that the employee is in good physical health in order to travel, conduct field assessments, attend meetings at various locations, and perform other duties as required.
RDS is dedicated to providing a SAFE and Drug Free environment.
RDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).
See all 2,916+ STEM OPT Structural Engineer Jobs
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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.