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
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 415+ 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.