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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Position Overview:
Bureau Veritas is seeking qualified Structural Engineers with a Seismic focus for part-time, as-needed work assignments in and around Memphis, TN. You will be hired to Bureau Veritas (BV) for projects and workloads as they arise, helping us support our clients while offering our employees flexibility and meaningful work opportunities. This role involves project-based seismic risk assessment consulting and limited structural repair/seismic retrofit design. It emphasizes hands-on, client-facing on-site building assessments and preparation of detailed, technically sound reports. Knowledge of older or historic building types and former seismic code provisions is a plus. Special consideration will be given to applicants with expertise in ASCE-41 and earthquake damage loss models.
The role requires travel to client sites across the U.S. (primarily California), performing on-site evaluations and seismic risk assessments, and producing reports that clearly communicate technical findings to clients. Assignments are scheduled based on project needs, providing flexibility in workload and timing.
Desired location is Memphis, TN.
Key Responsibilities:
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Conduct client-facing on-site assessments and prepare written reports accurately describing findings, including but not limited to:
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Seismic Risk Assessments (SRAs)
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ASCE 41 Tier 1 Reports
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Structural Building Systems Assessments (BSAs)
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General seismic and structural surveys
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Perform structural calculations in accordance with modern and historic building codes to support investigations or limited seismic retrofit projects.
- Conduct on-site reconnaissance, including visual observations, plan reviews, and evaluation of existing reports.
- Interview property owners, tenants, service providers, and local government representatives to collect key site information.
- Provide photographic documentation and field notes for use in reports.
- Conduct research, including building department records and online resources, to supplement on-site findings.
- Ensure reports meet client-specific scopes of work and Bureau Veritas quality standards.
- Manage project communication with internal teams and clients, updating progress, findings, and report delivery timelines.
- Apply technical expertise and judgment to adjust the scope or reporting approach based on site conditions or project requirements.
- Participate in limited structural repair or seismic retrofit design projects as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an accredited university.
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3 - 7 years of seismic engineering experience, including:
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3+ years of seismic design and analysis of buildings
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2+ years of seismic risk assessment of buildings (experience may overlap with above)
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Preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) license, or on a path to licensure.
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Solid understanding of modern building codes, seismic provisions, and historic code requirements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex technical information to clients.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, inspection tools, smartphone apps, and related software.
- Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently while delivering quality work on time.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently in a flexible, project-based environment.
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with ASCE-41 and earthquake damage loss modeling.
- Experience with performance-based seismic design and retrofit strategies.
- Knowledge of historic building types and older code provisions.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
- Ability to communicate clearly in person and over the phone.
- Visual acuity sufficient for office and on-site duties, including reading printed materials and screens.
- Frequent bending, reaching, standing, walking, sitting, pushing, and pulling throughout the workday.
- Ability to climb ladders and navigate job-site environments safely.
Why Join Bureau Veritas:
- Engage in project-based, flexible assignments that align with your schedule and interests.
- Work on high-profile projects across diverse building types in seismically active regions.
- Focus on client-facing on-site assessments and detailed seismic/structural reporting.
- Collaborative and innovative environment with professional development opportunities.
- Competitive compensation with the flexibility of an as-needed consulting arrangement.
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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.