Legal OPT Jobs in California
F-1 OPT legal jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley, where large law firms like Latham & Watkins and Orrick, major tech companies with in-house legal teams, and public interest organizations actively hire international talent. OPT work authorization lets you gain practical legal experience while building toward long-term sponsorship.
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Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking a Project Engineer, Signaling and Train Control, for one of our offices in Sacramento, Fresno, or Bakersfield, CA. This is an on-site role.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Project Engineer, Signaling and Train Control, provides engineering leadership for railway signaling and train control systems on a major transportation infrastructure project, supporting design, integration, testing, and commissioning. The position covers ETCS Level 2, Automatic Route Setting, Computer-Based Interlockings, Radio Block Centers, Traffic Management Systems, axle counter train detection, broken rail detection, and integrated train control and communications systems. Responsibilities include reviewing signaling engineering deliverables, supporting requirements management, system architecture and interfaces, evaluating supplier and contractor designs, and supporting safety, regulatory, and independent assessment activities. The position also develops and reviews testing and commissioning strategies and documentation, with travel of approximately 25–50% along the project alignment throughout the Central Valley, California.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepare, review, and approve signaling engineering deliverables throughout design, construction, and testing and commissioning
- Ensure technical documentation is complete, coordinated, and developed in accordance with Program requirements and applicable standards
- Support requirements management, system architecture development, and interface definition activities for train control
- Review supplier and contractor designs for compliance with Program specifications and operational requirements
- Coordinate interfaces between signaling, telecommunications, rolling stock, track, traction power, and operations teams
- Provide technical oversight and engineering support for ETCS Level 2, Automatic Route Setting, Computer Based Interlockings, and Radio Block Centers
- Provide technical oversight for Traffic Management Systems, axle counter train detection, broken rail detection, and integrated train control and communications systems
- Support FRA submissions and coordination activities, and prepare and review documentation required for regulatory, safety, and operational approvals
- Work with safety assurance teams, authorizing authorities, operators, and Program stakeholders to obtain required approvals and certifications
- Support development of safety cases, hazard analyses, and compliance documentation
- Address technical review comments and closeout actions raised by regulators and independent assessors
- Develop and review test plans, test procedures, and commissioning strategies for signaling systems
- Support Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, System Integration Testing, and operational trial running
- Witness testing activities and verify compliance with performance and safety requirements
- Coordinate defect management, corrective actions, and final system acceptance, and support revenue service demonstration and operational handover
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- BA/BS + 6 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience taking signaling systems from design through testing, commissioning, and final acceptance
- Experience developing and reviewing engineering deliverables on large transportation infrastructure projects
- Strong working knowledge of systems integration and safety-critical railway applications
- Experience supporting requirements management, system architecture development, and interface definition
- Experience reviewing supplier and contractor designs against project specifications and operational requirements
- Experience developing and reviewing test plans, test procedures, and commissioning documentation
- Experience witnessing Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, and System Integration Testing
- Experience preparing documentation supporting regulatory, safety, and operational approvals
- Strong technical writing, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, or membership of a recognized professional institution such as IRSE; additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of licensure
- At least ten (10) years of experience in railway signaling, train control, or rail systems engineering
- ETCS Level 2 or ERTMS deployment experience
- Experience with CBTC, PTC, ATP, or ATO systems
- High-speed rail project experience
- Familiarity with high-speed FRA requirements and U.S. rail regulations
- Working knowledge of EN 50126, EN 50128, and EN 50129
- Experience supporting system certification, safety approvals, and entry into revenue service
- Experience resolving technical issues in the field and leading design reviews
Additional Information
- Sponsorship is provided.
- Relocation is provided.
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking a Project Engineer, Signaling and Train Control, for one of our offices in Sacramento, Fresno, or Bakersfield, CA. This is an on-site role.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Project Engineer, Signaling and Train Control, provides engineering leadership for railway signaling and train control systems on a major transportation infrastructure project, supporting design, integration, testing, and commissioning. The position covers ETCS Level 2, Automatic Route Setting, Computer-Based Interlockings, Radio Block Centers, Traffic Management Systems, axle counter train detection, broken rail detection, and integrated train control and communications systems. Responsibilities include reviewing signaling engineering deliverables, supporting requirements management, system architecture and interfaces, evaluating supplier and contractor designs, and supporting safety, regulatory, and independent assessment activities. The position also develops and reviews testing and commissioning strategies and documentation, with travel of approximately 25–50% along the project alignment throughout the Central Valley, California.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepare, review, and approve signaling engineering deliverables throughout design, construction, and testing and commissioning
- Ensure technical documentation is complete, coordinated, and developed in accordance with Program requirements and applicable standards
- Support requirements management, system architecture development, and interface definition activities for train control
- Review supplier and contractor designs for compliance with Program specifications and operational requirements
- Coordinate interfaces between signaling, telecommunications, rolling stock, track, traction power, and operations teams
- Provide technical oversight and engineering support for ETCS Level 2, Automatic Route Setting, Computer Based Interlockings, and Radio Block Centers
- Provide technical oversight for Traffic Management Systems, axle counter train detection, broken rail detection, and integrated train control and communications systems
- Support FRA submissions and coordination activities, and prepare and review documentation required for regulatory, safety, and operational approvals
- Work with safety assurance teams, authorizing authorities, operators, and Program stakeholders to obtain required approvals and certifications
- Support development of safety cases, hazard analyses, and compliance documentation
- Address technical review comments and closeout actions raised by regulators and independent assessors
- Develop and review test plans, test procedures, and commissioning strategies for signaling systems
- Support Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, System Integration Testing, and operational trial running
- Witness testing activities and verify compliance with performance and safety requirements
- Coordinate defect management, corrective actions, and final system acceptance, and support revenue service demonstration and operational handover
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- BA/BS + 6 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience taking signaling systems from design through testing, commissioning, and final acceptance
- Experience developing and reviewing engineering deliverables on large transportation infrastructure projects
- Strong working knowledge of systems integration and safety-critical railway applications
- Experience supporting requirements management, system architecture development, and interface definition
- Experience reviewing supplier and contractor designs against project specifications and operational requirements
- Experience developing and reviewing test plans, test procedures, and commissioning documentation
- Experience witnessing Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, and System Integration Testing
- Experience preparing documentation supporting regulatory, safety, and operational approvals
- Strong technical writing, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, or membership of a recognized professional institution such as IRSE; additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of licensure
- At least ten (10) years of experience in railway signaling, train control, or rail systems engineering
- ETCS Level 2 or ERTMS deployment experience
- Experience with CBTC, PTC, ATP, or ATO systems
- High-speed rail project experience
- Familiarity with high-speed FRA requirements and U.S. rail regulations
- Working knowledge of EN 50126, EN 50128, and EN 50129
- Experience supporting system certification, safety approvals, and entry into revenue service
- Experience resolving technical issues in the field and leading design reviews
Additional Information
- Sponsorship is provided.
- Relocation is provided.
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
OPT Legal Job Roles in California
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Search Legal Jobs in CaliforniaLegal OPT Sponsorship Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which legal companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in California?
Large law firms with California offices, including Latham & Watkins, Morrison Foerster, Gibson Dunn, and Orrick, have histories of hiring international legal talent on OPT. Major tech companies headquartered in California, such as Google, Apple, and Meta, also sponsor OPT workers through their in-house legal and compliance departments. Public interest organizations and legal aid nonprofits in Los Angeles and the Bay Area hire OPT-eligible candidates as well, though at lower volumes.
Which cities in California have the most legal F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
San Francisco and Los Angeles are the two highest-volume markets for legal OPT sponsorship in California. San Francisco and Silicon Valley draw demand from both BigLaw offices and in-house legal teams at technology companies. Los Angeles concentrates entertainment law, litigation, and immigration law practices that regularly hire international graduates. San Diego offers additional opportunities in biotech and patent law, particularly for candidates with science or engineering backgrounds.
What types of legal roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in California?
Roles that align directly with a law degree or legal studies qualify most cleanly for OPT. These include legal analyst, compliance analyst, paralegal, contract manager, and junior associate positions at law firms or in-house legal departments. Patent prosecution roles at technology and biotech companies are particularly strong fits in California for candidates with STEM degrees who also completed legal coursework. Legal operations and regulatory affairs roles at large employers are also common OPT placements.
How do I find legal F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers on F-1 OPT and other visa types, and filters legal jobs in California by sponsorship eligibility, so you're not sorting through listings that won't work for your status. Beyond job boards, targeting California law firms and tech companies with established international hiring programs, and networking through your law school's alumni base in San Francisco and Los Angeles, meaningfully increases your chances of finding roles open to OPT candidates.
Are there any California-specific considerations for F-1 OPT legal jobs?
California's bar admission requirements mean that most attorney-of-record roles require passing the California Bar Exam, which is separate from OPT eligibility. OPT-eligible candidates typically pursue non-attorney roles such as legal analyst, compliance, or paralegal positions while their visa status is active. California's strong privacy law sector, driven by the California Consumer Privacy Act, has created demand for compliance and legal operations talent that suits OPT candidates with relevant coursework. STEM OPT extension is not available for standard JD programs, so planning for H-1B visa sponsorship before OPT expires is important.