OPT Jobs in Missouri
Missouri's F-1 OPT job market is anchored by healthcare and life sciences in Kansas City and St. Louis, a growing technology sector, and major financial services employers. The state's two large metros offer strong employer density across industries that regularly support F-1 OPT sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsRail Bridge Design EIT/Coordinator
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.
In the role of Rail Bridge Design EIT/Coordinator, we'll count on you to:
- Apply structural engineering and detailing techniques in the development of bridge designs
- Work on projects that typically include bridge (steel plate girder, prestress concrete, segmental and cable) box culvert, and interchange design for highway and railway projects
- Perform structural load calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development
- Select standard bridge engineering/design procedures, and develop structural details using specialized software
- Participate in bridge inspection, perform structural load calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development
- Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Structural Engineering
- Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate
- Candidates without their EIT will be placed into a Design Coordinator job code and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression
- Familiarity with engineering software packages such as: LEAP Bridge Enterprise, FB-MultiPier, LPile, AASHTOWare BrR, midas Civil, MDX, SAP2000, CSiBridge, ADINA, RM Bridge, spColumn, LUSAS, STLBridgeLRFD, or STLBridge
- General knowledge of structural analysis and computer modeling (LARSA, RISA or SAP2000) strongly preferred
- Railroad structures design experience and familiarity and experience with AREMA design guidelines are very desirable, but not required
- Must be adept with working with virtual team members across the country
- Experience in bridge/structural design
- Willingness to travel and work in other locations occasionally may be required
- Preference given to local candidates
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- Hands-on experience with MicroStation, InRoads and GEOPAK-route design
- MS Office Applications experience
- Strong interest in railroad design
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location:
United States-Missouri-Kansas City
Other Locations:
United States-Missouri-St Louis
Industry:
Freight Rail
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Railway Design
Job Posting:
Jul 31, 2026
Rail Bridge Design EIT/Coordinator
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.
In the role of Rail Bridge Design EIT/Coordinator, we'll count on you to:
- Apply structural engineering and detailing techniques in the development of bridge designs
- Work on projects that typically include bridge (steel plate girder, prestress concrete, segmental and cable) box culvert, and interchange design for highway and railway projects
- Perform structural load calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development
- Select standard bridge engineering/design procedures, and develop structural details using specialized software
- Participate in bridge inspection, perform structural load calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development
- Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Structural Engineering
- Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate
- Candidates without their EIT will be placed into a Design Coordinator job code and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression
- Familiarity with engineering software packages such as: LEAP Bridge Enterprise, FB-MultiPier, LPile, AASHTOWare BrR, midas Civil, MDX, SAP2000, CSiBridge, ADINA, RM Bridge, spColumn, LUSAS, STLBridgeLRFD, or STLBridge
- General knowledge of structural analysis and computer modeling (LARSA, RISA or SAP2000) strongly preferred
- Railroad structures design experience and familiarity and experience with AREMA design guidelines are very desirable, but not required
- Must be adept with working with virtual team members across the country
- Experience in bridge/structural design
- Willingness to travel and work in other locations occasionally may be required
- Preference given to local candidates
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- Hands-on experience with MicroStation, InRoads and GEOPAK-route design
- MS Office Applications experience
- Strong interest in railroad design
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location:
United States-Missouri-Kansas City
Other Locations:
United States-Missouri-St Louis
Industry:
Freight Rail
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Railway Design
Job Posting:
Jul 31, 2026
Search F-1 OPT Jobs by Industry in Missouri
Tips for Finding OPT Jobs in Missouri
Target Missouri's anchor employers directly
Large St. Louis employers like Boeing, Centene, and Edward Jones and Kansas City anchors like Cerner (Oracle Health) and Hallmark have established international hiring processes. Applying directly to their careers pages gives you access to structured OPT sponsorship pipelines.
Use Missouri's university hiring networks
Washington University in St. Louis, University of Missouri, and University of Kansas City all maintain employer networks that specifically recruit OPT students. Career services offices often have curated lists of employers who have previously sponsored F-1 students.
Search for roles that match your STEM OPT eligibility
STEM OPT extends your work authorization to 36 months. Missouri's engineering, data analytics, and life sciences sectors actively hire STEM-eligible graduates. When browsing Migrate Mate, filter by STEM-eligible roles to surface the widest sponsorship opportunities.
Look beyond Kansas City and St. Louis
Columbia and Springfield have growing technology and healthcare employers tied to university systems. Smaller metro employers often face less competition for international talent, and some actively recruit from nearby campuses like Mizzou and Missouri State.
Prioritize employers with LCA filing history
Employers who have previously filed Labor Condition Applications are the most reliable OPT sponsors. Migrate Mate surfaces these verified sponsoring employers so you can focus your applications on companies that have demonstrated willingness to hire international workers.
Time your job search around Missouri's hiring cycles
Healthcare and financial services firms in Missouri typically post roles heavily in January through March and August through October. Starting your F-1 OPT job search 60 to 90 days before your OPT start date aligns well with these peak hiring windows.
See all 2,834+ F-1 OPT jobs in Missouri
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 OPT jobs in Missouri.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 OPT Jobs in Missouri: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Missouri sponsor the most F-1 OPT visas?
Healthcare and life sciences, financial services, and technology are the strongest F-1 OPT sponsorship industries in Missouri. St. Louis has a dense concentration of healthcare systems and biotech firms, while Kansas City anchors financial services and IT services hiring. Defense and aerospace roles tied to Boeing's St. Louis operations also produce consistent OPT sponsorship activity.
Which cities in Missouri have the most F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
St. Louis and Kansas City account for the majority of F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Missouri. St. Louis leads in healthcare, life sciences, and defense technology, while Kansas City is stronger in financial services, IT consulting, and healthcare technology. Columbia offers a secondary market tied closely to University of Missouri employer partnerships and regional healthcare networks.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Missouri?
Roles that qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Missouri are typically those directly related to your field of study. Common qualifying roles include software engineers, data analysts, biomedical researchers, financial analysts, civil and mechanical engineers, and clinical research coordinators. The position must be directly tied to your degree program, regardless of industry or employer size.
How do I find F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Missouri?
Migrate Mate is built specifically to help F-1 OPT students find verified sponsoring employers. You can filter by state and industry to surface Missouri-based companies that have a demonstrated history of hiring international students. Pairing Migrate Mate with outreach through your university's career center and alumni network gives you the strongest coverage across both large employers and smaller firms.
Are there any Missouri-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Missouri has no state-level immigration requirements that differ from federal F-1 OPT rules, but a few practical factors matter. Missouri's relatively lower cost of living compared to coastal markets means compensation structures differ, which can affect your ability to meet prevailing wage thresholds if you later pursue H-1B visa sponsorship. Missouri also has no state income tax on wages for certain structures, worth understanding before accepting an offer.