STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia
Virginia's F-1 STEM OPT job market runs deep across Northern Virginia's defense and tech corridor, the Richmond biotech cluster, and Hampton Roads engineering hubs. Federal contractors, cybersecurity firms, and life sciences employers routinely file STEM OPT extensions, making it one of the most active sponsorship states on the East Coast.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Geotechnical Project Manager I manages and executes geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing (CMT) projects, including analysis, reporting, budgeting, and coordination activities. This role is responsible for delivering project work from proposal through completion on lower-complexity projects while supporting client relationships and business development efforts. The Geotechnical Project Manager I develops independent project management capabilities while maintaining a positive customer service attitude and demonstrating an understanding of ECS Core Values.
Responsibilities
- Prepares geotechnical reports, including technical analysis and recommendations
- Manages geotechnical and CMT projects, including scheduling, execution, and delivery
- Reviews field reports and ensures accuracy and completeness
- Manages project budgets, change orders, invoices, and collections
- Prepares geotechnical and CMT proposals
- Begins taking ownership of projects from proposal through completion
- Supervises field activities, including drilling and testing operations
- Prepares drilling packages and obtains utility clearances
- Conducts geologic research and supports technical decision-making
- Classifies soils and assigns laboratory testing requirements
- Mentors and supports junior staff and field personnel
- Interfaces with clients and participates in project discussions
- Performs other technical and project management tasks as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years of related experience
- Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar is required
- A professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) is preferred
- If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Good knowledge of geotechnical principles and applications
- Working knowledge of construction materials testing and ASTM standards
- Ability to interpret field and laboratory testing results
- Ability to manage priorities, schedules, and deadlines
- Developing client relationship and business development skills
- Basic knowledge of geotechnical software
- Sound judgment and decision-making abilities (developing)
MILITARY QUALIFICATIONS
The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
- + E-6
COMPENSATION
The expected pay range for this role and location is $65k - $80k/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.
Who We Are:
ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026).
ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.
INTRODUCTION
The Geotechnical Project Manager I manages and executes geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing (CMT) projects, including analysis, reporting, budgeting, and coordination activities. This role is responsible for delivering project work from proposal through completion on lower-complexity projects while supporting client relationships and business development efforts. The Geotechnical Project Manager I develops independent project management capabilities while maintaining a positive customer service attitude and demonstrating an understanding of ECS Core Values.
Responsibilities
- Prepares geotechnical reports, including technical analysis and recommendations
- Manages geotechnical and CMT projects, including scheduling, execution, and delivery
- Reviews field reports and ensures accuracy and completeness
- Manages project budgets, change orders, invoices, and collections
- Prepares geotechnical and CMT proposals
- Begins taking ownership of projects from proposal through completion
- Supervises field activities, including drilling and testing operations
- Prepares drilling packages and obtains utility clearances
- Conducts geologic research and supports technical decision-making
- Classifies soils and assigns laboratory testing requirements
- Mentors and supports junior staff and field personnel
- Interfaces with clients and participates in project discussions
- Performs other technical and project management tasks as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years of related experience
- Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar is required
- A professional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) is preferred
- If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Good knowledge of geotechnical principles and applications
- Working knowledge of construction materials testing and ASTM standards
- Ability to interpret field and laboratory testing results
- Ability to manage priorities, schedules, and deadlines
- Developing client relationship and business development skills
- Basic knowledge of geotechnical software
- Sound judgment and decision-making abilities (developing)
MILITARY QUALIFICATIONS
The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
- + E-6
COMPENSATION
The expected pay range for this role and location is $65k - $80k/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.
Who We Are:
ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026).
ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.
Search F-1 STEM OPT Jobs by Industry in Virginia
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia
Confirm your role qualifies under STEM OPT
Cross-check your job title against O*NET occupation codes before accepting an offer. Virginia defense and IT contractors sometimes post hybrid management roles that blur engineering duties enough to disqualify the position from STEM OPT extension eligibility.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers first
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. In Virginia, federal contractors in the Northern Virginia corridor are often already enrolled due to FAR clause requirements, so prioritizing those employers cuts one compliance step from the process.
Use Migrate Mate to filter verified STEM OPT sponsors
Search Migrate Mate to surface Virginia employers with confirmed STEM OPT filing history. This narrows your outreach to companies that have already navigated the I-983 training plan process, saving time compared to cold-targeting firms with no prior STEM OPT experience.
Start the extension filing 90 days before OPT expires
USCIS must receive your STEM OPT extension application before your current EAD expires. Northern Virginia's dense contractor market creates seasonal hiring surges that slow employer HR sign-off on the I-983, so build in at least three weeks of internal lead time beyond the 90-day window.
See all 746+ F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Virginia
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Virginia sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Cybersecurity and defense IT firms concentrated in Northern Virginia's Dulles and Tysons corridor account for a large share of Virginia's STEM OPT filings. Federal contracting companies, cloud infrastructure providers, biomedical research employers in the Richmond area, and engineering consultancies supporting Hampton Roads naval facilities are also consistent sponsors.
Which cities in Virginia have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, specifically Reston, McLean, Herndon, and Arlington, hosts the highest concentration of STEM OPT roles due to proximity to federal agencies and major defense contractors. Richmond has a growing biotech and data analytics cluster, and Virginia Beach and Norfolk offer engineering and logistics roles connected to military and maritime industries.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Virginia?
Roles that qualify must fall under a STEM-designated STEM degree classification and require a degree in a STEM field directly related to the position. In Virginia, software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, biomedical engineers, systems engineers, and network architects are among the most common qualifying titles. O*NET can help confirm whether a specific occupation code appears on the STEM OPT designated degree list.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate surfaces Virginia employers with verified STEM OPT filing history, so you can focus outreach on companies that have already completed the I-983 training plan process and E-Verify enrollment. Filtering by Virginia work location and STEM occupation code gives you a targeted list rather than applying broadly and discovering sponsorship barriers after an offer is extended.
Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Virginia's heavy federal contracting environment means many employers must comply with E-Verify under FAR clause requirements, which streamlines one STEM OPT prerequisite. However, some smaller subcontractors in the state operate under prime contractor E-Verify accounts rather than their own, which can complicate the USCIS verification step and should be clarified with HR before filing.