Government F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia's government sector are concentrated around the Washington D.C. metro corridor, with major employers including defense contractors, federal agencies, and research institutions in Arlington, McLean, Reston, and Fairfax. Roles in data science, cybersecurity, systems engineering, and policy analysis regularly appear on STEM OPT-eligible employer rosters across the state.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Provide engineering expertise in assigned program areas. Provide recommendations for resolution of project issues. Communicate with internal VDOT staff, local government staff, consultants, citizens and FHWA regarding transportation projects and programs. Assist in developing, implementing and monitoring policies, procedures, guidance and practices for engineering projects and programs. Serve as responsible-charge engineer in the evaluation, design, and detailing of all types and complexities of structures and bridges for new construction, maintenance and rehabilitation projects. Check statically determinate and indeterminate structures of concrete and steel to meet alignment, dimension, strength and economic requirements using AASHTO specifications to prepare plans. Compute dimensions and quantities of materials. Provide construction support and direction regarding construction and maintenance of structures and bridges. Manage assigned projects to ensure timely and accurate completion. Review plans prepared by others to ensure correctness.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Communications: Communicate effectively with customers internal and external to VDOT including local governments, elected officials, citizen groups, and FHWA.
- Conduct Engineering Studies: Participate in or oversee engineering studies. Collect, analyze and process data and information. Develop written reports, recommendations, and solutions that are technically accurate and compliant. Prepare business correspondence and technical letters with recommendations for suggested corrective measures as a result of studies. Prepare or present formal presentations for VDOT staff, or other organizations.
- Design, Analyze and Check Structural Elements: Prepare preliminary and final bridge and structure designs for new construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation projects. Prepare bridge plans, sketches, and structural drawings. Check structural plans prepared by others. Ensure shop plans meet AASHTO and VDOT specifications, are geometrically correct and meet requirements of project design plans. Investigate condition of existing structures and assist in developing scope of proposed bridge rehabilitations. Analyze structures for safe load carrying capacity and perform structural calculations to ensure soundness and compliance of structural elements.
- Meetings: Schedule, lead and participate in pre-construction conferences, contract showings, and other related structure and bridge construction meetings. Provide a thorough review of structural plans to ensure they conform with AASHTO and VDOT guidelines and specifications to minimize field problems and delays.
- Policies and Procedures: Assist in the development of policies, procedures and practices reflecting proactive management of the assigned engineering program area.
- Process Improvements: Develop, recommend and implement process and policy improvements as needed. Assist in monitoring compliance to ensure conformance to the policy, procedures and state and federal laws and regulations.
- Project Management and Documentation: Organize work and monitor work tasks such that projects and documentation are completed within schedule using VDOT's standards, policies and procedures.
- Project Management: Serve as project manager for new bridge design and bridge rehabilitation projects. Ensure effective development of bridge projects by coordinating design activities with other sections, divisions and consultants. Assist in the development of scopes of work, develop and manage project schedules, review proposals and manhours, assist with negotiations, review proposals, and coordinate activities for advertisement. Oversee project activities to meet project requirements. Maintain project records and correspondence. Attend project meetings to give and receive updates on project progress.
- Project Team Participation: Participate or lead project teams as assigned. Ensure timely communications between project team members and stakeholders. Ensure information is technically accurate and effectively disseminated. Review and resolve challenges to enhance team performance.
- Responsible Charge Engineer: Fulfill duties as responsible charge engineer in compliance with policies, procedures and the Code of Virginia.
Technical Guidance and Support: Provide technical guidance and support related to bridge construction activities, issues, and problems. Develop effective and economical recommendations to respond to construction problems and other bridge-related inquiries. Participate in meetings to ensure bridge-related issues are presented.
WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL
- Ability to apply advanced engineering principles and practices to a variety of complex transportation projects.
- Ability to build networks and relationships with employees from other divisions, field personnel, contractors, manufacturers and FHWA representatives.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
- Ability to develop effective working relationships at all organizational levels, both internally and externally.
- Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis; make independent decisions; and manage multiple assignments.
- Ability to estimate quantities and costs of materials.
- Ability to interpret and apply local, state and federal transportation laws, regulations and guidelines.
- Ability to manage projects and review and administer consultant design contracts.
- Ability to plan, coordinate and manage multiple, concurrent assignments.
- Ability to produce structural design plans and notes.
- Ability to read and interpret plans, contracts, specifications and regulations.
- Ability to research, analyze, and prepare technical reports and project correspondence.
- Considerable knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices related to structural engineering to include strength of materials, statics and structural analysis.
- Considerable knowledge of structural steel design, reinforced and prestressed concrete design and soil mechanics.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances and policies pertaining to transportation engineering.
- Knowledge of financial management to include budgeting and cost estimation.
- Knowledge of project management processes.
- Knowledge of specifications, codes and regulations related to structural design (e.g. AASHTO and LRFD structural design standards).
- Knowledge of strategic, operational and financial management principles, practices and techniques.
- Knowledge of transportation engineering principles, practices, standards, and specifications.
- Skill and ability to positively interact with employees, citizens and government officials.
- Skill in delivering exemplary customer service and the ability to interact courteously and professionally with the public and other employees.
- Skill in negotiating.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include engineering software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
- Ability to estimate quantities and costs of materials.
- Ability to interpret construction plans and design specifications.
- Ability to manage projects and review and administer consultant design contracts.
- Ability to produce structural design plans and notes.
- Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or related field.
- Experience applying civil engineering principles and practices related to structural engineering to include strength of materials, statics and structural analysis.
- Experience in structural steel design, reinforced and prestressed concrete design and soil mechanics.
- Knowledge of specifications, codes and regulations related to structural design (e.g. AASHTO and LRFD structural design standards).
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include automated engineering and design software.
- Valid Professional Engineer's license.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Experience in bridge design engineering, repair, and rehabilitation.
- Experience in the design and analysis of bridges and structures.
- Experience managing projects and consultant contracts.
- Experience using AASHTO's LRFD design specifications.
- Experience using MS Office, bridge design, and MicroStation software.
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
INTRODUCTION
Provide engineering expertise in assigned program areas. Provide recommendations for resolution of project issues. Communicate with internal VDOT staff, local government staff, consultants, citizens and FHWA regarding transportation projects and programs. Assist in developing, implementing and monitoring policies, procedures, guidance and practices for engineering projects and programs. Serve as responsible-charge engineer in the evaluation, design, and detailing of all types and complexities of structures and bridges for new construction, maintenance and rehabilitation projects. Check statically determinate and indeterminate structures of concrete and steel to meet alignment, dimension, strength and economic requirements using AASHTO specifications to prepare plans. Compute dimensions and quantities of materials. Provide construction support and direction regarding construction and maintenance of structures and bridges. Manage assigned projects to ensure timely and accurate completion. Review plans prepared by others to ensure correctness.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Communications: Communicate effectively with customers internal and external to VDOT including local governments, elected officials, citizen groups, and FHWA.
- Conduct Engineering Studies: Participate in or oversee engineering studies. Collect, analyze and process data and information. Develop written reports, recommendations, and solutions that are technically accurate and compliant. Prepare business correspondence and technical letters with recommendations for suggested corrective measures as a result of studies. Prepare or present formal presentations for VDOT staff, or other organizations.
- Design, Analyze and Check Structural Elements: Prepare preliminary and final bridge and structure designs for new construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation projects. Prepare bridge plans, sketches, and structural drawings. Check structural plans prepared by others. Ensure shop plans meet AASHTO and VDOT specifications, are geometrically correct and meet requirements of project design plans. Investigate condition of existing structures and assist in developing scope of proposed bridge rehabilitations. Analyze structures for safe load carrying capacity and perform structural calculations to ensure soundness and compliance of structural elements.
- Meetings: Schedule, lead and participate in pre-construction conferences, contract showings, and other related structure and bridge construction meetings. Provide a thorough review of structural plans to ensure they conform with AASHTO and VDOT guidelines and specifications to minimize field problems and delays.
- Policies and Procedures: Assist in the development of policies, procedures and practices reflecting proactive management of the assigned engineering program area.
- Process Improvements: Develop, recommend and implement process and policy improvements as needed. Assist in monitoring compliance to ensure conformance to the policy, procedures and state and federal laws and regulations.
- Project Management and Documentation: Organize work and monitor work tasks such that projects and documentation are completed within schedule using VDOT's standards, policies and procedures.
- Project Management: Serve as project manager for new bridge design and bridge rehabilitation projects. Ensure effective development of bridge projects by coordinating design activities with other sections, divisions and consultants. Assist in the development of scopes of work, develop and manage project schedules, review proposals and manhours, assist with negotiations, review proposals, and coordinate activities for advertisement. Oversee project activities to meet project requirements. Maintain project records and correspondence. Attend project meetings to give and receive updates on project progress.
- Project Team Participation: Participate or lead project teams as assigned. Ensure timely communications between project team members and stakeholders. Ensure information is technically accurate and effectively disseminated. Review and resolve challenges to enhance team performance.
- Responsible Charge Engineer: Fulfill duties as responsible charge engineer in compliance with policies, procedures and the Code of Virginia.
Technical Guidance and Support: Provide technical guidance and support related to bridge construction activities, issues, and problems. Develop effective and economical recommendations to respond to construction problems and other bridge-related inquiries. Participate in meetings to ensure bridge-related issues are presented.
WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL
- Ability to apply advanced engineering principles and practices to a variety of complex transportation projects.
- Ability to build networks and relationships with employees from other divisions, field personnel, contractors, manufacturers and FHWA representatives.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
- Ability to develop effective working relationships at all organizational levels, both internally and externally.
- Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis; make independent decisions; and manage multiple assignments.
- Ability to estimate quantities and costs of materials.
- Ability to interpret and apply local, state and federal transportation laws, regulations and guidelines.
- Ability to manage projects and review and administer consultant design contracts.
- Ability to plan, coordinate and manage multiple, concurrent assignments.
- Ability to produce structural design plans and notes.
- Ability to read and interpret plans, contracts, specifications and regulations.
- Ability to research, analyze, and prepare technical reports and project correspondence.
- Considerable knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices related to structural engineering to include strength of materials, statics and structural analysis.
- Considerable knowledge of structural steel design, reinforced and prestressed concrete design and soil mechanics.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances and policies pertaining to transportation engineering.
- Knowledge of financial management to include budgeting and cost estimation.
- Knowledge of project management processes.
- Knowledge of specifications, codes and regulations related to structural design (e.g. AASHTO and LRFD structural design standards).
- Knowledge of strategic, operational and financial management principles, practices and techniques.
- Knowledge of transportation engineering principles, practices, standards, and specifications.
- Skill and ability to positively interact with employees, citizens and government officials.
- Skill in delivering exemplary customer service and the ability to interact courteously and professionally with the public and other employees.
- Skill in negotiating.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include engineering software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
- Ability to estimate quantities and costs of materials.
- Ability to interpret construction plans and design specifications.
- Ability to manage projects and review and administer consultant design contracts.
- Ability to produce structural design plans and notes.
- Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or related field.
- Experience applying civil engineering principles and practices related to structural engineering to include strength of materials, statics and structural analysis.
- Experience in structural steel design, reinforced and prestressed concrete design and soil mechanics.
- Knowledge of specifications, codes and regulations related to structural design (e.g. AASHTO and LRFD structural design standards).
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include automated engineering and design software.
- Valid Professional Engineer's license.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Experience in bridge design engineering, repair, and rehabilitation.
- Experience in the design and analysis of bridges and structures.
- Experience managing projects and consultant contracts.
- Experience using AASHTO's LRFD design specifications.
- Experience using MS Office, bridge design, and MicroStation software.
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
Government Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Government Jobs in VirginiaGovernment Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in Virginia sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Government contractors and federally adjacent employers in Virginia with established STEM OPT sponsorship histories include Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, SAIC, Northrop Grumman, and Mitre Corporation. Federal civilian agencies with Virginia offices, such as the Department of Defense and intelligence community contractors, also hire STEM OPT students, though direct federal employment is generally restricted to U.S. citizens. Employer sponsorship history varies by role and hiring cycle.
Which cities in Virginia have the most government F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Northern Virginia corridor accounts for the largest concentration of government-sector STEM OPT positions, with Arlington, McLean, Reston, Herndon, and Fairfax hosting the highest volume of defense and intelligence contractor offices. Richmond sees activity from state government technology roles, and the Hampton Roads area has government-adjacent engineering and logistics positions tied to the naval and military installations there.
What types of government roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT must fall under a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs code matched to your degree. In Virginia's government sector, qualifying positions commonly include data analyst, cybersecurity analyst, software engineer, systems engineer, operations research analyst, and intelligence analyst roles at contracting firms. Positions requiring active U.S. security clearances at the time of hire are often inaccessible to F-1 students, so confirm clearance requirements before applying.
How do I find government F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters Virginia government-sector jobs by F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, surfacing employers with verified STEM OPT sponsorship histories in the state. You can search by location, including specific Northern Virginia cities, and filter by role type to find cybersecurity, data science, and systems engineering positions at defense contractors and public-sector firms. Cross-reference any offer with your DSO to confirm your degree's CIP code aligns with the role.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Virginia's government sector?
Virginia's proximity to federal agencies means many government-sector roles involve security clearance processes that can limit F-1 eligibility, even at the contractor level. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor STEM OPT extensions, which most established Virginia defense contractors already satisfy. Virginia does not impose additional state-level requirements beyond federal STEM OPT rules, but clearance timelines and employer size can affect practical access to specific positions.