Government STEM OPT 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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INTRODUCTION
Conduct complex traffic engineering studies including, but not limited to traffic signal studies and modifications, speed studies, roadway and pedestrian safety and capacity analyses and special studies. May oversee consultant staff performing traffic engineering studies. Provide technical advice, guidance and training regarding assigned engineering program areas. Prepare analyses, reports, and recommendations based on engineering determinations. Provide engineering support and consultation related to engineering program area. Effectively manage assigned projects to ensure timely and accurate completion. Communicate with internal VDOT staff, local government staff, consultants, citizens and FHWA regarding transportation projects and programs.
How you will contribute:
- Analysis and Technical Reporting: Analyze and interpret engineering data and information. Prepare complete, clear and concise reports and recommendations.
- Communication: Establish an effective line of communication between VDOT, contractors, government agencies and the public. Investigate issues and resolve complaints.
- Conduct Traffic Engineering Studies: Conduct complex traffic signal studies and modifications, roadway and pedestrian safety and capacity analyses, speed studies, and other special studies are conducted appropriately in accordance with traffic engineering principles.
- Engineering Process Management: Use established VDOT policies and procedures in the development and delivery of engineering projects. Engineering projects are completed in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
- Manage Assigned Activities: Plan, schedule and coordinate engineering program activities such that deliverables are met within the established scope and timeline.
- Project Engineering: Assist in the management of projects and tasks including development of and managing the scope, schedule, budget, deliverables, change management, quality, and status reports. Complete multiple concurrent tasks and assignments, and report updates on their status.
- Special Assignments: Manage special program initiatives and projects as assigned. Serve and represent VDOT or assigned program area on various committees and work groups.
- Systems Operations Improvement: Assist in the identification and development of projects to improve transportation system operations, safety, and capacity. Proactively identify transportation improvement projects during study efforts. Coordinate project identification efforts.
Teamwork and Customer Service: Demonstrates customer service and work habits that reflect the VDOT Values, and coordinates the flow of information both orally and in writing.
What will make you successful:
- Ability to apply engineering principles and practices.
- Ability to collect and analyze traffic related data and develop recommendations and reports.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse groups.
- Ability to design plans for traffic control devices, incorporating traffic engineering requirements into roadway plans and making recommendations for plan changes.
- Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis; make independent decisions; and manage multiple assignments.
- Ability to enforce and demonstrate safety behaviors, as well as advocate and practice safety in everyday work activities.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to interpret technical data and prepare and maintain detailed reports.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with competing deadlines and limited resources.
- Ability to negotiate outcomes and work with diverse customer groups.
- Ability to provide detailed reports on review findings.
- Ability to read and understand highway construction plans.
- Extensive knowledge of traffic engineering principles, practices and standards.
- Knowledge engineering specifications and standards.
- Knowledge of VDOT, state, and federal policies and procedures relating to transportation engineering.
- Knowledge of project management procedures and principles.
- Skill in conducting traffic engineering studies involving traffic operations, traffic control devices, and roadway and pedestrian safety and capacity issues.
- Skill in providing and promoting good customer service to internal and external customers.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include MS Office, project management and engineering software programs.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include traffic engineering and design software such as CADD, MicroStation, Highway Capacity Software, Synchro, CORSIM, SYDRA, etc.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Considerable experience gathering data, developing recommendations and making presentations.
- Experience collecting and analyzing traffic related data.
- Experience designing plans for traffic control devices, incorporating traffic engineering requirements into roadway plans and making recommendations for plan changes.
- Experience in conducting traffic engineering studies involving traffic operations, traffic control devices, and roadway and pedestrian safety and capacity issues.
- Extensive knowledge of traffic engineering principles, practices and standards.
- Skilled in the use of computers and software applications to include traffic engineering and design software such as CADD, MicroStation, Highway Capacity Software, Synchro, CORSIM, SYDRA, etc.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering or related field desired.
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
VDOT Code of Ethics
Standards of Conduct
STEM OPT Government Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Government Jobs in VirginiaGovernment STEM OPT Sponsorship 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.