Civil Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Civil engineers have strong visa sponsorship prospects, with H-1B visa being the primary route. Engineering firms (AECOM, Jacobs, WSP), construction companies, and government contractors are common sponsors. TN visas are available for Canadian and Mexican engineers, and PE licensure strengthens your case significantly. The main caveat is that some infrastructure projects tied to government contracts may have citizenship or residency preferences. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Compliance Splst
Requisition ID req37342
Working Title Civil Rights Investigator and Trainer
Position Grade 13
Position Summary
The University of New Mexico’s Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Equal Opportunity (CEEO) seeks a Compliance Specialist (Civil Rights Investigator and Trainer) ready to join a growing and busy office dedicated to protecting and ensuring the civil rights of all UNM community members. The successful candidate will be experienced in conducting sensitive investigations from start to finish, effectively interview parties and witnesses to an investigation, have a demonstrated ability to engage individuals in conversations involving sensitive, complex, or emotionally challenging topics with professionalism, empathy, and respect, able to interpret and analyze policies, and provide technical advice in the areas of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and various other compliance areas.
In support of the University's Title IX obligations, the Compliance Specialist conducts prompt, equitable, and impartial investigations of allegations involving sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, retaliation, pregnancy-related discrimination, failure to accommodate students and employees navigating pregnancy or related conditions, and other conduct affecting access to the University's educational programs and activities. The position also provides guidance on supportive measures and reasonable modifications in accordance with federal Title IX regulations and University policy.
Responsibilities:
- Independently identifying, gathering, and analyzing evidentiary information necessary to evaluate compliance issues
- Conducting unbiased investigations of alleged civil rights discrimination and preparing investigative reports, and other related process documents
- Creating, developing, and delivering a range of promotional, educational, and informational programs, workshops, and resource materials related to CEEO program activities and initiatives
- Interpreting, analyzing, and advising on the application of compliance and civil rights laws and regulations in an employment and academic setting in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and guidelines, and UNM policies and procedures
The selected candidate must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community while demonstrating cultural responsiveness, professionalism, empathy, and respect for differing perspectives.
The Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Equal Opportunity is an internal compliance office that provides services to students, staff and faculty. We envision UNM as a community where the value of diversity is recognized and where equal opportunity is afforded for all. Our mission is to promote equal access and treatment for all and to promote a safe environment free of discrimination and inequity in accordance with University values and policies and with federal and state equal opportunity and affirmative action statutes and regulations.
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge and understanding of HIPAA and related Federal and State privacy laws and regulations.
- Direct experience in a higher education setting.
- Strong listening, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Knowledge of programs/services available to university constituents.
- Ability to assess and interpret individual client needs and to make appropriate referrals to internal or external sources.
- Ability to deliver effective presentations to large and small audiences.
- Ability to use independent judgment to manage and impart confidential information.
- Effective collaboration with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
Additional Requirements
Campus Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department Compliance Ethics & Equal Opp (016A)
Employment Type Staff
Staff Type Regular - Full-Time
Term End Date
Status Exempt
Pay Monthly: $4,277.87 - $6,009.47
Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for more information.
ERB Statement As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required Yes
For Best Consideration Date 8/7/2026
Eligible for Hiring Incentive No
Eligible for Remote Work
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please attach cover letter, updated resume and list at least three professional references.
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Civil Engineer
Target large ENR Top 500 firms for sponsorship
AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Bechtel appear on Engineering News-Record's Top 500 list and have a history of sponsoring H-1B visas. Large firms with dedicated immigration counsel are more likely to navigate the sponsorship process for civil engineers.
Pursue your PE license early in your career
A Professional Engineer license significantly strengthens your visa petition because it demonstrates specialized knowledge beyond a bachelor's degree. Many states allow you to take the FE exam while on OPT and begin accumulating qualifying experience toward the PE.
Focus on infrastructure specialties with federal funding
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has driven demand for civil engineers in transportation, water systems, and bridge rehabilitation. Projects receiving federal funding often have longer timelines, giving employers more reason to invest in multi-year sponsorship.
Leverage STEM OPT if you hold an ABET-accredited degree
Civil engineering is a STEM-designated field, so you can work for up to 36 months on OPT - 12 months of standard OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension. This gives employers a substantial evaluation period before committing to H-1B sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do civil engineering firms commonly sponsor work visas?
Large multidisciplinary firms like AECOM, WSP, and Jacobs have historically sponsored H-1B visas for civil engineers, especially for candidates with specialized skills in structural analysis, transportation, or water resources. Smaller regional firms sponsor less frequently due to the cost and complexity of the process. Focusing on firms with 500-plus employees and multi-state operations improves your chances.
Does a PE license help with visa sponsorship for civil engineers?
A Professional Engineer license can strengthen an H-1B petition by demonstrating that the role requires specialized knowledge and professional credentials. It also makes you more competitive as a candidate because many civil engineering positions - particularly those involving stamping and sealing designs - legally require a PE.
What civil engineering specializations have the strongest sponsorship demand?
Transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, and water resources tend to have strong demand, partly driven by ongoing federal infrastructure investment. Structural engineering for seismic design in earthquake-prone regions also faces talent shortages that can make employers more willing to sponsor.
Can I work as a civil engineer in the U.S. on OPT?
Yes. Civil engineering qualifies as a STEM field, so F-1 graduates from ABET-accredited programs can use 12 months of OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension, totaling 36 months of work authorization. This is often enough time to demonstrate your value and transition to employer-sponsored H-1B status.
How to find Civil Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Civil Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on construction companies, infrastructure firms, and government contractors that commonly sponsor H-1B, TN, and other work visas. These employers often need Civil Engineers for transportation, water management, and urban development projects requiring specialized international expertise.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Civil Engineer jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a civil engineer in Texas will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.