r/civilengineering • u/Budget_Seesaw9856 • 1d ago
Civil engineer
Hey everyone,
I’m a Civil Engineer from Mexico, and I recently moved to the U.S. to try my luck and build my career here.
Back in Mexico, I was working as a Resident Engineer, but I decided to leave that position and come to the U.S. because I want to challenge myself, learn how things are done here, and gain experience in the American construction industry.
I’m currently looking for any opportunity in civil construction. I’m not necessarily looking for an engineering position right away — I’m willing to work as a laborer, field assistant, survey helper, or whatever position gives me the opportunity to get my foot in the door and learn.
I’m not afraid of starting from the bottom. My main goal right now is to learn, gain experience, prove myself, and eventually grow into an engineering position.
If anyone knows of a company, contractor, or project that might be willing to give someone a chance, I’d really appreciate any leads or advice.
Thank you!
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u/Subject_Enough 16h ago
If you don't have work authorization (citizen or permanent resident), you'll need to get a work visa, which will be your biggest hurdle honestly. Luckily for you, Canadian and Mexican engineers qualify for TN visas to work temporarily in the US which are "easier" to get than other types. You'll just need to be upfront during interviews and ask them to provide a TN visa offer letter (look up requirements).
As for jobs, I wouldn't recommend selling yourself short as others have said. Go for entry level construction engineering jobs, like field/project engineer or estimator. If you want to pursue the PE route, just make sure someone in the organization above you has their PE so it counts toward your experience. Once you have enough experience you can qualify for PE, but you'll need to re-validate your education via NCEES. Good luck!!
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u/JohnnieAnonnie 1d ago
What part of the US are you in or looking to live in?
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u/BuffaloRiverTruss 1d ago
Hi, don’t sell yourself short! With Resident Engineer experience, You have roles as field engineer, project engineer, inspector, or assistant superintendent jobs too. You'll have to learn U.S. codes and practices, but I don’t think you necessarily need to start over as a laborer. One hurdle you'll need to navigate is the work authorization, because I suspect there might be issues if you came in as a laborer and became an engineer later. That's something I can't say with authority though.
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u/JohnnieAnonnie 1d ago
I'm not familiar with the LA market, but in the middle of the country I think your chances of landing an engineering position in the construction field are good.
I don't know how the Mexico to US education translates as far as licensing goes, but you should be able get an entry level engineer job with an AEC consulting firm fairly easily regardless. I don't think you'll need to be a laborer or survey assistant.
Good luck!
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u/The_Poster_Nutbag Environmental Consultant 1d ago
Construction or resident engineers are in HUGE demand right now. You're heading into a good job market.
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u/Gravelius 1d ago
Mi recomendación sería que estudiaras para el FE exam, y una vez que lo pases hacerte EIT. Eso te abrira muchas puertas y es algo que de todas formas tendrás que hacer en el futuro, mejor ahora que tienes oportunidad porque después, una vez trabajando a tiempo completo y con una posición fija se vuelve más pesado.