CPT Structural Drafter Jobs
Structural Drafter CPT jobs let F-1 students apply CAD and BIM skills to real engineering and construction projects while satisfying the curriculum integration requirement your DSO must authorize. Roles typically sit inside civil engineering, architecture, or construction management programs and require documented coursework in structural systems or drafting software.
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Company Description
KPFF offers our interns a work environment that fosters innovation and the exchange of ideas without the limitations of hierarchy. This flat structure is the basis for our unique approach to building vibrant relationships with our clients and each other. We are committed to teaching our interns how to become skilled engineers and will provide in-house, hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities to work on a variety of projects.
KPFF has been an industry leader in civil and structural engineering for over 60 years, working with architects, developers, and contractors to realize our clients’ vision for a successful project. If you want to know why we are an industry leader, the answer is simple: our people and our clients. We work with world-class professionals, and they trust us to get the job done. In response to that trust, we hire people who are creative, highly skilled, and who approach each job with integrity and in the best interest of the client.
Job Description
The KPFF San Diego office is accepting internship applications. While there may not be an immediate vacancy, we invite interested candidates to submit their resumes for consideration as roles become available. This person will work closely with other local KPFF engineers onsite at our office in San Diego, California.
How to Apply: To be considered, you’ll need to provide three items: resume, cover letter, and your current unofficial transcripts. Start by submitting your resume online or using an Easy Apply option. You’ll receive a follow-up email with a link where you can upload your cover letter and transcripts. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything ready at once, you’ll have a chance to add the rest after applying. Your application will be complete once all three items are submitted.
In your cover letter (PDF) please respond to the following prompts:
- Describe a time when you were assigned a project or task that turned out to be challenging. How did you work through it, and what was the outcome?
- Who has most influenced you and why?
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Current student who has completed as least 3 years of BS Degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering with an emphasis in structures.
- Minimum 3.0 Cumulative GPA or above in Bachelor’s coursework.
- Understanding of structural engineering fundamentals (free body diagrams, P/V/M diagrams, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications:
- BS Degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering and in-process of obtaining Master’s degree in Civil/Structural.
- Previous internship experience in a Structural or Civil Engineering role.
- Candidates with transcripts showing completed coursework in:
- Structural Statics and Dynamics
- Steel Design
- Concrete Design
- Wood Design
- Seismic Analysis and Design
Additional Information
The salary range for this position is $25.00 to $30.00 per hour, depending on education and experience. KPFF benefits include worker’s comp insurance, sick and holiday paid time off, overtime pay, career development programs, and much more.
For more information on KPFF, please visit our web site at http://www.kpff.com.
Qualified applicants only. No phone calls and no recruiters please.
KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.
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Get Access To All JobsStructural Drafter CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Structural Drafter job qualify for CPT authorization?
Yes, if your degree program includes coursework in structural systems, CAD, BIM, or engineering drawing. Your DSO will review the job description against your curriculum to confirm the work is an integral part of your studies. Roles that combine CAD software use with applied structural analysis typically meet that standard for civil engineering and construction management programs.
Can I work full-time as a Structural Drafter on CPT during the academic year?
Full-time CPT during the academic year is allowed but carries a significant consequence: 12 months or more of full-time CPT eliminates your OPT eligibility entirely. Part-time CPT, defined as fewer than 20 hours per week, doesn't affect OPT. Most F-1 students in drafting roles choose part-time CPT during the semester and switch to full-time during summer or winter breaks to protect their post-graduation options.
What documents do I need to start a Structural Drafter CPT job?
You need an updated I-20 with your CPT authorization listed on page two, showing the correct employer name, start date, end date, and part-time or full-time designation. Your employer will also complete Form I-9, for which you'll present your F-1 visa, passport, and the CPT-authorized I-20. Keep a copy of all three documents at your worksite.
How do I find Structural Drafter employers who understand CPT?
Search on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with CPT and F-1 hiring history in technical and drafting roles. Engineering and construction firms that regularly hire interns from university programs tend to have existing CPT onboarding processes. Targeting firms that recruit directly from engineering schools often means less time spent explaining your work authorization from scratch.
Can my Structural Drafter CPT job lead to H-1B sponsorship after graduation?
CPT itself creates no sponsorship obligation, but it does give you verifiable U.S. work experience that strengthens an H-1B visa petition. Structural Drafter roles generally qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS standards when the position requires a bachelor's degree in civil, structural, or architectural engineering. Using OPT after graduation and then pursuing H-1B visa is the most common transition path for F-1 students in this field.