H-1B Visa CAD Designer Jobs
CAD Designer roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, industrial design, or a related field. Employers in manufacturing, architecture, and product development regularly file LCAs for these roles. Use Migrate Mate to find CAD Designer jobs at companies with active H-1B visa filing history.
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Get Access To All JobsPRIMARY LOCATION: Carson, California
RELOCATION OFFERED: No
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
TRAVEL: <10%
NON-COMPETE: No
SALARY RANGE: The estimated base salary range for this role is $68,610-$85,760 per year
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors.
What does it mean to work at Arktura LLC, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?
It means being immersed in a supportive culture that recognizes you as a key player in Armstrong's future. We are a large company with a local feel, where you will get to know and collaborate with leadership and your colleagues across the company. Arktura LLC is a widely published company headquartered in a fast-paced design office and manufacturing facility in Los Angeles, CA. We design, develop, and manufacture a variety of façade systems, interior wall and ceiling systems, custom art installations on a full range of state-of-the-art equipment, in our 100,000 sf facility.
Working at Arktura is the best! Benefits include 401k with employee match, robust health care options, paid time off and professional development. We have a casual dress code, free snacks, and quarterly events! As a company, we love to engage in community service activities with our local organizations. We provide access to 100’s of discounts, specialty savings and voluntary benefits through LifeMart such as car and hotel rentals and auto, home, and pet insurance, legal services, and childcare. We support Employee Resource Groups created to connect employees with common interests to promote inclusion and provide perspective.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to Project Management, the AS CAD Designer (Level I) works in collaboration with clients, contractors and internally with Engineering and Production Teams to design & draft custom project solutions at an architectural scale. The incumbent works from construction documents to translate the client’s initial drawings into something that can be easily manufactured and installed while evaluating and rationalizing design intent. They will work in collaboration with project management and Engineering to create shop drawings for client signoff, and develops the documentation for manufacturing.
Reporting to Project Management, the AS Senior CAD Designer (Level II) works in collaboration with clients, contractors and internally with Engineering and Production Teams to design & draft custom project solutions at an architectural scale. In support of AS Project Managers, they facilitate projects at all stages, from initial kickoff in Design through to Production, and provide continued support as needed during and after installation. The incumbent works from a sketch, inspiration imagery, and/or construction documents to evaluate design intent, rationalize application, and develop solutions that can be easily manufactured and installed. This level of the role creates proposal drawings and validates those proposals through prototypes, creates shop drawings for client signoff, and develops the documentation for manufacturing. The scope of this level spans all project types from customized layouts to fully custom development, with an emphasis on high-value or high-complexity work.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Note: Level II Designers may also perform the tasks described in the level below them.
Level I – Grade 8
- Develops drawings and documentation through the lifecycle of projects from Design to Engineering and supports the drop into Production in collaboration with Project Management.
- Owns major aspects of projects from assignment through to install, ensuring successful implementation at every stage and clean handoffs. Works together with the various departments as needed and coordinates time and project need with teammates.
- Communicates schedule and project needs to the AS Project Manager to ensure accurate loading and scheduling, while also managing schedules and project timelines.
- Always delivers quality work.
Projects
- Verifies project design intent; communicates with the various project and process leads to ensure accuracy.
- Follows company design drawing standards; creates all project drawings, drafting, and documents for Project Management, Engineering, and Production.
- Seeks peer review for projects to evaluate and verify product use.
- Gets involved in client meetings with the Project Manager to discuss feedback and maintain product requirements.
- Advocates and balances the client's best interests with the company’s interests.
- Supports as needed to ensure projects stay on track and on time at all phases.
- Develops custom design solutions and products for custom and boutique projects in tandem with the AS Project Manager. Serves as a maker who validates through prototyping all proposed custom solutions and their feasibility for mass manufacture, in collaboration with Engineering.
- Seeks peer review for projects and customizations to evaluate and verify design applications.
Internal
- Works on internal special projects in tandem with the project or process leads.
- Follows best practices in digital housekeeping of project files and documentation, ensuring accuracy and organization.
- Maintains a physical presence and assistance on the Production and Assembly floor at the facility.
- Contributes to a positive and productive studio/workspace environment, actively finding ways to build upon or contribute to our studio culture.
- Works on internal development or special projects in tandem with the project or process leads.
Level II – Grade 9
- Leads the development of drawings and documentation through the lifecycle of projects from Design to Engineering and supports the drop into Production in collaboration with Project Management.
Leads and Mentors
- Works closely with peers and takes the lead role in the management and execution of their assigned projects, often working with minimal input from the AS Project Manager.
- Assists in the review of drawings and projects, ensuring the accuracy and quality of work at all stages.
- Applies knowledge and experience in the mentoring of their peers to assist in their development; also assists in training new hires.
- Leads on high volume or complex projects, coordinating the work between teammates; creates well organized project files for use across teams.
-
Identifies opportunities to adjust standards to best suit the project, coordinating changes back to the AS Project Manager.
-
Major contributor to shop drawings, installation drawings, BOM’s, and all other documentation through the lifecycle of the project.
- Reviews all incoming documents from the client to ensure complete and accurate capture of scope and design intent.
- Verifies project design intent and application from received client documents, identifying areas of concern or issue.
- Communicates and documents changes or modifications during the drawing process.
- Coordinates thru Project Management with the estimating team for scope, pricing, and product accuracy on active projects, providing all necessary documentation to develop pricing on proposals and projects.
- Works directly with AS Project Managers on assigned projects keeping them informed of project statuses, questions, and needs.
- Assists in the review and handoff of engineering and production content.
- Validates through prototyping all customized solutions and their feasibility for mass manufacture, coordinating with stakeholders in collaboration with Project Management and Engineering.
- Supporting voice of Design in client meetings to discuss feedback and maintain project requirements.
- Documents meeting notes and project updates from meetings, keeps stakeholders informed, and incorporates changes into the project.
- Assists the teams on the production floor as needed/scheduled, proactively identifying needs, and scheduling their time to best steward the success of the project.
Internal
- Answers questions pertaining to machining process, material constraints, hardware configurations, timing, etc.
- Explores and prototypes ideas, and actively helps others to work through their ideas.
- Leads conversations on design and process improvements, communicating up to their managers with proposed solutions.
- May work across departments or with external stakeholders as required.
- Gets involved in development or other activities as coordinated by their manager.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None
TRAVEL: Minimal; less than 5%
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Knowledge of Windows Applications, including Microsoft Office and operating systems.
- Comfortable in high tolerance CAD/CAM production via CNC, as well as the production of shop drawings. Knowledge of digital fabrication techniques as well as CNC and/or prototyping experience is necessary.
- Ability to read and translate construction documents, ideation and form development, knowledge of materials and manufacturing process, firsthand experience in mock-ups, prototyping & mechanical aptitude.
- Able to prioritize and manage project deadlines.
- Proficient in Rhino 3D.
- Excellent communication and people skills; collaborator.
- Initiative-taker with a strong ability to multi-task and juggle multiple responsibilities.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
-
Office Environment – This position operates in a professional office environment and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. No PPE is required.
-
Plant Environment – This position operates in a manufacturing setting and can be subject to extreme cold and hot temperatures; uneven walking surfaces with cords, tools, and other obstacles; intermittent loud noises; and dusty or dirty conditions. Required PPE includes hard hat (when required), safety glasses, earplugs, steel toe/composite boots, and fall protection.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in architecture, industrial design, or a related field. MA preferred for Level II but not required.
- Minimum 1-3 years’ (Level I) experience in architecture and/or product design.
- Minimum 3-5 years’ (Levels II) experience in architecture and/or product design.
- Experience with Grasshopper preferred.
ABOUT ARKTURA LLC
At Arktura, we make design happen. Creativity, expert knowledge and cutting-edge technology shape everything we do whether it's exploring form and function in our standard architectural product, adapting our pre-configured architectural systems to meet project needs, or partnering with clients through our Solutions Studio. Our multidisciplinary team brings together architects, designers, programmers, engineers and artists with a deep understanding of the creative process. We use our collective ingenuity to bridge the gaps between design intent and manufacturing capabilities, creating proprietary software and machinery to meet evolving demands.
ABOUT ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall and suspension system solutions in the Americas. With approximately $1.3B in revenue, AWI has about 3,600 employees and a manufacturing network of twenty-one facilities in North America.
At home, at work, in healthcare facilities, classrooms, stores, or restaurants, we offer interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces.
For more than 160 years, we have built our business on trust and integrity. It set us apart then, and it sets us apart now, along with our ability to collaborate with and innovate for the people we're here to serve - our customers, our shareholders, our communities and our employees.
We are committed to developing new and sustainable ceiling solutions, with design and performance possibilities that make a positive difference in spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. It's an exciting, rewarding business to be in, and we're committed to continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We hope you join us.
OUR SUSTAINABILITY AMBITION
"Bringing our Purpose to Life" - lead a transformation in the design and building of spaces fit for today and tomorrow. We are committed to:
- Engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce;
- Transforming buildings from structures that shelter into structures that serve and preserve the health and well-being of people and planet;
- Pursuing sustainable, innovative solutions for spaces where we live, work, learn heal and play;
- Being a catalyst for change with all of our stakeholders; and
- Making a positive difference in the environments and communities we impact.
ABOUT THE LOCATION (CARSON, CA)
Carson is a city in the South Bay and the Harbor regions of Los Angeles County, California, located 13 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Carson is a thriving, diverse, destination city - a great place to live, work and play with an unlimited future. While Carson is well known as an industrial center with unparalleled access to transportation and the Pacific Rim, it is also a culturally diverse community that is an attractive place to live and work. The city has more than 120 acres of park land divided into 12 parks, 2 mini-parks and sports/recreational facilities that include 3 swimming pools, a boxing center, a state-of-the-art sports complex and the Carson Community Center.
Arktura LLC is committed to engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce. As part of our dedication to diversity, AWI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard for race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at by email at talentacquisition@armstrongceilings.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Come and build your future with us and apply today!
PRIMARY LOCATION: Carson, California
RELOCATION OFFERED: No
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
TRAVEL: <10%
NON-COMPETE: No
SALARY RANGE: The estimated base salary range for this role is $68,610-$85,760 per year
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors.
What does it mean to work at Arktura LLC, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?
It means being immersed in a supportive culture that recognizes you as a key player in Armstrong's future. We are a large company with a local feel, where you will get to know and collaborate with leadership and your colleagues across the company. Arktura LLC is a widely published company headquartered in a fast-paced design office and manufacturing facility in Los Angeles, CA. We design, develop, and manufacture a variety of façade systems, interior wall and ceiling systems, custom art installations on a full range of state-of-the-art equipment, in our 100,000 sf facility.
Working at Arktura is the best! Benefits include 401k with employee match, robust health care options, paid time off and professional development. We have a casual dress code, free snacks, and quarterly events! As a company, we love to engage in community service activities with our local organizations. We provide access to 100’s of discounts, specialty savings and voluntary benefits through LifeMart such as car and hotel rentals and auto, home, and pet insurance, legal services, and childcare. We support Employee Resource Groups created to connect employees with common interests to promote inclusion and provide perspective.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to Project Management, the AS CAD Designer (Level I) works in collaboration with clients, contractors and internally with Engineering and Production Teams to design & draft custom project solutions at an architectural scale. The incumbent works from construction documents to translate the client’s initial drawings into something that can be easily manufactured and installed while evaluating and rationalizing design intent. They will work in collaboration with project management and Engineering to create shop drawings for client signoff, and develops the documentation for manufacturing.
Reporting to Project Management, the AS Senior CAD Designer (Level II) works in collaboration with clients, contractors and internally with Engineering and Production Teams to design & draft custom project solutions at an architectural scale. In support of AS Project Managers, they facilitate projects at all stages, from initial kickoff in Design through to Production, and provide continued support as needed during and after installation. The incumbent works from a sketch, inspiration imagery, and/or construction documents to evaluate design intent, rationalize application, and develop solutions that can be easily manufactured and installed. This level of the role creates proposal drawings and validates those proposals through prototypes, creates shop drawings for client signoff, and develops the documentation for manufacturing. The scope of this level spans all project types from customized layouts to fully custom development, with an emphasis on high-value or high-complexity work.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Note: Level II Designers may also perform the tasks described in the level below them.
Level I – Grade 8
- Develops drawings and documentation through the lifecycle of projects from Design to Engineering and supports the drop into Production in collaboration with Project Management.
- Owns major aspects of projects from assignment through to install, ensuring successful implementation at every stage and clean handoffs. Works together with the various departments as needed and coordinates time and project need with teammates.
- Communicates schedule and project needs to the AS Project Manager to ensure accurate loading and scheduling, while also managing schedules and project timelines.
- Always delivers quality work.
Projects
- Verifies project design intent; communicates with the various project and process leads to ensure accuracy.
- Follows company design drawing standards; creates all project drawings, drafting, and documents for Project Management, Engineering, and Production.
- Seeks peer review for projects to evaluate and verify product use.
- Gets involved in client meetings with the Project Manager to discuss feedback and maintain product requirements.
- Advocates and balances the client's best interests with the company’s interests.
- Supports as needed to ensure projects stay on track and on time at all phases.
- Develops custom design solutions and products for custom and boutique projects in tandem with the AS Project Manager. Serves as a maker who validates through prototyping all proposed custom solutions and their feasibility for mass manufacture, in collaboration with Engineering.
- Seeks peer review for projects and customizations to evaluate and verify design applications.
Internal
- Works on internal special projects in tandem with the project or process leads.
- Follows best practices in digital housekeeping of project files and documentation, ensuring accuracy and organization.
- Maintains a physical presence and assistance on the Production and Assembly floor at the facility.
- Contributes to a positive and productive studio/workspace environment, actively finding ways to build upon or contribute to our studio culture.
- Works on internal development or special projects in tandem with the project or process leads.
Level II – Grade 9
- Leads the development of drawings and documentation through the lifecycle of projects from Design to Engineering and supports the drop into Production in collaboration with Project Management.
Leads and Mentors
- Works closely with peers and takes the lead role in the management and execution of their assigned projects, often working with minimal input from the AS Project Manager.
- Assists in the review of drawings and projects, ensuring the accuracy and quality of work at all stages.
- Applies knowledge and experience in the mentoring of their peers to assist in their development; also assists in training new hires.
- Leads on high volume or complex projects, coordinating the work between teammates; creates well organized project files for use across teams.
-
Identifies opportunities to adjust standards to best suit the project, coordinating changes back to the AS Project Manager.
-
Major contributor to shop drawings, installation drawings, BOM’s, and all other documentation through the lifecycle of the project.
- Reviews all incoming documents from the client to ensure complete and accurate capture of scope and design intent.
- Verifies project design intent and application from received client documents, identifying areas of concern or issue.
- Communicates and documents changes or modifications during the drawing process.
- Coordinates thru Project Management with the estimating team for scope, pricing, and product accuracy on active projects, providing all necessary documentation to develop pricing on proposals and projects.
- Works directly with AS Project Managers on assigned projects keeping them informed of project statuses, questions, and needs.
- Assists in the review and handoff of engineering and production content.
- Validates through prototyping all customized solutions and their feasibility for mass manufacture, coordinating with stakeholders in collaboration with Project Management and Engineering.
- Supporting voice of Design in client meetings to discuss feedback and maintain project requirements.
- Documents meeting notes and project updates from meetings, keeps stakeholders informed, and incorporates changes into the project.
- Assists the teams on the production floor as needed/scheduled, proactively identifying needs, and scheduling their time to best steward the success of the project.
Internal
- Answers questions pertaining to machining process, material constraints, hardware configurations, timing, etc.
- Explores and prototypes ideas, and actively helps others to work through their ideas.
- Leads conversations on design and process improvements, communicating up to their managers with proposed solutions.
- May work across departments or with external stakeholders as required.
- Gets involved in development or other activities as coordinated by their manager.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None
TRAVEL: Minimal; less than 5%
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Knowledge of Windows Applications, including Microsoft Office and operating systems.
- Comfortable in high tolerance CAD/CAM production via CNC, as well as the production of shop drawings. Knowledge of digital fabrication techniques as well as CNC and/or prototyping experience is necessary.
- Ability to read and translate construction documents, ideation and form development, knowledge of materials and manufacturing process, firsthand experience in mock-ups, prototyping & mechanical aptitude.
- Able to prioritize and manage project deadlines.
- Proficient in Rhino 3D.
- Excellent communication and people skills; collaborator.
- Initiative-taker with a strong ability to multi-task and juggle multiple responsibilities.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
-
Office Environment – This position operates in a professional office environment and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. No PPE is required.
-
Plant Environment – This position operates in a manufacturing setting and can be subject to extreme cold and hot temperatures; uneven walking surfaces with cords, tools, and other obstacles; intermittent loud noises; and dusty or dirty conditions. Required PPE includes hard hat (when required), safety glasses, earplugs, steel toe/composite boots, and fall protection.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in architecture, industrial design, or a related field. MA preferred for Level II but not required.
- Minimum 1-3 years’ (Level I) experience in architecture and/or product design.
- Minimum 3-5 years’ (Levels II) experience in architecture and/or product design.
- Experience with Grasshopper preferred.
ABOUT ARKTURA LLC
At Arktura, we make design happen. Creativity, expert knowledge and cutting-edge technology shape everything we do whether it's exploring form and function in our standard architectural product, adapting our pre-configured architectural systems to meet project needs, or partnering with clients through our Solutions Studio. Our multidisciplinary team brings together architects, designers, programmers, engineers and artists with a deep understanding of the creative process. We use our collective ingenuity to bridge the gaps between design intent and manufacturing capabilities, creating proprietary software and machinery to meet evolving demands.
ABOUT ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall and suspension system solutions in the Americas. With approximately $1.3B in revenue, AWI has about 3,600 employees and a manufacturing network of twenty-one facilities in North America.
At home, at work, in healthcare facilities, classrooms, stores, or restaurants, we offer interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces.
For more than 160 years, we have built our business on trust and integrity. It set us apart then, and it sets us apart now, along with our ability to collaborate with and innovate for the people we're here to serve - our customers, our shareholders, our communities and our employees.
We are committed to developing new and sustainable ceiling solutions, with design and performance possibilities that make a positive difference in spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. It's an exciting, rewarding business to be in, and we're committed to continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We hope you join us.
OUR SUSTAINABILITY AMBITION
"Bringing our Purpose to Life" - lead a transformation in the design and building of spaces fit for today and tomorrow. We are committed to:
- Engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce;
- Transforming buildings from structures that shelter into structures that serve and preserve the health and well-being of people and planet;
- Pursuing sustainable, innovative solutions for spaces where we live, work, learn heal and play;
- Being a catalyst for change with all of our stakeholders; and
- Making a positive difference in the environments and communities we impact.
ABOUT THE LOCATION (CARSON, CA)
Carson is a city in the South Bay and the Harbor regions of Los Angeles County, California, located 13 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Carson is a thriving, diverse, destination city - a great place to live, work and play with an unlimited future. While Carson is well known as an industrial center with unparalleled access to transportation and the Pacific Rim, it is also a culturally diverse community that is an attractive place to live and work. The city has more than 120 acres of park land divided into 12 parks, 2 mini-parks and sports/recreational facilities that include 3 swimming pools, a boxing center, a state-of-the-art sports complex and the Carson Community Center.
Arktura LLC is committed to engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce. As part of our dedication to diversity, AWI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard for race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at by email at talentacquisition@armstrongceilings.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Come and build your future with us and apply today!
See all 54+ H-1B Visa CAD Designer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a CAD Designer
Verify your degree maps to the role
H-1B approval depends on your degree aligning specifically with CAD design work. A degree in mechanical engineering, industrial design, or drafting technology satisfies specialty occupation requirements. General business or unrelated STEM degrees can trigger RFEs.
Check prevailing wage before accepting offers
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your location and job zone. Run your SOC code through OFLC Wage Search before negotiating so you know the floor before the offer lands.
Target employers with E-Verify enrollment
H-1B sponsoring employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Filter your search to companies already enrolled, since non-enrolled employers can't legally sponsor you and won't have the infrastructure to file quickly after an offer.
Search LCA filings for CAD-specific job titles
Use Migrate Mate to identify employers who have filed LCAs for CAD Designer, CAD Technician, or Drafting Engineer roles. This filters out companies that sponsor only software or finance roles and rarely hire for design and manufacturing positions.
Document your software certifications before filing
USCIS scrutinizes specialty occupation claims for CAD roles. Certifications in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, or Revit strengthen your petition by demonstrating field-specific technical expertise your employer can reference in their support letter.
File before the April 1 cap-subject deadline
Cap-subject H-1B petitions must be submitted for the October 1 start date, with registration opening in March. If your employer misses the lottery window, your earliest cap-subject start date shifts a full year, so confirm your employer's filing timeline well in advance.
H-1B Visa CAD Designer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a CAD Designer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, if the position requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as mechanical engineering, industrial design, or drafting technology. The job description must reflect that the degree is a genuine requirement, not a preference. Roles where any degree is acceptable regardless of field are more likely to receive an RFE from USCIS.
Which industries hire CAD Designers on H-1B sponsorship most frequently?
Manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, and architecture firms account for the bulk of LCA filings for CAD-related roles. Product development companies and defense contractors also file regularly. You can browse employers in these sectors who have active H-1B filing history for design and drafting roles directly on Migrate Mate.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new CAD Designer role at a different employer?
Yes. H-1B portability under AC21 lets you start working for a new employer once they file a transfer petition, without waiting for approval, as long as your previous H-1B was approved and you've been in valid status. The new employer must file a new LCA certifying the prevailing wage for your new location and job title before submitting the I-129.
How does the DOL prevailing wage apply specifically to CAD Designer positions?
CAD Designer roles are typically classified under SOC codes for drafters or mechanical engineering technologists. The DOL assigns four wage levels based on experience and complexity. Your employer's LCA must meet the prevailing wage for your specific SOC code and metropolitan area. Use OFLC Wage Search with your job's SOC code and work location to verify the floor before your employer files.
What happens to my H-1B status if my CAD Designer role is eliminated?
You have a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment to find a new sponsoring employer, change to another visa status, or depart the U.S. During this window you're not authorized to work but remain in a valid period of authorized stay. Filing an H-1B transfer petition before the 60 days expire restarts your work authorization with the new employer.