OPT Bim Manager Jobs
BIM Manager jobs on OPT are available across architecture, engineering, and construction firms that rely on Building Information Modeling to deliver complex projects. Your F-1 OPT period gives you up to 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your degree is in engineering or a related qualifying field.
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INTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.
HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Building Information Modeling (BIM) 3D Designer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals in our Substation group.
The successful candidate will be a part of a team that provides 3D designer support for large and small scale substation engineering projects. This is an excellent growth opportunity for a self-directed individual who wants to learn and take on new challenges.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
In the role of Substation BIM 3D Designer, we'll count on you to:
- Perform 3D modeling and design of Substation projects, utilizing 3D AutoCAD and MicroStation software.
- Perform substation design tasks, CADD design, develop design drawings and documents, prepare material lists, and other tasks for simple to moderately complex projects.
- Perform most design responsibilities with assistance, guidance, and input from engineers on simple to moderately complex projects.
- Work independently with little to no guidance on simple projects, and will work independently while performing CAD work and functions.
- Other duties include, but are not limited to interpreting and incorporating vendor information into design deliverables, performing field reviews and walk downs at client facilities, and applying client standards related to the work.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Technical degree or a minimum of 3 years related industry experience.
- Technically qualified with 3D design software and document management infrastructure.
- Competency of Microsoft Office products and communication tools.
- Experience with 3D Coordination tools.
- Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational traits are essential.
- Intermediate understanding of engineering or architectural concepts.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- An Associate’s Degree in drafting or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, or a high school diploma and 3 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
- 3+ years of Substation design experience.
- Advanced knowledge of 2D and 3D AutoCAD and MicroStation software and raster CAD.
- Electrical utility or similar design experience preferred.
- Preference given to candidates in the local area.
- Experience in both the Protection and Control (Indoor) and Physical (Outdoor) aspects of High Voltage (HV) Substation design.
- Experience with substation design including One Line Diagrams, General Arrangements Sections, Material Lists (Bill of Materials/BOM), Lightning Stroke Shielding Plans, Conduit, Electrical Connection & Grounding Plans & Details, Control Building Equipment, Cable Tray, & Lighting Plans, Foundation Plans, Relay and Control Systems Schematics and Wiring Diagrams.
- Independently make design and engineering decisions for low to moderately complex projects with minimal oversight.
- Ability to work directly with clients and strong communication skills.
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-Idaho-Boise
Other Locations: United States-Arizona-Phoenix, United States-Washington-Spokane, United States-Arizona-Tucson, United States-Idaho-Coeur d'Alene, United States-Nevada-Las Vegas
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
COMPENSATION
The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.)
- Washington: $22.44-32.06
- Nevada: $26.55-37.94
- California: $29.21-41.73 Hourly
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Bim Manager
Target firms with active BIM workflows
Large architecture, engineering, and construction firms run dedicated BIM departments and are far more likely to sponsor than smaller generalist firms. Look for job postings that list Revit, Navisworks, or BIM 360 as required tools, not optional ones.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
BIM Manager roles often involve long project cycles. Employers want to know how much of a project you can see through. Be ready to explain your OPT end date and eligibility for a STEM extension before the hiring conversation gets too far along.
Highlight degree alignment for STEM OPT
A degree in civil engineering, architecture, construction management, or computer science typically qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO early, since this directly affects how long you can work without H-1B visa sponsorship.
Lead with project delivery outcomes
Employers hiring BIM Managers care about clash detection results, model accuracy rates, and on-time delivery. Quantify your impact from internships or prior roles, even at small scale. Numbers make your authorization timeline feel less risky to a hiring manager.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting offers
BIM roles are typically classified as specialty occupations under H-1B standards, which makes sponsorship realistic. Confirm the employer has sponsored before, not just that they are open to it. Past filings through DOL are publicly searchable and confirm sponsorship history.
Position yourself as a BIM standards owner
Firms that invest in BIM infrastructure need someone who can build and enforce standards long-term. Framing yourself as that person, rather than just a Revit operator, makes sponsorship feel like retention of a strategic resource rather than an administrative burden.
Bim Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a BIM Manager on F-1 OPT?
Yes. BIM Manager is a specialty occupation that directly applies technical knowledge from qualifying degree fields like civil engineering, architecture, construction management, or computer science. As long as your job duties align with your degree field, F-1 OPT work authorization covers this role. Confirm the alignment with your DSO before you start.
Does a BIM Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as civil engineering, computer science, or construction engineering, you are likely eligible for the 24-month STEM extension. Check your CIP code with your DSO. Many architecture and construction management programs also qualify, but not all do.
How do I find BIM Manager jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa sponsorship job searches, so it filters for employers willing to work with international students. Searching there saves you from applying to firms that will screen you out at the authorization question. Large AEC firms and technology-forward construction companies are your most likely sponsorship candidates.
Is BIM Manager considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Generally yes. BIM Manager roles require specialized knowledge of modeling software, project coordination systems, and construction documentation standards, and they typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field. USCIS evaluates each petition individually, but most well-documented BIM Manager positions have a strong foundation for H-1B classification as specialty occupations.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my employer files for H-1B?
If you are on STEM OPT and your employer files an H-1B cap-subject petition before your STEM OPT expires, you may be eligible for a 60-day cap-gap extension that bridges the gap to October 1. Timing matters significantly here. Work with your DSO and your employer's immigration counsel well in advance of the OPT expiration date to avoid a gap in work authorization.