OPT CAD Designer Jobs
CAD Designer jobs on OPT are available across engineering, architecture, manufacturing, and product design firms. Most roles require proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit alongside a degree in engineering, architecture, or industrial design. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your specific degree classification.
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Get Access To All JobsSchnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.
Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.
Benefit options include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
- Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
- Long-term disability
- Supplemental life insurance
- 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
- Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
- Bonus program
- Paid time off
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Wellness program
- Professional development and tuition reimbursement
Job Description:
Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Helena, Montana office is seeking an entry level CAD Designer to support our engineering group. We are looking for a motivated candidate with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong multi-disciplinary team.
The Helena office of Schnabel focuses on the evaluation and design of dams, structures and facilities within our dam engineering group. Example projects include the evaluation and design of dams, fish hatcheries, surface water intakes, pump stations, outlet works, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves for projects located across the United States. Our drafting needs span the following three disciplines:
- Civil Design – 3D site grading and earthwork, intakes, pipelines/penstocks, fish hatcheries, and hydroelectric facilities
- Structural Design – Precast and cast-in-place concrete structures, fabricated steel structures, wood and metal frame buildings, and bridges
- Mechanical Design – Pumps stations, large diameter pipe fittings and valves, and machine design
Job Responsibilities:
- Prepare 2D CAD drawings (plans, profiles, sections and details) for contract documents based on input and guidance from design staff and in accordance with internal drafting standards.
- Prepare 3D models for displaying complex features or structures.
- Maintain drawing files, CAD standards and other digital files in accordance with internal procedures.
- Prepare graphics for engineering reports, professional papers and presentations.
- Maintain printers for efficient use by the office.
- Participate in professional trainings to develop and implement new skills related to the various disciplines of work.
- Perform training of other technical staff on drafting standards, requirements and procedures.
Required Skills/Experience:
- Proficiency with the latest version of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D, including experience in developing drawing sets and figures from base data (i.e. survey, GIS, point cloud, engineering sketches, etc.) and based on engineering input and guidance.
- Experience in other software is preferable, including Autodesk Revit and Solidworks.
- A minimum of 2 years of drafting/design experience at a consulting engineering firm or production design organization.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to develop large, multifaceted drawing sets based on existing data and engineering sketches.
- Ability to create and use sheetsets in AutoCAD.
- Knowledge and experience in data linking AutoCAD Civil 3D smart features.
- Positive attitude and ability to work well in a team environment.
- Associates degree or certification in Drafting and Design or equivalent practical experience.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
The compensation range for a CAD Designer is between $25/hr to $32/hr. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.
Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.
Benefit options include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
- Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
- Long-term disability
- Supplemental life insurance
- 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
- Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
- Bonus program
- Paid time off
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Wellness program
- Professional development and tuition reimbursement
Job Description:
Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Helena, Montana office is seeking an entry level CAD Designer to support our engineering group. We are looking for a motivated candidate with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong multi-disciplinary team.
The Helena office of Schnabel focuses on the evaluation and design of dams, structures and facilities within our dam engineering group. Example projects include the evaluation and design of dams, fish hatcheries, surface water intakes, pump stations, outlet works, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves for projects located across the United States. Our drafting needs span the following three disciplines:
- Civil Design – 3D site grading and earthwork, intakes, pipelines/penstocks, fish hatcheries, and hydroelectric facilities
- Structural Design – Precast and cast-in-place concrete structures, fabricated steel structures, wood and metal frame buildings, and bridges
- Mechanical Design – Pumps stations, large diameter pipe fittings and valves, and machine design
Job Responsibilities:
- Prepare 2D CAD drawings (plans, profiles, sections and details) for contract documents based on input and guidance from design staff and in accordance with internal drafting standards.
- Prepare 3D models for displaying complex features or structures.
- Maintain drawing files, CAD standards and other digital files in accordance with internal procedures.
- Prepare graphics for engineering reports, professional papers and presentations.
- Maintain printers for efficient use by the office.
- Participate in professional trainings to develop and implement new skills related to the various disciplines of work.
- Perform training of other technical staff on drafting standards, requirements and procedures.
Required Skills/Experience:
- Proficiency with the latest version of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D, including experience in developing drawing sets and figures from base data (i.e. survey, GIS, point cloud, engineering sketches, etc.) and based on engineering input and guidance.
- Experience in other software is preferable, including Autodesk Revit and Solidworks.
- A minimum of 2 years of drafting/design experience at a consulting engineering firm or production design organization.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to develop large, multifaceted drawing sets based on existing data and engineering sketches.
- Ability to create and use sheetsets in AutoCAD.
- Knowledge and experience in data linking AutoCAD Civil 3D smart features.
- Positive attitude and ability to work well in a team environment.
- Associates degree or certification in Drafting and Design or equivalent practical experience.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
The compensation range for a CAD Designer is between $25/hr to $32/hr. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all 133+ OPT CAD Designer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a CAD Designer
Target STEM-designated degree holders first
If your degree falls under a STEM CIP code, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your designation with your DSO before applying so you can honestly tell employers you have up to three years of OPT work authorization available.
Lead with your software stack in every application
CAD Designer roles are filtered heavily by software proficiency. List every platform you know, including AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, CATIA, and Fusion 360, in your resume header or skills section so recruiters find you before they read a single sentence.
Show a portfolio with measurable project outcomes
Employers hiring CAD Designers want proof of output. Include portfolio links showing final drawings, assemblies, or renderings alongside context like tolerances met, production timelines hit, or design iterations reduced. Quantified outcomes make your OPT application stand out.
Focus on mid-size manufacturers and engineering firms
Large defense contractors often require security clearances that exclude OPT holders. Mid-size manufacturers, industrial design studios, and mechanical engineering consultancies typically sponsor OPT without those restrictions and hire CAD Designers on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Confirm your role qualifies as directly related to your degree
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your degree field. A mechanical engineering graduate working in structural CAD design is clearly compliant. If your degree and role differ significantly, consult your DSO before accepting an offer to avoid status violations.
Start your employer search before your OPT start date
You can begin working on OPT only after your EAD arrives and your start date passes. Begin applying at least three months early so offer negotiations and onboarding timelines align with your authorized work period, leaving no gaps in your employment authorization.
CAD Designer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do CAD Designer jobs typically sponsor OPT students?
Many do, particularly in manufacturing, architecture, and mechanical engineering. Employers in these sectors are accustomed to hiring international talent and understand OPT work authorization. Browse CAD Designer roles on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for positions open to OPT candidates, to find employers actively willing to sponsor.
Does a CAD Designer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not your job title. If your degree in mechanical engineering, industrial design, architecture, or a related field carries a STEM CIP code, you qualify for the 24-month extension. Your DSO can confirm your degree's designation. The CAD Designer role itself does not independently trigger STEM OPT eligibility.
Can I work as a CAD Designer on OPT if my degree is in architecture rather than engineering?
Yes. OPT requires that your job be directly related to your degree field, and architecture programs routinely include CAD as a core competency. A CAD Designer role focused on building design, construction documentation, or BIM modeling would satisfy the direct relationship requirement for an architecture graduate.
Are there CAD Designer roles I should avoid as an OPT student?
Avoid roles at federal defense contractors or positions requiring a security clearance, as OPT holders are generally ineligible. Also avoid roles where CAD work is incidental to a broader non-design function, since your employment must be directly related to your degree. When in doubt, review the job description with your DSO before applying.
How much work authorization time should I disclose to a CAD Designer employer?
Be straightforward. Standard OPT provides 12 months of authorization. If you hold a STEM-eligible degree, disclose that a 24-month extension is available, giving the employer a total of up to 36 months before H-1B visa sponsorship becomes necessary. Employers making multi-year hiring decisions respond better to clarity than vague answers about future authorization.