OPT CAD Engineer Jobs
CAD Engineer jobs on OPT are available across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and construction sectors. Most roles require proficiency in tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA, and a degree in mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering. STEM OPT extension eligibility makes this a strong category for international students.
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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 Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a CAD Engineer
Highlight your CAD software stack clearly
List every CAD and CAM tool you're proficient in, including version experience where relevant. Employers hiring for CAD roles filter resumes by software. SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, and Creo are the most commonly required. Being specific signals you're immediately productive.
Target STEM-designated programs
CAD Engineer roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Lead with this in your cover letter. Employers unfamiliar with OPT respond better when you clarify the timeline upfront and reduce their perceived risk.
Pursue roles at E-Verify enrolled companies
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Filter your job search to companies that meet this requirement from the start. Accepting an offer from a non-enrolled employer means you cannot extend beyond your initial 12-month OPT period.
Align your degree field with the job description
OPT authorization must relate to your degree. A mechanical engineering degree supports most CAD roles, but civil or electrical engineering degrees may require a closer match to the specific project type. Review the job description carefully before applying to confirm the connection is defensible.
Quantify your design and project experience
Employers want to see deliverables, not just tasks. Mention the number of parts modeled, assemblies completed, or projects shipped. Concrete output demonstrates professional-level CAD experience, which matters especially when you're competing against candidates with longer U.S. work histories.
Address OPT timing proactively with recruiters
CAD roles in manufacturing and defense often have longer hiring cycles. If your OPT start date is approaching, communicate your authorization window early. Employers who understand the timeline can align onboarding accordingly, reducing the chance of a mismatch that kills an otherwise strong offer.
CAD Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do CAD Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most CAD Engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as mechanical, civil, electrical, or aerospace engineering. The role must be directly related to your degree field. If approved, you can work for up to three years on OPT total, which gives employers a meaningful runway before needing to consider H-1B visa sponsorship.
Do employers in manufacturing and aerospace commonly sponsor OPT students for CAD roles?
Yes. Manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive companies regularly hire OPT students for CAD Engineer positions because demand for qualified engineers outpaces domestic supply in many specialized areas. Larger firms with established HR processes, such as those in defense contracting or tier-one automotive supply chains, are generally more familiar with OPT work authorization. You can browse sponsorship-friendly CAD Engineer openings on Migrate Mate.
Can I work as a CAD Engineer if my degree is in a related but not identical field?
OPT requires that your job be directly related to your major area of study, but the connection does not need to be exact. A civil engineering degree can support a structural drafting role, and an electrical engineering degree can support an electrical CAD position. The key is that you can articulate the relationship between your coursework and the job duties if asked by USCIS or your DSO.
What happens to my OPT if I'm laid off from a CAD Engineer role?
F-1 OPT students have a 90-day unemployment buffer total during the standard OPT period. If you lose your job, the clock starts immediately. STEM OPT extension holders have an additional 60 days per extension period. You should notify your DSO promptly and begin your job search right away. Staying within the unemployment limit is your responsibility to track.
Do I need a Professional Engineer (PE) license to work as a CAD Engineer on OPT?
No. CAD Engineer roles at the entry and mid-level typically do not require a PE license. These positions focus on drafting, 3D modeling, and design documentation rather than stamping drawings for public works. A PE license becomes relevant if you move into a licensed engineer of record role, which is a separate career track. Your degree and CAD software proficiency are the primary qualifications employers evaluate at the OPT stage.