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 JobsAbout us:
At J.Jill, we believe our associates should be seen, valued, and celebrated. We support the advancement of our associates by harnessing their unique contributions to grow and improve, and our success is guided by a culture that values keeping it simple and making it matter. J.Jill is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and professional workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at J.Jill are based solely upon business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other legally protected status. J.Jill provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation to assist with completing the application process, please email Talent.Acquisition@jjill.com.
Overview:
Assists with print and colorway development using CAD software. This includes prints, embroideries & yarn-dyes. Creates and distributes artwork documentation for presentations, production, and sourcing support materials. Liaison with Designers, Product Managers, Merchants, Color Team & CAD Manager.
Responsibilities:
- Supports Print Development Process
- Cleans and colors separate artwork
- Develops print repeats & colorways
- Chooses off-palette color standards from various libraries to be used within prints
- Communicates print information to vendors as needed (ie: sending files via FTP overseas, answering any questions that may arise and making any artwork tweaks when necessary.)
-
Manipulates and creates prints to fit with the J Jill aesthetic
-
Compile Presentation CAD Boards
- Creates seasonal CAD boards for design presentation.
- Updates CAD boards with all information from various teams – Pricing, descriptions, fabric info, etc...
- Executes revisions to sketches & colors as needed
-
Inputs all artwork, textures, stitches, and weaves into silhouettes.
-
Works with the CAD team to prepare seasonal presentation materials (ie: CAD Boards, Mood Images, Color Palettes & Presentation Packets.)
- Works with the CAD team to build, match and name the color palette each season, color matching to various color libraries.
- Matches color output of the CAD printer for each seasonal palette. Maintaining various digital palettes in Kaledo, Photoshop, Illustrator & PLM.
- Enters detailed color information into PLM to be distributed to all vendors for ordering purposes.
- Assists in placing seasonal color orders with each standard supplier.
- Maintains all CAD supplies. (ie: printer ink, paper, cardstock, etc.)
- Creates purchase orders and submits all invoices
BENEFITS, TAILORED FOR YOU:
- Bonus eligible
- 401(k) retirement plan with discretionary match and tuition reimbursement.
- Medical, dental, vision, company paid LTD/STD, and generous amount of paid time off.
- Generous associate discount; group discounts on auto, pet and homeowner insurance.
- Discount Marketplace for travel, consumer products, food, auto buying, etc.
- Associate resource groups.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Required Computer Skills: Kaledo, Photoshop & Illustrator
- Knowledge of fabric and color used in apparel design
- Hand painting & Illustration skills a plus
- Must have a strong balance of technical and creative strengths
- Detail oriented
- Extremely organized
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in CAD Design
- Minimum 2 years’ experience preferred, preferably in CAD design
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.
OUR BRAND:
At J.Jill, we’re redefining what it means to dress and live with ease. As a women-led, Boston-based lifestyle brand with 200+ stores nationwide, we design thoughtful, inspired apparel and accessories that celebrate the totality of all women. We’re entering an exciting chapter of growth — expanding our footprint, reaching new customers, and deepening long-standing relationships. We're seeking bold thinkers and doers to join us. With competitive pay and benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a real impact, this is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to bring our ethos keep it simple, make it matter to life in new and inspiring ways.
Min: USD $30.00/Hr. Mid: USD $31.00/Yr.
About us:
At J.Jill, we believe our associates should be seen, valued, and celebrated. We support the advancement of our associates by harnessing their unique contributions to grow and improve, and our success is guided by a culture that values keeping it simple and making it matter. J.Jill is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and professional workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at J.Jill are based solely upon business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other legally protected status. J.Jill provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation to assist with completing the application process, please email Talent.Acquisition@jjill.com.
Overview:
Assists with print and colorway development using CAD software. This includes prints, embroideries & yarn-dyes. Creates and distributes artwork documentation for presentations, production, and sourcing support materials. Liaison with Designers, Product Managers, Merchants, Color Team & CAD Manager.
Responsibilities:
- Supports Print Development Process
- Cleans and colors separate artwork
- Develops print repeats & colorways
- Chooses off-palette color standards from various libraries to be used within prints
- Communicates print information to vendors as needed (ie: sending files via FTP overseas, answering any questions that may arise and making any artwork tweaks when necessary.)
-
Manipulates and creates prints to fit with the J Jill aesthetic
-
Compile Presentation CAD Boards
- Creates seasonal CAD boards for design presentation.
- Updates CAD boards with all information from various teams – Pricing, descriptions, fabric info, etc...
- Executes revisions to sketches & colors as needed
-
Inputs all artwork, textures, stitches, and weaves into silhouettes.
-
Works with the CAD team to prepare seasonal presentation materials (ie: CAD Boards, Mood Images, Color Palettes & Presentation Packets.)
- Works with the CAD team to build, match and name the color palette each season, color matching to various color libraries.
- Matches color output of the CAD printer for each seasonal palette. Maintaining various digital palettes in Kaledo, Photoshop, Illustrator & PLM.
- Enters detailed color information into PLM to be distributed to all vendors for ordering purposes.
- Assists in placing seasonal color orders with each standard supplier.
- Maintains all CAD supplies. (ie: printer ink, paper, cardstock, etc.)
- Creates purchase orders and submits all invoices
BENEFITS, TAILORED FOR YOU:
- Bonus eligible
- 401(k) retirement plan with discretionary match and tuition reimbursement.
- Medical, dental, vision, company paid LTD/STD, and generous amount of paid time off.
- Generous associate discount; group discounts on auto, pet and homeowner insurance.
- Discount Marketplace for travel, consumer products, food, auto buying, etc.
- Associate resource groups.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Required Computer Skills: Kaledo, Photoshop & Illustrator
- Knowledge of fabric and color used in apparel design
- Hand painting & Illustration skills a plus
- Must have a strong balance of technical and creative strengths
- Detail oriented
- Extremely organized
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in CAD Design
- Minimum 2 years’ experience preferred, preferably in CAD design
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.
OUR BRAND:
At J.Jill, we’re redefining what it means to dress and live with ease. As a women-led, Boston-based lifestyle brand with 200+ stores nationwide, we design thoughtful, inspired apparel and accessories that celebrate the totality of all women. We’re entering an exciting chapter of growth — expanding our footprint, reaching new customers, and deepening long-standing relationships. We're seeking bold thinkers and doers to join us. With competitive pay and benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a real impact, this is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to bring our ethos keep it simple, make it matter to life in new and inspiring ways.
Min: USD $30.00/Hr. Mid: USD $31.00/Yr.
See all 211+ OPT CAD Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT CAD Engineer Jobs.
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.