OPT CAD Technician Jobs
CAD Technician roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in engineering technology, drafting, or architecture. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in construction, manufacturing, and civil engineering regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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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 Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a CAD Technician
Target industries with high sponsorship rates
Civil engineering firms, mechanical manufacturers, and architecture companies sponsor CAD Technicians far more consistently than general staffing agencies. Focus your search on employers with active project pipelines who need long-term technical staff, not short-term contract roles.
Emphasize your software proficiency upfront
List every CAD platform you're proficient in, including AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, and Civil 3D, directly on your resume summary. Employers filtering for OPT candidates want to confirm technical skills immediately before considering work authorization details.
Confirm your STEM OPT eligibility before applying
CAD Technician roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in engineering technology or a related STEM field. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before applications, since this significantly extends your available work authorization window.
Address OPT timing transparently with recruiters
Tell recruiters your exact OPT start date and expiration upfront. Employers need lead time to file an H-1B petition before your OPT expires. Clarity early prevents situations where an offer collapses because timelines weren't communicated from the start.
Build a portfolio of technical drawings and projects
A documented portfolio demonstrating drafting precision, 3D modeling, and cross-functional collaboration makes sponsorship conversations easier. Employers are more willing to invest in H-1B sponsorship for candidates who remove doubt about technical competence before the interview.
Prioritize employers who have sponsored before
Companies with a history of H-1B filings for CAD or engineering roles understand the process and have legal infrastructure in place. Use Migrate Mate to browse CAD Technician jobs at employers already familiar with OPT and visa sponsorship requirements.
CAD Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a CAD Technician role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title itself. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in engineering technology, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or a related STEM field, the role will typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, since that code determines eligibility, not the job description.
How do I find CAD Technician employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate filters CAD Technician jobs specifically for F-1 OPT students, showing roles at employers with a demonstrated history of visa sponsorship. This saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship limitations late in the process. Focus on civil engineering firms, architectural companies, and mid-size manufacturers, who tend to sponsor at higher rates than staffing agencies.
What academic backgrounds qualify F-1 students for CAD Technician OPT jobs?
Degrees in engineering technology, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, architecture, industrial design, and computer-aided design directly support CAD Technician OPT eligibility. Your OPT employment must be directly related to your field of study, so the connection between your degree and the specific CAD work must be documentable. Your DSO can help confirm the relationship if it is not immediately obvious.
Can I work as a CAD Technician on OPT while waiting for H-1B approval?
Yes, provided your OPT authorization is still valid. If your employer files an H-1B cap-subject petition before your OPT expires and you have STEM OPT, you may also be eligible for a cap-gap extension, which bridges your work authorization between OPT expiration and October 1 when H-1B status begins. Confirm your specific dates with your DSO as soon as an offer is made.
Are contract or staffing agency CAD Technician roles valid for OPT?
Contract roles can be valid for OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree and you have a bona fide employer-employee relationship. However, staffing agencies rarely sponsor H-1B visas, which creates a problem once your OPT expires. If long-term sponsorship is your goal, prioritize direct-hire positions at engineering or manufacturing firms over agency placements.