OPT Civil Drafter Jobs
Civil Drafter jobs on OPT typically fall under STEM-designated engineering programs, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers use AutoCAD and Civil 3D daily, so hands-on proficiency matters. Most roles sit within engineering or construction firms that regularly hire international graduates.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB SUMMARY:
Metro Engineering Solutions, LLC (“MES”) is looking for a Civil Drafter to join our team! We are looking for an experienced drafter with a background in civil or utility design using AutoCAD Civil 3D. MES is a multifaceted utility design and engineering firm serving clients throughout the Midwest. The Civil CAD Drafter is responsible for supporting our clients and co-workers in preparing plan and profile road and utility projects. The CAD Designer must also support our core principles – understand our customers and satisfy their needs, do what we say we are going to do and have fun.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage the setup and preparation of detailed project drawings during planning and design.
- Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers, Designers, and other Technicians to provide drawings on schedule.
- Prepare permit drawing sets including plans, elevations, sections, details, and notes.
- Understand AutoCAD requirements needed for different clients as well as our firm.
- Perform QA/QC on drawing files.
- Coordinate project deadlines with Project Managers, Engineers, and Designers.
- Other duties as assigned by Project Manager.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Interpret sketches, drawings, building program and other similar material.
- Primarily work in an office setting.
- Ability to travel and/or work in the field as needed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- Compensation commensurate with experience.
- Medical benefits package that includes medical & prescription coverage, dental, and vision plans for employees and their qualifying family members (eligible after 90 days employment), which is 100% covered by the employer.
- Retirement benefits including a 401(k) plan with up to 4% employer match (eligible after 6 months of employment), which is 100% fully vested on day one.
- Group term life insurance and long-term disability offered to eligible employees.
- Additional voluntary benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability, HFSA and DCA, Life and AD&D) offered to eligible employees.
- Holiday pay as well as PTO available after 90 days of employment. Additional PTO vesting over time.
- Employee Assistance Program including counseling, coaching and financial resources.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associates degree in AutoCAD drafting or equivalent work experience.
- 1-5 years of AutoCAD experience.
- Civil 3D experience is preferred.
- MDOT and MicroStation experience a plus.
- Excellent technical, written, and oral communication skills and familiarity of industry practices and regulations.
- Proficient in Adobe, Microsoft Office and Outlook.
JOB SUMMARY:
Metro Engineering Solutions, LLC (“MES”) is looking for a Civil Drafter to join our team! We are looking for an experienced drafter with a background in civil or utility design using AutoCAD Civil 3D. MES is a multifaceted utility design and engineering firm serving clients throughout the Midwest. The Civil CAD Drafter is responsible for supporting our clients and co-workers in preparing plan and profile road and utility projects. The CAD Designer must also support our core principles – understand our customers and satisfy their needs, do what we say we are going to do and have fun.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage the setup and preparation of detailed project drawings during planning and design.
- Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers, Designers, and other Technicians to provide drawings on schedule.
- Prepare permit drawing sets including plans, elevations, sections, details, and notes.
- Understand AutoCAD requirements needed for different clients as well as our firm.
- Perform QA/QC on drawing files.
- Coordinate project deadlines with Project Managers, Engineers, and Designers.
- Other duties as assigned by Project Manager.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Interpret sketches, drawings, building program and other similar material.
- Primarily work in an office setting.
- Ability to travel and/or work in the field as needed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- Compensation commensurate with experience.
- Medical benefits package that includes medical & prescription coverage, dental, and vision plans for employees and their qualifying family members (eligible after 90 days employment), which is 100% covered by the employer.
- Retirement benefits including a 401(k) plan with up to 4% employer match (eligible after 6 months of employment), which is 100% fully vested on day one.
- Group term life insurance and long-term disability offered to eligible employees.
- Additional voluntary benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability, HFSA and DCA, Life and AD&D) offered to eligible employees.
- Holiday pay as well as PTO available after 90 days of employment. Additional PTO vesting over time.
- Employee Assistance Program including counseling, coaching and financial resources.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associates degree in AutoCAD drafting or equivalent work experience.
- 1-5 years of AutoCAD experience.
- Civil 3D experience is preferred.
- MDOT and MicroStation experience a plus.
- Excellent technical, written, and oral communication skills and familiarity of industry practices and regulations.
- Proficient in Adobe, Microsoft Office and Outlook.
See all OPT Civil Drafter Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Civil Drafter
Confirm your CIP code supports STEM OPT
Civil drafting often falls under civil engineering technology or related STEM programs. Verify your degree's CIP code qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension before applying, so you can honestly tell employers you have 36 months of authorization.
Lead with AutoCAD and Civil 3D proficiency
Most civil drafting roles require daily use of AutoCAD and Civil 3D. Highlight specific projects where you produced construction drawings, grading plans, or utility layouts. Software proficiency reduces employer hesitation about OPT paperwork by demonstrating immediate productivity.
Target civil and structural engineering firms
Mid-size civil and structural engineering firms hire drafters regularly and often have experience with OPT employees. Firms working on infrastructure, land development, or municipal projects tend to have longer project timelines that make multi-year work authorization genuinely attractive.
Address OPT timing proactively in applications
Employers sometimes assume OPT expires quickly. In your cover letter, state your authorization period clearly, mention STEM extension eligibility, and note that H-1B visa sponsorship would only be needed after several years. Removing ambiguity early keeps your application moving forward.
Build a digital portfolio of drafted plans
A portfolio showing real construction documents, site plans, or utility drawings makes your application concrete. Include project type, software used, and your specific contribution. Hiring managers in civil drafting respond to evidence of technical output, not just a list of courses.
Pursue EIT certification while on OPT
Passing the Engineer in Training exam signals professional commitment and long-term career intent in the U.S. Employers weighing whether to invest in visa sponsorship later view EIT certification as a strong indicator that you plan to stay and grow within the firm.
Civil Drafter OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Civil Drafter roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They often do, but it depends on your degree's CIP code rather than your job title. Degrees in civil engineering technology, engineering design, or related STEM fields typically qualify. Confirm with your Designated School Official before applying, since STEM extension eligibility is tied to your program, not the position itself.
How do I find Civil Drafter employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists civil drafting roles from employers who have a documented history of sponsoring or hiring international graduates. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering visa concerns late in the process. Browse Migrate Mate to find roles matched to your authorization status.
What work authorization documents will a Civil Drafter employer typically ask for?
Employers complete Form I-9 and will need to see your passport, F-1 visa, current EAD card, and valid I-20 with your DSO's OPT authorization signature. Some employers also request your SEVIS ID. Having all documents organized before an offer speeds up onboarding and avoids last-minute delays.
Can I work as a Civil Drafter at a small firm or sole proprietorship on OPT?
Yes, OPT allows employment with any legitimate U.S. employer, including small firms and sole proprietorships, as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. The firm must be a real business entity capable of completing I-9 verification. Self-employment is not permitted on standard OPT.
How does civil drafting work relate to the degree requirement for OPT authorization?
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your degree field. Civil drafting work, which involves producing technical drawings for infrastructure, grading, and site development, clearly aligns with civil engineering, engineering technology, and architecture programs. Keep documentation of this connection in case your employer or DSO needs to verify it.