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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Johnson Controls is seeking a Contract Engineer - Design Drafter to support the engineering release of a large commercial air handling product and help keep work clear-to-build for production. In this role, you will work closely with engineering, production, Airside Technical Service, vendors, customers, and inspectors to support product readiness and technical problem-solving.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This role processes engineering bills of material and drawings into a clear-to-build production release. You will also support engineering activities that may include hands-on construction and testing for new or modified components and products, while helping ensure designs and fabrication align with project requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Process engineering bills of material and drawings to support clear-to-build production release.
- Prepare bills of material and prelists using a computerized bill of material system.
- Review project specifications and requirements to confirm design and fabrication conformance.
- Support application and production teams by providing guidance and executing special requests.
- Assist Airside Technical Service with field application issues as needed.
- Provide and exchange technical information with internal departments, outside vendors, customers, and inspectors for assigned products and components.
- Perform hands-on construction and testing activities to support development of new or modified components or products.
- Follow codes, procedures, and the Company’s Code of Conduct and Business Ethics standards.
How You Will Do It
- Work independently with minimal direction while taking ownership of your deliverables, decisions, and follow-through.
- Stay close to the work by understanding production needs, responding to field and application questions, and removing obstacles quickly.
- Use candor and continuous improvement to refine BOM workflows, drawing quality, and release processes.
- Collaborate across functions and perspectives so engineering, production, service, vendors, and customers can move forward as one team.
- Apply codes, procedures, and business ethics standards with accountability, safety, and integrity in every assignment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree or equivalent.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
- Willingness to work in the office daily in York, PA.
- Ability to travel occasionally, up to 10%, for training, support to other JCI facilities, job-site visits, or field support.
- Ability to review drawings, bills of material, and project requirements with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Comfort working independently and communicating clearly with internal and external stakeholders.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with CAD software, Inventor, or 3D solids/parametric design software.
- Experience supporting manufacturing, production release, or technical service activities.
- Familiarity with drafting standards, design applications, or related code requirements.
WHY JOIN US
You will support important engineering work on a commercial air handling product while developing your skills in a collaborative, safety-minded environment. This role also offers the opportunity to learn through cross-training and contribute to a team focused on practical problem-solving and product readiness.
- Competitive salary.
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), medical, dental, and vision care.
- On-the-job and cross-training opportunities.
- Encouraging and collaborative team environment.
- Dedication to safety through the Zero Harm policy.
COMPENSATION
- IRING HOURLY RANGE: $26.44 - $36.54 (Hourly rate to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply.
To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site.
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INTRODUCTION
Johnson Controls is seeking a Contract Engineer - Design Drafter to support the engineering release of a large commercial air handling product and help keep work clear-to-build for production. In this role, you will work closely with engineering, production, Airside Technical Service, vendors, customers, and inspectors to support product readiness and technical problem-solving.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This role processes engineering bills of material and drawings into a clear-to-build production release. You will also support engineering activities that may include hands-on construction and testing for new or modified components and products, while helping ensure designs and fabrication align with project requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Process engineering bills of material and drawings to support clear-to-build production release.
- Prepare bills of material and prelists using a computerized bill of material system.
- Review project specifications and requirements to confirm design and fabrication conformance.
- Support application and production teams by providing guidance and executing special requests.
- Assist Airside Technical Service with field application issues as needed.
- Provide and exchange technical information with internal departments, outside vendors, customers, and inspectors for assigned products and components.
- Perform hands-on construction and testing activities to support development of new or modified components or products.
- Follow codes, procedures, and the Company’s Code of Conduct and Business Ethics standards.
How You Will Do It
- Work independently with minimal direction while taking ownership of your deliverables, decisions, and follow-through.
- Stay close to the work by understanding production needs, responding to field and application questions, and removing obstacles quickly.
- Use candor and continuous improvement to refine BOM workflows, drawing quality, and release processes.
- Collaborate across functions and perspectives so engineering, production, service, vendors, and customers can move forward as one team.
- Apply codes, procedures, and business ethics standards with accountability, safety, and integrity in every assignment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree or equivalent.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
- Willingness to work in the office daily in York, PA.
- Ability to travel occasionally, up to 10%, for training, support to other JCI facilities, job-site visits, or field support.
- Ability to review drawings, bills of material, and project requirements with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Comfort working independently and communicating clearly with internal and external stakeholders.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with CAD software, Inventor, or 3D solids/parametric design software.
- Experience supporting manufacturing, production release, or technical service activities.
- Familiarity with drafting standards, design applications, or related code requirements.
WHY JOIN US
You will support important engineering work on a commercial air handling product while developing your skills in a collaborative, safety-minded environment. This role also offers the opportunity to learn through cross-training and contribute to a team focused on practical problem-solving and product readiness.
- Competitive salary.
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), medical, dental, and vision care.
- On-the-job and cross-training opportunities.
- Encouraging and collaborative team environment.
- Dedication to safety through the Zero Harm policy.
COMPENSATION
- IRING HOURLY RANGE: $26.44 - $36.54 (Hourly rate to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply.
To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site.
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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.