OPT Electrical Drafter Jobs
Electrical Drafter jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical engineering, engineering technology, or a related technical field. Most roles qualify as STEM-designated positions, making you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months of work authorization.
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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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See all 41+ OPT Electrical Drafter Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Electrical Drafter
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Electrical drafting roles typically fall under STEM-designated SOC codes, but your OPT authorization is tied to your degree, not the job title. Verify your program's CIP code is on the STEM OPT eligible list before applying.
Target firms with active government or infrastructure contracts
Engineering and utilities firms working on federal infrastructure projects frequently hire drafters and carry stronger visa sponsorship pipelines. These employers are accustomed to I-983 training plans and STEM OPT reporting requirements from prior hires.
Lead with your CAD and software proficiency
AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, and Revit MEP are the tools most hiring managers screen for first. Listing specific software versions and project types you've worked on makes your resume concrete and immediately relevant to technical reviewers.
Address your OPT timeline early in outreach
Hiring managers unfamiliar with OPT sometimes assume it means immediate visa petition costs. Clarifying upfront that OPT is employer-paid work authorization with no sponsorship fees for the initial period removes a common objection before it stalls your application.
Build a digital portfolio of drafting samples
Electrical schematics, panel layouts, and one-line diagrams you've produced, even from coursework or internships, demonstrate competency more directly than credentials alone. A concise portfolio PDF shared with applications significantly strengthens your candidacy.
Apply to mid-sized engineering consultancies, not just large firms
Mid-sized electrical engineering consultancies often have more drafting openings per headcount and less bureaucratic hiring processes than large corporations. Many have sponsored OPT students before and are comfortable with the I-983 training plan requirement.
Electrical Drafter OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Electrical Drafter roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many Electrical Drafter positions do qualify, but eligibility depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in electrical engineering, engineering technology, or another STEM-designated field, and the role relates to that field of study, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO and the employer's I-983 training plan are required to complete the process.
What do employers need to know about hiring an Electrical Drafter on OPT?
For standard OPT, employers need your EAD card and do not file any petition or pay USCIS fees. For STEM OPT, the employer must be E-Verify enrolled and sign an I-983 training plan outlining your role, learning goals, and supervision. Most engineering firms that have hired international students before are already familiar with this process and find it straightforward.
How do I find Electrical Drafter jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Electrical Drafter roles at employers with a history of sponsoring international workers. Rather than filtering through general job boards where OPT status can be a hidden disqualifier, Migrate Mate focuses on employers who are actively open to candidates with work authorization requirements.
Can I work as an Electrical Drafter on OPT if my degree is in engineering technology rather than electrical engineering?
Yes, engineering technology degrees are generally STEM-designated and can support OPT authorization for Electrical Drafter roles, provided the work is sufficiently related to your field of study. Your DSO will confirm the connection between your specific program and the position. The key factor is that the drafting work must directly apply knowledge from your degree, which it typically does in this role.
What happens to my OPT if my Electrical Drafter employer goes through layoffs or a restructuring?
If you lose your job while on OPT, you have a 90-day aggregate unemployment allowance during your standard OPT period. On STEM OPT, that limit is also 90 days total across your extension. You need to begin job searching immediately and report the change to your DSO. Finding a new qualifying Electrical Drafter role within that window keeps your status intact.