OPT Lead Designer Jobs
Lead Designer roles on OPT require demonstrating strategic design ownership, not just execution skills. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT work authorization. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree field, so confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
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Get Access To All JobsWhat You'll Be Doing
Job Summary: The Lead Civil Designer is generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete design of civil/structural assignments using theoretical knowledge and practical design methods. With experience in this level, you are expected to assist in the design of larger and more complex civil/structural assignments. This work will be performed under general supervision in LaPlace, LA.
Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
- Familiarity with and utilizing department design and drafting standards.
- Recognizing project scope, specifications and design criteria upon assignment to a project task team.
- Reviewing and comprehending the latest information available regarding civil/structural calculations, equipment drawings and layouts or drawings from other disciplines before initiating design effort on specific drawings.
- Drafting civil/structural plans under minimal supervision.
- Being knowledgeable of civil material specifications to the extent that all information required for material purchase, fabrication and construction is reflected on the finished drawings.
- Recognizing and communicating scope and design changes promptly.
- Performing field related work collecting design information and verifying designs for tie-ins, function and clearances to existing facility.
- Performing temporary field support activities, where assigned, for engineering support during construction.
- Assisting engineers with cost and material estimated and preliminary design studies.
- Checking the accuracy and quality of drawings developed by drafters, when assigned, based on information conveyed by engineering calculations, equipment and discipline drawings.
- Displays some capacity for mentoring entry level and new teammates.
Ideal Background
Education: Associate degree in Engineering Technology or Computer-Aided Drafting is preferred.
Certification: Certification is not required at this level.
Experience: This position requires 4+ years of relevant industrial experience in civil/structural drafting and design.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to produce drawings for concrete and structural steel, and/or civil disciplines.
- Familiarity with specifications and details of construction bulk materials and equipment.
- Knowledge and application of company engineering design and CAD drafting standards.
- Ability to create accurate civil/structural construction documents from the information found on vendor equipment drawings.
- Knowledge and understanding of work flow/information flow between disciplines.
- Knowledge and understanding of schedule constraints and information requirements for the production of all civil/structural deliverables.
- Ability to accurately estimate completion of assigned tasks.
- Knowledge and application of company engineering design and CAD drafting standards.
- Working knowledge of CAD software, either AutoCAD, Microstation or both.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Good presentation and Virtual team skills.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
Hargrove Culture
We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
What You'll Be Doing
Job Summary: The Lead Civil Designer is generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete design of civil/structural assignments using theoretical knowledge and practical design methods. With experience in this level, you are expected to assist in the design of larger and more complex civil/structural assignments. This work will be performed under general supervision in LaPlace, LA.
Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
- Familiarity with and utilizing department design and drafting standards.
- Recognizing project scope, specifications and design criteria upon assignment to a project task team.
- Reviewing and comprehending the latest information available regarding civil/structural calculations, equipment drawings and layouts or drawings from other disciplines before initiating design effort on specific drawings.
- Drafting civil/structural plans under minimal supervision.
- Being knowledgeable of civil material specifications to the extent that all information required for material purchase, fabrication and construction is reflected on the finished drawings.
- Recognizing and communicating scope and design changes promptly.
- Performing field related work collecting design information and verifying designs for tie-ins, function and clearances to existing facility.
- Performing temporary field support activities, where assigned, for engineering support during construction.
- Assisting engineers with cost and material estimated and preliminary design studies.
- Checking the accuracy and quality of drawings developed by drafters, when assigned, based on information conveyed by engineering calculations, equipment and discipline drawings.
- Displays some capacity for mentoring entry level and new teammates.
Ideal Background
Education: Associate degree in Engineering Technology or Computer-Aided Drafting is preferred.
Certification: Certification is not required at this level.
Experience: This position requires 4+ years of relevant industrial experience in civil/structural drafting and design.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to produce drawings for concrete and structural steel, and/or civil disciplines.
- Familiarity with specifications and details of construction bulk materials and equipment.
- Knowledge and application of company engineering design and CAD drafting standards.
- Ability to create accurate civil/structural construction documents from the information found on vendor equipment drawings.
- Knowledge and understanding of work flow/information flow between disciplines.
- Knowledge and understanding of schedule constraints and information requirements for the production of all civil/structural deliverables.
- Ability to accurately estimate completion of assigned tasks.
- Knowledge and application of company engineering design and CAD drafting standards.
- Working knowledge of CAD software, either AutoCAD, Microstation or both.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Good presentation and Virtual team skills.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
Hargrove Culture
We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
See all 75+ OPT Lead Designer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Lead Designer
Frame your portfolio around business outcomes
Hiring managers for lead roles want to see how your design decisions drove measurable results. Pair every case study with metrics like conversion lift, user retention, or revenue impact to position yourself above execution-focused candidates.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Lead Designer roles often involve onboarding ramp-up of 60 to 90 days. Make sure your remaining OPT authorization covers that period, and be transparent with employers about your timeline so they can plan for future sponsorship accordingly.
Target companies with existing design infrastructure
Startups without a dedicated design team often expect lead hires to build everything from scratch, which compresses your contribution window on OPT. Companies with established design systems let you demonstrate strategic impact faster within your authorization period.
Demonstrate cross-functional leadership in interviews
Lead Designer roles require influencing engineers, product managers, and stakeholders. Prepare specific examples of driving alignment across teams, managing design critique sessions, or advocating for user needs against competing business priorities during the interview process.
Confirm STEM OPT eligibility with your DSO early
Design roles under CIP codes like Human-Computer Interaction or Digital Communication may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Verifying this with your Designated School Official before accepting an offer protects you from unexpected authorization gaps.
Research each employer's history with visa sponsorship
Not all companies that hire on OPT will transition you to H-1B visa. Before committing to a role, ask recruiters directly about their sponsorship track record for design positions and whether they have an immigration attorney on retainer.
Lead Designer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lead Designer role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT?
Yes, Lead Designer roles typically qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as graphic design, interaction design, or human-computer interaction. The degree requirement must apply to the specific role, not just be preferred. If the job posting says any bachelor's degree is acceptable, that can weaken the specialty occupation argument and cause complications with future H-1B sponsorship.
Can I work as a Lead Designer on OPT if my degree is in a non-design field?
It depends on the field. A computer science or psychology degree can support a Lead Designer role if your coursework covered HCI, UX research, or visual systems. A degree in an unrelated field is harder to justify. Your DSO can advise on whether your specific degree and the job description align for OPT authorization purposes.
Where can I find Lead Designer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the best place to search, since the job board is specifically built for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored roles. Listings are filtered for employers open to work authorization, so you avoid wasting time on applications where sponsorship is a nonstarter. Browse Lead Designer roles on Migrate Mate to find employers already familiar with OPT hiring.
Does a Lead Designer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It can, but it depends on your degree's CIP code, not your job title. Degrees in Human-Computer Interaction (CIP 11.0801), Information Technology (CIP 11.0103), or certain engineering programs can support a STEM extension for a design role. Degrees in fine arts or communication design typically do not qualify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before assuming you're eligible.
What should I know about H-1B sponsorship timelines when taking a Lead Designer role on OPT?
The H-1B lottery opens in March for an October 1 start date. If you start a Lead Designer role mid-year on OPT, your employer needs to register you in the lottery within your first few months of employment. Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization, and a STEM extension can give you another 24 months if eligible, providing more runway if you miss a lottery cycle.