OPT Mechanical Designer Jobs
Mechanical Designer jobs on OPT are a strong fit for F-1 graduates in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, or product design. Most roles require CAD proficiency and qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization without H-1B visa sponsorship from day one.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout us:
At ENFRA, we blend a rich history with a forward-looking vision. With over 100 years of experience, we are a pillar of stability in the energy infrastructure industry and a leader in innovative energy solutions. Our commitment to leveraging emerging technologies ensures that we remain at the forefront of the Energy-as-a-Service sector.
We believe in growth—not just for our business, but for our people. Our team members have the opportunity to advance their careers in a supportive environment that values continuous learning and development. We embrace innovation and encourage creative problem solving to tackle the energy infrastructure and energy challenges of tomorrow.
Inclusion is at the heart of our culture. We strive to create a workplace where every voice is heard and valued, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives drive our success.
Join us to be part of a legacy of excellence and a future of groundbreaking advancements. At ENFRA, stability, innovation, and growth are more than just values—they are the pillars of our continued success.
Overview:
The Mechanical Designer II will design HVAC systems, components, or assemblies using engineering principles.
Responsibilities:
- Works closely with project managers to create unique high-level concepts and designs for all assigned projects.
- Works closely with the creative team to ensure the successful execution of goals of all assigned projects.
- Influences stylistic direction for projects.
- Delivers concepts and designs according to strict project deadlines.
- Contributes to all areas of the creative process and department.
- Performs work under direct supervision.
- Handles basic issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.
- May provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- 2-4 years' design experience
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and REVIT
- Strong technical skills
- Effective oral and written communications skills
- Vision and Creativity
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Planning skills
- Possesses beginning to working knowledge of the subject matter.
- Detail-oriented and willing to tackle various ongoing projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent multitasking skills, with the ability to perform duties outside of the scope of work when necessary.
Preferred Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- 5-10% of time will be spent traveling to job site(s)/office location.
PHYSICAL/WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Climbing stairs.
- Remaining in a stationary position, often kneeling, standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
- Quiet environment.
- Light work that includes adjusting and/or moving objects up to 20 pounds.
PAY RANGE:
- Pay Range: USD $27.92 - USD $37.29 /Hr.
ENFRA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, and participates in the e-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.
About us:
At ENFRA, we blend a rich history with a forward-looking vision. With over 100 years of experience, we are a pillar of stability in the energy infrastructure industry and a leader in innovative energy solutions. Our commitment to leveraging emerging technologies ensures that we remain at the forefront of the Energy-as-a-Service sector.
We believe in growth—not just for our business, but for our people. Our team members have the opportunity to advance their careers in a supportive environment that values continuous learning and development. We embrace innovation and encourage creative problem solving to tackle the energy infrastructure and energy challenges of tomorrow.
Inclusion is at the heart of our culture. We strive to create a workplace where every voice is heard and valued, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives drive our success.
Join us to be part of a legacy of excellence and a future of groundbreaking advancements. At ENFRA, stability, innovation, and growth are more than just values—they are the pillars of our continued success.
Overview:
The Mechanical Designer II will design HVAC systems, components, or assemblies using engineering principles.
Responsibilities:
- Works closely with project managers to create unique high-level concepts and designs for all assigned projects.
- Works closely with the creative team to ensure the successful execution of goals of all assigned projects.
- Influences stylistic direction for projects.
- Delivers concepts and designs according to strict project deadlines.
- Contributes to all areas of the creative process and department.
- Performs work under direct supervision.
- Handles basic issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.
- May provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- 2-4 years' design experience
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and REVIT
- Strong technical skills
- Effective oral and written communications skills
- Vision and Creativity
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Planning skills
- Possesses beginning to working knowledge of the subject matter.
- Detail-oriented and willing to tackle various ongoing projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent multitasking skills, with the ability to perform duties outside of the scope of work when necessary.
Preferred Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- 5-10% of time will be spent traveling to job site(s)/office location.
PHYSICAL/WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Climbing stairs.
- Remaining in a stationary position, often kneeling, standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
- Quiet environment.
- Light work that includes adjusting and/or moving objects up to 20 pounds.
PAY RANGE:
- Pay Range: USD $27.92 - USD $37.29 /Hr.
ENFRA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, and participates in the e-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.
See all 57+ OPT Mechanical Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mechanical Designer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mechanical Designer
Lead with your CAD software stack
Hiring managers for Mechanical Designer roles filter by software first. List SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or Creo prominently at the top of your resume, not buried in a skills section. Specificity here signals you can contribute from week one.
Target STEM OPT-eligible roles from the start
Mechanical Designer positions typically fall under CIP codes for mechanical engineering, which qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree field matches before applying so you're not surprised by a shorter authorization window mid-job search.
Prioritize employers already filing H-1B petitions
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas in mechanical engineering roles are far more likely to extend your status after OPT. Search OFLC disclosure data to verify whether a prospective employer has an active sponsorship track record before investing in an application.
Frame internship and co-op experience as production work
Many Mechanical Designers come from co-op programs. Translate that experience into output: parts designed, tolerances met, design reviews completed. Employers want confidence you've worked in a real product development environment, not just a classroom simulation.
Address OPT timing directly in outreach
When reaching out to hiring managers, state your OPT authorization period and STEM extension eligibility upfront. Removing ambiguity about your work authorization timeline reduces hesitation and positions you as organized and transparent, which matters for roles involving compliance-sensitive manufacturing work.
Build a portfolio of technical drawings and assemblies
A PDF portfolio showing GD&T drawings, assembly models, or tolerance stacks differentiates you from candidates who only list software skills. One or two documented projects demonstrating design intent and manufacturing awareness can move you past the resume screening stage faster.
Mechanical Designer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mechanical Designer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Mechanical Designer roles do qualify, provided your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related discipline. The extension gives you 24 additional months beyond your initial 12-month OPT period, for a total of 36 months. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, since the role itself must align with your specific degree field to qualify.
What CAD skills do employers most commonly require for Mechanical Designer OPT roles?
SolidWorks is the most frequently listed requirement across manufacturing, aerospace, and consumer product companies. AutoCAD remains common for 2D drafting-heavy environments. CATIA appears regularly in aerospace and automotive postings. Creo shows up at defense contractors and industrial manufacturers. Proficiency in at least one parametric modeling tool is effectively a baseline requirement, and fluency in GD&T is expected at most companies beyond entry level.
How do I find Mechanical Designer jobs that sponsor OPT and are open to visa sponsorship later?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers who have a track record of sponsoring work visas, so you're not applying blindly to companies that will decline once your OPT expires. Browsing Migrate Mate for Mechanical Designer openings surfaces roles where employers are already engaged with the H-1B or O-1 visa process, which is the practical filter that matters most for long-term stay in the U.S.
Can I work as a Mechanical Designer on OPT if my degree is in a related field like industrial engineering or materials science?
Yes, as long as the Mechanical Designer role is directly related to your degree field. OPT requires that the job be in a field that is related to your major. Industrial engineering and materials science can support a Mechanical Designer role, but the connection needs to be defensible if your DSO or employer's immigration counsel reviews it. Document the overlap between your coursework and the job description to be prepared.
What industries hire the most Mechanical Designers on OPT?
Aerospace and defense, automotive, medical devices, and industrial equipment manufacturing are the highest-volume sectors for Mechanical Designer roles. Companies like aerospace suppliers, tier-one auto suppliers, and contract manufacturers in those verticals tend to hire in volume and have established immigration infrastructure. Medical device companies in particular have strong demand and are often accustomed to sponsoring international engineers through OPT and into H-1B status.