OPT Structural Designer Jobs
Structural Designer jobs on OPT typically fall under civil or mechanical engineering roles, which are STEM-designated and qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most employers require proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or STAAD.Pro, and many will sponsor H-1B visa after your OPT period.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are designing the grid of the future! The Civil / Structural Designer is responsible for developing detailed civil and structural drawings for substations, transmission lines, BESS facilities, and other energy infrastructure projects. This role supports engineering teams by converting conceptual layouts, engineering calculations, markups, vendor information, and technical inputs into accurate, construction-ready drawing packages. The ideal candidate has strong experience in Civil 3D, site grading, drainage, earthwork modeling, and structural detailing of concrete foundations and steel components. The candidate should also be able to coordinate effectively with civil, structural, electrical, and geotechnical disciplines.
Responsibilities
How you can make an impact:
- Prepare coordinated civil and structural construction drawings for substations, transmission lines, BESS, and other energy infrastructure projects.
- Develop Civil 3D surfaces, grading plans, profiles, drainage systems, access roads, and cut/fill calculations.
- Prepare detailed structural drawings for concrete foundations and steel components, including reinforcement, anchor bolts, base plates, equipment supports, and connections.
- Develop foundation layouts for electrical equipment, transformers, control buildings, BESS units, transmission poles, and containment structures.
- Prepare stormwater drainage and erosion-control plans, including ditches, culverts, detention facilities, and discharge points.
- Interpret and incorporate engineering markups, calculations, surveys, geotechnical reports, vendor drawings, specifications, and project standards.
- Coordinate civil and structural designs with electrical, geotechnical, and other project disciplines to identify and resolve conflicts.
- Review shop drawings, fabrication drawings, and vendor submittals for consistency with the design documents.
- Support permitting submissions and the preparation of 30%, 60%, 90%, IFC, and as-built drawing packages.
- Maintain drawing quality, CAD standards, organized project files, and accurate revision tracking.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bring your passion, here's what’s needed:
- Diploma or degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Structural Engineering Technology, or a related field.
- Two to five years of relevant civil and structural design/drafting experience, preferably within substation and distribution projects.
- Strong proficiency in Civil 3D and AutoCAD including:
+ Surface modeling and grading
+ Alignments, profiles, and corridors
+ Pipe networks and drainage design
+ Earthwork and cut/fill calculations
+ Survey-point and topographic-data management
- Experience in site grading, drainage, stormwater management, erosion control, and access-road design.
- Ability to develop civil drawings using survey and topographic data, including point files, LiDAR, and USGS datasets.
- Experience preparing detailed structural drawings for buildings, transmission poles, substation gantries, equipment-support structures, and reinforced-concrete foundations, including footings, mats, drilled shafts, pile caps, slabs, and containment structures.
- Ability to prepare structural plans, sections, reinforcement and anchorage details, base plates, splices, and bolted or welded steel connections in accordance with concrete and steel detailing practices.
- Ability to prepare permit and construction drawing packages in accordance with drafting and quality-control standards.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with substation, transmission-line, BESS, renewable-energy, or industrial infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with structural design drawings governed by ACI, AISC, and applicable industry standards.
- Experience with Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or other 3D/BIM coordination tools.
- Familiarity with hydrology and hydraulic tools such as HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, HydroCAD, or similar software.
- Experience using Bluebeam for drawing review, markups, document comparison, and quantity takeoffs.
- Familiarity with structural analysis software such as RISA-3D, SAP2000, or similar programs is an asset.
- Familiarity with utility or owner-specific CAD standards and drawing-development procedures.
LEAD THE CHANGE!
Be a part of an innovative team shaping the grid of the future through advanced energy intelligence. For more than half a century, Electric Power Engineers (EPE) has partnered with power and energy clients across the globe, providing consulting expertise and energy intelligence software solutions for complex engineering and grid modeling challenges. As leaders in the renewables space, we are focused on building a modern, secure, and resilient grid. Join us in making an impact on the communities we serve and the environment in which we live. Together we can transform the future of energy.
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU:
- Comprehensive Health & Life Insurance: 100% premium coverage for employees, with partial coverage available for eligible dependents.
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge automation solutions for the power industry.
- Collaborate with a team of experts in software engineering, renewable energy, and grid technologies.
- Flexible hybrid work environment with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
LOCATION
This position will be remote based in Canada or United States.
TRAVEL
Occasional travel may be needed (10% or less).
EPE is an equal opportunity/AA/Disability/Veteran employer. The EEO is the Law poster, and its supplement are available using the following links: EEOC is the Law Poster.
THIRD-PARTY RECRUITING NOTIFICATION
EPE does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Any unsolicited third-party resumes forwarded by recruiters to EPE via our career page or to any of our managers or employees will be considered public information, may be treated as a direct application from the person identified in the resume, and will not be eligible for placement fee payment to the agency. EPE will not pay a fee to a third-party recruiter or agency without a previously signed third-party agreement and has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of the Talent Acquisition team.
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INTRODUCTION
We are designing the grid of the future! The Civil / Structural Designer is responsible for developing detailed civil and structural drawings for substations, transmission lines, BESS facilities, and other energy infrastructure projects. This role supports engineering teams by converting conceptual layouts, engineering calculations, markups, vendor information, and technical inputs into accurate, construction-ready drawing packages. The ideal candidate has strong experience in Civil 3D, site grading, drainage, earthwork modeling, and structural detailing of concrete foundations and steel components. The candidate should also be able to coordinate effectively with civil, structural, electrical, and geotechnical disciplines.
Responsibilities
How you can make an impact:
- Prepare coordinated civil and structural construction drawings for substations, transmission lines, BESS, and other energy infrastructure projects.
- Develop Civil 3D surfaces, grading plans, profiles, drainage systems, access roads, and cut/fill calculations.
- Prepare detailed structural drawings for concrete foundations and steel components, including reinforcement, anchor bolts, base plates, equipment supports, and connections.
- Develop foundation layouts for electrical equipment, transformers, control buildings, BESS units, transmission poles, and containment structures.
- Prepare stormwater drainage and erosion-control plans, including ditches, culverts, detention facilities, and discharge points.
- Interpret and incorporate engineering markups, calculations, surveys, geotechnical reports, vendor drawings, specifications, and project standards.
- Coordinate civil and structural designs with electrical, geotechnical, and other project disciplines to identify and resolve conflicts.
- Review shop drawings, fabrication drawings, and vendor submittals for consistency with the design documents.
- Support permitting submissions and the preparation of 30%, 60%, 90%, IFC, and as-built drawing packages.
- Maintain drawing quality, CAD standards, organized project files, and accurate revision tracking.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bring your passion, here's what’s needed:
- Diploma or degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Structural Engineering Technology, or a related field.
- Two to five years of relevant civil and structural design/drafting experience, preferably within substation and distribution projects.
- Strong proficiency in Civil 3D and AutoCAD including:
+ Surface modeling and grading
+ Alignments, profiles, and corridors
+ Pipe networks and drainage design
+ Earthwork and cut/fill calculations
+ Survey-point and topographic-data management
- Experience in site grading, drainage, stormwater management, erosion control, and access-road design.
- Ability to develop civil drawings using survey and topographic data, including point files, LiDAR, and USGS datasets.
- Experience preparing detailed structural drawings for buildings, transmission poles, substation gantries, equipment-support structures, and reinforced-concrete foundations, including footings, mats, drilled shafts, pile caps, slabs, and containment structures.
- Ability to prepare structural plans, sections, reinforcement and anchorage details, base plates, splices, and bolted or welded steel connections in accordance with concrete and steel detailing practices.
- Ability to prepare permit and construction drawing packages in accordance with drafting and quality-control standards.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with substation, transmission-line, BESS, renewable-energy, or industrial infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with structural design drawings governed by ACI, AISC, and applicable industry standards.
- Experience with Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or other 3D/BIM coordination tools.
- Familiarity with hydrology and hydraulic tools such as HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, HydroCAD, or similar software.
- Experience using Bluebeam for drawing review, markups, document comparison, and quantity takeoffs.
- Familiarity with structural analysis software such as RISA-3D, SAP2000, or similar programs is an asset.
- Familiarity with utility or owner-specific CAD standards and drawing-development procedures.
LEAD THE CHANGE!
Be a part of an innovative team shaping the grid of the future through advanced energy intelligence. For more than half a century, Electric Power Engineers (EPE) has partnered with power and energy clients across the globe, providing consulting expertise and energy intelligence software solutions for complex engineering and grid modeling challenges. As leaders in the renewables space, we are focused on building a modern, secure, and resilient grid. Join us in making an impact on the communities we serve and the environment in which we live. Together we can transform the future of energy.
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU:
- Comprehensive Health & Life Insurance: 100% premium coverage for employees, with partial coverage available for eligible dependents.
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge automation solutions for the power industry.
- Collaborate with a team of experts in software engineering, renewable energy, and grid technologies.
- Flexible hybrid work environment with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
LOCATION
This position will be remote based in Canada or United States.
TRAVEL
Occasional travel may be needed (10% or less).
EPE is an equal opportunity/AA/Disability/Veteran employer. The EEO is the Law poster, and its supplement are available using the following links: EEOC is the Law Poster.
THIRD-PARTY RECRUITING NOTIFICATION
EPE does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Any unsolicited third-party resumes forwarded by recruiters to EPE via our career page or to any of our managers or employees will be considered public information, may be treated as a direct application from the person identified in the resume, and will not be eligible for placement fee payment to the agency. EPE will not pay a fee to a third-party recruiter or agency without a previously signed third-party agreement and has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of the Talent Acquisition team.
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See all 32+ OPT Structural Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Structural Designer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Structural Designer
Highlight Your STEM OPT Eligibility Upfront
Structural design roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension under CIP codes for civil or mechanical engineering. Mentioning your STEM eligibility in your resume and cover letter reduces employer hesitation about your work authorization timeline.
Lead With Software Proficiency
Employers sponsoring OPT structural designers prioritize technical skills. List AutoCAD, Revit, STAAD.Pro, SAP2000, and any BIM experience prominently. These tools are hiring signals that justify sponsorship investment for engineering and architecture firms.
Target Engineering Consulting and Infrastructure Firms
Large civil and structural engineering firms sponsor OPT students with more consistency than boutique practices. Focus your search on companies with active federal or infrastructure contracts, which tend to have established visa sponsorship processes and dedicated HR teams.
Frame Your OPT Period as Low-Risk for Employers
With STEM OPT, you can work legally for up to three years before H-1B visa is needed. Communicating this timeline clearly in interviews removes the urgency employers fear and positions sponsorship as a future step, not an immediate burden.
Get Licensed or Start the Process Early
The EIT or Engineer-in-Training credential signals commitment to a U.S. engineering career. Employers sponsoring structural designers want long-term hires, and starting your PE licensure path during OPT demonstrates exactly that kind of investment in your professional trajectory.
Negotiate the E-Verify Requirement Before Accepting Offers
OPT STEM extension requires your employer to be E-Verify enrolled. Confirm this before your final interview round, not after receiving an offer. Most large engineering firms already participate, but smaller firms or subcontractors may need time to enroll.
Structural Designer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Structural Designer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Structural Designer positions typically fall under civil or mechanical engineering degree programs, both of which carry STEM-designated CIP codes. That qualifies you for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total OPT work authorization. Your degree must be from a U.S. accredited institution and listed as STEM by your DSO.
Do employers in structural design commonly sponsor OPT students?
Large civil and structural engineering firms, particularly those working on public infrastructure or government contracts, sponsor OPT students with reasonable frequency. Smaller residential or boutique firms are less consistent. Migrate Mate filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, so you can focus your search on employers who have actively hired OPT and visa-sponsored candidates.
What is the E-Verify requirement for STEM OPT in a structural design role?
To extend your OPT from 12 to 36 months under the STEM extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. This is a federal employment eligibility verification system. Most engineering firms with federal contracts are already enrolled, but you should confirm enrollment before accepting an offer. Your DSO also needs to approve the STEM extension before your initial OPT expires.
Can I work on a structural design project basis during OPT, or does it need to be full-time employment?
OPT requires that your work authorization is used for employment directly related to your degree. Full-time employment is standard and easiest to document. Project-based or contract work can qualify, but you must be able to demonstrate at least 20 hours per week of work related to your field. Independent contracting arrangements require careful documentation and DSO guidance to avoid jeopardizing your status.
What happens to my OPT status if my structural design employer is acquired or restructured?
If your employer is acquired, merged, or significantly restructured, you need to report the change to your DSO within 10 days. Your OPT authorization is tied to your job being in a field related to your degree, not to a specific employer, but your employer of record must still be E-Verify enrolled for STEM OPT. Confirm the acquiring company's E-Verify status and update your SEVP portal accordingly.