Structural Designer Jobs for OPT Students
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 after your OPT period.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are looking for a skilled Structural Designer to join our manufacturing team in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In this role, you will create innovative and visually striking display structures that showcase our company’s creativity and capabilities. This position requires strong problem-solving skills, collaboration, and a keen eye for detail to deliver high-quality designs that meet client expectations.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and execute creative structural designs for displays that align with marketing objectives and brand image.
- Collaborate with teams across marketing, sales, and manufacturing to understand project requirements and deliver tailored design solutions.
- Utilize design software, including ArtiosCAD, to produce detailed renderings, prototypes, and mock-ups for client presentations.
- Prepare accurate technical specifications and assembly instructions to guide manufacturing and assembly teams.
- Conduct material assessments and feasibility studies to identify optimal materials and construction methods for each project.
- Coordinate with external vendors to source materials and components while ensuring quality and budget compliance.
- Provide guidance to the production team during the manufacturing process to ensure the precise execution of design specifications.
- Perform quality control checks on prototypes and finished products to verify alignment with design and functional requirements.
- Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including design files, specifications, and related correspondence.
- Research industry trends and integrate innovative practices into projects to enhance design quality.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 plus years of experience in structural design, preferably within the display design industry.
- Proficiency in ArtiosCAD and other design software for creating 2D and 3D designs.
- Strong knowledge of material properties and construction techniques relevant to display design.
- Excellent collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external vendors.
- Ability to develop detailed technical specifications and assembly guidelines.
- Experience conducting feasibility studies and material assessments for design projects.
- Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality designs.
- Familiarity with industry trends and a drive to incorporate innovative ideas into design solutions.
BENEFITS
Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
INTRODUCTION
We are looking for a skilled Structural Designer to join our manufacturing team in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In this role, you will create innovative and visually striking display structures that showcase our company’s creativity and capabilities. This position requires strong problem-solving skills, collaboration, and a keen eye for detail to deliver high-quality designs that meet client expectations.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and execute creative structural designs for displays that align with marketing objectives and brand image.
- Collaborate with teams across marketing, sales, and manufacturing to understand project requirements and deliver tailored design solutions.
- Utilize design software, including ArtiosCAD, to produce detailed renderings, prototypes, and mock-ups for client presentations.
- Prepare accurate technical specifications and assembly instructions to guide manufacturing and assembly teams.
- Conduct material assessments and feasibility studies to identify optimal materials and construction methods for each project.
- Coordinate with external vendors to source materials and components while ensuring quality and budget compliance.
- Provide guidance to the production team during the manufacturing process to ensure the precise execution of design specifications.
- Perform quality control checks on prototypes and finished products to verify alignment with design and functional requirements.
- Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including design files, specifications, and related correspondence.
- Research industry trends and integrate innovative practices into projects to enhance design quality.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 plus years of experience in structural design, preferably within the display design industry.
- Proficiency in ArtiosCAD and other design software for creating 2D and 3D designs.
- Strong knowledge of material properties and construction techniques relevant to display design.
- Excellent collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external vendors.
- Ability to develop detailed technical specifications and assembly guidelines.
- Experience conducting feasibility studies and material assessments for design projects.
- Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality designs.
- Familiarity with industry trends and a drive to incorporate innovative ideas into design solutions.
BENEFITS
Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
How to Get Visa 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.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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