OPT Structural Drafter Jobs
Structural Drafter jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in civil engineering, architecture, or engineering technology. Most roles use AutoCAD or Revit daily, so your technical coursework translates directly. STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to three years of authorized work experience in this field.
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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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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Structural Drafter
Lead with your CAD and BIM software proficiency
Structural Drafter roles are highly technical. List every software you know, including AutoCAD, Revit, and MicroStation. Employers hiring for these roles often screen by tool, so specificity on your resume increases your chances of passing the initial filter.
Target firms that regularly hire for technical drafting roles
Structural engineering firms, MEP consultancies, and large construction companies tend to have established processes for work authorization. These employers hire drafters repeatedly and are more comfortable navigating OPT paperwork than smaller one-off operations.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT before applying
Civil engineering, architectural engineering, and engineering technology degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your program CIP code with your DSO early so you can confidently tell employers you have up to three years of OPT authorization.
Apply before your OPT start date to avoid timeline gaps
Many employers need several weeks to process onboarding and verify employment authorization. Applying two to three months before your OPT begins gives hiring managers enough runway to complete the process without your start date creating a logistical problem for them.
Highlight project experience that matches the employer's sector
Structural drafters work across commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Tailor your resume to reflect the employer's sector. A firm specializing in bridge design responds differently to a resume showing highway project experience versus residential construction work.
Address OPT authorization directly and early in outreach
When reaching out to hiring managers or recruiters, briefly state your OPT status and authorized period upfront. Removing ambiguity early prevents employers from self-selecting out before they evaluate your actual qualifications for the Structural Drafter role.
Structural Drafter OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Structural Drafters in the United States?
Yes. Structural Drafter work is directly related to civil engineering, architectural engineering, and engineering technology degrees, which are the fields OPT is designed to authorize. Your employment must be in a role that relates to your degree field, and drafting within a structural engineering context satisfies that requirement under standard OPT guidelines.
Does a Structural Drafter role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in civil engineering, architectural engineering, or a related STEM field with a qualifying CIP code, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your Designated School Official before committing to an employer timeline.
How do I find Structural Drafter employers that are open to sponsoring OPT?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by visa sponsorship willingness. Structural drafting roles posted there are from employers already open to hiring international students. This saves you from applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company won't work with OPT authorization.
What should I do if an employer says they don't sponsor visas when I mention OPT?
Clarify that OPT does not require the employer to sponsor a visa. You already have work authorization through your F-1 status. The employer's only obligation is to verify your Employment Authorization Document and report your employment to your DSO within the E-Verify system if they are an E-Verify participant. Many employer objections dissolve once this distinction is explained.
Does a Structural Drafter job need to be full-time to count toward OPT authorization?
Standard OPT requires at least 20 hours of work per week to maintain valid F-1 status. Most Structural Drafter positions are full-time, which satisfies this requirement comfortably. Part-time roles do count if they meet the 20-hour minimum, but extended periods of unemployment or underemployment can jeopardize your OPT status and future visa eligibility.