STEM OPT CAD Designer Jobs
CAD Designer roles in engineering, manufacturing, and architecture regularly qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension, provided your degree falls under an eligible CIP code and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. A signed I-983 training plan connects your design work directly to your STEM field of study.
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Job Appointment: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 am-5 pm. An alternate schedule may be available.
Work Location: 1120 SW 5TH AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97204
Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of the benefits for this position.
Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to attach a resume and cover letter.
This position will supervise the CAD section within the Civil Engineering and Drafting (CED) Division of the Engineering Services Group. This position will provide supervision, organization, planning, coordination, direction, and training to all CAD technicians, as well as CAD support for all capital projects within PBOT that are designed by division staff engineers. This position has 6 CAD Technicians who report directly to them and reports to the CED Division Manager.
About PBOT:
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides people and businesses access and mobility. PBOT envisions transportation facilities that are designed and managed to improve walking, biking and driving, and Portland stands as a national leader in innovative transportation solutions.
About Civil Engineering Drafting (CED) Division:
The CED Division delivers engineering design for multimodal capital projects—such as arterial and neighborhood street reconstruction, traffic safety enhancements, and pedestrian/bicycle facilities. Success in this section requires strong communication, technical curiosity, and the ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
What you’ll get to do:
- Lead, supervise, and provide assistance to the CAD Section; create a positive and supportive work environment; enforce workplace safety; promote an equitable workplace that demonstrates an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society.
- Create standard practices, policies, and procedures for day-to-day operations of the unit, programs, projects, or tasks; establish goals and direction and communicate expectations to staff.
- Assist in the planning, development, implementation, and administration of CAD Section and Bureau/Office programs and projects.
- Develop and monitor unit performance and identify opportunities for improvement; oversee development of new tasks and responsibilities for programs and projects.
- Ensure that critical unit functions are completed, and tasks and duties assigned to staff are achieved within schedule and budget, or progressing as scheduled.
- Assist in the development and administration of the unit’s budget, including cost analysis of programs, projects, and staff.
An Ideal Candidate will have:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a technical field related to the organizational unit, or professional certification in a field related to the unit.
- At least two (2) years of experience performing work similar to that of subordinate staff. Experience working for a public agency.
Who you are:
- Experienced Leader: An experienced leader with a commitment to your position as well as your team/employees. Being an ethical, fair, and supportive leader is important to you along with embracing the City of Portland's Core Values of anti-racism, communication, collaboration, equity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
- Excellent Communicator: Strong communication skills, including written, in-person, virtual, and group settings to both technical and non-technical individuals.
- Relationship Builder: Values building trust, partnerships, and relationships to support a team-oriented culture and accomplish objectives with others effectively.
- Technically Strong: Has strong technical skills and subject matter expertise in computer aided drafting as well as relevant drafting software and can provide technical guidance to staff.
- Professional: Is effective in a professional, diverse, multi-cultural environment. Treats customers, coworkers and employees with respect and is accountable.
- Results Driven: Can take charge, bring focus, and finish tasks in a timely, accurate and professional manner in a high paced and dynamic work environment.
- Organized: Able to work on a multitude of tasks and understand/respond to various situations in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
- Dedicated: Has a passion for public service and holds a high level of pride in making sure that projects, tasks, and emergencies are effectively and efficiently completed.
To Qualify
Applicants should specifically address and demonstrate in their cover letter and résumé how their education, training, and/or experience meet each of the following minimum qualifications:
-
Knowledge of relevant statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures that pertain to the CAD Section, along with the ability to interpret and apply them.
-
Ability to supervise and direct a diverse staff of non-technical and technical personnel.
-
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, staff, and others encountered in the course of work.
-
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; present information, reports, and recommendations clearly and persuasively.
-
Ability to supervise a multicultural workforce, promote an equitable workplace environment, and apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex City services.
Applicant must also possess:
A valid state driver’s license.
The Recruitment Process
STEP 1: Apply online between October 19, 2026, and November 2, 2026
Required Application Materials:
- Cover letter.
- Details are key! The city uses a merit-based system, so your cover letter should be thorough and specifically address each qualification listed in the "To Qualify" section of the job announcement. Your cover letter can exceed one page to ensure you can provide detailed information for every qualification. Follow the instructions, as a subject matter expert will be evaluating your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.
- Resume
- Answer to Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)
Optional Application Materials:
- Veteran’s Preference documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) must be submitted by the closing date.
- Update: As of March 3, 2025, if you have already submitted veteran documents and qualified for preference, you do not need to resubmit them for future recruitments.
- To update or remove veteran preference for this recruitment or from your profile, contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.
Application Tips: Your cover letter can exceed one page but no more than three, to ensure you can provide detailed information for every qualification. A subject matter expert will evaluate your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.
- Your résumé should support the details described in your cover letter.
- How We Determine Pay: The City of Portland is covered by the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position for which you are applying. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid, regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all your relevant experience.
- E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
- Do not attach any additional documents.
- Please note that all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.
- You can use AI tools to assist with your job application, but please make sure to personalize your responses to supplemental questions. Avoid copying and pasting. We encourage the use of AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills.
- All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process.
BOLI: Equal Pay for Workers: State of Oregon
Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics.
Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: week of November 2, 2026
- An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their resume and cover letter, is weighted 100%.
- Your resume and cover letter will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
- You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
- Additional evaluation may be required before the establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.
Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List: week of November 9, 2026
- Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.
Step 4: Selection (Interview): TBD
- The hiring bureau will review and select candidates to interview.
Step 5: Offer of Employment: TBD
Step 6: Start Date: TBD
- A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.
Timeline is approximate and subject to change
Additional Information
Click here for additional information regarding the following:
- City of Portland Core Values
- Recruitment Process - Work Status
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Veteran Preference
- ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations
Did you know? The City of Portland has How to Apply Videos and offers How to Apply Classes once per month. If you have questions after watching the videos you are invited to contact the recruiter listed on the announcement.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
The Position
Job Appointment: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 am-5 pm. An alternate schedule may be available.
Work Location: 1120 SW 5TH AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97204
Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of the benefits for this position.
Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to attach a resume and cover letter.
This position will supervise the CAD section within the Civil Engineering and Drafting (CED) Division of the Engineering Services Group. This position will provide supervision, organization, planning, coordination, direction, and training to all CAD technicians, as well as CAD support for all capital projects within PBOT that are designed by division staff engineers. This position has 6 CAD Technicians who report directly to them and reports to the CED Division Manager.
About PBOT:
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides people and businesses access and mobility. PBOT envisions transportation facilities that are designed and managed to improve walking, biking and driving, and Portland stands as a national leader in innovative transportation solutions.
About Civil Engineering Drafting (CED) Division:
The CED Division delivers engineering design for multimodal capital projects—such as arterial and neighborhood street reconstruction, traffic safety enhancements, and pedestrian/bicycle facilities. Success in this section requires strong communication, technical curiosity, and the ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
What you’ll get to do:
- Lead, supervise, and provide assistance to the CAD Section; create a positive and supportive work environment; enforce workplace safety; promote an equitable workplace that demonstrates an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society.
- Create standard practices, policies, and procedures for day-to-day operations of the unit, programs, projects, or tasks; establish goals and direction and communicate expectations to staff.
- Assist in the planning, development, implementation, and administration of CAD Section and Bureau/Office programs and projects.
- Develop and monitor unit performance and identify opportunities for improvement; oversee development of new tasks and responsibilities for programs and projects.
- Ensure that critical unit functions are completed, and tasks and duties assigned to staff are achieved within schedule and budget, or progressing as scheduled.
- Assist in the development and administration of the unit’s budget, including cost analysis of programs, projects, and staff.
An Ideal Candidate will have:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a technical field related to the organizational unit, or professional certification in a field related to the unit.
- At least two (2) years of experience performing work similar to that of subordinate staff. Experience working for a public agency.
Who you are:
- Experienced Leader: An experienced leader with a commitment to your position as well as your team/employees. Being an ethical, fair, and supportive leader is important to you along with embracing the City of Portland's Core Values of anti-racism, communication, collaboration, equity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
- Excellent Communicator: Strong communication skills, including written, in-person, virtual, and group settings to both technical and non-technical individuals.
- Relationship Builder: Values building trust, partnerships, and relationships to support a team-oriented culture and accomplish objectives with others effectively.
- Technically Strong: Has strong technical skills and subject matter expertise in computer aided drafting as well as relevant drafting software and can provide technical guidance to staff.
- Professional: Is effective in a professional, diverse, multi-cultural environment. Treats customers, coworkers and employees with respect and is accountable.
- Results Driven: Can take charge, bring focus, and finish tasks in a timely, accurate and professional manner in a high paced and dynamic work environment.
- Organized: Able to work on a multitude of tasks and understand/respond to various situations in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
- Dedicated: Has a passion for public service and holds a high level of pride in making sure that projects, tasks, and emergencies are effectively and efficiently completed.
To Qualify
Applicants should specifically address and demonstrate in their cover letter and résumé how their education, training, and/or experience meet each of the following minimum qualifications:
-
Knowledge of relevant statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures that pertain to the CAD Section, along with the ability to interpret and apply them.
-
Ability to supervise and direct a diverse staff of non-technical and technical personnel.
-
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, staff, and others encountered in the course of work.
-
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; present information, reports, and recommendations clearly and persuasively.
-
Ability to supervise a multicultural workforce, promote an equitable workplace environment, and apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex City services.
Applicant must also possess:
A valid state driver’s license.
The Recruitment Process
STEP 1: Apply online between October 19, 2026, and November 2, 2026
Required Application Materials:
- Cover letter.
- Details are key! The city uses a merit-based system, so your cover letter should be thorough and specifically address each qualification listed in the "To Qualify" section of the job announcement. Your cover letter can exceed one page to ensure you can provide detailed information for every qualification. Follow the instructions, as a subject matter expert will be evaluating your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.
- Resume
- Answer to Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)
Optional Application Materials:
- Veteran’s Preference documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) must be submitted by the closing date.
- Update: As of March 3, 2025, if you have already submitted veteran documents and qualified for preference, you do not need to resubmit them for future recruitments.
- To update or remove veteran preference for this recruitment or from your profile, contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.
Application Tips: Your cover letter can exceed one page but no more than three, to ensure you can provide detailed information for every qualification. A subject matter expert will evaluate your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.
- Your résumé should support the details described in your cover letter.
- How We Determine Pay: The City of Portland is covered by the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position for which you are applying. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid, regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all your relevant experience.
- E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
- Do not attach any additional documents.
- Please note that all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.
- You can use AI tools to assist with your job application, but please make sure to personalize your responses to supplemental questions. Avoid copying and pasting. We encourage the use of AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills.
- All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process.
BOLI: Equal Pay for Workers: State of Oregon
Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics.
Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: week of November 2, 2026
- An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their resume and cover letter, is weighted 100%.
- Your resume and cover letter will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
- You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
- Additional evaluation may be required before the establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.
Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List: week of November 9, 2026
- Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.
Step 4: Selection (Interview): TBD
- The hiring bureau will review and select candidates to interview.
Step 5: Offer of Employment: TBD
Step 6: Start Date: TBD
- A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.
Timeline is approximate and subject to change
Additional Information
Click here for additional information regarding the following:
- City of Portland Core Values
- Recruitment Process - Work Status
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Veteran Preference
- ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations
Did you know? The City of Portland has How to Apply Videos and offers How to Apply Classes once per month. If you have questions after watching the videos you are invited to contact the recruiter listed on the announcement.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
See all STEM OPT CAD Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT CAD Designer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a CAD Designer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Mechanical engineering, industrial design, and computer science degrees commonly support CAD Designer roles, but architecture degrees sometimes require closer review.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers to confirm their E-Verify company ID before you sign anything. Employers must be actively enrolled, not just registered, so request a screenshot of their E-Verify participation status if there's any uncertainty.
Build an I-983 training plan around design deliverables
Your training plan must map specific CAD tasks, such as parametric modeling or tolerance analysis, to learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. Vague plans get rejected by your DSO, so align each objective to a named engineering or design competency.
Target employers with active engineering LCA filings
Search Migrate Mate to filter CAD Designer openings by employers whose DOL Labor Condition Application filing history confirms they've sponsored STEM roles before. Prior LCA filings in engineering occupation codes signal familiarity with OPT and E-Verify obligations.
Use O*NET to justify your role's STEM connection
Pull the O*NET occupation profile for CAD Designer or Mechanical Drafter and reference its listed STEM knowledge domains in your I-983. This documentation strengthens your DSO's approval and preempts any employer skepticism about whether the role qualifies.
Time your OPT start date around project cycles
USCIS allows you to choose your OPT start date within a defined window after graduation. Aligning that date with your employer's onboarding schedule, rather than the earliest possible date, reduces gaps and gives you more of your 36-month authorization during active employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a CAD Designer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not just the job title. CAD Designer positions typically qualify when the employer can document that the role requires and applies knowledge from your STEM degree, such as mechanical engineering or computer science. Your I-983 training plan must establish that direct connection. Roles at companies primarily using CAD for non-engineering drafting, such as interior decoration, are harder to justify without a relevant degree match.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a CAD Designer?
Your I-983 must identify specific learning objectives tied to your STEM field, not generic job duties. For a CAD Designer, that means naming technical competencies like finite element analysis, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, or parametric modeling, and linking each to your degree's curriculum. Both you and your employer supervisor must sign it, and your DSO must approve it before your STEM OPT extension begins. USCIS can audit these plans, so vague descriptions of 'using software' are insufficient.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask your employer directly for their E-Verify company ID number, which confirms active enrollment rather than just past registration. E-Verify enrollment is mandatory for all STEM OPT employers, and your DSO will verify this before approving your extension. If an employer hesitates to provide the ID, that's a signal to clarify before accepting an offer, since working for a non-enrolled employer violates your STEM OPT terms.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B is selected in the lottery?
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf and it's selected in the lottery with an October 1 start date, cap-gap protection automatically extends your STEM OPT work authorization through September 30 if your OPT EAD would otherwise expire before then. You can continue working as a CAD Designer during this period without a new EAD. USCIS issues updated I-20 documentation reflecting cap-gap status, which you should carry with your existing EAD.
Where can I find CAD Designer jobs with employers already familiar with STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists CAD Designer openings filtered by employers with documented E-Verify enrollment and engineering LCA filing history, so you're not guessing whether a company has sponsored STEM roles before. Targeting employers with prior filings in relevant occupation codes reduces the friction of explaining STEM OPT requirements from scratch and shortens the time between offer and your I-983 approval.