STEM OPT CAD Engineer Jobs
CAD Engineer roles in manufacturing, aerospace, and civil infrastructure are strong fits for STEM OPT students with degrees in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or related fields. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, and every employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you legally on this authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We're seeking a CAD Engineer to join our team and develop full-stack web applications that power the Signoff infrastructure across all Apple SOC design groups within the Hardware Tech group. Signoff is the critical final verification stage in chip design where designs are validated against manufacturing, timing, and power criteria before tapeout. This role focuses on building and enhancing Signoff dashboards, CAD flow metrics collection, and data visualization tools that design and CAD teams rely on daily. You'll also participate in the development of our Signoff AI assistant and integrate modern AI/RAG capabilities into our platform.
DESCRIPTION
The Signoff Infrastructure developer will help develop, support, and enhance the Signoff dashboards, CAD flow metrics collection, and visualization tools used for Signoff by all Apple SOC design groups. We are looking for a passionate, self-driven software engineer eager to learn and grow while working on complex software, a team player who pays a high level of attention to detail and strives for software quality. The role requires providing Signoff infrastructure support and interfacing with the design and CAD teams to develop high-impact web applications to improve our Signoff process. You'll work across the full stack using Python and JavaScript/TypeScript, help build and maintain backend services and APIs, develop interactive frontend dashboards, and work with SQL databases. You'll be supported by experienced engineers who will help you ramp up and grow your skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with Python or JavaScript/TypeScript
- Coursework or projects using web development frameworks and libraries (Angular, React, or Express.js)
- Familiarity with SQL and relational databases
- Exposure to software engineering best practices including version control, testing, and CI/CD
- BS in Computer Science or related field
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Coursework or projects in web development or databases
- Interest in chip design, VLSI, or CAD tools
- Interest in AI/ML technologies
- Personal projects or internships involving full-stack development
- Familiarity with Linux/Unix environments
PAY & BENEFITS
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $126,800 and $190,900, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
INTRODUCTION
We're seeking a CAD Engineer to join our team and develop full-stack web applications that power the Signoff infrastructure across all Apple SOC design groups within the Hardware Tech group. Signoff is the critical final verification stage in chip design where designs are validated against manufacturing, timing, and power criteria before tapeout. This role focuses on building and enhancing Signoff dashboards, CAD flow metrics collection, and data visualization tools that design and CAD teams rely on daily. You'll also participate in the development of our Signoff AI assistant and integrate modern AI/RAG capabilities into our platform.
DESCRIPTION
The Signoff Infrastructure developer will help develop, support, and enhance the Signoff dashboards, CAD flow metrics collection, and visualization tools used for Signoff by all Apple SOC design groups. We are looking for a passionate, self-driven software engineer eager to learn and grow while working on complex software, a team player who pays a high level of attention to detail and strives for software quality. The role requires providing Signoff infrastructure support and interfacing with the design and CAD teams to develop high-impact web applications to improve our Signoff process. You'll work across the full stack using Python and JavaScript/TypeScript, help build and maintain backend services and APIs, develop interactive frontend dashboards, and work with SQL databases. You'll be supported by experienced engineers who will help you ramp up and grow your skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with Python or JavaScript/TypeScript
- Coursework or projects using web development frameworks and libraries (Angular, React, or Express.js)
- Familiarity with SQL and relational databases
- Exposure to software engineering best practices including version control, testing, and CI/CD
- BS in Computer Science or related field
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Coursework or projects in web development or databases
- Interest in chip design, VLSI, or CAD tools
- Interest in AI/ML technologies
- Personal projects or internships involving full-stack development
- Familiarity with Linux/Unix environments
PAY & BENEFITS
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $126,800 and $190,900, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
See all 107+ STEM OPT CAD Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a CAD Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code appearing on the Department of Homeland Security STEM Designated Degree Program list. Mechanical, civil, and industrial engineering codes qualify, but confirm with your DSO before targeting roles.
Filter job postings by E-Verify enrollment
Only E-Verify-enrolled employers can legally hire you on STEM OPT. Check a company's enrollment status directly through the E-Verify employer search before investing time in an application or interview process.
Align your I-983 training plan with core CAD duties
Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your CAD work, such as proficiency in SolidWorks or AutoCAD and exposure to GD&T standards. Vague plans get rejected, so draft measurable goals with your manager before your DSO submits it.
Research prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for your CAD Engineer role by SOC code and location. Employers filing an LCA for future H-1B visa sponsorship must pay at least the Level I wage, so knowing that floor strengthens your negotiation.
Target industries with high CAD demand and sponsorship history
Aerospace, automotive, and civil infrastructure firms routinely sponsor STEM OPT students in CAD roles and have existing E-Verify infrastructure. Use Migrate Mate to filter CAD Engineer openings by employers with active STEM OPT and H-1B filing history.
Confirm cap-gap coverage timing with your employer
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Notify HR immediately after lottery selection so they don't pause your employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a mechanical or civil engineering degree qualify me for STEM OPT as a CAD Engineer?
Yes, if your degree's CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list. Mechanical engineering (CIP 14.19), civil engineering (CIP 14.08), and industrial engineering (CIP 14.35) all qualify. Your DSO verifies the match between your specific degree and the list before recommending the extension on your I-20. Check the O*NET profile for CAD Engineer to confirm the role aligns with your field of study.
What does my employer need to do before I can start working on STEM OPT?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students before your STEM OPT extension begins. The I-983 outlines your learning objectives, supervision structure, and how the role relates to your STEM degree. USCIS requires both conditions to be met, and your DSO will not recommend the extension without a completed, employer-signed I-983.
How do I find CAD Engineer jobs where the employer is already enrolled in E-Verify?
Search on Migrate Mate, which filters CAD Engineer openings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT hiring history. You can also check employer enrollment status directly through the E-Verify employer search tool before applying. Prioritizing enrolled employers upfront saves time and avoids situations where an offer falls through because the company can't legally hire you on STEM OPT.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a CAD Engineer role?
The I-983 must document specific, measurable learning goals tied directly to your CAD work and your STEM degree field. For a CAD Engineer, this typically includes proficiency milestones in software platforms like SolidWorks or AutoCAD, exposure to design standards such as GD&T, and participation in project cycles from concept through manufacturing. Generic descriptions of duties don't satisfy USCIS requirements, and your DSO may return the form for revision if goals aren't concrete.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my employer files an H-1B petition on my behalf?
If your employer submits a timely H-1B petition before your OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year, even if your EAD has already expired. You can continue working in your CAD Engineer role during cap-gap without interruption. Notify your HR and DSO immediately after lottery selection so your employment record stays accurate and continuous.