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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Overview

Open Jobs361+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type91% On-site
Median Salary$88K
Top LocationAustin, TX
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 361+ CAD Engineer jobs

UVEye
CAD Engineer
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UVEye
Added 2d ago
CAD Engineer
UVEye
Denver, Colorado
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Drafting & CAD
$60,000/yr - $80,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Associate's
51-200

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Apple
CAD Engineer
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Apple
Added 5d ago
CAD Engineer
Apple
Austin, Texas
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Backend Engineering
$126,800/yr - $190,900/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Bass Pro Shops
CAD Engineer
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Bass Pro Shops
Added 1w ago
CAD Engineer
Bass Pro Shops
Springfield, Missouri
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Drafting & CAD
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Associate's
10,000+

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Astera Labs
Physical Design / CAD Engineer
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Astera Labs
Added 1mo ago
Physical Design / CAD Engineer
Astera Labs
San Jose, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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CDS Visual
Lead CAD Engineer
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CDS Visual
Added 2mo ago
Lead CAD Engineer
CDS Visual
Downers Grove, Illinois
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Drafting & CAD
$123,635/yr - $135,000/yr
Remote (US)
3+ yrs exp.
Master's

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Tips 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 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.

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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.

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