STEM OPT CAD Technician Jobs
CAD Technician roles in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing are a strong fit for F-1 students with STEM degrees in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or a related field. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you under this authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.
Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.
Our EDA and Design Enablement team sits at the heart of Micron’s memory development. We build and support the tools and flows that enable world-class CMOS design at scale. We work closely with design, layout, and process teams, and we thrive on solving hard technical problems that directly impact product success.
As a CAD Engineer, you will play a critical role in keeping our AI enabled design ecosystem running efficiently and reliably. You’ll develop, improve, and support both in-house and commercial EDA tools while partnering closely with engineers across the design flow. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys debugging, innovating, and enabling others to do their best work.
Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and support AI assisted CAD software, EDA tools, flows, and methodologies for CMOS design and verification
- Debug, evaluate, and support in-house and commercial AI enabled EDA solutions in a production environment
- Develop P-cells, scripts, and automation for physical design, verification, optimization, and tapeout
- Collaborate closely with design, PI, and process teams to solve workflow and tool challenges, and to implement scalable layout methodologies aligned with PDK requirements
- Document processes and provide training and support for end users
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- 2+ years of experience in CAD, VLSI, or a related semiconductor engineering role
- Experience programming in SKILL/Skill++, Python, and/or Perl
- Experience with PDK development and/or validation and familiarity with Cadence EDA tools and flows
- Experience with Linux/Unix environments, shell scripting, databases, and version control
- Effective communication skills in a collaborative engineering environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Understanding of CMOS process fundamentals and layout design rules
- Understanding of photo/metrology marks and layout design
- Prior work supporting or developing AI enabled EDA design tools, flows, and methodologies
- Experience supporting automation for physical design, verification, or tapeout flows
As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.
Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers
For US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Micron’s People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3)
Micron Prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.
Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.
AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.
Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.
Micron Foundation
Strong communities and education are vital to the success of both society and innovative companies. Every Micron site understands the complex needs of their local community. Whether it’s through strategic giving, sponsorships or deploying team member volunteers, we are making a difference.
Sustainability
Micron is committed to sustainable practices and supporting our global community. We are building and maintaining sustainable operations, products, and communities while focusing on opportunities and risks that are most important to our business success and stakeholders.
INTRODUCTION
Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.
Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.
Our EDA and Design Enablement team sits at the heart of Micron’s memory development. We build and support the tools and flows that enable world-class CMOS design at scale. We work closely with design, layout, and process teams, and we thrive on solving hard technical problems that directly impact product success.
As a CAD Engineer, you will play a critical role in keeping our AI enabled design ecosystem running efficiently and reliably. You’ll develop, improve, and support both in-house and commercial EDA tools while partnering closely with engineers across the design flow. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys debugging, innovating, and enabling others to do their best work.
Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and support AI assisted CAD software, EDA tools, flows, and methodologies for CMOS design and verification
- Debug, evaluate, and support in-house and commercial AI enabled EDA solutions in a production environment
- Develop P-cells, scripts, and automation for physical design, verification, optimization, and tapeout
- Collaborate closely with design, PI, and process teams to solve workflow and tool challenges, and to implement scalable layout methodologies aligned with PDK requirements
- Document processes and provide training and support for end users
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- 2+ years of experience in CAD, VLSI, or a related semiconductor engineering role
- Experience programming in SKILL/Skill++, Python, and/or Perl
- Experience with PDK development and/or validation and familiarity with Cadence EDA tools and flows
- Experience with Linux/Unix environments, shell scripting, databases, and version control
- Effective communication skills in a collaborative engineering environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Understanding of CMOS process fundamentals and layout design rules
- Understanding of photo/metrology marks and layout design
- Prior work supporting or developing AI enabled EDA design tools, flows, and methodologies
- Experience supporting automation for physical design, verification, or tapeout flows
As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.
Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers
For US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Micron’s People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3)
Micron Prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.
Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.
AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.
Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.
Micron Foundation
Strong communities and education are vital to the success of both society and innovative companies. Every Micron site understands the complex needs of their local community. Whether it’s through strategic giving, sponsorships or deploying team member volunteers, we are making a difference.
Sustainability
Micron is committed to sustainable practices and supporting our global community. We are building and maintaining sustainable operations, products, and communities while focusing on opportunities and risks that are most important to our business success and stakeholders.
See all STEM OPT CAD Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a CAD Technician
Verify your CIP code qualifies first
Not every engineering-adjacent degree automatically qualifies for STEM OPT extension. Cross-reference your degree's CIP code against the official STEM Designated Degree Program List that USCIS maintains to confirm eligibility before targeting employers.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before applying
CAD roles frequently appear at small engineering consultancies and architectural firms that aren't enrolled in E-Verify. Check the E-Verify employer search tool directly before investing time in applications at any firm you aren't certain is enrolled.
Align your portfolio to STEM OPT training goals
Your I-983 training plan must show a direct connection between your CAD work and your STEM degree. Build your portfolio around project types, like structural analysis or mechanical design, that map clearly to coursework in your degree program.
Target industries with consistent OPT hiring patterns
Use Migrate Mate to filter CAD Technician openings by employers with E-Verify enrollment and active OPT hiring history, so you're spending time on roles at firms that have already demonstrated they can support your authorization.
Ask about cap-gap coverage during offer negotiation
If your initial OPT expires while your H-1B visa petition is pending, cap-gap rules extend your work authorization automatically. Confirm your prospective employer understands this timeline before your start date so there's no gap in your employment record.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark offers before signing
CAD Technician prevailing wages vary significantly by state, metro area, and experience level. Run the OFLC Wage Search for SOC code 17-3013 in your target location to verify any offer meets the DOL wage floor for your role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my STEM degree qualify me for the 24-month STEM OPT extension as a CAD Technician?
It depends on your specific degree, not your job title. Your degree's CIP code must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List published by USCIS. Degrees in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer-aided design technology, or related engineering disciplines typically qualify, but you should verify your exact CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
Does every employer hiring CAD Technicians need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a firm requirement for any employer who wants to hire you under STEM OPT. Many smaller engineering firms, architectural practices, and drafting studios are not enrolled. You can check enrollment status using the E-Verify employer search before applying. Migrate Mate surfaces CAD Technician roles filtered for E-Verify-enrolled employers so you don't have to screen manually.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a CAD Technician role?
The I-983 must describe specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, the practical skills you'll develop through the CAD work, how your employer will supervise and evaluate your progress, and the compensation structure. For CAD Technicians, strong training plans typically connect your drafting and modeling work to coursework in engineering design, materials science, or technical drawing. Both you and your employer sign the form, and your DSO certifies it.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my employer stops being E-Verify enrolled?
Your authorization is tied to working for an E-Verify-enrolled employer. If your employer loses enrollment or withdraws from E-Verify, you can no longer work for them under STEM OPT. You'd need to find a new E-Verify-enrolled employer and update your I-983 through your DSO. USCIS requires you to report material changes to your training plan within five business days.
Can I work as a CAD Technician at a firm that primarily does contract or project-based work?
Yes, but the employer of record on your I-983 training plan must be the entity that employs you directly, not a staffing agency placing you at client sites. If you're hired through a staffing or contracting firm, that firm must be enrolled in E-Verify and must serve as your actual employer for STEM OPT purposes. Working as an independent contractor or 1099 worker does not satisfy STEM OPT employment requirements.