STEM OPT Structural Drafter Jobs
Structural Drafter roles in civil and architectural engineering qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree aligns with an eligible CIP code. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you on STEM OPT, and you'll work under a formal I-983 training plan tied to your drafting responsibilities.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Drafter I - VA
Location: Richmond, VA (onsite - Hybrid)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Alpha 3 is seeking a Drafter I to provide support for designers and engineers on electrical substation, utility and infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate is a recent Associates or BS graduate with a degree in Engineering Science with a keen interest in design work in the utility infrastructure space.
This is a full-time position with a hybrid work schedule. Three days per week (typically Tuesday-Thursday) are expected to be in the office and two days per week from home. This position is located in Richmond, VA.
Responsibilities
- Utilize CAD tools to help in the development of substation projects
- Assignments may include assisting in creation of one-lines, schematics, electrical layouts, site plans, structures, wiring diagrams, bill of materials, etc.
- Work with a cross-disciplinary team
- Collaborate with vendors and construction teams, providing clarification on your drawings and helping guide any necessary design modifications
- Support onsite walkdowns with design team at various stages of project
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Working knowledge and experience using CAD tools; experience with MicroStation (highly desired)
- AS/BS in Engineering related field or relevant experience
- Knowledge of drafting practices and procedures
- Ability to work on a team and on multiple projects
- Ability to visualize and design work in 2D and 3D
- Ability to understand and incorporate comments and feedback
- Personal time management skills and ability to adhere to deadlines
- Attention to detail and pride in work product quality
- Utility project experience a plus
- Associates degree in drafting/design OR bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with Drafting certificate OR a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or non-ABET accredited engineering degree related to our work
- Willingness to learn and grow within this industry
Salary will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant.
Available benefits include:
- Health/Dental/Vision (75% of premiums company-paid)
- 401(k) (5% company match)
- 10 Paid Holidays
- 20 Paid-time-off days
Alpha 3 is focused on delivering management and technical services to companies that own, operate, or develop infrastructure assets, particularly in the energy industry. We deliver services including: Business Administration, Business Consulting, Commissioning Support, Construction Management, Engineering & Design, Operations Management, Project Controls, Project Management, and Training.
Alpha 3 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Title: Drafter I - VA
Location: Richmond, VA (onsite - Hybrid)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Alpha 3 is seeking a Drafter I to provide support for designers and engineers on electrical substation, utility and infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate is a recent Associates or BS graduate with a degree in Engineering Science with a keen interest in design work in the utility infrastructure space.
This is a full-time position with a hybrid work schedule. Three days per week (typically Tuesday-Thursday) are expected to be in the office and two days per week from home. This position is located in Richmond, VA.
Responsibilities
- Utilize CAD tools to help in the development of substation projects
- Assignments may include assisting in creation of one-lines, schematics, electrical layouts, site plans, structures, wiring diagrams, bill of materials, etc.
- Work with a cross-disciplinary team
- Collaborate with vendors and construction teams, providing clarification on your drawings and helping guide any necessary design modifications
- Support onsite walkdowns with design team at various stages of project
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Working knowledge and experience using CAD tools; experience with MicroStation (highly desired)
- AS/BS in Engineering related field or relevant experience
- Knowledge of drafting practices and procedures
- Ability to work on a team and on multiple projects
- Ability to visualize and design work in 2D and 3D
- Ability to understand and incorporate comments and feedback
- Personal time management skills and ability to adhere to deadlines
- Attention to detail and pride in work product quality
- Utility project experience a plus
- Associates degree in drafting/design OR bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with Drafting certificate OR a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or non-ABET accredited engineering degree related to our work
- Willingness to learn and grow within this industry
Salary will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant.
Available benefits include:
- Health/Dental/Vision (75% of premiums company-paid)
- 401(k) (5% company match)
- 10 Paid Holidays
- 20 Paid-time-off days
Alpha 3 is focused on delivering management and technical services to companies that own, operate, or develop infrastructure assets, particularly in the energy industry. We deliver services including: Business Administration, Business Consulting, Commissioning Support, Construction Management, Engineering & Design, Operations Management, Project Controls, Project Management, and Training.
Alpha 3 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
See all STEM OPT Structural Drafter Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Structural Drafter
Verify your CIP code before applying
Civil Engineering Technology, Architectural Engineering, and Drafting and Design Technology are common CIP codes that support STEM OPT eligibility for Structural Drafter roles. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before targeting employers, so you don't waste applications on roles you can't accept.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify for your STEM OPT extension to be valid. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name before you sign anything. Enrollment status can change, so verify it at the offer stage, not just during your initial research.
Build your I-983 training plan around deliverables
Structural drafting lends itself to concrete, measurable training goals: proficiency in AutoCAD or Revit, production of stamped drawing sets, and coordination with licensed PEs. Draft your I-983 with specific technical milestones so your DSO can approve it quickly and your employer has clear obligations.
Target firms with active PERM and LCA filing history
Engineering and architecture firms that regularly file Labor Condition Applications for foreign workers are far more familiar with STEM OPT documentation requirements. Use Migrate Mate to filter Structural Drafter openings by employers with documented sponsorship activity, cutting out firms that will stall when they see your work authorization.
Align your portfolio with prevailing wage tiers
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up prevailing wages for Drafters in your target metro area. Employers set your training plan compensation against these benchmarks, and coming in with portfolio work that demonstrates Level II or III complexity gives you stronger negotiating ground and reduces the risk of lowball offers.
Time your cap-gap window around offer negotiations
If your employer plans to sponsor your H-1B visa after STEM OPT, your work authorization automatically continues under cap-gap rules once a timely H-1B petition is filed. Understand this timeline before accepting a delayed start date so you and your employer don't accidentally create a gap in your authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Structural Drafter role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. Structural Drafter positions typically fall under SOC code 17-3013, but STEM OPT eligibility is determined by whether your degree's CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in Civil Engineering Technology, Architectural Engineering, or Engineering Design qualify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a drafting role?
Your I-983 must describe the practical training goals directly tied to your STEM degree, outline how the employer will supervise and evaluate you, and specify a compensation rate consistent with similarly situated U.S. workers. For Structural Drafter positions, this means documenting software proficiency milestones, drawing production responsibilities, and any coordination duties with licensed engineers. Your DSO countersigns the plan before your extension begins.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
E-Verify maintains a public employer search tool where you can look up any company by name. Check the enrollment status before your offer stage, not after, because an employer who isn't enrolled cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT. If the firm is a franchise or subsidiary, verify that the specific hiring entity, not just the parent company, holds active E-Verify enrollment.
How do I find Structural Drafter jobs where employers already understand STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters Structural Drafter openings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and documented sponsorship history, so you're not cold-applying to firms that have never navigated OPT documentation. Engineering consultancies and large AEC firms tend to have dedicated HR staff familiar with the I-983 process, which shortens the time from offer to approved training plan.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my employer is acquired or reorganizes?
If your employer undergoes a merger, acquisition, or significant reorganization, USCIS and your DSO need to be notified because material changes to your training plan employer require an updated I-983. You may need to re-verify E-Verify enrollment under the new entity. Work with your DSO immediately when an acquisition is announced to avoid a lapse in your authorized status.