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 JobsThe Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is adding a Mid-Level CAD Drafter/Designer to support civil, environmental, and renewable energy projects, including solar development. This role will work closely with engineers, scientists, and senior designers to develop accurate, high-quality design drawings and models that support project planning, permitting, and construction.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Essential Job Functions:
- Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and senior designers to develop designs for civil, environmental, and solar projects
- Prepare and develop topographic maps, profiles, cross-sections, and erosion & sediment control plans
- Draft civil, geotechnical, and structural design drawings for infrastructure such as:
- Roads
- Culverts
- Detention basins
- Stormwater management facilities
- Grading and BMPs
- Support engineering teams in developing preliminary and final photovoltaic (solar) designs
- Assist with preparation of engineering reports, cost estimates, specifications, and permitting documents
- Develop 3D models of project features using CADD software
- Ensure drawings meet client standards and QA/QC requirements
- Manage file organization, XREFs, and data shortcuts in accordance with best practices
- Coordinate with project managers and design engineers to support on-time, on-budget project delivery
- Plot and prepare drawings for review and final submittals
- Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards
- Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness
- Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns
Additional duties as required.
Required Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree in CAD, Drafting, or related field, or 5+ years of relevant experience
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D (2023 or newer) and Bluebeam (required)
- Strong working knowledge of Civil 3D modules, including:
- Survey, Points, Surfaces
- Alignments, Profiles, Corridors
- Sections, Pipe Networks
- Volume calculations, labeling, and analysis
- Experience with:
- Grading plan preparation and revisions
- Cut/fill calculations and balancing quantities
- Survey files, coordinate systems, and data shortcuts
- Ability to manage XREFs, file organization, and plotting standards (CTB/STB/PC3)
- Strong understanding of technical drawing standards and QA/QC procedures
- Ability to visualize designs in 3D
- Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions
Additional Skills & Competencies:
- Knowledge of civil engineering and land development principles
- Familiarity with renewable energy project design (solar preferred)
- Ability to evaluate alternatives and resolve technical design issues
- Strong multi-tasking and time management skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project)
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods
- Ability to review detailed drawings and technical documents
Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
- Office-based work environment with potential hybrid flexibility
- Occasional coordination with field teams or site visits as needed
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits
- Merit-based financial rewards
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth
A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.
Compensation:
Pay commensurate with experience.
Pay Range: $75,000-$90,000 annually
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is adding a Mid-Level CAD Drafter/Designer to support civil, environmental, and renewable energy projects, including solar development. This role will work closely with engineers, scientists, and senior designers to develop accurate, high-quality design drawings and models that support project planning, permitting, and construction.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Essential Job Functions:
- Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and senior designers to develop designs for civil, environmental, and solar projects
- Prepare and develop topographic maps, profiles, cross-sections, and erosion & sediment control plans
- Draft civil, geotechnical, and structural design drawings for infrastructure such as:
- Roads
- Culverts
- Detention basins
- Stormwater management facilities
- Grading and BMPs
- Support engineering teams in developing preliminary and final photovoltaic (solar) designs
- Assist with preparation of engineering reports, cost estimates, specifications, and permitting documents
- Develop 3D models of project features using CADD software
- Ensure drawings meet client standards and QA/QC requirements
- Manage file organization, XREFs, and data shortcuts in accordance with best practices
- Coordinate with project managers and design engineers to support on-time, on-budget project delivery
- Plot and prepare drawings for review and final submittals
- Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards
- Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness
- Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns
Additional duties as required.
Required Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree in CAD, Drafting, or related field, or 5+ years of relevant experience
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D (2023 or newer) and Bluebeam (required)
- Strong working knowledge of Civil 3D modules, including:
- Survey, Points, Surfaces
- Alignments, Profiles, Corridors
- Sections, Pipe Networks
- Volume calculations, labeling, and analysis
- Experience with:
- Grading plan preparation and revisions
- Cut/fill calculations and balancing quantities
- Survey files, coordinate systems, and data shortcuts
- Ability to manage XREFs, file organization, and plotting standards (CTB/STB/PC3)
- Strong understanding of technical drawing standards and QA/QC procedures
- Ability to visualize designs in 3D
- Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions
Additional Skills & Competencies:
- Knowledge of civil engineering and land development principles
- Familiarity with renewable energy project design (solar preferred)
- Ability to evaluate alternatives and resolve technical design issues
- Strong multi-tasking and time management skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project)
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods
- Ability to review detailed drawings and technical documents
Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
- Office-based work environment with potential hybrid flexibility
- Occasional coordination with field teams or site visits as needed
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits
- Merit-based financial rewards
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth
A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.
Compensation:
Pay commensurate with experience.
Pay Range: $75,000-$90,000 annually
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
See all Structural Drafter jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Structural Drafter roles.
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 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.
Structural Drafter jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Structural Drafter JobsFrequently 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.
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