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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Gladding McBean in Lincoln, CA is a manufacturer of vitrified clay pipe for sewers, clay roof tile, piazza clay floor tile, glazed terra cotta pottery, architectural terra cotta, sacked mortar clay, chimney tops and caps. We are a proud member of the Pacific Coast Building Products Family of Companies.
DRAFTER ii
$24 - $28/hours Depending on Qualifications and Experience
POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the National Sales Manager, this position supports the Architectural façade systems in all areas of computer-aided architectural, structural, and/or mechanical drafting of details, shop drawings, elevations, and plan views and layouts and is responsible for supporting and demonstrating the Core Values of Integrity, Safety, Respect, Customer Focus, Quality, Innovation and Financial Success. Performs other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: General supervision from Drafting Supervisor, Project Manager, and/or National Sales Manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Performs computer-aided drafting, design, and blue printing.
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Produces detailed production drawings from data extracted from field surveys or existing parts and/or components as they relate to existing building façades for production of new manufacture components.
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Draws terra cotta shop and production drawings; makes plant, factory, and shop drawings.
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Draws production schedules.
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Corresponds with contractor/field representatives/architects to coordinate and understand field survey information to ensure drawings are accurate.
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Operates personal computers, plotters, printers, modems, network, and various drafting equipment.
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Attends safety meetings and abides by all safety rules set forth by company and governmental regulatory agencies; ensures that hazardous conditions are reported and corrected.
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Predictable and Regular attendance is required.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
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Two to four years of drafting experience. One-to-two years’ college or trade school studying architectural or mechanical drafting, with personal computers and computer software desired.
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Requires strong verbal and written communication and mathematical skills including trigonometry.
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Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills required.
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Working knowledge of AutoCAD required.
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Ability to operate personal computer, calculator, and all other office equipment required to perform duties. Must also have working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
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Predictable Regular attendance is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
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Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; Reach with hands and arms; Talk and listen; Stand, walk, and sit.
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Occasionally required to bend at the waist; Lift and/or move up-to 50 pounds.
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Predictable and Regular attendance is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
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Office environment with moderate noise.
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Plant environment with loud noise, moving machinery, dusty, dirty.
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Outdoor weather conditions / Extreme temperatures.
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Wear mandatory and/or other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
This is a regular, full-time position with competitive compensation and full benefits including medical/dental insurance, disability benefits, life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing retirement plan, and wellness programs. We are an equal opportunity employer and promote a drug free workplace.
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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.