Civil Designer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Civil designers create technical drawings and plans for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and utilities. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, making them eligible for H-1B visa and other skilled worker visas. Engineering roles typically have strong approval rates since they clearly qualify as specialty occupations requiring specific technical education.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.
We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Olsson provides multidisciplinary design services for mixed-use, commercial, and residential land development projects, along with industrial, sports, schools, and other site development types.
As a Senior Technician for our Site Design team, you will independently perform non-routine drafting and design assignments by applying diversified knowledge of engineering and design principles and practices. You may coordinate efforts of less experienced technicians and collaborate with technical staff to find the best approach to solve engineering and design needs.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs intermediate- to advanced-level design while working under minimal direction and supervision
- Selects and recommends design approaches and prepares preliminary designs for engineering staff
- Performs a variety of advanced drafting and design duties such as running calculations, updating drawings, determining material needs, and reviewing project specifications
- May provide training or act as a mentor for less experienced technicians
- May attend client meetings
- May be required to work in all types of terrain and weather conditions and on project sites in various stages of construction
This role offers flexible work options, including remote and hybrid opportunities, to accommodate diverse working preferences and promote work-life balance. Candidates can work hybrid schedules, work remotely, or work out of any Olsson office location in the area. Applicants should have the ability to travel for in-office activities, client and site visits as needed.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Having ownership in the work you do.
- Using your talents to positively affect communities.
You bring to the team:
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to contribute and work well on a team
- Associate degree in drafting or a related field preferred
- Minimum of six (6) years of CAD software experience (AutoCAD Civil 3D)
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As an Olsson employee, you will:
- Receive a competitive 401(k) match
- Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
- Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
- Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
- Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.
Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.
For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.
Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.
We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Olsson provides multidisciplinary design services for mixed-use, commercial, and residential land development projects, along with industrial, sports, schools, and other site development types.
As a Senior Technician for our Site Design team, you will independently perform non-routine drafting and design assignments by applying diversified knowledge of engineering and design principles and practices. You may coordinate efforts of less experienced technicians and collaborate with technical staff to find the best approach to solve engineering and design needs.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs intermediate- to advanced-level design while working under minimal direction and supervision
- Selects and recommends design approaches and prepares preliminary designs for engineering staff
- Performs a variety of advanced drafting and design duties such as running calculations, updating drawings, determining material needs, and reviewing project specifications
- May provide training or act as a mentor for less experienced technicians
- May attend client meetings
- May be required to work in all types of terrain and weather conditions and on project sites in various stages of construction
This role offers flexible work options, including remote and hybrid opportunities, to accommodate diverse working preferences and promote work-life balance. Candidates can work hybrid schedules, work remotely, or work out of any Olsson office location in the area. Applicants should have the ability to travel for in-office activities, client and site visits as needed.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Having ownership in the work you do.
- Using your talents to positively affect communities.
You bring to the team:
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to contribute and work well on a team
- Associate degree in drafting or a related field preferred
- Minimum of six (6) years of CAD software experience (AutoCAD Civil 3D)
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As an Olsson employee, you will:
- Receive a competitive 401(k) match
- Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
- Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
- Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
- Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.
Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.
For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.
See all 510+ Civil Designer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Civil Designer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Civil Designer
Target infrastructure and construction firms
Large engineering consultancies, municipal agencies, and DOT contractors regularly sponsor visas. These employers understand the specialized skills civil designers bring to infrastructure projects and have established sponsorship processes.
Emphasize your technical software expertise
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, or GIS software strengthens your case. These specialized tools require specific training that supports the specialty occupation requirement for visa approval.
Consider state and local government positions
Many municipalities and state DOTs hire civil designers for public works projects. Government employers often have streamlined visa processes and may offer cap-exempt H-1B positions through university partnerships.
Highlight infrastructure experience and certifications
Experience with specific project types (roadway design, stormwater systems, site development) and any engineering certifications or EIT status demonstrate the specialized knowledge that supports visa petitions for technical roles.
Apply early in the fiscal year cycle
Infrastructure projects often follow government fiscal calendars. Applying in fall and winter positions you for spring project starts, when employers are more likely to commit to sponsorship timelines.
Network through professional engineering organizations
ASCE chapters, local engineering societies, and infrastructure conferences connect you with hiring managers who understand the value of international engineering talent and have sponsored visas before.
Civil Designer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Civil Designer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a civil engineering degree for visa sponsorship as a civil designer?
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, but some employers accept related fields like construction management or surveying with relevant experience. The degree requirement strengthens your H-1B case since it clearly establishes the specialty occupation standard. Check job postings carefully as requirements vary by employer and project complexity.
Which visa types work best for civil designer positions?
H-1B is the most common path since civil design clearly qualifies as a specialty occupation. TN visa works for Canadian and Mexican citizens in engineering roles. O-1 may apply if you have exceptional achievements in infrastructure design or recognized expertise in specialized areas like seismic design or sustainable infrastructure.
How to find Civil Designer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Civil Designer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus on construction companies, engineering consultancies, and infrastructure firms that commonly hire Civil Designers on H-1B, TN, or O-1 visas. These employers often need specialized skills in CAD software, drainage design, and municipal planning that international candidates possess.
What's the approval rate for H-1B petitions in civil design roles?
Engineering roles generally have strong approval rates, often above 85%, because they clearly meet specialty occupation requirements. USCIS readily recognizes that civil design requires specific technical education and skills. Having a relevant degree and detailed job duties that match your educational background strengthens your petition significantly.
Can I get sponsored without Professional Engineer (PE) licensure?
Yes, most civil designer positions don't require PE licensure since the role focuses on technical drafting and design rather than stamping engineering documents. Entry-level and mid-level design positions typically require only a bachelor's degree and software proficiency. PE licensure can be helpful but isn't necessary for most sponsorship opportunities.
Do government agencies sponsor visas for civil designers?
Some do, particularly state DOTs and large municipalities, though federal restrictions limit direct federal hiring of non-citizens. Many government projects use consulting firms that do sponsor visas. University-affiliated transportation research centers may offer cap-exempt H-1B opportunities. Private contractors working on public projects are often the most viable sponsorship path.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Civil Designer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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