Structural Designer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Structural designers create detailed plans and specifications for buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects. Most H-1B visa positions require a bachelor's degree in structural engineering, civil engineering, or closely related field. Engineering roles typically qualify as specialty occupations, making visa sponsorship more straightforward for employers.
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INTRODUCTION
Job Summary: The Civil Designer is generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete design of civil/structural assignments using theoretical knowledge and practical design methods. With experience in this level, you are expected to assist in the design of larger and more complex civil/structural assignments. This work will be performed under general supervision in Longview, TX.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
- Familiarity with and utilizing department design and drafting standards.
- Recognizing project scope, specifications and design criteria upon assignment to a project task team.
- Reviewing and comprehending the latest information available regarding civil/structural calculations, equipment drawings and layouts or drawings from other disciplines before initiating design effort on specific drawings.
- Drafting civil/structural plans under minimal supervision.
- Being knowledgeable of civil material specifications to the extent that all information required for material purchase, fabrication and construction is reflected on the finished drawings.
- Recognizing and communicating scope and design changes promptly.
- Performing field related work collecting design information and verifying designs for tie-ins, function and clearances to existing facility.
- Performing temporary field support activities, where assigned, for engineering support during construction.
- Assisting engineers with cost and material estimated and preliminary design studies.
- Checking the accuracy and quality of drawings developed by drafters, when assigned, based on information conveyed by engineering calculations, equipment and discipline drawings.
- Displays some capacity for mentoring entry level and new teammates.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Associate degree in Engineering Technology or Computer-Aided Drafting is required.
Experience: Requires 4+ years of relevant industrial experience in civil/structural drafting and design.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to produce drawings for concrete and structural steel, and/or civil disciplines.
- Familiarity with specifications and details of construction bulk materials and equipment.
- Knowledge and application of company engineering design and CAD drafting standards.
- Ability to create accurate civil/structural construction documents from the information found on vendor equipment drawings.
- Knowledge and understanding of work flow/information flow between disciplines.
- Knowledge and understanding of schedule constraints and information requirements for the production of all civil/structural deliverables.
- Ability to accurately estimate completion of assigned tasks.
- Working knowledge of CAD software, either AutoCAD, Microstation or both.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Good presentation skills.
- Virtual team skills and cross divisional relationships continue to develop and providing interoffice execution support under general supervision.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
Hargrove Culture
We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Structural Designer
Target engineering consulting firms and construction companies
Large firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and Stantec regularly sponsor H-1B visas for structural designers. Mid-sized regional firms also sponsor but may have less experience with the process.
Emphasize your structural engineering degree alignment
USCIS requires the degree to match the role. A structural or civil engineering degree clearly supports H-1B petitions for structural designer positions, unlike general engineering degrees.
Highlight specialized software proficiency
Experience with ETABS, SAP2000, STAAD Pro, or Revit Structure demonstrates the specialized knowledge requirement. Include specific project types where you used these tools professionally.
Consider states with major infrastructure projects
States like California, Texas, and New York have ongoing bridge and building projects requiring structural designers. Government contracts often create steady demand for sponsored positions.
Prepare detailed project portfolio documentation
Document your role in designing specific structures with technical drawings, load calculations, and code compliance work. This supports the specialty occupation argument during USCIS review.
Research the employer's previous LCA filings
Check the Department of Labor's disclosure data to see if potential employers have filed LCAs for structural designers before. Previous filings indicate sponsorship willingness and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do structural designers qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, structural designer roles typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree in structural engineering, civil engineering, or related field. The technical nature of structural design work clearly meets USCIS specialty occupation requirements, making H-1B visa approval rates favorable for properly documented cases.
How to find Structural Designer jobs with visa sponsorship?
Start by using Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with visa-sponsored positions. Focus on construction firms, engineering consultancies, and infrastructure companies that commonly hire Structural Designers on H-1B, TN visa, or O-1 visas. Target employers with established sponsorship programs and highlight your expertise in structural analysis software like ETABS or SAP2000 to stand out.
What degree do I need for structural designer H-1B sponsorship?
You need a bachelor's degree in structural engineering, civil engineering, or closely related engineering field. Architecture degrees may qualify if coursework includes structural analysis and design. Three years of structural design experience can substitute for one year of education under the 3-for-1 rule.
Can structural designers get green cards through employment?
Yes, structural designers can pursue EB-2 or EB-3 green cards. Most qualify for EB-2 with a master's degree or EB-3 with a bachelor's degree. The PERM labor certification process typically takes 12-18 months, followed by I-140 petition filing for permanent residence.
Do I need a PE license for structural designer visa sponsorship?
A Professional Engineer license isn't required for H-1B sponsorship as a structural designer, but it strengthens your case. Many entry-level positions don't require PE licensure. However, PE licensure demonstrates advanced expertise and can support higher prevailing wage determinations.
Which companies commonly sponsor structural designers for work visas?
Large engineering consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Thornton Tomasetti regularly sponsor H-1B visas for structural designers. Construction companies, architectural firms with in-house structural departments, and government contractors also provide sponsorship opportunities depending on project needs.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Structural 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.