Project Lead Jobs at Johnson Controls with Visa Sponsorship
Project Lead jobs at Johnson Controls sit at the intersection of engineering execution and cross-functional coordination, overseeing building systems, HVAC, and industrial automation projects from planning through delivery. Johnson Controls has a consistent record of sponsoring work visas for this function, supporting candidates across multiple visa categories.
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Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team
Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.
For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.
What we offer
- Competitive salary and bonus
- Paid vacation/holidays/sick time - 15 days of vacation first year
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one
- Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities with outstanding resources
- Encouraging and collaborative team environment
- Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
- JCI Employee discount programs (The Loop by Perk Spot)
What you will do
The Construction Project Manager is part of our Building Solutions North America business at Johnson Controls. This person will primarily lead large, complex HVAC equipment construction projects that are $3M or more. Will travel to customer sites occasionally for customer meetings and troubleshooting.
Position will support the DC market. Will need to travel to DC when needed.
Under general direction, responsible for the profitable execution of assigned Equipment Complex Projects. Works with Owner and contractor sales managers and branch installation manager and teams as needed to provide sales support activities early in the TAS and development process to provide input on strategy, vendor/partner’s selection, scope enhancements, value engineering, risk assessment etc. as needed. Ensures that assigned projects are done accurately, on-time, billed, within budget and within scope of the contract. Maintains positive cash flow. Actively pursues selling change orders. Ensures work performed is in compliance with state, local and Federal legal requirements and operates on the job with the highest of ethics. Adheres and ensures Johnson Controls staff and subcontractors adhere to all safety standards. Responsible for following consistent and repeatable project management procedures and processes. Maintains an effective balance between customer satisfaction and project financial results.
How you will do it
- Acts as the primary internal leader for execution teams on assigned projects. Will interface with and provide direction to various teams (internal & external) as needed to successfully execute the equipment project. Develops project schedules and executes according to plan for assigned projects.
- Supports Projects Engineers and System Application Engineers in evaluating the contractual scope of work and the impact of client issued bulletins, field directives and/or scheduling changes. Actively pursues additional work through change orders. Performs associated cost estimates, prepares proposals and negotiates final settlement price and customer acceptance.
- Manages company HVAC mechanics as well as subcontractors.
- Manages costs, billings and collections. Completes project billings in a timely and accurate format to the client. Maintains profitability goals and positive cash flow.
- Reviews and interprets contract Terms and Conditions.
- Analyzes financial reporting systems and project schedules to proactively address potential problems. Effectively communicates project progress, issues and financial status to management as required.
- Manages risks and establishes project recovery plans when required. Resolves disputes with minimal need for escalation.
- Negotiates, prepares and issues subcontracts.
- Ensures project document controls are in compliance with contract requirements and JCI standards.
- Oversees project construction for compliance with specifications, local codes and installation techniques.
- Manages the selection, ordering, and delivery schedule of materials to be procured for the projects assigned adequately ensuring manufacturing lead time is properly accounted for and managed.
- Develops and maintains viable long-term relationships with customers, consultants, prime contractors and subcontractors. Attends job progress meetings as required. Ensures subcontractors understand expectations of the project.
- Coordinates with the HVAC Sales & Operations Managers, Construction Management Services and HVAC Installation Manager, Systems Team Leader, Service Operations Manager and/or Branch Mechanical Project Team Leader for allocation of resources needed to meet project objectives. Ensures any engineering and commissioning performed by the field team is in accordance with established standards. Facilitates escalation of product related problems.
- Assists Area Management Team and/or sales in project development efforts.
- Coordinate customer-training requirements.
- For select bundled projects, may interface with and provide direction to Truck Based team(s) that are assigned to projects under the Project Manager’s control.
- For select bundled projects, may Self-perform sales support activities early in the audit process to provide input on vendor/partners selection, scope enhancements, value engineering, risk assessment etc.
- For select bundled projects, may Self-perform cost estimating, project scheduling and project management of assigned projects.
What we look for
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management or Architecture or an Associate’s Degree with equivalent work related experience.
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. Must have the ability to communicate technical material to a non-technical audience.
- Travel will vary on project assignment. Projects may exist outside of assigned geography.
- Proficient in Project Management software and financial accounting systems.
- Strong Personal Computer working capabilities in MS Office (excel, word, power point, project), Adobe Writer, Visio and basic Windows environment.
Preferred
- Minimum of five years of direct project management experience in the Building Construction Industry preferred.
- Management experience with projects related to Mechanical Retrofits, BAS management and HVAC Equipment is highly preferred.
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $102,000-140,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Project Lead Jobs at Johnson Controls
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
H-1B eligibility for Project Lead roles hinges on the position requiring a specific bachelor's degree, not just any degree. Frame your engineering or technical degree as directly tied to building systems, controls, or project management disciplines before applying.
Target Johnson Controls' service branch operations
Johnson Controls fills Project Lead openings heavily through its service and installation branches, not just corporate pipelines. Search for branch-level postings in your metro area, as these teams hire independently and often have more immediate sponsorship flexibility than centralized recruiting.
Use Migrate Mate to filter open Project Lead roles
Johnson Controls posts Project Lead positions across multiple regions with varying sponsorship terms. Use Migrate Mate to filter specifically for Johnson Controls openings that include visa sponsorship, so you're targeting confirmed opportunities rather than cold-applying across the company.
Prepare your LCA documentation before the offer stage
Johnson Controls initiates the Labor Condition Application with DOL before your H-1B petition can be filed with USCIS. Confirm your job title, work location, and prevailing wage tier with HR early, as any discrepancy between the LCA and your actual role can delay or invalidate the filing.
Leverage F-1 OPT to build a Johnson Controls track record
Johnson Controls regularly converts OPT hires into H-1B sponsorship candidates. Starting as a Project Lead on STEM OPT gives you up to three years of employment before cap-subject H-1B registration, long enough to demonstrate performance and secure internal sponsorship commitment ahead of the April lottery.
Negotiate sponsorship terms before signing an offer letter
Johnson Controls' project teams span long contract cycles, so confirm whether your sponsorship covers premium processing and what happens if your project assignment changes location after your I-129 is filed. Work location changes can require an amended petition, which affects your start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Johnson Controls sponsor H-1B visas for Project Leads?
Yes, Johnson Controls sponsors H-1B visas for Project Lead roles. The position typically qualifies as a specialty occupation given its requirement for a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related technical field. Your employer initiates the process by filing a Labor Condition Application with DOL, followed by an H-1B petition with USCIS. Cap-subject candidates must be selected in the annual lottery, which opens in March each year.
Which visa types are commonly used for Project Lead roles at Johnson Controls?
Johnson Controls sponsors H-1B visas most frequently for Project Lead positions, but the company also supports F-1 OPT and CPT for early-career candidates, TN visas for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineering roles, and EB-2 or EB-3 Green Card pathways for longer-term employees. The right category depends on your nationality, degree, and how far along you are in your career with the company.
What qualifications and experience does Johnson Controls expect for Project Lead roles?
Johnson Controls generally expects a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering, or a closely related field, combined with hands-on experience managing building automation, HVAC, or industrial controls projects. PMP certification and familiarity with Johnson Controls' Metasys or other building management platforms strengthen your profile. For visa purposes, your degree field must align directly with the technical scope of the role.
How do I apply for Project Lead jobs at Johnson Controls?
You can find and apply for Project Lead positions at Johnson Controls through Migrate Mate, which filters listings to show roles with confirmed visa sponsorship. When you apply, tailor your resume to reflect project lifecycle management, site coordination, and any experience with building systems or controls. Referencing relevant certifications and technical platforms used in Johnson Controls' service environment helps your application clear initial screening.
How do I time my H-1B sponsorship process when starting a Project Lead role at Johnson Controls?
If you're on F-1 OPT, your employer must submit your H-1B registration during the March window for an October 1 start date. USCIS typically announces lottery results by late March or April. Johnson Controls can file for premium processing to get a decision within 15 business days once petitions open in April, which matters if your OPT expires before October. Start conversations with HR about sponsorship at least six months before your status expires.