J-1 Visa Project Leader Jobs
Project Leader roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa, typically under the Trainee or Specialist program category. A designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 and manages sponsorship compliance while your U.S. host employer directs the work.
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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
As a Group Leader for Natural Gas Power Generation, you will lead a growing team of professionals focused on the planning, design, and delivery of natural gas–fueled power generation projects. This role is well suited for a people-centered leader who brings strong technical fluency, enjoys mentoring and developing others, and can connect complex technical work to broader client and business objectives. In this role, you will play a key part in building team capability, supporting successful project execution, and shaping the long-term direction of Olsson’s Natural Gas Power Generation practice. You’ll collaborate closely with market leaders, project managers, and technical staff to deliver high-quality, practical solutions for utility, industrial, and energy clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of project managers, engineers, designers, and technical staff across varying experience levels.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and open communication aligned with Olsson’s values and the Power Generation team’s vision.
- Provide leadership oversight for natural gas power generation projects, supporting technical quality, consistency, and successful delivery.
- Partner with project managers and technical leaders to balance workloads, support resource planning, and monitor utilization.
- Guide process improvement efforts to enhance efficiency, quality control, and team performance.
- Serve as a client-facing leader, building trusted relationships and supporting business development efforts within the natural gas power generation market.
- Help team members understand how their work contributes to broader project goals, client success, and organizational strategy.
- Collaborate with leadership to support hiring, onboarding, and long-term talent development for the group.
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
- Minimum of 8 years of related experience in engineering, energy, or a closely related technical field, with at least 4 years in a people leadership or supervisory role.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
- Experience leading technical professionals in an engineering or energy-focused environment, including hiring, developing, and retaining talent.
- Strong understanding of natural gas power generation systems, facilities, or supporting infrastructure across design, execution, or operations.
- Experience supporting project delivery, quality, and cross-discipline collaboration.
- Proven ability to grow and scale a technical team or practice while staying engaged in day-to-day project and team needs.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients and internal stakeholders at all levels.
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
As a Group Leader for Natural Gas Power Generation, you will lead a growing team of professionals focused on the planning, design, and delivery of natural gas–fueled power generation projects. This role is well suited for a people-centered leader who brings strong technical fluency, enjoys mentoring and developing others, and can connect complex technical work to broader client and business objectives. In this role, you will play a key part in building team capability, supporting successful project execution, and shaping the long-term direction of Olsson’s Natural Gas Power Generation practice. You’ll collaborate closely with market leaders, project managers, and technical staff to deliver high-quality, practical solutions for utility, industrial, and energy clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of project managers, engineers, designers, and technical staff across varying experience levels.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and open communication aligned with Olsson’s values and the Power Generation team’s vision.
- Provide leadership oversight for natural gas power generation projects, supporting technical quality, consistency, and successful delivery.
- Partner with project managers and technical leaders to balance workloads, support resource planning, and monitor utilization.
- Guide process improvement efforts to enhance efficiency, quality control, and team performance.
- Serve as a client-facing leader, building trusted relationships and supporting business development efforts within the natural gas power generation market.
- Help team members understand how their work contributes to broader project goals, client success, and organizational strategy.
- Collaborate with leadership to support hiring, onboarding, and long-term talent development for the group.
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
- Minimum of 8 years of related experience in engineering, energy, or a closely related technical field, with at least 4 years in a people leadership or supervisory role.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
- Experience leading technical professionals in an engineering or energy-focused environment, including hiring, developing, and retaining talent.
- Strong understanding of natural gas power generation systems, facilities, or supporting infrastructure across design, execution, or operations.
- Experience supporting project delivery, quality, and cross-discipline collaboration.
- Proven ability to grow and scale a technical team or practice while staying engaged in day-to-day project and team needs.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients and internal stakeholders at all levels.
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 24+ Project Leader jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Project Leader
Frame your training plan around measurable milestones
Designated sponsors require a detailed training plan before issuing your DS-2019. For Project Leader roles, map each phase to concrete deliverables like sprint cycles or stakeholder reviews so the plan demonstrates structured skill development, not general employment.
Distinguish Trainee from Specialist before applying
If you have a relevant degree plus one year of experience abroad, you qualify as a Trainee. If you lack a degree but have five-plus years of project management experience, the Specialist category applies. Targeting the wrong category delays your DS-2019 issuance.
Search Migrate Mate to find host employers open to J-1 exchange visitors
Not every employer knows how J-1 hosting works for professional roles. Migrate Mate filters for U.S. employers actively seeking international exchange visitors for Project Leader positions, saving you from cold-pitching companies unfamiliar with the program.
Verify the host employer's FLSA compliance before accepting
Your J-1 program must provide compensation that meets federal and state wage law. Before your sponsor finalizes the DS-2019, confirm the offered role is fully W-2 compensated, since misclassified contractor arrangements can void your J-1 eligibility entirely.
Document your foreign project credentials in U.S. format
Sponsors assess your prior experience against U.S. standards. Convert foreign project certifications like PRINCE2 or IPMA to their PMP equivalents where applicable, and present scope, budget authority, and team size in metrics a U.S. employer and sponsor can evaluate.
Clarify the 2-year home residency requirement with your sponsor early
Some Project Leader roles in government-funded or exchange-program contexts trigger the two-year home residency requirement under INA 212(e). Ask your designated sponsor to confirm whether your specific host organization or funding source carries this obligation before you accept.
Project Leader jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Project Leader JobsProject Leader J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Project Leader role?
Most Project Leader positions fall under the Trainee or Specialist category. Trainee applies if you hold a relevant degree and at least one year of prior project management experience outside the U.S. Specialist applies if you lack a degree but have five or more years of specialized experience. The category determines which designated sponsor organizations can issue your DS-2019 and how long your program can run.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa if the employer is just a host?
Your visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not the hiring company. The designated sponsor, such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT for professional training programs, issues your DS-2019 form, files compliance reports, and holds legal responsibility for your exchange program. The employer functions as your host organization and directs your day-to-day work but does not file any visa petition on your behalf.
How do I find Project Leader roles with employers open to J-1 hosting?
Most employers don't advertise J-1 hosting explicitly because the process isn't as familiar to HR teams as H-1B sponsorship. Migrate Mate surfaces Project Leader opportunities with U.S. employers who are actively open to hosting international exchange visitors, so you aren't starting from scratch with companies that have never navigated the program. Filtering by J-1 compatibility at the search stage saves significant time in your outreach.
Can I transfer from J-1 to H-1B status after my Project Leader placement ends?
Yes, but only if you're not subject to the two-year home residency requirement under INA 212(e). If your program was government-funded or falls under a skills-shortage designation, you'd need to satisfy or obtain a waiver of that requirement before changing to H-1B. Your designated sponsor can confirm whether your specific placement triggers the requirement before you begin the program.
What happens if my Project Leader role changes scope during the J-1 program?
Any material change to your training plan, such as a shift in project type, department, or supervision structure, must be reported to your designated sponsor immediately. The sponsor is required to amend the DS-2019 training plan to reflect the new scope. Continuing under a modified role without updating the plan puts your J-1 status at risk and creates compliance liability for both you and your host employer.
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