Building Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
Building Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical, electrical, civil, or facilities engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in commercial real estate, healthcare, and property management regularly hire and sponsor international candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Description Summary
Under limited Supervision, the Building Engineer (BE) has primary responsibility for the facilities operations and maintenance for a group of assigned buildings. The BE acts as liaison between building occupants, business managers, shop foremen, and Facilities servicing departments. The BE claims ownership of problems that occur in assigned buildings and works through departmental managers, central shops and others to resolve the problem. The BE performs preliminary troubleshooting for equipment failures and coordinates work with outside design teams and contractors on smaller projects. The BE is responsible for identifying needed improvement projects in their buildings and working with leadership to address. Performs other related and unrelated duties as required.
Entity
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Classified
Cost Center
CC002435 Zone 2
Pay Rate Type
Salary
Pay Grade
University-GEN12
Pay Range
79,600.00 - 111,500.00 - 143,300.00
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
Job Description
Under limited Supervision, the Building Engineer (BE) has primary responsibility for the facilities operations and maintenance for a group of assigned buildings. The BE acts as liaison between building occupants, business managers, shop foremen, and Facilities servicing departments. The BE claims ownership of problems that occur in assigned buildings and works through departmental managers, central shops and others to resolve the problem. The BE performs preliminary troubleshooting for equipment failures and coordinates work with outside design teams and contractors on smaller projects. The BE is responsible for identifying needed improvement projects in their buildings and working with leadership to address. Performs other related and unrelated duties as required.
- 10% Provides leadership to direct reports. Holds team members accountable for the work they do, the behaviors they display, and their compliance with policies and procedures by providing them with clear and timely expectations, training and resources, coaching and counseling, communications and consequences. This includes, but is not limited to:
- having regular meetings with your team members to communicate and listen
- continually evaluating the work and attitudes of team members and taking appropriate action when needed
- setting clear, timely, and consistent expectations when needed and to ensure mutual understanding
- providing or arranging for training and/or resources as needed
-
providing clear, timely and consistent feedback
-
15% Promotes excellence in regulatory and accreditation inspections. Demonstrates competence regarding regulatory requirements (AAALAC, SACSCOC, NFPA, OSHA, FDA, CMS, etc.) and works to keep all facilities compliant. Inspects buildings on at least a monthly basis (or other approved frequency) to determine any work that needs to be done. Creates work orders to complete repairs and follows up with the appropriate shops and/or contractors to assist with repairs as needed.
-
25% Stays abreast of all work going on in assigned buildings. Remains aware of special needs of the departments within assigned buildings such as exams, evening/weekend classes/seminars, outages, etc. Reviews the statistical reports on outstanding work and work orders in assigned buildings. Reports to the appropriate shop or supervisor any delays in scheduled work. Stays current on status (open, closed, etc.) of all work orders and zone purchase requisitions in assigned buildings. Participates in work order review meetings with appropriate follow up. Maximizes use of OurDay, AiM and FixIT as tools to manage work effectively and efficiently in assigned buildings. Coordinates service and contracts, supply and equipment purchases. Uses KPI’s to measure the effectiveness of maintenance operations within their area of responsibility and consistently utilizes this data to inform staff and department leaders on group performance; recommends corrective actions and develops plans to improve performance.
-
25% Responsible as the primary liaison to building occupants, shop supervisors and Facilities administration. Participates in estimating activities related to alterations, renovations, and maintenance work requests and assuring that documents are properly processed for funding approval, scheduled, bid, contracted, and completed in a timely manner. Works with outside design representatives as needed and manages smaller scale projects within their zone. Responsible for remaining actively involved with larger projects and serving as a liaison between the project team, contractors, and occupants. Communicates all outages and/or repair delays in a professional and timely manner.
-
25% Responsible for the operations and maintenance of all buildings within their assigned zone. This involves development, planning, and scheduling maintenance activities; prioritizing available resources for critical task planning; communicating equipment status to key stakeholders within the assigned zone and preliminary/advanced troubleshooting of equipment failures (when appropriate); assisting in the identification and planning of capital improvement and deferred maintenance projects. Responsible for emergency preparations, response and recovery as needed. Responsible for assisting with budgeting activities and meeting financial targets for their assigned zone.
Additional Job Description
Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree aligned to construction, building management, engineering, engineering technology, architecture or similar discipline and five years of construction, building management, engineering, engineering technology, architecture or similar discipline work experience, including two years of experience in a technical supervisory capacity. A Master's degree in construction, building management, engineering, engineering technology, architecture or similar discipline and three years of construction, building management, engineering, engineering technology, architecture or similar discipline work experience may be substituted for the required experience. Some positions require registration as a Professional Architect as prescribed by the South Carolina Code Section 40-3-60 or as a Professional Engineer or Associate Professional Engineer as prescribed in South Carolina Code Sections 40-22-190 and 40-22-195.
Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to climb ladders. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Continuous) Ability to work below ground. (Infrequent) Ability to work from elevated areas. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Infrequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Infrequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent) Ability to crawl while performing job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Infrequent) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 50 lbs., from floor level to height of 36 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 50 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 30 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to hear and understand whispered conversations at a distance of 3 feet. Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to work in dusty areas. (Infrequent) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to use hand/power tools. (Frequent)
Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, equipment as required.
If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!
The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.
Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees
Job Description Summary
Under limited Supervision, the Building Engineer (BE) has primary responsibility for the facilities operations and maintenance for a group of assigned buildings. The BE acts as liaison between building occupants, business managers, shop foremen, and Facilities servicing departments. The BE claims ownership of problems that occur in assigned buildings and works through departmental managers, central shops and others to resolve the problem. The BE performs preliminary troubleshooting for equipment failures and coordinates work with outside design teams and contractors on smaller projects. The BE is responsible for identifying needed improvement projects in their buildings and working with leadership to address. Performs other related and unrelated duties as required.
Entity
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Classified
Cost Center
CC002435 Zone 2
Pay Rate Type
Salary
Pay Grade
University-GEN12
Pay Range
79,600.00 - 111,500.00 - 143,300.00
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
Job Description
Under limited Supervision, the Building Engineer (BE) has primary responsibility for the facilities operations and maintenance for a group of assigned buildings. The BE acts as liaison between building occupants, business managers, shop foremen, and Facilities servicing departments. The BE claims ownership of problems that occur in assigned buildings and works through departmental managers, central shops and others to resolve the problem. The BE performs preliminary troubleshooting for equipment failures and coordinates work with outside design teams and contractors on smaller projects. The BE is responsible for identifying needed improvement projects in their buildings and working with leadership to address. Performs other related and unrelated duties as required.
- 10% Provides leadership to direct reports. Holds team members accountable for the work they do, the behaviors they display, and their compliance with policies and procedures by providing them with clear and timely expectations, training and resources, coaching and counseling, communications and consequences. This includes, but is not limited to:
- having regular meetings with your team members to communicate and listen
- continually evaluating the work and attitudes of team members and taking appropriate action when needed
- setting clear, timely, and consistent expectations when needed and to ensure mutual understanding
- providing or arranging for training and/or resources as needed
-
providing clear, timely and consistent feedback
-
15% Promotes excellence in regulatory and accreditation inspections. Demonstrates competence regarding regulatory requirements (AAALAC, SACSCOC, NFPA, OSHA, FDA, CMS, etc.) and works to keep all facilities compliant. Inspects buildings on at least a monthly basis (or other approved frequency) to determine any work that needs to be done. Creates work orders to complete repairs and follows up with the appropriate shops and/or contractors to assist with repairs as needed.
-
25% Stays abreast of all work going on in assigned buildings. Remains aware of special needs of the departments within assigned buildings such as exams, evening/weekend classes/seminars, outages, etc. Reviews the statistical reports on outstanding work and work orders in assigned buildings. Reports to the appropriate shop or supervisor any delays in scheduled work. Stays current on status (open, closed, etc.) of all work orders and zone purchase requisitions in assigned buildings. Participates in work order review meetings with appropriate follow up. Maximizes use of OurDay, AiM and FixIT as tools to manage work effectively and efficiently in assigned buildings. Coordinates service and contracts, supply and equipment purchases. Uses KPI’s to measure the effectiveness of maintenance operations within their area of responsibility and consistently utilizes this data to inform staff and department leaders on group performance; recommends corrective actions and develops plans to improve performance.
-
25% Responsible as the primary liaison to building occupants, shop supervisors and Facilities administration. Participates in estimating activities related to alterations, renovations, and maintenance work requests and assuring that documents are properly processed for funding approval, scheduled, bid, contracted, and completed in a timely manner. Works with outside design representatives as needed and manages smaller scale projects within their zone. Responsible for remaining actively involved with larger projects and serving as a liaison between the project team, contractors, and occupants. Communicates all outages and/or repair delays in a professional and timely manner.
-
25% Responsible for the operations and maintenance of all buildings within their assigned zone. This involves development, planning, and scheduling maintenance activities; prioritizing available resources for critical task planning; communicating equipment status to key stakeholders within the assigned zone and preliminary/advanced troubleshooting of equipment failures (when appropriate); assisting in the identification and planning of capital improvement and deferred maintenance projects. Responsible for emergency preparations, response and recovery as needed. Responsible for assisting with budgeting activities and meeting financial targets for their assigned zone.
Additional Job Description
Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree aligned to construction, building management, engineering, engineering technology, architecture or similar discipline and five years of construction, building management, engineering, engineering technology, architecture or similar discipline work experience, including two years of experience in a technical supervisory capacity. A Master's degree in construction, building management, engineering, engineering technology, architecture or similar discipline and three years of construction, building management, engineering, engineering technology, architecture or similar discipline work experience may be substituted for the required experience. Some positions require registration as a Professional Architect as prescribed by the South Carolina Code Section 40-3-60 or as a Professional Engineer or Associate Professional Engineer as prescribed in South Carolina Code Sections 40-22-190 and 40-22-195.
Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to climb ladders. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Continuous) Ability to work below ground. (Infrequent) Ability to work from elevated areas. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Infrequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Infrequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent) Ability to crawl while performing job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Infrequent) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 50 lbs., from floor level to height of 36 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 50 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 30 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to hear and understand whispered conversations at a distance of 3 feet. Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to work in dusty areas. (Infrequent) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to use hand/power tools. (Frequent)
Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, equipment as required.
If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!
The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.
Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Building Engineer
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Building Engineer roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering. Verify your program CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your work authorization window.
Target employers with facilities management operations
Large commercial property owners, hospital systems, and university facilities departments hire Building Engineers year-round and are more accustomed to OPT paperwork. Smaller landlords often lack HR infrastructure to handle work authorization documentation efficiently.
Lead with your technical certifications
Certifications like EPA 608, OSHA 30, or LEED Green Associate signal job-readiness to employers who may be uncertain about OPT timelines. Credentials reduce perceived hiring risk and make your application competitive against locally authorized candidates.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Building Engineer roles often have 30-to-60-day onboarding timelines for background checks and access credentialing. Apply at least two months before your OPT authorization begins to avoid gaps between your start date and the employer's readiness.
Clarify OPT authorization confidently in interviews
Many facilities employers confuse OPT with H-1B sponsorship. Prepare a clear one-minute explanation that OPT is your existing work authorization, requires no employer petition, and costs the employer nothing to initiate during your authorized period.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly employers
Browse Building Engineer listings on Migrate Mate to identify employers who have previously hired OPT students. Focusing your applications on these companies significantly improves your chances of finding a role before your OPT window closes.
Building Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Building Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Building Engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or civil engineering. Your DSO can confirm eligibility by checking your program's CIP code against the official STEM designation list. If you qualify, you can work up to 36 months total on OPT, which gives employers a meaningful runway before any H-1B sponsorship decision is necessary.
Do employers need to do anything to hire me on OPT as a Building Engineer?
During initial OPT, your employer does not file any petition or pay any government fees. You provide your EAD card as proof of work authorization, and the employer records it on your I-9. For the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan with your DSO. This is a straightforward administrative step that most property management companies and building operators can complete without legal counsel.
What types of employers hire Building Engineers on OPT?
Commercial real estate firms, hospital systems, university facilities departments, hotel operators, and large property management companies are the most active hirers. These organizations maintain engineering staff year-round and have established HR processes for work authorization documentation. You can find employers actively open to OPT candidates by browsing Building Engineer listings on Migrate Mate, which focuses specifically on roles accessible to international students.
Can I work on-site at a client building as an OPT Building Engineer?
Yes, OPT authorizes you to work at your employer's client sites as long as your employer of record remains the company on your EAD and your I-9. Third-party placement arrangements where a staffing agency places you with an end client can create compliance complications, so confirm the employment structure before accepting an offer. Your DSO can review any unusual arrangements to ensure your OPT authorization remains valid.
How much time do I realistically have to find sponsorship as a Building Engineer on OPT?
If you qualify for the STEM extension, you have up to 36 months of OPT work authorization, which typically covers two to three H-1B lottery cycles. Building Engineer roles in commercial real estate and facilities management are sponsored under the H-1B regularly, as the job requires a specific engineering degree. Starting conversations about long-term sponsorship with your employer around the 18-month mark gives both sides enough time to plan without pressure.
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