OPT Building Maintenance Mechanic Jobs
Building Maintenance Mechanic jobs on OPT require employers who treat the role as a specialty occupation requiring technical training. Most positions fall under STEM OPT if your degree is in engineering technology, facilities management, or a related field, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to establish yourself.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Opportunity
PAE is looking for an aspiring engineer passionate about the intersection of sustainable design and mechanical systems to join our team as an Entry Level Building Performance Specialist. In this role, you won’t just be drafting; you’ll be a key contributor to greenhouse gas analysis, renewable energy systems, and high-performance HVAC design.
As a vital member of our project teams, you will bridge the gap between complex engineering simulations and real-world construction. From performing mechanical calculations in TRACE and IES to designing system layouts in Revit, you will gain hands-on experience across the entire project lifecycle, from initial district planning to construction administration.
Who We Are
PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.
- Develop an understanding of mechanical system design, modeling and documentation
- Develop proficiency using Revit and AutoCAD as design/drafting tools
- Provide task-based support building performance analysis, greenhouse gas analysis, renewable energy systems, district planning, engineering distribution, HVAC and plumbing
- Develop an understanding of drawings, specifications, building codes, and mechanical industry standards
- Complete assigned work with instruction from project team members
- Assist with construction administration
- Perform mechanical calculations and performance simulations
- Design layout of mechanical systems
- Perform other duties as assigned
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering for discipline work
- Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) or ability to obtain
- Internship experience preferred
- Revit/AutoCAD, TRACE, IES
- Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking
- Passionate about results
- Organization
- Clear communication
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Microsoft Office Suite
What We Offer
- Hiring Base Salary Range: $75,900 - $91,600 annual
+ This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay
The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
- Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution
- Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
- Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
- Cell phone stipend
- Life insurance and disability benefits
- Hybrid work schedule
- Employee Assistance Program
- 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
- Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
- Time-and-a-half pay for eligible overtime
To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit https://www.pae-engineers.com/careers/benefits. This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act.
Our commitment to pay equity
PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity – paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.
What We’re Made Of
Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.
Fine Print
Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
LI-hybrid
The Opportunity
PAE is looking for an aspiring engineer passionate about the intersection of sustainable design and mechanical systems to join our team as an Entry Level Building Performance Specialist. In this role, you won’t just be drafting; you’ll be a key contributor to greenhouse gas analysis, renewable energy systems, and high-performance HVAC design.
As a vital member of our project teams, you will bridge the gap between complex engineering simulations and real-world construction. From performing mechanical calculations in TRACE and IES to designing system layouts in Revit, you will gain hands-on experience across the entire project lifecycle, from initial district planning to construction administration.
Who We Are
PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.
- Develop an understanding of mechanical system design, modeling and documentation
- Develop proficiency using Revit and AutoCAD as design/drafting tools
- Provide task-based support building performance analysis, greenhouse gas analysis, renewable energy systems, district planning, engineering distribution, HVAC and plumbing
- Develop an understanding of drawings, specifications, building codes, and mechanical industry standards
- Complete assigned work with instruction from project team members
- Assist with construction administration
- Perform mechanical calculations and performance simulations
- Design layout of mechanical systems
- Perform other duties as assigned
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering for discipline work
- Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) or ability to obtain
- Internship experience preferred
- Revit/AutoCAD, TRACE, IES
- Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking
- Passionate about results
- Organization
- Clear communication
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Microsoft Office Suite
What We Offer
- Hiring Base Salary Range: $75,900 - $91,600 annual
+ This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay
The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
- Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution
- Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
- Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
- Cell phone stipend
- Life insurance and disability benefits
- Hybrid work schedule
- Employee Assistance Program
- 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
- Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
- Time-and-a-half pay for eligible overtime
To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit https://www.pae-engineers.com/careers/benefits. This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act.
Our commitment to pay equity
PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity – paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.
What We’re Made Of
Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.
Fine Print
Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
LI-hybrid
See all 188+ OPT Building Maintenance Mechanic Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Building Maintenance Mechanic Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Building Maintenance Mechanic
Confirm your degree supports STEM OPT extension
Building maintenance roles qualify for STEM OPT only if your degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Engineering technology, mechanical engineering, and facilities management degrees typically qualify. Confirm with your DSO before accepting any offer.
Target employers with in-house maintenance departments
Large property management companies, universities, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities hire maintenance mechanics directly rather than through contractors. Direct hires are far more likely to support OPT paperwork and future H-1B visa sponsorship than staffing agency placements.
Frame your degree as a specialty occupation requirement
USCIS requires a direct connection between your degree field and the job duties. Emphasize how your engineering or technology coursework applies to HVAC systems, electrical diagnostics, or mechanical repair when speaking with employers about your work authorization.
Ask about sponsorship before the offer stage
Bring up OPT work authorization early, not after you have an offer in hand. Ask hiring managers whether the company has sponsored H-1B or other work visas before. This saves time and signals you understand the process.
Document your practical training connection carefully
Your OPT job must be directly related to your degree program. Keep records showing how each maintenance task connects to coursework. This documentation supports your STEM OPT extension application and protects you if USCIS questions the relationship.
Look for union-affiliated employers with established HR processes
Unionized facilities and large institutional employers often have structured HR teams familiar with work authorization requirements. These employers are more likely to have processed OPT and H-1B paperwork before, reducing friction in the hiring process.
Building Maintenance Mechanic OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Building Maintenance Mechanics?
Yes, but the role must qualify as a specialty occupation directly related to your degree. If your degree is in engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or facilities management, maintenance mechanic work can qualify. Your DSO must authorize the position, and the job duties need to connect clearly to your field of study.
Does a Building Maintenance Mechanic job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and your employer can provide a formal training plan meeting E-Verify and STEM OPT requirements, the extension is possible. Engineering technology and mechanical engineering degrees are the most common qualifying paths for this role.
Where can I find Building Maintenance Mechanic jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so you can browse Building Maintenance Mechanic listings from employers already open to candidates on work authorization. Searching general job boards often means screening out dozens of positions that exclude visa holders before finding one that works.
Will employers in building maintenance sponsor H-1B visas after OPT ends?
Some do, particularly large universities, hospital systems, and major property management companies with dedicated HR teams. H-1B sponsorship for maintenance roles requires the employer to classify the position as a specialty occupation, which can be harder to establish than for engineering or IT roles. Asking about sponsorship history early in the process is the most reliable way to assess willingness.
What should I do if my OPT expires before I receive an H-1B approval for a maintenance mechanic role?
If you filed for a STEM OPT extension before your initial OPT expired, you receive an automatic 180-day cap-out extension to continue working while the application is pending. If you did not apply in time, you must stop working. Planning your extension application at least 90 days before your OPT end date is critical to avoid any gap in work authorization.