OPT Construction Project Engineer Jobs
Construction Project Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in civil, structural, or construction engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT-eligible, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers typically require knowledge of project scheduling, RFI management, and construction documentation.
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Job Description: Take Your Construction Career to the Next Level!
Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!
Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Construction Services team is looking for you! From construction management and observation/inspection services to laboratory testing and materials and forensic engineering, our Construction Services market helps to develop and maintain America's infrastructure and supply chain and is a recognized industry leader with more than 25 accredited laboratories. Step into Your New Role
Kleinfelder is currently seeking a Project Manager to join our Construction Materials Engineering and Testing team in our San Jose, CA office.
Position Responsibilities Include:
- Providing professional services for construction materials testing projects
- Performing accurate computations and reviewing laboratory test reports
- Reviewing daily observation reports and materials testing data sheets
- Collaborating with staff, and actively working with clients to deliver complex programs/projects
- Assisting with preparation of proposals and fee estimates
- Planning and execution of technical work
- Assisting with monitoring and controlling project budgets
- Performing additional various tasks at the discretion of the supervisor
- Ensuring project deadlines are met by providing proper scheduling, coordination, and organization of available resources
- Establishing and maintaining relationships through excellent communication, professionalism, and having a client service focus
Consideration for this position requires the following minimum competencies or experience:
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in materials testing, special inspection, construction management, and/or other construction-related engineering services
- A minimum of 2 years of demonstrated project management experience including budgeting, scheduling, resource planning, client coordination and subcontractor management
- Ability to work independently and as a team member, maintain composure, and work effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities
- Excellent interpersonal, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to pass drug test
- Able to use a company provided laptop or tablet computer and a working knowledge of MS Office programs (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- A good work ethic, attention to detail, and high level of personal integrity
- Authorization to work in the United States
In addition to the above required competencies or experience, hiring preference will be given to those with the following certifications or experience:
- ACI, ICC, Caltrans, AASHTO, and/or NICET certifications
- Previous field and/or laboratory experience
- Knowledge of multiple types of construction
- Project management certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), CCM (Certified Construction Manager), or equivalent construction/project management credentials
- Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management
- Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification
- Professional Engineer License
Move Forward with Kleinfelder
Kleinfelder has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients' transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 85 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia. Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose - together, we deliver.
Progress with an Employer that Values You
Kleinfelder is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:
Benefits: Kleinfelder offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Scale Disclosure Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary range: $75,850 - $126,585 annually.
Career Development: We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.
Equal Opportunity: Kleinfelder is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans (compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules).
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that Kleinfelder does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.
See all 420+ OPT Construction Project Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Construction Project Engineer
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Civil, structural, and construction engineering degrees are on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, making you eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles.
Target firms with active H-1B sponsorship histories
Large general contractors and engineering firms like Bechtel, Turner Construction, and AECOM have consistent H-1B visa filing records. Prioritizing these employers increases your chances of long-term sponsorship after your OPT period ends.
Highlight scheduling and BIM software proficiency
Proficiency in Primavera P6, Procore, and Autodesk BIM 360 makes you a stronger candidate. These tools are commonly required on job postings, and listing them explicitly helps your resume clear applicant tracking systems.
Address your OPT timeline early in conversations
Construction firms often plan hiring around project cycles. Bringing up your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility early helps hiring managers assess whether your timeline aligns with their project staffing needs.
Get your EAD card before your start date
USCIS processing for EAD cards can take 3 to 5 months. Apply as early as 90 days before your program end date so you have your card in hand before your intended first day on the job.
Look for roles with structured rotation or training programs
Entry-level project engineer rotational programs give you exposure across project phases, which strengthens your H-1B sponsorship case by demonstrating specialized experience in a defined engineering specialty occupation.
Construction Project Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Construction Project Engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and future H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, Construction Project Engineer roles generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in civil, structural, or construction engineering. This satisfies both OPT work authorization requirements and the specialty occupation standard that USCIS applies when reviewing H-1B petitions. Roles that only require a general degree in any field can face challenges, so confirm the job description specifies an engineering degree requirement.
How long can I work as a Construction Project Engineer on OPT?
You get 12 months of standard OPT after completing your degree. If your degree is in civil, structural, or construction engineering and appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months total. You must be employed by an E-Verify registered employer to qualify for the extension.
Where can I find Construction Project Engineer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, so you can browse Construction Project Engineer roles from employers who are open to sponsorship. General job boards do not filter by visa sponsorship willingness, which makes it harder to identify which firms will actually support your work authorization.
What counts as unemployment during OPT, and how does it affect Construction Project Engineers?
During standard OPT, you're allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment. During a STEM OPT extension, that drops to 150 days cumulative across both periods. Construction project timelines can affect job continuity, so if you're between contracts or between project assignments, those gaps count toward your unemployment limit. Stay in close contact with your DSO if a gap is approaching.
Can I work on a construction site as a project engineer on OPT, or am I limited to office roles?
OPT authorizes you to work in roles that are directly related to your major field of study, and site-based Construction Project Engineer work qualifies as long as your duties align with your engineering degree. Field engineering, site coordination, and construction management activities all fall within the scope of a standard engineering OPT authorization. There is no restriction against on-site work under OPT.