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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INTRODUCTION
Family owned and operated GC is seeking a Project Engineer to support projects in and around the Chicago area!
A bit about us:
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Construction Project Engineer to join our dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse range of commercial projects, including restaurant and brewery establishments, renovations, remodels, tenant improvements, and ground-up constructions. As a Construction Project Engineer, you will be a critical member of our team, playing a key role in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation.
Why join us?
Competitive compensation package including full benefits, annual bonus, and more!
JOB DETAILS
Responsibilities:
- Oversee all engineering aspects of our commercial construction projects, including restaurants, breweries, and other establishments.
- Manage all phases of the construction process, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Coordinate with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.
- Conduct site inspections to monitor progress and ensure compliance with project specifications and safety standards.
- Prepare and present detailed reports on project status to management and stakeholders.
- Manage tenant improvement (TI) projects, working closely with property owners and tenants to meet their specific needs.
- Participate in the design and planning of ground-up construction projects, bringing innovative ideas and solutions to the table.
- Continually monitor industry trends, technologies, and standards, and be willing to apply this knowledge to your work.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in the engineering industry, specifically in commercial construction.
- Proven experience managing restaurant, brewery, or similar commercial projects from start to finish.
- Demonstrated knowledge of renovation, remodeling, tenant improvement (TI), and ground-up construction processes.
- Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse team and interact with all levels of management.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with a knack for identifying issues and implementing effective solutions.
- Proficient in industry-standard software and technology.
- A passion for the construction industry and a desire to continually learn and grow in your career.
Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Easy Apply" button.
Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Information collected and processed as part of your Jobot candidate profile, and any job applications, resumes, or other information you choose to submit is subject to Jobot's Privacy Policy, as well as the Jobot California Worker Privacy Notice and Jobot Notice Regarding Automated Employment Decision Tools which are available at jobot.com/legal. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Jobot, and/or its agents and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy here: jobot.com/privacy-policy.
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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.