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.
Find OPT Construction Project Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 390+ Construction Project Engineer jobs
See all 390+ Construction Project Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Construction Project Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsIf you like variety and challenge and take satisfaction from knowing your work supports marine sustainability, consider joining the Michels Construction, Inc., Marine Operations team. Marine Operations provides services to include mechanical and hydraulic dredging, certified commercial diving, lock and dam repair, inspection, and debris removal, just to name a few. The end product might not be visible, but it will be essential. Our work improves lives. Find out how a career at Michels Construction, Inc. can change yours.
As a Project Manager, Marine Construction, your key responsibilities will be to manage a phase of a large complex project or manage multiple medium sized marine construction projects that are approximately greater than $1M and are up to $50M. It is also your responsibility to plan, direct and coordinate activities of designated projects to ensure that goals or objectives of the project are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters.
Why Michels Construction, Inc.?
- We support dynamic and growing industries
- We are family owned and operated
- We invest an average of $5,000 per employee on training each year
- We reward hard work and dedication with limitless opportunities
- We are a part of the Michels family of companies – one of North America's largest, most diversified energy and infrastructure contractors
- We offer a comprehensive benefits program, including Health, Dental, Life, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) plan, Legal Plan, and Identity Theft and Monitoring Plan. Depending on your positions and location you may participate in a different benefit plan.
Why you?
- You want to win.
- You thrive in fast-paced environments
- You relish new challenges and evolving technology
- You want your work to be meaningful
- You enjoy collaborating and communicating with your teammates
- You like to know your efforts are noticed and appreciated
- You are flexible and optimistic
What it takes:
- Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of related experience or equivalent combination of both
- Project Management experience in Marine Construction or Heavy Civil is desired
- Ability to be on the water performing work in varying conditions
- Position requires extensive travel throughout the United States (50% or more)
- Experience with B2W, Microsoft Project, and AutoCad a plus but not required
AA/EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability
If you like variety and challenge and take satisfaction from knowing your work supports marine sustainability, consider joining the Michels Construction, Inc., Marine Operations team. Marine Operations provides services to include mechanical and hydraulic dredging, certified commercial diving, lock and dam repair, inspection, and debris removal, just to name a few. The end product might not be visible, but it will be essential. Our work improves lives. Find out how a career at Michels Construction, Inc. can change yours.
As a Project Manager, Marine Construction, your key responsibilities will be to manage a phase of a large complex project or manage multiple medium sized marine construction projects that are approximately greater than $1M and are up to $50M. It is also your responsibility to plan, direct and coordinate activities of designated projects to ensure that goals or objectives of the project are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters.
Why Michels Construction, Inc.?
- We support dynamic and growing industries
- We are family owned and operated
- We invest an average of $5,000 per employee on training each year
- We reward hard work and dedication with limitless opportunities
- We are a part of the Michels family of companies – one of North America's largest, most diversified energy and infrastructure contractors
- We offer a comprehensive benefits program, including Health, Dental, Life, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) plan, Legal Plan, and Identity Theft and Monitoring Plan. Depending on your positions and location you may participate in a different benefit plan.
Why you?
- You want to win.
- You thrive in fast-paced environments
- You relish new challenges and evolving technology
- You want your work to be meaningful
- You enjoy collaborating and communicating with your teammates
- You like to know your efforts are noticed and appreciated
- You are flexible and optimistic
What it takes:
- Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of related experience or equivalent combination of both
- Project Management experience in Marine Construction or Heavy Civil is desired
- Ability to be on the water performing work in varying conditions
- Position requires extensive travel throughout the United States (50% or more)
- Experience with B2W, Microsoft Project, and AutoCad a plus but not required
AA/EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability
See all 390+ OPT Construction Project Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Construction Project Engineer Jobs.
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.