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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for a talented Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager I to join our Marietta field services team and advance in a dynamic work environment. The Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager I manages and executes construction materials testing projects, including coordination, reporting, budgeting, and client communication activities. This role is responsible for delivering project work from proposal through completion on low-complexity projects while supporting client relationships and business development efforts. The CMT Project Manager I develops independent project management capabilities while maintaining a positive customer service attitude and demonstrating ECS Core Values.
Responsibilities
- Manages construction materials testing projects from proposal through completion for low-complexity work
- Reviews daily field reports and resolves technical and administrative issues
- Manages project budgets, invoices, pay applications, and collections
- Prepares proposals and change orders
- Supports and performs testing of soils, foundations, reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, masonry, structural steel, fireproofing, and asphalt
- Performs soil classification and assigns appropriate laboratory testing
- Coordinates field staff and provides training and oversight for assigned projects
- Communicates with clients regarding project status, deliverables, and follow-up actions
- Hosts or participates in project meetings and discussions with clients
- Mentors junior staff and technicians and supports team development
- Ensures accurate and timely project documentation and reporting
- Performs other project management and technical duties as assigned
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
As your experience grows, ECS will support you in enhancing your professional skills with the potential for additional mentoring, leadership, and advanced certifications.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years of related experience
- Bachelor of Science in any of the multi-disciplined Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, and Geology
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Good knowledge of construction materials testing principles and applications, including ASTM standards
- Ability to interpret field and laboratory testing results
- Ability to manage priorities, schedules, and deadlines
- Developing client relationship and business development skills
- Basic knowledge of construction materials testing software
- Developing judgment and decision-making abilities
- If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
MILITARY QUALIFICATIONS
The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
- + E-6
WHO WE ARE
ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026).
ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.
INTRODUCTION
ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for a talented Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager I to join our Marietta field services team and advance in a dynamic work environment. The Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager I manages and executes construction materials testing projects, including coordination, reporting, budgeting, and client communication activities. This role is responsible for delivering project work from proposal through completion on low-complexity projects while supporting client relationships and business development efforts. The CMT Project Manager I develops independent project management capabilities while maintaining a positive customer service attitude and demonstrating ECS Core Values.
Responsibilities
- Manages construction materials testing projects from proposal through completion for low-complexity work
- Reviews daily field reports and resolves technical and administrative issues
- Manages project budgets, invoices, pay applications, and collections
- Prepares proposals and change orders
- Supports and performs testing of soils, foundations, reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, masonry, structural steel, fireproofing, and asphalt
- Performs soil classification and assigns appropriate laboratory testing
- Coordinates field staff and provides training and oversight for assigned projects
- Communicates with clients regarding project status, deliverables, and follow-up actions
- Hosts or participates in project meetings and discussions with clients
- Mentors junior staff and technicians and supports team development
- Ensures accurate and timely project documentation and reporting
- Performs other project management and technical duties as assigned
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
As your experience grows, ECS will support you in enhancing your professional skills with the potential for additional mentoring, leadership, and advanced certifications.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years of related experience
- Bachelor of Science in any of the multi-disciplined Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, and Geology
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Good knowledge of construction materials testing principles and applications, including ASTM standards
- Ability to interpret field and laboratory testing results
- Ability to manage priorities, schedules, and deadlines
- Developing client relationship and business development skills
- Basic knowledge of construction materials testing software
- Developing judgment and decision-making abilities
- If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
MILITARY QUALIFICATIONS
The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
- + E-6
WHO WE ARE
ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026).
ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.
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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.