OPT Construction Project Manager Jobs
Construction Project Manager roles on OPT require employers who can support H-1B visa sponsorship after your 12 or 29-month authorization window closes. Most hiring happens through general contractors, engineering firms, and real estate developers. A PE license or PMP certification significantly strengthens your profile for roles that qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS guidelines.
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Get Access To All JobsJob 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.
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 506+ OPT Construction Project Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Construction Project Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Construction Project Manager
Target firms with established H-1B track records
Large general contractors and engineering consultancies file H-1B visa petitions regularly. Search OFLC disclosure data to confirm which construction employers have sponsored visas before. Firms without that history rarely build the process from scratch for one hire.
Frame your degree as a specialty occupation match
USCIS requires construction project managers to hold a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a directly related field. Explicitly connect your degree to the role in your resume and cover letter to preempt eligibility questions from employers unfamiliar with OPT.
Pursue PMP or PE credentials while on OPT
A Project Management Professional certification or Engineer-in-Training designation signals long-term career commitment and strengthens your specialty occupation argument. Employers are more likely to invest in sponsorship for candidates who demonstrate professional development momentum.
Start the H-1B conversation early in the interview process
Raise sponsorship before an offer is extended, not after. Construction employers often have HR teams unfamiliar with OPT timelines. Explaining your 12 or 29-month window upfront gives them time to consult counsel and avoids last-minute surprises that kill otherwise strong offers.
Prioritize STEM-adjacent roles to access the 24-month OPT extension
Construction management programs at many universities are STEM-designated, qualifying graduates for a 24-month OPT extension beyond the initial 12 months. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before accepting a role, as this significantly expands your employer search timeline.
Build relationships with project owners, not just general contractors
Developers, REITs, and institutional owners hire in-house construction managers and tend to offer longer project pipelines. Longer employment stability makes the H-1B sponsorship calculus easier for employers weighing multi-year legal costs against workforce continuity.
Construction Project Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Construction Project Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Construction project management can qualify, but it is one of the more scrutinized categories. USCIS has historically questioned whether the role requires a specific bachelor's degree rather than any degree. The strongest petitions pair a civil engineering or construction management degree with a job description requiring technical design review, contract administration, and project controls, not just general supervision.
Can I work as a Construction Project Manager on OPT without an employer sponsor?
Yes. OPT work authorization is tied to your degree field, not to a specific employer or petition. You can accept a qualifying construction project manager position with any employer during your OPT period. The sponsorship question only becomes relevant when your OPT approaches expiration and you need a long-term visa like H-1B to continue working legally.
How do I find Construction Project Manager jobs that support OPT and visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, which most general job boards do not offer. Construction project manager roles on Migrate Mate are sourced from employers familiar with international hiring, saving you the time of vetting firms that will ultimately decline to sponsor.
Does my construction management degree qualify me for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your program's Classification of Instructional Programs code. Construction management and civil engineering programs at many U.S. universities carry STEM-designated CIP codes, which qualify graduates for the 24-month extension. Check with your Designated School Official before your initial 12-month OPT period ends, as the extension application must be filed before expiration.
What documentation do I need to start a Construction Project Manager job on OPT?
You need a valid EAD card showing your authorized employment start date, a valid F-1 visa stamp for travel, and your most recent I-20 with OPT authorization endorsed by your DSO. Your employer will also complete Form I-9 verification on or before your first day. Keep copies of all documents, as construction site access sometimes requires proof of work authorization beyond a standard I-9.