OPT Construction Technician Jobs
Construction Technician jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture technology. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions. Employers typically require field experience, so co-op and internship work counts toward your authorization period.
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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 805+ OPT Construction Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Construction Technician
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Construction Technician roles under civil or construction engineering CIP codes typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorized work period.
Target firms with established OPT hiring pipelines
Large general contractors and engineering firms like Turner Construction, Jacobs, and AECOM regularly hire OPT students. Smaller firms may lack HR infrastructure to process OPT paperwork, so prioritize employers with documented international hiring history.
Document all field experience for your OPT period
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your degree. Keep records linking your on-site tasks, such as surveying, quality control, or materials testing, to specific coursework from your program for compliance purposes.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Construction project timelines are rigid. Hiring managers plan crew needs weeks in advance, so submitting applications two to three months before your OPT authorization begins gives employers time to plan your onboarding without scheduling conflicts.
Highlight software skills that reduce employer uncertainty
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Procore, or BIM tools signals immediate productivity and offsets any hesitation about sponsoring an OPT worker. These skills are in high demand and make your application competitive against candidates without work authorization needs.
Address your OPT timeline directly in interviews
Employers in construction plan projects months out and worry about staff turnover mid-project. Proactively explain your OPT duration, STEM extension eligibility, and long-term H-1B visa pathway to reduce hesitation before it becomes an unspoken objection.
Construction Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Construction Technician job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not just the job title. If your degree is in civil engineering, construction management, or a related STEM field, the role typically qualifies. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific program is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List before you apply.
Can I work on active construction sites while on OPT?
Yes, as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. On-site roles involving materials inspection, surveying, project coordination, or quality assurance generally satisfy the OPT employment relationship requirement. Keep documentation connecting your daily responsibilities to your academic program in case USCIS reviews your records.
How do I find Construction Technician employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, so you avoid wasting time on employers who won't hire international students. Construction roles on the platform are tagged for OPT compatibility, making it faster to identify firms with a track record of supporting work authorization.
What happens if my construction project ends before my OPT period does?
Project-based employment is common in construction, and gaps between roles are permitted on OPT up to a cumulative 90 days for standard OPT (150 days on STEM OPT). If a project wraps early, prioritize finding your next role quickly. Unemployed days beyond the limit can jeopardize your status, so track them carefully.
Do I need my employer to file anything with USCIS when I start a Construction Technician job on OPT?
For standard OPT, your employer does not need to file with USCIS, but you must report the job to your DSO within 10 days of starting. For STEM OPT, your employer must enroll in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan (Form I-983) before your STEM extension is approved. Confirm E-Verify enrollment early in the hiring process.