OPT Energy Project Manager Jobs
Energy Project Manager jobs on OPT require employers to support your work authorization, whether that's a 12-month standard OPT period or a 24-month STEM extension if your degree is in engineering, environmental science, or a related STEM field. Most roles in this space sit within utilities, renewables, and energy consulting firms that regularly hire international talent.
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INTRODUCTION
Strong communities don’t just happen. They’re thoughtfully planned and future-ready. We bring life to urban downtowns, suburban hubs, small towns, and rural areas through master-planned communities, mixed-use developments, parks, and recreation facilities. The result: vibrant economic centers, resilient neighborhoods, and welcoming places that feel like home.
If you’re passionate about empowering communities, join us to discover a career with endless opportunities to make communities more equitable, resilient, and livable.
We’re driving the future of Community Development. Join a team that powers growth and advances communities in one of the world’s top 10 design firms, broadening your skills and developing your career. Our experts lead their fields, collaborating on projects that are as technically challenging as they are impactful, creative, and fulfilling. We operate with the strength of a $3B company, have the agility of a specialized power group and work on some of the most challenging and cutting-edge projects around the world. Whether helping to define microgrids, pushing the boundaries on clean energy or grid modernization, you’ll find yourself working with leaders in transmission & distribution, thermal & hydro generation, and renewable energy. We’re a place where you can apply your passion—and find endless opportunities to help make communities more equitable, resilient, and livable.
YOUR OPPORTUNITY
In this role you will be responsible for the management of a variety of Renewable Energy projects and studies.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Client management, team development, pursuits, and market growth
- Supervision, development, mentorship, and empowerment of engineers, technicians, and designers
- Lead as a technical design expert for renewable energy projects
- Execute and manage complex civil engineering designs and projects for a variety of renewables (solar, wind, battery, etc.) clients.
YOUR CAPABILITIES AND CREDENTIALS
- Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E. or P.Eng) preferred.
- Experienced in large civil project design functions including, site planning, roads, drainage, grading, utilities, and other municipal and private sector infrastructure.
- Experienced in renewable energy ministerial and non-ministerial permitting processes.
- Experienced in engineering design, construction inspection, contract administration, project management, business development, and client service management.
- Ability to create, suggest, and introduce innovative and effective client solutions and integrated deliverables that are aligned with the Sector business objectives.
- Ability to travel up to 10%.
- Valid Driver's License and good driving record required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Preferred minimum 5 years of relevant experience in project management and civil engineering.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a STEM-adjacent field.
- Professional Engineering (P.E. or P.Eng) license in a relevant discipline is beneficial.
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
ABOUT STANTEC
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.
PAY RANGE:
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Locations in MN, OH, VT, & Various CA, NY Areas - $90,900.00 - $131,800.00 Annually
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Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas - $100,000.00 - $145,000.00 Annually
PAY TRANSPARENCY: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
BENEFITS SUMMARY: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.
PRIMARY LOCATION: United States | IL | Chicago
ORGANIZATION: 1903 CommDev-US North Central-Chicago IL
EMPLOYEE STATUS: Regular
BUSINESS JUSTIFICATION: New Position
TRAVEL: Yes
SCHEDULE: Full time
JOB POSTING: 22/04/2026 02:04:13
REQ ID: 1005514
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Energy Project Manager
Lead with your STEM OPT eligibility
If your degree is in engineering, environmental science, or energy systems, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mention this upfront in your resume summary and cover letter so hiring managers understand your full authorization timeline immediately.
Target renewables and utilities hiring internationally
Solar, wind, and grid infrastructure companies have grown rapidly and tend to hire internationally trained engineers. Prioritize employers in these sectors over general construction firms, where OPT familiarity is lower and sponsorship conversations are harder to initiate.
Align your degree field to the job description
Energy Project Manager roles often require a degree in engineering or environmental science. Verify your diploma field matches what's listed. A misaligned degree can complicate STEM extension eligibility and raise questions during DSO verification with your university.
Quantify project outcomes in your application
Hiring managers in energy respond to results. List the megawatts managed, budget size, or timeline reductions you delivered. Concrete project metrics signal readiness for complex energy infrastructure work and offset any concerns about work authorization complexity.
Apply before your OPT window gets tight
Energy project roles often have slower hiring cycles due to multi-round interviews and procurement processes. Start applying at least four months before your OPT end date to leave room for offers, onboarding, and STEM extension filing if needed.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage
Large energy companies and engineering consultancies routinely sponsor H-1B visas. Once you have an offer, ask directly whether the company has sponsored before. Frame it as planning ahead, not as a condition, to keep the conversation constructive and professional.
Energy Project Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Energy Project Manager on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a related field such as civil engineering, electrical engineering, environmental science, or energy management. Your OPT employment must be directly related to your degree, so the job description needs to align with your academic training. A general business degree alone may not satisfy the relatedness requirement for a technical energy role.
Do Energy Project Manager roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, provided your degree appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Common qualifying degrees for this role include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, and energy systems. Your DSO must approve the extension, and your employer must sign a formal training plan before you file the extension with USCIS.
How do I find Energy Project Manager jobs that support OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, so you're not applying blindly to roles where the employer has never considered work authorization. Search for Energy Project Manager roles on Migrate Mate to find employers already familiar with OPT timelines and STEM extension requirements, saving you time in the screening process.
Are large energy companies or smaller firms more likely to support OPT?
Large utilities, engineering consultancies, and renewable energy developers tend to have dedicated HR teams with prior OPT and H-1B experience. Smaller project development firms may support OPT but require more explanation during the offer stage. In either case, targeting companies with a track record of international hires increases your chances of a smooth authorization process.
What happens to my OPT status if my energy project ends before my authorization period does?
OPT allows up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment, which includes gaps between project assignments. If your employer is a consulting firm placing you on discrete projects, you remain employed between assignments as long as your contract is active. If you're laid off or your contract ends, the 90-day unemployment clock starts. Contact your DSO immediately to understand your options and timeline.