OPT Entry Level Jobs
Entry-level roles are the most common starting point for OPT students, and a growing number of employers actively recruit new graduates specifically because the OPT period gives both sides time to evaluate fit before long-term sponsorship becomes a conversation. Targeting companies with established new graduate programs and a history of H-1B visa filings gives you the clearest path from your first role to long-term work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team.
As a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience, focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard – your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!
What we offer
- Competitive salary and commission / bonus plan
- Paid vacation/holidays/sick time - 15 days of vacation first year
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one
- Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities With outstanding resources
- Encouraging and collaborative team environment
- Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
- Company vehicle
What You Will Do
As a Junior Project Manager, you will support the planning and execution of moderately complex projects that carry medium to high corporate priority. You will work closely with internal teams, customers, and vendors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget, while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
In this role, you will:
- Provide project management subject matter support, including project setup, scope definition, risk identification, methodology application, and resource coordination
- Assist with establishing and supporting local project offices as required
- Maintain control of project schedules, costs, safety, quality standards, and customer expectations
- Present project updates, lifecycle status, and expected outcomes to management and/or customers
- Support and, as assigned, manage vendor relationships throughout project installation phases
- Ensure projects are properly documented and formally closed on time and within scope
How You Will Do It
Apply a working knowledge of Project Management Institute (PMI) methodologies and key knowledge areas, including:
- Integration
- Scope
- Schedule (Time)
- Cost
- Quality
- Communications
- Risk
- Procurement
Communication & Coordination
Lead communication and status reporting for project teams, customers, and Johnson Controls management. Develop and manage project work plans, define roles and responsibilities, and clarify scope of authority. Provide technical guidance, issue resolution, and support across all phases of the project.
Financial Management
Track project expenditures and installation progress through review of project status reports. Adjust schedules and plans as needed to meet financial and operational goals. Maintain full financial accountability, including the ability to forecast financial trends. Translate between Johnson Controls internal accounting methodologies and external client cost structures using AIA standards.
Quality Assurance
Maintain accountability for overall project quality by performing job-site inspections. Ensure workmanship meets Johnson Controls installation standards and quality expectations.
Customer Service
Deliver responsive, professional, and concise support to customers and internal stakeholders. Ensure timely follow‑up and resolution of customer questions, concerns, and issues.
What We Look For
Required
- Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s Degree, or equivalent professional experience (minimum of five years)
- Expectation to obtain PMI / PMP certification within two years of hire
- 1–2 years of experience in the construction industry
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills
- Clear and effective communication abilities
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross‑functionally and with external partners
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $67,000 to $85,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers.
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INTRODUCTION
Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team.
As a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience, focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard – your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!
What we offer
- Competitive salary and commission / bonus plan
- Paid vacation/holidays/sick time - 15 days of vacation first year
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one
- Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities With outstanding resources
- Encouraging and collaborative team environment
- Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
- Company vehicle
What You Will Do
As a Junior Project Manager, you will support the planning and execution of moderately complex projects that carry medium to high corporate priority. You will work closely with internal teams, customers, and vendors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget, while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
In this role, you will:
- Provide project management subject matter support, including project setup, scope definition, risk identification, methodology application, and resource coordination
- Assist with establishing and supporting local project offices as required
- Maintain control of project schedules, costs, safety, quality standards, and customer expectations
- Present project updates, lifecycle status, and expected outcomes to management and/or customers
- Support and, as assigned, manage vendor relationships throughout project installation phases
- Ensure projects are properly documented and formally closed on time and within scope
How You Will Do It
Apply a working knowledge of Project Management Institute (PMI) methodologies and key knowledge areas, including:
- Integration
- Scope
- Schedule (Time)
- Cost
- Quality
- Communications
- Risk
- Procurement
Communication & Coordination
Lead communication and status reporting for project teams, customers, and Johnson Controls management. Develop and manage project work plans, define roles and responsibilities, and clarify scope of authority. Provide technical guidance, issue resolution, and support across all phases of the project.
Financial Management
Track project expenditures and installation progress through review of project status reports. Adjust schedules and plans as needed to meet financial and operational goals. Maintain full financial accountability, including the ability to forecast financial trends. Translate between Johnson Controls internal accounting methodologies and external client cost structures using AIA standards.
Quality Assurance
Maintain accountability for overall project quality by performing job-site inspections. Ensure workmanship meets Johnson Controls installation standards and quality expectations.
Customer Service
Deliver responsive, professional, and concise support to customers and internal stakeholders. Ensure timely follow‑up and resolution of customer questions, concerns, and issues.
What We Look For
Required
- Bachelor’s Degree, Associate’s Degree, or equivalent professional experience (minimum of five years)
- Expectation to obtain PMI / PMP certification within two years of hire
- 1–2 years of experience in the construction industry
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills
- Clear and effective communication abilities
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross‑functionally and with external partners
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $67,000 to $85,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers.
LI-Onsite
LI-NC1
See all 8,637+ OPT Entry Level Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsEntry Level OPT Job Search Tips
Look for structured graduate programs at larger companies
Large companies with formal graduate hiring programs are often more experienced with OPT students than smaller employers. These programs typically have dedicated HR teams who understand the EAD, E-Verify, and STEM OPT extension process.
Be upfront about your OPT authorization in applications
Employers at the entry level sometimes confuse OPT with visa sponsorship. Clarifying early that OPT is an existing work authorization and doesn’t require any action from them removes a common barrier and speeds up the hiring process.
Prioritize E-Verify employers for long-term flexibility
Entry level roles at E-Verify employers keep your STEM OPT extension option open. That extra 24 months can make a significant difference in your path to H-1B visa sponsorship and long-term career stability in the U.S.
Factor in your OPT start date when negotiating start dates
If you haven’t yet received your EAD, coordinate your offer timeline carefully. Most employers will wait a reasonable amount of time for authorization to come through, but it helps to set expectations early and keep them updated.
Target industries with high OPT hiring rates
Technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare are among the sectors that hire the most OPT students at the entry level. These industries also tend to have more employers who are familiar with the OPT process, which makes for a smoother onboarding experience.
Ask about the company’s H-1B history if you’re planning to stay long-term
Entry level roles can lead to H-1B sponsorship, but only if the employer has done it before. Companies with a track record of filing H-1B petitions are more likely to support you through that process when the time comes.
Entry Level OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
What entry level jobs are most accessible for OPT students?
Technology, finance, consulting, and engineering have the highest volume of entry-level roles with employers experienced with OPT hiring. Software engineering, data analysis, financial analysis, and business analyst positions are among the most commonly filled by new OPT graduates. Industries with persistent talent shortages, including healthcare technology and cybersecurity, are also strong areas for entry-level OPT hiring.
How early should I start applying for entry level jobs on OPT?
Starting your job search three to six months before your OPT start date gives you the best timeline. USCIS processing for the EAD card can take several weeks, and many employers need lead time to complete hiring before your authorized start date. Applying early also means you have time to be selective rather than accepting the first offer under time pressure.
Do entry level employers care that I will need H-1B sponsorship later?
Employers with established OPT-to-H1B conversion programs factor this in from the start and plan ahead. The key is targeting employers who have sponsored before, since they understand the timeline and are not caught off guard when the H-1B registration window approaches. Smaller employers without prior sponsorship experience may be willing but need more time to prepare, so having that conversation early in the process is always better than late.
Can I negotiate salary at an entry level OPT job the same as any other candidate?
Yes, your visa status does not limit your ability to negotiate. On STEM OPT, your employer must pay you wages commensurate with similarly situated U.S. workers, which means there is a fairness standard built into the arrangement. Researching market rates for your role and location before negotiating puts you in the same position as any other entry-level candidate.
What happens if I can't find a job before my OPT unemployment limit?
On standard post-completion OPT, you are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment before your F-1 status is at risk. Staying proactive, applying broadly across your qualifying field, and working with your DSO on options gives you the best chance of staying within the limit. Some students use this window to accept internships, part-time roles, or volunteer positions in their field to maintain compliance while continuing their full-time job search.