OPT HVAC Jobs
HVAC jobs on OPT are a strong fit for mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering graduates. Many positions qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers range from commercial contractors to building automation firms actively hiring international graduates.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Supercharge your career and shape the future with Johnson Controls—where bold ideas, breakthrough innovation, and real‑world impact come to life.
We’re not just a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings—we’re the team rewriting what’s possible for people, places, and the planet. When you join us, you step into a world of cutting‑edge technology, meaningful challenges, and opportunities that push your potential further than you imagined.
At Johnson Controls, your voice sparks change. Your creativity fuels progress. And your growth is our priority. You’ll take on work that matters, learn from the best in the industry, and thrive in a culture built on empowerment, collaboration, and forward momentum.
If you’re ready to make an impact, accelerate your career, and help build a smarter, more sustainable world, your next big opportunity is just a few clicks away.
What we offer
- Competitive base salary and a comprehensive bonus program.
- Three weeks paid vacation in a calendar year/holidays/sick time/three PTO days in a calendar year.
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one.
- Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities
- Encouraging and collaborative team environment
- Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
- Providing Scheduling and management support.
- JCI Employee discount programs (The Loop by Perk Spot)
What you do
Be responsible for the design, configuration, and operation of complete building control systems including fire, security, and other low voltage control sub-systems (i.e., lighting, nurse call, data networks, etc.) to meet the intent of the project requirements.
Accountable to field teams for quality, timeliness and efficiency of designs. Develops complex software programs, commissioning and solving to ensure proper operations of the building control system.
Provides detailed information and submittals to communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, Johnson Controls field installation team and subcontractors.
How will you do it
- Designs and configures are technically complex building control systems as defined by the contract documents. Creates flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of material, network layouts and electrical schematics as required.
- Develop and tests software programs necessary to operate the system per the project requirements' intent.
- Coordinates and creates necessary drawings and equipment schedules for submittals and installation.
- Selects, orders, and tracks the delivery of materials for assigned projects.
- Coordinates factory-mounting processes to meet factory and project schedule.
- Assists in the loading and commissioning of all system and network-level controllers as required.
- Assists in validation of complete system functionality and solves problems with subcontractors and other trades to ensure proper operation.
- Provides field change information to the project team for the creation of as-built drawings and software.
- Keeps management and JCI contractor or customer informed of job progress and issues.
- Assists in performing site-specific training for owner/operator on the total building control system.
- Participates in the release meeting with project field team.
- Performs value engineering to provide cost effective results while maintaining customer satisfaction.
- May provide work directions to Systems Design Assistants.
- Adheres to safety standards with a high degree of employee and subcontractor safety.
- Travel is required for this role.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- bachelor’s degree in engineering and minimum 3 years' experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of the construction or HVAC industry.
- Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems.
- Experience with JCI software programming
- Demonstrated experience in the integration of low voltage building sub-systems using various industry protocols (i.e., LON, BACnet, etc.).
- Ability to relate technical knowledge to a non-technical audience.
- Demonstrated advanced computer skills required, particularly computer-related drafting tools.
- Ability to travel regularly.
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $80,000 – 110,000. USD Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. This position includes a competitive benefits package.
INTRODUCTION
Supercharge your career and shape the future with Johnson Controls—where bold ideas, breakthrough innovation, and real‑world impact come to life.
We’re not just a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings—we’re the team rewriting what’s possible for people, places, and the planet. When you join us, you step into a world of cutting‑edge technology, meaningful challenges, and opportunities that push your potential further than you imagined.
At Johnson Controls, your voice sparks change. Your creativity fuels progress. And your growth is our priority. You’ll take on work that matters, learn from the best in the industry, and thrive in a culture built on empowerment, collaboration, and forward momentum.
If you’re ready to make an impact, accelerate your career, and help build a smarter, more sustainable world, your next big opportunity is just a few clicks away.
What we offer
- Competitive base salary and a comprehensive bonus program.
- Three weeks paid vacation in a calendar year/holidays/sick time/three PTO days in a calendar year.
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one.
- Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities
- Encouraging and collaborative team environment
- Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
- Providing Scheduling and management support.
- JCI Employee discount programs (The Loop by Perk Spot)
What you do
Be responsible for the design, configuration, and operation of complete building control systems including fire, security, and other low voltage control sub-systems (i.e., lighting, nurse call, data networks, etc.) to meet the intent of the project requirements.
Accountable to field teams for quality, timeliness and efficiency of designs. Develops complex software programs, commissioning and solving to ensure proper operations of the building control system.
Provides detailed information and submittals to communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, Johnson Controls field installation team and subcontractors.
How will you do it
- Designs and configures are technically complex building control systems as defined by the contract documents. Creates flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of material, network layouts and electrical schematics as required.
- Develop and tests software programs necessary to operate the system per the project requirements' intent.
- Coordinates and creates necessary drawings and equipment schedules for submittals and installation.
- Selects, orders, and tracks the delivery of materials for assigned projects.
- Coordinates factory-mounting processes to meet factory and project schedule.
- Assists in the loading and commissioning of all system and network-level controllers as required.
- Assists in validation of complete system functionality and solves problems with subcontractors and other trades to ensure proper operation.
- Provides field change information to the project team for the creation of as-built drawings and software.
- Keeps management and JCI contractor or customer informed of job progress and issues.
- Assists in performing site-specific training for owner/operator on the total building control system.
- Participates in the release meeting with project field team.
- Performs value engineering to provide cost effective results while maintaining customer satisfaction.
- May provide work directions to Systems Design Assistants.
- Adheres to safety standards with a high degree of employee and subcontractor safety.
- Travel is required for this role.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- bachelor’s degree in engineering and minimum 3 years' experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of the construction or HVAC industry.
- Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems.
- Experience with JCI software programming
- Demonstrated experience in the integration of low voltage building sub-systems using various industry protocols (i.e., LON, BACnet, etc.).
- Ability to relate technical knowledge to a non-technical audience.
- Demonstrated advanced computer skills required, particularly computer-related drafting tools.
- Ability to travel regularly.
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $80,000 – 110,000. USD Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. This position includes a competitive benefits package.
See all 190+ OPT HVAC Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in HVAC
Confirm your role qualifies as STEM OPT
HVAC engineering and controls roles often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in mechanical or electrical engineering. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to avoid authorization gaps.
Target commercial and industrial contractors
Large commercial HVAC contractors and building automation firms hire engineers for design, commissioning, and controls work. These employers are more likely to have established HR processes for OPT and eventual H-1B visa sponsorship than smaller residential contractors.
Emphasize building systems and software skills
Employers value candidates who can work with BAS platforms, energy modeling software, and HVAC design tools like Revit MEP or HAP. Listing these skills specifically signals technical depth and makes you competitive against non-OPT candidates.
Ask about sponsorship history before interviews
Research whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visas before. HVAC firms that have previously hired OPT workers understand the timeline and are less likely to withdraw offers over visa concerns when your OPT period ends.
Get your EAD card before your start date
HVAC roles are typically full-time and on-site from day one. Apply for your EAD at least 90 days before your program end date so your card arrives before you start. Working without a valid EAD violates your OPT status.
Document the STEM nexus between your degree and the role
For STEM OPT extensions, your employer must complete a formal training plan showing how the HVAC role relates to your engineering degree. Work with your supervisor early to draft this accurately and meet your DSO's submission deadline.
HVAC OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do HVAC jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many HVAC roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related STEM field. The job must directly apply your technical training. Your DSO confirms eligibility based on your CIP code and role description, so clarify this before accepting an offer.
Can I work as an HVAC technician on OPT, or does it need to be an engineering role?
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree field. A hands-on technician role may qualify if your degree is in HVAC technology or engineering technology, but a general labor or installation position is unlikely to meet the standard. Engineering, design, commissioning, and controls roles are the strongest fit for most OPT students.
How do I find HVAC employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for visa-friendly employers, making it easier to find HVAC firms that have hired OPT students before. Larger mechanical contractors, building automation companies, and engineering consulting firms tend to have established processes for work authorization. Smaller residential contractors rarely sponsor visas.
What happens to my OPT status if my HVAC employer goes through layoffs?
If you lose your HVAC job, you have a cumulative 90-day unemployment allowance during standard OPT (150 days for STEM OPT extension). You must report the job loss to your DSO promptly. If you exceed the unemployment limit without securing a new qualifying role, you fall out of valid OPT status.
Does on-site HVAC fieldwork count toward OPT employment, or does it need to be office-based?
Location does not determine whether work counts as valid OPT employment. Site visits, commissioning work, and field installation oversight all qualify as long as the role is directly related to your degree and you are employed by an authorized employer. Remote, hybrid, and fully on-site arrangements are all permissible under OPT rules.