HVAC Jobs for OPT Students
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
When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
HVAC functions are performed including various construction, installation, maintenance, and repair work throughout the hospital. All assignments are completed in reasonable time frame as designated by supervisor.
Essential Responsibilities including but not limited to:
- Responsible for maintenance and operation of the generation of steam power to provide heat and to operate various equipment throughout the hospital. Maintains high-pressure boilers of various horsepower and such auxiliary equipment as air conditioner chillers, air compressors, and generators to provide steam, electric power, and auxiliary services.
- Performs routine maintenance on HVAC equipment such as air filter changes, greasing bearings, and cleaning mechanical rooms.
- Records such data as hours of boiler operation, pressure, and temperature. Keeps records of fuel consumption. Observes functioning of steam, vacuum, water, and other, indicating measures to determine operating condition of equipment. Makes adjustments and repairs where necessary. Uses considerable judgment in emergency situations.
- Oversees the operation of three centrifugal air-conditioning units, to provide chilled water to hospital for air-conditioning depending upon demand. Responds to trouble calls throughout the hospital and to taking readings and temperatures of air-conditioning and air-handling equipment. Assumes full responsibility of all plant operations during assigned shift.
- Maintains working area in a clean and orderly condition; observes standard safety rules and regulations.
- Maintains and operates a computerized energy management system and regularly performs duties of HVAC mechanic.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Completion of Boiler Operation School (nine-month program) preferred.
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) training preferred.
Experience
- Three months of on-the-job training in hospital plant systems required.
- Considerable experience with high-pressure boilers, steam engines, compressors, and auxiliary equipment preferred.
- Familiarity with steam fitting and plumbing methods through practical experience.
Licenses & Certifications
- Third-Class Stationary Engineer’s License issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety required.
- Massachusetts Refrigeration License issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety required.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Strong knowledge of high-pressure boiler operations, steam engines, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
- Understanding of steam fitting, plumbing methods, and HVAC systems.
- Ability to monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain hospital plant systems.
- Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices related to boiler and refrigeration systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Working conditions include; exposure to typical boiler room elements including heat, steam, hot water, oil and grease, etc., with frequent exposure to adverse conditions.
- Able to see gauges/displays, hear alarms, and manipulate dials 100% of the time.
- Exposure to power tools and heavy equipment 100% of the time.
- Ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and climb stairs.
PAY RANGE
$30.00 – $43.70
The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.
As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment.
LOCATION
Cambridge, MA • Mount Auburn Hospital
JOB DETAILS
- Employment: Full-time
- Hours/Week: 40
- Shift: Day
- Category: Facilities Management
- Pay Range: $30.00 - $43.70
- FLSA: Non-Exempt
- Req ID: JR90198
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/VETERANS/DISABLED
INTRODUCTION
When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
HVAC functions are performed including various construction, installation, maintenance, and repair work throughout the hospital. All assignments are completed in reasonable time frame as designated by supervisor.
Essential Responsibilities including but not limited to:
- Responsible for maintenance and operation of the generation of steam power to provide heat and to operate various equipment throughout the hospital. Maintains high-pressure boilers of various horsepower and such auxiliary equipment as air conditioner chillers, air compressors, and generators to provide steam, electric power, and auxiliary services.
- Performs routine maintenance on HVAC equipment such as air filter changes, greasing bearings, and cleaning mechanical rooms.
- Records such data as hours of boiler operation, pressure, and temperature. Keeps records of fuel consumption. Observes functioning of steam, vacuum, water, and other, indicating measures to determine operating condition of equipment. Makes adjustments and repairs where necessary. Uses considerable judgment in emergency situations.
- Oversees the operation of three centrifugal air-conditioning units, to provide chilled water to hospital for air-conditioning depending upon demand. Responds to trouble calls throughout the hospital and to taking readings and temperatures of air-conditioning and air-handling equipment. Assumes full responsibility of all plant operations during assigned shift.
- Maintains working area in a clean and orderly condition; observes standard safety rules and regulations.
- Maintains and operates a computerized energy management system and regularly performs duties of HVAC mechanic.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Completion of Boiler Operation School (nine-month program) preferred.
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) training preferred.
Experience
- Three months of on-the-job training in hospital plant systems required.
- Considerable experience with high-pressure boilers, steam engines, compressors, and auxiliary equipment preferred.
- Familiarity with steam fitting and plumbing methods through practical experience.
Licenses & Certifications
- Third-Class Stationary Engineer’s License issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety required.
- Massachusetts Refrigeration License issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety required.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Strong knowledge of high-pressure boiler operations, steam engines, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
- Understanding of steam fitting, plumbing methods, and HVAC systems.
- Ability to monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain hospital plant systems.
- Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices related to boiler and refrigeration systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Working conditions include; exposure to typical boiler room elements including heat, steam, hot water, oil and grease, etc., with frequent exposure to adverse conditions.
- Able to see gauges/displays, hear alarms, and manipulate dials 100% of the time.
- Exposure to power tools and heavy equipment 100% of the time.
- Ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and climb stairs.
PAY RANGE
$30.00 – $43.70
The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.
As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment.
LOCATION
Cambridge, MA • Mount Auburn Hospital
JOB DETAILS
- Employment: Full-time
- Hours/Week: 40
- Shift: Day
- Category: Facilities Management
- Pay Range: $30.00 - $43.70
- FLSA: Non-Exempt
- Req ID: JR90198
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/VETERANS/DISABLED
How to Get Visa 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 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.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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