OPT Hvac Engineer Jobs
HVAC Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. HVAC roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization, and employers in construction, building systems, and energy sectors actively hire OPT candidates.
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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 Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Hvac Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Hvac Engineer
Verify your degree field aligns with the role
HVAC Engineer positions require a mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering background for OPT eligibility. Confirm your degree field directly matches the job description before applying to avoid authorization complications with your DSO.
Apply to firms with established OPT workflows
Larger MEP engineering firms and building systems companies file OPT paperwork regularly. Targeting employers who have sponsored OPT students before significantly reduces onboarding delays and the risk of authorization errors from unfamiliar HR teams.
Highlight your STEM OPT extension eligibility upfront
Tell hiring managers early that your degree qualifies for a 36-month STEM OPT extension. This extends your effective runway significantly and reduces pressure on employers to immediately pursue H-1B visa sponsorship after your initial 12-month period ends.
Pursue PE licensure preparation during OPT
Starting your FE exam during OPT signals long-term commitment to engineering employers. Many HVAC firms prioritize candidates on a clear path to Professional Engineer licensure, which directly strengthens your case for H-1B sponsorship after OPT ends.
Emphasize hands-on software proficiency in applications
Employers hiring HVAC Engineers on OPT want immediate productivity. Demonstrating proficiency in tools like AutoCAD MEP, Revit MEP, or HAP energy modeling software positions you as a day-one contributor rather than a candidate requiring extended ramp-up time.
Prioritize companies with active H-1B sponsorship history
Before accepting an offer, research whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visas for engineers in the past. Companies with consistent H-1B filing history are far more likely to sponsor you when your OPT authorization period concludes.
Hvac Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do HVAC Engineer jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes, HVAC Engineer roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related STEM field listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. This gives you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify to support the extension.
Can I work as an HVAC Engineer on OPT without employer sponsorship?
OPT authorization itself does not require employer sponsorship in the traditional sense. Your employer does not file a petition with USCIS, but they must be a legitimate employer offering work directly related to your STEM degree. For the STEM OPT extension specifically, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan on Form I-983.
Where can I find HVAC Engineer jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa-friendliness, so you can browse HVAC Engineer roles at employers who have demonstrated willingness to work with OPT candidates. Searching through a general job board makes it difficult to identify which employers understand OPT requirements and have the HR processes to support your authorization.
What happens to my OPT status if I switch HVAC employers?
You can change employers during OPT, but the new role must still be directly related to your degree field. Report the employer change to your DSO within 10 days so your SEVP record is updated. If you are on a STEM OPT extension, your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, and you will need a new Form I-983 training plan signed by the incoming employer.
Do HVAC Engineer employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Sponsorship rates vary by employer size and sector. Large MEP engineering consultancies, commercial construction firms, and building systems manufacturers have more established immigration programs and file H-1B petitions more consistently than smaller contractors. Targeting companies with documented H-1B filing history in engineering roles is the most reliable way to assess sponsorship likelihood before accepting an offer.