OPT Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs
Mechanical Project Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical, manufacturing, or systems engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in aerospace, automotive, energy, and industrial manufacturing regularly hire OPT candidates for these positions.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Advance your career with the Johnson Controls Team!
Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. In this role, you will lead the day-to-day activities of a field Mechanical Install team, helping deliver safe, profitable, and customer-focused results while supporting a culture that values wellbeing, collaboration, and development.
We recognize that a fulfilling career is supported by your overall wellbeing. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you in multiple aspects of life, including:
- Competitive salary
- Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time - 15 days of vacation in your first year to promote work-life balance
- Comprehensive benefits package, including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care, available from day one
- An encouraging and collaborative team environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters innovation
- On-the-job and cross-training opportunities
- A strong commitment to safety through our Zero Harm policy, ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all employees
- JCI Employee discount programs (The Loop by Perk Spot)
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Under general supervision, responsible for the overall execution and performance of mechanical retrofit projects. Responsible for following consistent and repeatable project management standardized procedures and processes, and achieving financial results on assigned projects. Provides project coordination for day to day activities of Mechanics, and sub-contractors. Secures new work and change orders from the existing customer base. Provides mechanical project estimating and estimating reviews. Acts as a technical resource for Sales. Responsible for overall project safety program compliance.
HOW YOU WILL DO IT
Plans, executes and controls assigned projects. Coordinates the mechanical retrofit process to insure that it is performed in accordance with standard practices. Facilitates escalation of product related problems along with the drawing layouts / detailing for accurate job installation.
Estimates mechanical work and presents proposals to the customer.
Assists sales in project development efforts and performs pre-bid reviews.
Interfaces with the Truck Based team(s) to control proper staffing levels.
Reviews and interprets contract Terms and Conditions.
Analyzes financial reporting systems and project schedules to proactively address potential problems and manage risk. Investigates solutions and establishes project recovery plans.
Provides ongoing cost and estimate analysis reporting. Manages allocation of costs.
Uses Johnson Controls standard tracking and reporting tools to effectively communicate project progress and financial status to management.
Proactively investigates opportunities for improvements in the project scope that will result in value added change orders. Performs associated cost estimates, prepares proposals and secures customer acceptance.
Responsible for asset management including collections, cost control, progress billings and payables.
Coordinates assigned projects for compliance with specifications, local codes and installation techniques.
Uses negotiation skills to consistently resolve disputes.
Leads material procurement, warehousing and logistics processes.
Provides high quality written communications. Ensures project document controls are in compliance with contract requirements and Johnson Controls standards.
Develops and maintains viable long-term relationships with customers and subcontractors. Attends job progress meetings as the need arises. Ensures subcontractors understand expectations of the project.
Ensures transition to appropriate Johnson Controls Truck-based team is achieved.
Coordinates performance of owner training requirements.
Adheres and insures that Johnson Controls team members, and subcontractors adhere to safety standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Four or more years of comprehensive, technical and operational knowledge of the service business, particularly related to smaller fast track retrofit, remodel and tenant improvement types of projects.
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
- Must have the ability to communicate technical information to a non-technical audience. Proficient in Project Management software and financial accounting systems. Strong Personal Computer capabilities in MS Office (excel, word, power point), Adobe Writer, Visio and basic Windows environment.
- Travel is required and will vary on project assignment.
- Projects may exist outside of assigned geography.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Two to four years of engineering or trade school training such as an engineering degree or equivalent is preferred.
- Installation and Service experience related to complex HVAC Mechanical systems and equipment is desired.
COMPENSATION
- HIRING SALARY RANGE: $89,000 - $134,000 (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.
For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at About us - Johnson Controls Careers.
INTRODUCTION
Advance your career with the Johnson Controls Team!
Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. In this role, you will lead the day-to-day activities of a field Mechanical Install team, helping deliver safe, profitable, and customer-focused results while supporting a culture that values wellbeing, collaboration, and development.
We recognize that a fulfilling career is supported by your overall wellbeing. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you in multiple aspects of life, including:
- Competitive salary
- Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time - 15 days of vacation in your first year to promote work-life balance
- Comprehensive benefits package, including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care, available from day one
- An encouraging and collaborative team environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters innovation
- On-the-job and cross-training opportunities
- A strong commitment to safety through our Zero Harm policy, ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all employees
- JCI Employee discount programs (The Loop by Perk Spot)
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Under general supervision, responsible for the overall execution and performance of mechanical retrofit projects. Responsible for following consistent and repeatable project management standardized procedures and processes, and achieving financial results on assigned projects. Provides project coordination for day to day activities of Mechanics, and sub-contractors. Secures new work and change orders from the existing customer base. Provides mechanical project estimating and estimating reviews. Acts as a technical resource for Sales. Responsible for overall project safety program compliance.
HOW YOU WILL DO IT
Plans, executes and controls assigned projects. Coordinates the mechanical retrofit process to insure that it is performed in accordance with standard practices. Facilitates escalation of product related problems along with the drawing layouts / detailing for accurate job installation.
Estimates mechanical work and presents proposals to the customer.
Assists sales in project development efforts and performs pre-bid reviews.
Interfaces with the Truck Based team(s) to control proper staffing levels.
Reviews and interprets contract Terms and Conditions.
Analyzes financial reporting systems and project schedules to proactively address potential problems and manage risk. Investigates solutions and establishes project recovery plans.
Provides ongoing cost and estimate analysis reporting. Manages allocation of costs.
Uses Johnson Controls standard tracking and reporting tools to effectively communicate project progress and financial status to management.
Proactively investigates opportunities for improvements in the project scope that will result in value added change orders. Performs associated cost estimates, prepares proposals and secures customer acceptance.
Responsible for asset management including collections, cost control, progress billings and payables.
Coordinates assigned projects for compliance with specifications, local codes and installation techniques.
Uses negotiation skills to consistently resolve disputes.
Leads material procurement, warehousing and logistics processes.
Provides high quality written communications. Ensures project document controls are in compliance with contract requirements and Johnson Controls standards.
Develops and maintains viable long-term relationships with customers and subcontractors. Attends job progress meetings as the need arises. Ensures subcontractors understand expectations of the project.
Ensures transition to appropriate Johnson Controls Truck-based team is achieved.
Coordinates performance of owner training requirements.
Adheres and insures that Johnson Controls team members, and subcontractors adhere to safety standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Four or more years of comprehensive, technical and operational knowledge of the service business, particularly related to smaller fast track retrofit, remodel and tenant improvement types of projects.
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
- Must have the ability to communicate technical information to a non-technical audience. Proficient in Project Management software and financial accounting systems. Strong Personal Computer capabilities in MS Office (excel, word, power point), Adobe Writer, Visio and basic Windows environment.
- Travel is required and will vary on project assignment.
- Projects may exist outside of assigned geography.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Two to four years of engineering or trade school training such as an engineering degree or equivalent is preferred.
- Installation and Service experience related to complex HVAC Mechanical systems and equipment is desired.
COMPENSATION
- HIRING SALARY RANGE: $89,000 - $134,000 (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.
For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at About us - Johnson Controls Careers.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mechanical Project Engineer
Lead with your STEM OPT timeline upfront
Mechanical Project Engineer roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Tell employers this early. It removes uncertainty and signals you understand your own authorization, which experienced hiring managers appreciate.
Target industries with established OPT pipelines
Aerospace, automotive, energy, and industrial equipment manufacturers regularly hire OPT engineers. These industries work with DSOs and legal teams routinely, so the sponsorship conversation is less unfamiliar than at smaller generalist firms.
Emphasize project ownership in your resume
Hiring managers for project engineer roles want evidence you can run a workstream, not just support one. Quantify scope: budget managed, team size, delivery timeline. Concrete project outcomes move your resume past the initial screen faster.
Clarify your authorization before the offer stage
Bring up OPT status before the offer is drafted, not after. Frame it factually: your current authorization period, STEM extension eligibility, and H-1B visa as the long-term path. Late disclosure creates friction that early disclosure avoids entirely.
Obtain your EAD card before your start date
You cannot begin work as a Mechanical Project Engineer until your physical EAD card arrives. File the OPT application 90 days before graduation and confirm your card is in hand before accepting any firm start date from an employer.
Research employer H-1B filing history before applying
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas for engineers in the past are far more likely to do it again. This is a reliable signal of sponsorship willingness that helps you prioritize applications before investing time in interviews.
Mechanical Project Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Mechanical Project Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in almost all cases. Mechanical Project Engineer positions typically fall under qualifying STEM SOC codes, including 17-2141 (Mechanical Engineers) and related engineering classifications. Your degree must be from a STEM-designated program on the DHS STEM list. Confirm the SOC code alignment with your DSO before applying for the 24-month extension.
How do I find Mechanical Project Engineer employers who sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, so you're not manually screening hundreds of postings to find companies open to work authorization. Focus your search on aerospace, defense, energy, and industrial manufacturing sectors, where OPT sponsorship for engineering roles is most common and the hiring infrastructure to support it already exists.
Can I work as a Mechanical Project Engineer while my STEM OPT extension application is pending?
Yes, if your initial OPT EAD is still valid when you file the STEM extension, you receive an automatic 180-day cap-out period that lets you continue working while USCIS processes the application. Do not let your initial EAD expire before filing. Coordinate the timing closely with your DSO to avoid any gap in authorization.
What does the employer verification requirement mean for Mechanical Project Engineers on STEM OPT?
During STEM OPT, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, complete a formal training plan with you using Form I-983, and conduct evaluations at the midpoint and end of your extension. Mechanical engineering roles must involve work that directly relates to your degree field. A role focused purely on general operations or procurement without an engineering function may not satisfy this requirement.
What happens to my OPT status if my Mechanical Project Engineer role is eliminated?
If you lose your job, you enter a 60-day unemployment grace period. During this time you must either secure a new Mechanical Project Engineer role with a qualifying employer, transfer to a different visa status, or depart the United States. Report the job loss to your DSO immediately, as the 60-day window begins from your last day of employment, not when you notify the school.