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 JobsJob Posting Title:
Capital Project Manager - Mechanical
Position Type:
Professional / Unclassified
Department:
LSUAM FA - FPO - PDCM - CDC - Mechanical Engineering Design (Summer Matherne Martinez (00044949))
Work Location:
0100 Planning, Design and Construction
Pay Grade:
Professional
Job Description:
This position manages capital projects of moderate to high complexity for Planning, Design and Construction from project initiation through closeout with limited supervisory oversight. The Project Manager - Mechanical performs the full range of project coordination duties, serves as the University's project management representative for assigned LSU-managed projects, and supports Facility Planning and Control project delivery activities. Responsibilities include project planning and programming; design and consultant coordination; budget development and oversight; funding, procurement, and schedule management; construction and contract administration; stakeholder engagement; occupancy, relocation, and FF&E implementation; regulatory coordination; and project closeout. The Project Manager coordinates with University departments, consultants, contractors, vendors, Purchasing, regulatory agencies, and Planning, Design and Construction leadership to deliver projects consistent with University goals, standards, policies, approved budgets, and schedules; represent the University's interests throughout the project life cycle; and resolve project-related issues within delegated authority. In-state travel, including some overnight stays, may be required for projects at other LSU campus locations.
Job Duties:
-
35% - Project Management and Project Delivery
Independently manages multiple concurrent capital projects of moderate to high complexity from initiation through closeout and warranty, with primary responsibility for project execution and delivery. Establishes and maintains project scope, schedule, budget, funding coordination, procurement strategy, risk management, and overall delivery approach. Leads LSU-managed mechanical projects, supports Facility Planning and Control Project Managers, coordinates internal and external project teams, manages operational impacts and stakeholder expectations, and represents the University in resolving project issues consistent with University policy and delegated authority. Reviews project progress and proactively identifies and resolves issues affecting scope, cost, schedule, quality, or University operations. -
25% - Consultant, Contractor, and Construction Administration Management
Manages consultants, engineers, contractors, vendors, and other external service providers throughout planning, design, procurement, construction, occupancy, closeout, and warranty. Serves as the University's representative during construction and coordinates resolution of issues involving contractors, consultants, end users, and University departments. Monitors project progress, schedules, costs, delays, payment requests, change orders, submittals, field conditions, quality, and compliance with plans, specifications, applicable codes, and University Design Standards. Coordinates owner-provided and not-in-contract work, utility interruptions, contractor access, parking, staging, site logistics, and other implementation requirements necessary for successful project delivery. -
20% - Planning, Stakeholder, Budget, Procurement, and FF&E Coordination
Leads stakeholder and end-user coordination, including project programming, scope development, client communication, facility and space planning, occupancy planning, departmental relocations, and facilitation of planning and design discussions, with particular consideration of mechanical system requirements, operational impacts, utility needs, and coordination with Facilities. Develops and monitors project budgets, tracks commitments and expenditures, and coordinates designer contracting, consultant procurement, construction procurement, project-related purchasing, and applicable internal and external approvals. Oversees FF&E planning, budgeting, specification development, purchasing coordination, installation, signage, way finding, and other implementation activities as applicable, including coordination of mechanical, plumbing, utility, controls, and equipment requirements associated with owner-furnished or specialized equipment. Maintains communication throughout the project lifecycle to align project decisions with institutional goals, operational requirements, approved scope, budget, and schedule.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with 3 year mechanical design experience. Mechanical system design experience shall include HVAC fire protection and plumbing. Applicants shall be experienced with building construction codes and State Fire Marshall requirements in regard to mechanical design. Experience in Autocad, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply - a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.
Minimum Licenses
Valid Driver's License
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
5 years experience in the design and project management of mechanical systems for facilities.
Preferred Licenses:
Professional Licensure in Mechanical Engineering
Special or Physical Qualifications:
This position is considered operational essential and may be asked to work during an official closure but is otherwise not required to report to the physical campus during a closure and whose absence does not present a risk to the safety, resources, and well-being of the campus per FASOP HR-01.
Additional Job Description:
Special Instructions:
Please provide three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address.
For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Summer Martinez at smath18@lsu.edu.
Posting Date:
September 21, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
October 26, 2026
Additional Position Information:
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
HCM Contact Information:
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.
Job Posting Title:
Capital Project Manager - Mechanical
Position Type:
Professional / Unclassified
Department:
LSUAM FA - FPO - PDCM - CDC - Mechanical Engineering Design (Summer Matherne Martinez (00044949))
Work Location:
0100 Planning, Design and Construction
Pay Grade:
Professional
Job Description:
This position manages capital projects of moderate to high complexity for Planning, Design and Construction from project initiation through closeout with limited supervisory oversight. The Project Manager - Mechanical performs the full range of project coordination duties, serves as the University's project management representative for assigned LSU-managed projects, and supports Facility Planning and Control project delivery activities. Responsibilities include project planning and programming; design and consultant coordination; budget development and oversight; funding, procurement, and schedule management; construction and contract administration; stakeholder engagement; occupancy, relocation, and FF&E implementation; regulatory coordination; and project closeout. The Project Manager coordinates with University departments, consultants, contractors, vendors, Purchasing, regulatory agencies, and Planning, Design and Construction leadership to deliver projects consistent with University goals, standards, policies, approved budgets, and schedules; represent the University's interests throughout the project life cycle; and resolve project-related issues within delegated authority. In-state travel, including some overnight stays, may be required for projects at other LSU campus locations.
Job Duties:
-
35% - Project Management and Project Delivery
Independently manages multiple concurrent capital projects of moderate to high complexity from initiation through closeout and warranty, with primary responsibility for project execution and delivery. Establishes and maintains project scope, schedule, budget, funding coordination, procurement strategy, risk management, and overall delivery approach. Leads LSU-managed mechanical projects, supports Facility Planning and Control Project Managers, coordinates internal and external project teams, manages operational impacts and stakeholder expectations, and represents the University in resolving project issues consistent with University policy and delegated authority. Reviews project progress and proactively identifies and resolves issues affecting scope, cost, schedule, quality, or University operations. -
25% - Consultant, Contractor, and Construction Administration Management
Manages consultants, engineers, contractors, vendors, and other external service providers throughout planning, design, procurement, construction, occupancy, closeout, and warranty. Serves as the University's representative during construction and coordinates resolution of issues involving contractors, consultants, end users, and University departments. Monitors project progress, schedules, costs, delays, payment requests, change orders, submittals, field conditions, quality, and compliance with plans, specifications, applicable codes, and University Design Standards. Coordinates owner-provided and not-in-contract work, utility interruptions, contractor access, parking, staging, site logistics, and other implementation requirements necessary for successful project delivery. -
20% - Planning, Stakeholder, Budget, Procurement, and FF&E Coordination
Leads stakeholder and end-user coordination, including project programming, scope development, client communication, facility and space planning, occupancy planning, departmental relocations, and facilitation of planning and design discussions, with particular consideration of mechanical system requirements, operational impacts, utility needs, and coordination with Facilities. Develops and monitors project budgets, tracks commitments and expenditures, and coordinates designer contracting, consultant procurement, construction procurement, project-related purchasing, and applicable internal and external approvals. Oversees FF&E planning, budgeting, specification development, purchasing coordination, installation, signage, way finding, and other implementation activities as applicable, including coordination of mechanical, plumbing, utility, controls, and equipment requirements associated with owner-furnished or specialized equipment. Maintains communication throughout the project lifecycle to align project decisions with institutional goals, operational requirements, approved scope, budget, and schedule.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with 3 year mechanical design experience. Mechanical system design experience shall include HVAC fire protection and plumbing. Applicants shall be experienced with building construction codes and State Fire Marshall requirements in regard to mechanical design. Experience in Autocad, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply - a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.
Minimum Licenses
Valid Driver's License
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
5 years experience in the design and project management of mechanical systems for facilities.
Preferred Licenses:
Professional Licensure in Mechanical Engineering
Special or Physical Qualifications:
This position is considered operational essential and may be asked to work during an official closure but is otherwise not required to report to the physical campus during a closure and whose absence does not present a risk to the safety, resources, and well-being of the campus per FASOP HR-01.
Additional Job Description:
Special Instructions:
Please provide three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address.
For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Summer Martinez at smath18@lsu.edu.
Posting Date:
September 21, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
October 26, 2026
Additional Position Information:
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
HCM Contact Information:
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.
See all 45+ OPT Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs.
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.