OPT Project Assistant Jobs
Project Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students because the role's coordination and planning work aligns directly with business, engineering, and liberal arts degrees. Most positions qualify for standard 12-month OPT, and STEM-adjacent project roles in tech or operations may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout us:
At ENFRA, we blend a rich history with a forward-looking vision. With over 100 years of experience, we are a pillar of stability in the energy infrastructure industry and a leader in innovative energy solutions. Our commitment to leveraging emerging technologies ensures that we remain at the forefront of the Energy-as-a-Service sector.
We believe in growth—not just for our business, but for our people. Our team members have the opportunity to advance their careers in a supportive environment that values continuous learning and development. We embrace innovation and encourage creative problem solving to tackle the energy infrastructure and energy challenges of tomorrow.
Inclusion is at the heart of our culture. We strive to create a workplace where every voice is heard and valued, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives drive our success.
Join us to be part of a legacy of excellence and a future of groundbreaking advancements. At ENFRA, stability, innovation, and growth are more than just values—they are the pillars of our continued success.
Overview:
The Assistant Project Manager is responsible for assisting the Project Manager with managing the project life cycle process on assigned projects. They must assist in obtaining project pricing, budgeting, estimating, detailing, management of subcontractors/vendors, and project schedules.
Responsibilities:
- Assists in maintaining a safe and secure work environment by coordinating safety meetings, incident investigations, and maintaining employee involvement.
- Responsible for assisting project managers and superintendents in executing the project life cycle.
- Works with the Project Manager to ensure proper planning and management of the installation of HVAC and plumbing to ensure that the installation meets code and project requirements and is brought in on time and under budget.
- Participates in operation, corporate, and departmental meetings, as required to successfully execute the project and/or departmental goals.
- Assists Project Manager in preparations of vendor and subcontractor purchase orders, submittals, and shop drawings to reflect contract drawings, specifications and estimates.
- Actively participates in monthly reports and cost reviews, capturing deviations from plan or schedule.
- Working with project team as necessary in order to bring the project in on time and under budget.
- Assists Project Manager as need with estimating change orders, project documentation, and project close out, including commissioning requirements.
- Responsible for actively participating with the project team on all facets of the project life cycle to ensure project goals are met, while developing a skillset to progress one's career in the mechanical industry.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- 0-2 years applicable field work experience.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Must be able to read construction plans and specifications.
- Thorough knowledge of construction technology, scheduling, equipment and methods.
- Hands-on experience in craft supervision and labor coordination.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail-oriented and willing to tackle various ongoing projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Well-versed in the industry and the Company's competitors.
- Ability to multitask and perform duties outside of the scope of work when necessary.
Preferred Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management.
- Ability to process submittals, experience.
- Experience in heavy commercial construction.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- 0-5% of the time will be spent traveling to the job site(s)/office locations.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
- Climbing stairs.
- Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
- Quiet environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Light work that includes adjusting and/or moving objects up to 20 pounds.
EEO Statement:
ENFRA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, and participates in the e-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.
About us:
At ENFRA, we blend a rich history with a forward-looking vision. With over 100 years of experience, we are a pillar of stability in the energy infrastructure industry and a leader in innovative energy solutions. Our commitment to leveraging emerging technologies ensures that we remain at the forefront of the Energy-as-a-Service sector.
We believe in growth—not just for our business, but for our people. Our team members have the opportunity to advance their careers in a supportive environment that values continuous learning and development. We embrace innovation and encourage creative problem solving to tackle the energy infrastructure and energy challenges of tomorrow.
Inclusion is at the heart of our culture. We strive to create a workplace where every voice is heard and valued, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives drive our success.
Join us to be part of a legacy of excellence and a future of groundbreaking advancements. At ENFRA, stability, innovation, and growth are more than just values—they are the pillars of our continued success.
Overview:
The Assistant Project Manager is responsible for assisting the Project Manager with managing the project life cycle process on assigned projects. They must assist in obtaining project pricing, budgeting, estimating, detailing, management of subcontractors/vendors, and project schedules.
Responsibilities:
- Assists in maintaining a safe and secure work environment by coordinating safety meetings, incident investigations, and maintaining employee involvement.
- Responsible for assisting project managers and superintendents in executing the project life cycle.
- Works with the Project Manager to ensure proper planning and management of the installation of HVAC and plumbing to ensure that the installation meets code and project requirements and is brought in on time and under budget.
- Participates in operation, corporate, and departmental meetings, as required to successfully execute the project and/or departmental goals.
- Assists Project Manager in preparations of vendor and subcontractor purchase orders, submittals, and shop drawings to reflect contract drawings, specifications and estimates.
- Actively participates in monthly reports and cost reviews, capturing deviations from plan or schedule.
- Working with project team as necessary in order to bring the project in on time and under budget.
- Assists Project Manager as need with estimating change orders, project documentation, and project close out, including commissioning requirements.
- Responsible for actively participating with the project team on all facets of the project life cycle to ensure project goals are met, while developing a skillset to progress one's career in the mechanical industry.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- 0-2 years applicable field work experience.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Must be able to read construction plans and specifications.
- Thorough knowledge of construction technology, scheduling, equipment and methods.
- Hands-on experience in craft supervision and labor coordination.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail-oriented and willing to tackle various ongoing projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Well-versed in the industry and the Company's competitors.
- Ability to multitask and perform duties outside of the scope of work when necessary.
Preferred Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management.
- Ability to process submittals, experience.
- Experience in heavy commercial construction.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- 0-5% of the time will be spent traveling to the job site(s)/office locations.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
- Climbing stairs.
- Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
- Quiet environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Light work that includes adjusting and/or moving objects up to 20 pounds.
EEO Statement:
ENFRA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, and participates in the e-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.
See all 726+ OPT Project Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Project Assistant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Project Assistant
Lead with your degree connection
Project Assistant roles require a direct tie between your job duties and your field of study for OPT authorization. Frame your application around how your degree prepared you for planning, coordination, or stakeholder management in that specific industry.
Target employers familiar with OPT
Mid-size and large companies with established HR teams are more likely to have processed OPT authorization before. Browse Migrate Mate to identify employers in your field who have a track record of hiring international students into project support roles.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Project Assistants are often hired for defined project cycles. Make clear how much OPT time you have remaining and whether you qualify for a STEM extension, so employers can plan around your authorization window without surprises mid-project.
Emphasize tools and methodologies on your resume
Employers hiring Project Assistants look for familiarity with project management tools and frameworks. Listing specific skills signals immediate productivity and reduces the perceived cost of hiring someone who needs visa authorization to start work.
Address the sponsorship question directly
Many employers confuse OPT with H-1B visa sponsorship. Be ready to explain that OPT is already authorized work authorization requiring nothing from the employer except normal onboarding. A short, confident explanation removes the most common hiring hesitation.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Project teams often need assistants to start on a fixed schedule tied to project kick-offs. Starting your search at least 60 to 90 days before your OPT start date gives employers enough runway to move through hiring without feeling constrained by your authorization timeline.
Project Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Assistant role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. A business administration graduate working as a Project Assistant in operations or consulting would qualify. An engineering graduate in a project support role within a technical team would also qualify. USCIS requires the job duties, not just the title, to connect to your degree.
Can I qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension as a Project Assistant?
It depends on your degree and the employer. If you hold a STEM-designated degree and the Project Assistant role is at an E-Verify employer in a qualifying field, such as engineering operations or data-driven project management, you may be eligible for the STEM extension. The role itself must still be directly tied to your STEM field of study.
How do I explain OPT work authorization to a Project Assistant employer who hasn't hired international students before?
Keep it simple: OPT is a federal work authorization program that allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation, with no action required from the employer beyond standard I-9 verification. You can show your Employment Authorization Document as proof. Most employers who hire Project Assistants already complete I-9s for every hire, so the process is familiar even if the document isn't.
Where can I find Project Assistant jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers open to candidates on work authorization. Searching there saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company doesn't hire on OPT. Project Assistant roles across business, tech, nonprofits, and consulting are regularly listed.
What happens if my Project Assistant contract ends before my OPT expires?
Your OPT authorization remains valid through its expiration date, so you can job search and accept another qualifying role without losing status. However, you are allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT. Starting your next job search as soon as you know the contract end date is important to stay within that limit.