OPT Project Controls Analyst Jobs
Project Controls Analyst roles involve cost forecasting, schedule management, and earned value analysis, making them a strong fit for OPT students with engineering, construction management, or finance degrees. Many employers in infrastructure, energy, and defense actively sponsor these positions, and STEM OPT extensions of up to 24 months apply when the role qualifies.
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About us:
NorthStar Energy Services, a Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR) company, is based in Channelview, TX and provides engineering, design, procurement, construction and support services to the chemical, petrochemical, pipeline, oil & gas, bulk storage and terminal industries throughout the country. We offer individual project services as well as turnkey EPC project implementation.
NorthStar possesses the skills and expertise to self-perform the design and installation of civil, structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, and instrumentation systems throughout a broad array of industrial applications.
Joining our team means being part of an organization that values drive and inclusion. We focus on career development and reward excellence, recognizing each team member's unique contributions. We're at the forefront of powering modern life. Discover how your skills and dedication can make a real difference to us.
ABOUT THIS ROLE:
NorthStar Energy Services, a Quanta Services Company, is seeking a Project Controls Analyst who is responsible for supporting the development, maintenance, and analysis of project schedules across multiple job sites to ensure accurate, timely, and data-driven scheduling outputs.
This role works closely with the Lead Project Scheduler and project controls team to build, update, and monitor project schedules, providing entry-level scheduling support in a dynamic field environment. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop hands-on scheduling expertise while contributing to the accuracy and integrity of master project timelines. This position will be located ON-SITE in Afton, TX.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Assist in the development and maintenance of project schedules using scheduling software such as Primavera P6 or equivalent, under the direction of the Lead Project Scheduler.
- Collect and incorporate field progress data, including quantities installed, manpower, and equipment utilization, into schedule updates on a daily and weekly basis.
- Identify schedule variances, float consumption, and potential delays, and communicate findings to the Lead Project Scheduler with supporting data.
- Support schedule reporting by preparing look-ahead schedules, progress curves, and other scheduling deliverables for internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate with field teams to validate progress data for accuracy and completeness before integration into the master project schedule.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical discipline, preferred
- 3+ years of experience in project scheduling, project controls, or a related field
- Background in construction, engineering, or utilities preferred.
- Familiarity with earned value management (EVM) and project lifecycle documentation, preferred
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and data integrity.
- Proficiency in Excel and familiarity with scheduling or project controls software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, or similar).
- Excellent communication skills for working with field personnel, schedulers, and management.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
WHAT YOU'LL GET:
As a Quanta Services employee, we offer a wide range of benefits to fit your needs.
- 401(k) with immediate matching and vesting
- Fully comprehensive benefits packages; Medical, Dental, Vision
- Your choice of PPO, HSA, FSA
- Short term and long term benefits
- Employee discounts on consumer goods
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.
See all 173+ OPT Project Controls Analyst Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Project Controls Analyst
Target industries with consistent project pipelines
Engineering and construction firms, energy companies, and defense contractors hire Project Controls Analysts in volume. These industries run long-term capital projects that require ongoing controls support, making OPT sponsorship and H-1B visa transitions more common than in project-light sectors.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Project Controls roles often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in engineering, construction management, or a related STEM field. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to ensure extension eligibility.
Highlight earned value management credentials
Employers screening OPT candidates for project controls roles respond well to EVMP certification or demonstrated experience with EVM on real projects. This signals technical readiness and reduces perceived risk associated with sponsoring international candidates.
Lead with software proficiency in your application
Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and cost management tools like Ecosys or SAP are frequently listed as requirements. Employers hiring on a tight OPT timeline prioritize candidates who can contribute immediately, so front-loading technical skills reduces friction in the hiring decision.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship policy before the offer stage
Not all engineering firms have established H-1B sponsorship programs. Raising the question during a second-round interview, framed around long-term contribution, gives you time to assess fit without creating awkwardness after you receive an offer.
Track your OPT end date and initiate H-1B discussions early
H-1B cap-subject petitions must be filed in April for an October start. If your OPT expires before October, confirm your employer understands the timing gap. Cap-gap protection only applies if your H-1B petition is filed before your OPT ends.
Project Controls Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Project Controls Analyst jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your degree is in civil engineering, industrial engineering, construction management, or a related STEM field, the role will often qualify. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer, and ensure your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT authorization.
Which industries are most likely to sponsor Project Controls Analysts on OPT?
Engineering and construction firms, oil and gas companies, defense contractors, and infrastructure developers are the most active sponsors. These sectors run multi-year capital projects that require dedicated controls staff, and many have established immigration sponsorship programs for technical roles. Migrate Mate lists Project Controls Analyst positions filtered by OPT-friendly employers so you can focus your search there.
What work authorization documents does a Project Controls Analyst employer need from me?
Your employer will need your EAD card, a copy of your F-1 visa, your I-20 with OPT authorization endorsed by your DSO, and your I-94 arrival record. For STEM OPT, they also need to be enrolled in E-Verify and must complete Form I-983 with you as part of the training plan requirement. Keep copies of all documents filed with your employer.
Can I work as a Project Controls Analyst as an independent contractor on OPT?
OPT requires a qualifying employer-employee relationship. Pure independent contracting arrangements, where you set your own hours and work without direct employer oversight, generally do not meet USCIS requirements for valid OPT employment. Project controls roles filled through staffing agencies can qualify if the agency is your legal employer and the arrangement includes proper supervision and a structured training environment.
How long before my OPT expires should I start the H-1B conversation with my employer?
Start the conversation no later than six months before your OPT end date. H-1B cap-subject petitions open in March and take effect October 1, so timing matters significantly. If your OPT expires between April and September, you may be protected by cap-gap provisions, but only if your employer files the H-1B petition before your OPT ends. Early communication gives HR time to engage immigration counsel.