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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INTRODUCTION
As a Project Controls Analyst, you will serve as a key financial advisor on active construction projects and the primary bridge between jobsite operations and corporate finance. In this highly visible, fast-paced role, you will lead project financial reporting, risk monitoring, and compliance management across a diverse portfolio ranging from $20 million to over $1 billion in contract value.
Responsibilities
This individual will be in the middle of the action, working directly on our project sites and closely collaborating with our project team and trade partners.
Project Accounting & Administration
- Compiling owner requisition
- Internal audit finding resolution
- Subcontractor requisition and accounts payable processing
- Consumable materials purchasing and equipment inventory monitoring
- Management of field payroll
- Assist with project setup, closeout, and owner contract review and readiness
- Lien waiver and insurance administration
- Small Business Tracking and Reporting
Project Finance
- Support monthly project financial forecast
- Prepare monthly cost reports
- Key performance indicator monitoring
- Process innovation and improvement
- Project cash-flow monitoring and forecasting
- Change Order Monitoring & Reconciliation
- Lead all activities related to contract administration, change orders, procurement, schedule, and financial reporting
- Have thorough knowledge of the company's contracts and understanding of all parties involved
- Secure required permits and verify insurance coverage for subcontractors
- Facilitate project meetings to successfully coordinate work activity
- Lead, train, and develop project team members
- Prepare and submit monthly job status reports that outline project priorities and issues
- Lead project close-out of project, including turnover of manuals and warranties and preparation of final payment documents for subcontractors
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with counterparts at owner, engineering and design firms
- Establish a deadline and monitor the progress of the project
- Drive a culture of safety on the project site
- Support the company’s acquisition of new work by participating in proposals and presentations
- Provide leadership to foster an environment of inclusion and diversity
As a member of the Clark team, you will be an ambassador for our business and culture. In addition to the core job functions you will learn, you will be expected to:
- Drive Stakeholder Success: Exceed our clients’ and partners’ expectations by anticipating their needs, desires, and goals.
- Foster Business Growth: Building meaningful industry connections to bring potential business opportunities to Clark leadership.
- Recruit the Next Generation of Talent: Embrace our "All team members are recruiters" mindset by building and leveraging relationships to help attract and recruit top talent to Clark.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Pursuing an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) or a master's degree, in Construction Management, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, with an expected graduation in Winter 2026 or Spring 2027
- Interest and passion for the construction industry
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with SAP, Textura, Coupa, and Google platforms is a plus
WHAT A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE LOOKS LIKE
We look for individuals who embody these core principles:
- Enthusiasm & Drive: Be punctual and dedicated, staying until work is done. Arrive early for meetings and events. Be a proactive team player – ask how you can help and be present. Take initiative, represent the company professionally (dress, demeanor), and build trust with your team, clients, and stakeholders. Proactively seek ways to contribute to team success, and always maintain a positive attitude.
- Delivery & Performance: Reliably meet the expectations of your role and commitments. Understand and follow Clark's standard procedures. Take on new responsibilities, dig into the details, and bring solutions to problems. Take ownership, be accountable, and demonstrate responsiveness with a sense of urgency.
- Learning & Growth: Immerse yourself in Clark's culture, your team, and your community. Fulfill Clark Corporate University learning requirements. Be engaged, accountable, and self-directed in your learning – be curious! Continuously build your technical expertise and grow your business acumen.
THE PHYSICAL SIDE OF THE ROLE
This is an active, hands-on role. You can expect to be on your feet frequently, navigating active job sites with uneven terrain, stairs, ladders, and hoists. The work is physically demanding and requires a full range of motion, including bending, kneeling, and reaching. You’ll need to be comfortable frequently lifting and carrying materials up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. This role requires the ability to communicate effectively, as well as visual acuity for reading plans and inspecting work. The role does include desk time in the office that may require prolonged periods of sitting for tasks like computer work, document review, and meetings.
YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT
You’ll spend a significant amount of your time on active construction sites, which means being adaptable to all kinds of weather and moderate to loud noise levels, and comfortable in elevated or confined work areas with moving mechanical equipment and with the fast-paced nature of a project in progress. You will also spend time in a typical office setting with moderate noise levels. Your safety is our top priority, and you'll be expected to follow Clark Construction's safety policies and procedures, and all applicable laws, at all locations.
OUR HIGH-PERFORMING CULTURE
This is a demanding, high-performance environment. We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, thrive under pressure, and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve exceptional results. Success in this role requires significant commitment, including flexibility to work extended hours, especially during critical project phases or client deadlines. Beyond regular working hours, there will be occasions where business needs require your attention, particularly for time-sensitive matters or emergencies. You are expected to monitor and respond to communications (phone calls, emails, text messages) as required to address these situations effectively. Your ability to manage these expectations and be responsive when critical issues arise is key to your success in this role and our collective success as a team.
A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Clark promotes a drug free workplace. A pre-employment drug “fitness for duty” screening is required, and the company conducts random quarterly drug “fitness for duty” tests.
Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $65,000-75,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work.
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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.