OPT Project Controls Engineer Jobs
Project Controls Engineer jobs are well-suited for F-1 OPT students with degrees in engineering, construction management, or related fields. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT positions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in construction, energy, and infrastructure regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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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 Senior Project Controls Specialist is responsible for providing oversight of project Planning & Scheduling, Progress Measurement and Cost Management throughout all project phases. They are proactive self-starters with a proven ability to work independently and efficiently, while also engaging closely with the Project Team, Executives, Subcontractors, and Clients. They must proactively identify and solve problems that impact project performance. Focusing on continual improvement and opportunities for risk mitigation is a key responsibility of this position. The Senior Project Controls Specialist may be required to provide guidance to junior personnel. As such, they must have in-depth knowledge of the Project Controls function.
Responsibilities:
GENERAL:
- Leads the project controls team on large and highly complex EPC projects.
- Provides oversight in the areas of scheduling, cost management, change management, and risk management.
- Provides technical guidance for decisions by key stakeholders.
- Supports development of the constructability process, (the how it's built) & related interdependencies between Engineering, Procurement, Fabrication and Construction in support of feasibility studies.
- Interacts with Operations and represents the Company in the best manner to owners, subcontractors, and their representatives.
- Implements internal and contractual requirements on the project via the project controls execution plan.
- Leads setup and implementation of Project Management and Controls Systems.
- Attend all meetings concerning cost, progress, schedule, and contractual matters.
- Supports the preparation of the project close-out report.
- Support Division Project Controls Leadership with ad hoc tasks as required.
- From time to time, may participate in proposal development.
- Support development of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) on complex projects.
- Ensures adherence to Company systems and processes.
- May be required to take on more technical roles on smaller projects, including Procurement, Subcontract Administration, etc.
- Recommends solutions or recovery plans for problem areas.
- Supervise and mentor junior personnel in all Project Controls aspects.
- Actively looks for areas of improvement on project and company standards.
SCHEDULE:
- Oversees and assists in the development, maintenance, review, and analysis of the project schedule.
- Maintains outstanding issues logs and coordinate follow up as necessary.
- Monitor key dates, against dates defined in the main contract and any subcontracts.
- Develops schedule views as required, such as, Weekly and Six Week Look Ahead schedules.
COST CONTROL:
- Leads preparation of the monthly project EAC.
- Analyzes and interprets the project forecast.
- Supports Project Accounting with billing, revenue recognition, and cash flow processes.
- Supports the project controls team in development of the cost spread for cash flows.
PROGRESS MEASUREMENT:
- Leads the set up and maintenance of the progress measurement system.
- Oversees the quantity surveying and progress functions on the project.
- Monitor project progress; prepares necessary project reports weekly, monthly, or as required by the project cadence.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT:
- Responsible for Implementing and supporting the Change Management process.
- Supports change management efforts, including building of cost estimates and amendments to the contract.
- Evaluate, negotiate, and agree to costs and revenue with client and subcontractor(s) for changes in contract and subcontract work (on larger projects, this responsibility can be with the Contracts Manager).
- Prepare contract supplements (on larger projects, this responsibility is with the Contracts Manager).
- Support the development of claims including back charges against subcontractors and vendors.
RISK AND OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT:
- Implements and maintains the Project Risk and Opportunity process.
- Assists with risk and opportunity analysis for all phases of the project.
REPORTING:
- Responsible for accuracy of project controls reports.
- Participate or lead project reviews conducted with the client and internal management.
- Develop Cost Curves and Run-Down Curves.
- Develop Project Risk and Opportunity Management reports.
- Participate or lead the weekly and monthly cost and schedule review meetings.
- Create Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly Reports.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- 4 year degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, business, finance, or a related field or
- 4 to 8 years of experience in project controls or project management, preferably in building construction, healthcare, or EPC.
- Demonstrated knowledge of scheduling, cost engineering, subcontract coordination, and general project administration.
- Familiarity reading drawings and specifications.
- Proficient in common business tools such as P6 and Microsoft Office applications.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail-oriented and willing to tackle various ongoing projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to multitask and perform duties outside of the scope of work when necessary.
Preferred Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- N/A
Travel Requirements
- 5-10% of time will be spent traveling to job site(s)/office location.
Physical/Work Environment Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Climbing stairs.
- Remaining in a stationary position, often kneeling, standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
- Quiet environment.
- Light work that includes adjusting and/or moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Pay Range: USD $101,610.00 - USD $135,640.00 /Yr.
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 Senior Project Controls Specialist is responsible for providing oversight of project Planning & Scheduling, Progress Measurement and Cost Management throughout all project phases. They are proactive self-starters with a proven ability to work independently and efficiently, while also engaging closely with the Project Team, Executives, Subcontractors, and Clients. They must proactively identify and solve problems that impact project performance. Focusing on continual improvement and opportunities for risk mitigation is a key responsibility of this position. The Senior Project Controls Specialist may be required to provide guidance to junior personnel. As such, they must have in-depth knowledge of the Project Controls function.
Responsibilities:
GENERAL:
- Leads the project controls team on large and highly complex EPC projects.
- Provides oversight in the areas of scheduling, cost management, change management, and risk management.
- Provides technical guidance for decisions by key stakeholders.
- Supports development of the constructability process, (the how it's built) & related interdependencies between Engineering, Procurement, Fabrication and Construction in support of feasibility studies.
- Interacts with Operations and represents the Company in the best manner to owners, subcontractors, and their representatives.
- Implements internal and contractual requirements on the project via the project controls execution plan.
- Leads setup and implementation of Project Management and Controls Systems.
- Attend all meetings concerning cost, progress, schedule, and contractual matters.
- Supports the preparation of the project close-out report.
- Support Division Project Controls Leadership with ad hoc tasks as required.
- From time to time, may participate in proposal development.
- Support development of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) on complex projects.
- Ensures adherence to Company systems and processes.
- May be required to take on more technical roles on smaller projects, including Procurement, Subcontract Administration, etc.
- Recommends solutions or recovery plans for problem areas.
- Supervise and mentor junior personnel in all Project Controls aspects.
- Actively looks for areas of improvement on project and company standards.
SCHEDULE:
- Oversees and assists in the development, maintenance, review, and analysis of the project schedule.
- Maintains outstanding issues logs and coordinate follow up as necessary.
- Monitor key dates, against dates defined in the main contract and any subcontracts.
- Develops schedule views as required, such as, Weekly and Six Week Look Ahead schedules.
COST CONTROL:
- Leads preparation of the monthly project EAC.
- Analyzes and interprets the project forecast.
- Supports Project Accounting with billing, revenue recognition, and cash flow processes.
- Supports the project controls team in development of the cost spread for cash flows.
PROGRESS MEASUREMENT:
- Leads the set up and maintenance of the progress measurement system.
- Oversees the quantity surveying and progress functions on the project.
- Monitor project progress; prepares necessary project reports weekly, monthly, or as required by the project cadence.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT:
- Responsible for Implementing and supporting the Change Management process.
- Supports change management efforts, including building of cost estimates and amendments to the contract.
- Evaluate, negotiate, and agree to costs and revenue with client and subcontractor(s) for changes in contract and subcontract work (on larger projects, this responsibility can be with the Contracts Manager).
- Prepare contract supplements (on larger projects, this responsibility is with the Contracts Manager).
- Support the development of claims including back charges against subcontractors and vendors.
RISK AND OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT:
- Implements and maintains the Project Risk and Opportunity process.
- Assists with risk and opportunity analysis for all phases of the project.
REPORTING:
- Responsible for accuracy of project controls reports.
- Participate or lead project reviews conducted with the client and internal management.
- Develop Cost Curves and Run-Down Curves.
- Develop Project Risk and Opportunity Management reports.
- Participate or lead the weekly and monthly cost and schedule review meetings.
- Create Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly Reports.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- 4 year degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, business, finance, or a related field or
- 4 to 8 years of experience in project controls or project management, preferably in building construction, healthcare, or EPC.
- Demonstrated knowledge of scheduling, cost engineering, subcontract coordination, and general project administration.
- Familiarity reading drawings and specifications.
- Proficient in common business tools such as P6 and Microsoft Office applications.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail-oriented and willing to tackle various ongoing projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to multitask and perform duties outside of the scope of work when necessary.
Preferred Education, Experience, and Qualifications
- N/A
Travel Requirements
- 5-10% of time will be spent traveling to job site(s)/office location.
Physical/Work Environment Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Climbing stairs.
- Remaining in a stationary position, often kneeling, standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
- Quiet environment.
- Light work that includes adjusting and/or moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Pay Range: USD $101,610.00 - USD $135,640.00 /Yr.
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 674+ OPT Project Controls Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Project Controls Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Project Controls Engineer
Target industries with consistent H-1B sponsorship history
Oil and gas, utilities, and large-scale infrastructure firms sponsor Project Controls Engineers at higher rates than most industries. Filtering your search by these sectors improves your chances of finding OPT-friendly employers before your authorization window closes.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Project Controls roles typically qualify under CIP codes for civil, mechanical, or industrial engineering. Verify your specific degree's CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer so you can plan your full 36-month OPT timeline accurately.
Highlight scheduling and cost control tools on your resume
Proficiency in Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or earned value management signals immediate value to employers. Quantify your impact where possible. Demonstrating technical depth reduces perceived onboarding risk and makes sponsorship conversations easier to initiate.
Raise the H-1B conversation after demonstrating fit
Bring up visa sponsorship after an employer expresses genuine interest, not in the first message. Frame it as a straightforward process for engineering roles, which it typically is. Employers unfamiliar with OPT are often open once they understand the timeline and low administrative burden.
Pursue roles on large capital projects
Major construction and energy projects run for years, creating genuine long-term need for project controls staff. Employers investing in multi-year projects have clear incentive to sponsor strong hires, making these engagements more likely to support you through OPT and into H-1B status.
Apply to EPC firms and project management consultancies first
Engineering, procurement, and construction firms and PM consultancies hire project controls professionals across multiple clients and sectors. Their familiarity with visa processes and high hiring volume makes them more receptive to OPT candidates than single-project or smaller regional employers.
Project Controls Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Controls Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Project Controls Engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, bringing your total work authorization to 36 months. Eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code, not just your job title. Degrees in civil, mechanical, industrial, or systems engineering typically qualify. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer, since your degree program determines eligibility, not the employer's job description.
Which industries hire the most Project Controls Engineers who sponsor visas?
Oil and gas, utilities, defense, and heavy infrastructure are the strongest sectors for visa sponsorship in this role. Large EPC firms, construction management companies, and government contractors employ project controls professionals at scale and have established processes for H-1B sponsorship. These employers operate long-duration capital projects, which creates a structural incentive to retain and sponsor strong candidates beyond the OPT period.
How can I find Project Controls Engineer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the best starting point. The platform is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students and surfaces Project Controls Engineer roles from employers with documented sponsorship history. Browsing there saves time compared to filtering through general job boards where OPT eligibility is rarely disclosed upfront. Focus on firms with active capital projects and established international hiring patterns.
What software skills make OPT candidates more competitive for Project Controls roles?
Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project are the most widely required scheduling tools. Earned value management, cost forecasting, and risk analysis experience add significant weight to your application. Familiarity with Procore, SAP, or Oracle Unifier is valued in large infrastructure and EPC environments. Candidates who can demonstrate these skills through coursework, internships, or project work reduce the employer's perceived risk of sponsoring a visa.
When should I tell a potential employer I need OPT work authorization?
Disclose your OPT status before any formal offer is made, ideally once the employer has expressed clear interest. Many Project Controls employers, particularly in engineering and construction, have sponsored international hires before and treat it as routine. Be prepared to explain that OPT authorization is immediate, that STEM extension adds 24 more months, and that H-1B sponsorship can begin well before your OPT expires.