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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Requisition ID: 294299
- Relocation Authorized: None
- Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project
- Work Location: Riverside, CA
- Salary Range: $78,000 - $119,000 annually (salary range is based on market data; final salary offered is determined by education, experience, and qualifications of the applicant.)
Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:
Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place.
Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations.
Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver.
Project Overview:
Bechtel has been providing program, project, and construction management services for Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) for the past 39 years. The project team helps RCTC to implement "Measure A", the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) / Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) and adopted plans and programs in compliance with state and federal requirements with the goal of providing the residents of Riverside County greater mobility, improved quality of life, operational excellence, and economic vitality.
Job Summary:
Bechtel is seeking a Project Controls Engineer to join the Riverside, California team. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of industry professionals around the world to support project activities, including project funding and financial performance management, grant administration support, and related reporting to public agencies.
The position reports to Bechtel’s Project Controls Supervisor and involves cost estimating, analysis, invoice review and processing, and preparation of progress reports for government agencies. It also includes monitoring project funding, budget, and performance and making recommendations consistent with federal, state, and local funding guidelines. The role supports grant and other funding administration activities (e.g., eligibility, scope, and timely use of funds) and provides support for various organizational and administrative aspects of the project. #LI-ML1
Major Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
- Assist in managing Client contracts and processing payments related to transportation projects.
- Review monthly invoices for professional services and contractor work associated with Client transportation projects, including processing reimbursement requests and supporting documentation in accordance with applicable funding requirements.
- Coordination of Independent Cost Estimates (ICE) for upcoming Client professional services contracts.
- Conduct Bid Analyses by comparing proposals from different bidders, and assess against previously prepared ICE.
- Coordinate bi-weekly project reviews with Client Project Managers and Bechtel Project Coordinators to assess all Client Capital projects, including cost analysis.
- Oversee Client environmental, design, construction management, and geotechnical on-call contracts.
- Organize, and direct the preparation of annual budgets specific to Client projects, including assisting with budget and/or funding analyses and tracking funding allocations.
- Develop and enforce requirements for cost recording, reporting, and analysis standards, programs, and reports.
- Perform ongoing monitoring and control of project performance, including funding, budget, and schedule status; identify variances and develop recommendations consistent with federal, state, and local funding guidelines.
- Continuously update project funding databases and spreadsheets with the latest project information from project sponsors; reconcile conflicting project information and maintain audit-ready records.
- Support administration of federal and state grant funding; coordinate with Finance and project stakeholders to resolve matters of eligibility, scope, and timely use of funds deadlines.
- Research, compile, and analyze project development and implementation status; track progress against timelines and funding requirements; analyze data and prepare technical reports that summarize findings, describe alternatives, and support recommendations to public agency decision makers.
- Investigate the needs for estimating or cost control data within specific disciplines or specialty areas.
- Identify and define data sources and techniques for acquiring necessary data in relevant disciplines or specialty areas.
- Analyze collected data, identify issues, and recommend corrective actions or improvements.
- Develop and implement systems for measuring project processes, analyze performance metrics, and identify areas for improvement.
- Assist in preparing cost data for proposals or contract negotiations.
- Take responsibility for managing project schedules to ensure alignment with deadlines and project milestones, including maintaining funding schedules related to allocations, project updates, and expenditures.
- Work closely with the project team to assess the impact of project cost and schedule changes, ensuring timely adjustments and proper documentation.
- Support the development of cost impacts related to the risk register. Track project trends and provide early warnings of budget or schedule deviations.
- Assist in coordinating with stakeholders regarding project cost and schedule matters, ensuring alignment and communication.
- Actively participate in and promote the company’s initiatives regarding Safety, Quality, and Diversity & Inclusion.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field and 2-5 years of relevant experience or 6-9 years in Project Controls or cost control in lieu of a degree.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- The ideal candidate will have the right to live and work in the United States and current or previous experience with Bechtel's work processes related to cost.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 software applications (including intermediate to advanced Excel and SharePoint skills), and Power BI.
- Knowledge of federal and state transportation funding sources and programming requirements, including discretionary and formula funding programs.
- Understanding of basic principles and practices of budget development, administration, invoicing, disbursement, and accrual; ability to maintain accurate records in support of audits and reporting.
- Strong background in cost engineering functions, including cost estimating, cost control, and cost analysis.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of financial reporting systems and controller account codes.
- Intermediate understanding of engineering, procurement, contracts, construction, and startup/operations processes.
- Familiarity with engineering and construction management gained through formal education or hands-on experience.
- Knowledge of Caltrans and/or FTA procedures and processes preferred, but not required.
- Demonstrates strong attention to detail and a rigorous commitment to accuracy, completeness, and quality control; performs thorough reviews and takes ownership of assigned responsibilities from initiation through completion.
- Ability to communicate and explain work processes and procedures clearly to staff, management, and clients.
- Proactive in taking initiative on project tasks, including policy/technical research and coordinating with key stakeholders.
- Strong multitasking and prioritization skills to ensure efficient project delivery.
- Capable of following client direction while providing clear, actionable guidance to staff and consultants on project tasks.
- Proven leadership in a collaborative, team-based environment.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Results-driven with a strong focus on problem-solving and finding solutions.
- Skilled in preparing correspondence, reports, and analytical documentation.
Total Rewards/Benefits:
For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth.
Diverse teams build the extraordinary:
As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.
We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong—where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably.
At Bechtel, our employees enjoy a competitive total rewards package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with optional disability and supplemental insurance options, generous paid time off (160 hours annually, accrued 6.16 hours per pay period), nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, discretionary bonuses, and a well-designed 401K plan with matching and profit-sharing components.
Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com.
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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.