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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what's possible for a sustainable world.
Learn about our benefits designed for you to thrive at work and at home.
We boldly go.
LOCATION
Location: North Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Where is the work:
Monday to Thursday, work onsite with your colleagues. Fridays, choose your work location, balancing what your work requires.
What's in it for you:
Trane Technologies is hiring a Controls Project Manager in Charleston, SC. As a Controls Project Manager, you will be responsible for project financials, administration, implementation, management, and customer satisfaction for all assigned projects. The Controls PM leads the project team through all facets of the project and is the established point of contact for stakeholders. You will manage a portfolio of projects that could contain both smaller and larger multi-building or complex controls projects. The Controls Project Manager is knowledgeable on current job market and pricing strategies.
What you will do:
- Maintain customer satisfaction by investigating concerns, implementing corrective action, and developing internal and external communication plans with stakeholders to communicate project status.
- Review contract documents to identify risk and develop mitigation plans.
- Financially manages all aspects of projects including cash flow, monthly forecasted cost/revenue, forecasted cost at completion, monitoring expenses, collections support, analyzes reporting to identify project deficiencies and provides guidance on corrective action, prepares and facilitates monthly backlog review, and reconciles applied cost.
- Utilizes properly qualified subcontractors, oversees subcontractor RFQ process, awards subcontracts and manages subcontractor execution.
- Collaborate with technicians and subcontractors to establish project task, schedule requirements, communications for project progress, and review of plans/specifications and control submittals.
- Responsible for change order management by recommending solutions, facilitating quotes and closing orders that may require assistance from sales team and estimating.
- Leads all aspects of project administration including, knowledge and risk mitigation of construction contract content language, validating project scope/cost/schedule, managing project compliance, project documentation, project safety guidelines, development and maintenance on project schedules.
- Other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or Construction Project Management Degree a plus.
- Combination of degree or minimum 3 years’ experience in HVAC/BAS Controls and Project Management.
- Candidates without a 4-year degree are encouraged to apply; we prioritize practical experience, relevant skills, and alignment with our leadership principles.
- Experience in leading teams comprised of different technical skill levels.
- Efficient at resource/manpower planning.
- Must have familiarity executing as a third-tier contractor and experience working with building owners is a plus.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of 12 months, with no major or frequent traffic violations included, but not limited to: DUI, Hit & Run, License Suspension, Reckless/Careless Driving or multiple smaller infractions or preventable collisions in the previous 3 years.
COMPENSATION
Annual Base Salary Range or Hourly Base Pay Range:
$60,000.00 - $109,340.00
Compensation Type:
Salary
Incentive Eligible:
Yes
Sales Commission Eligible:
No
Disclaimer:
We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation. Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country. Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.
THRIVE AT WORK AND AT HOME:
- Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
- Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
- Paid time off includes up to 15 vacation days, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
- 401K match up, educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.
Disclaimer:
Benefit offerings may vary by site as well as Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations.
SAFETY SENSITIVE ROLE:
Yes
The company designates certain roles as Safety Sensitive. Safety Sensitive roles may require that you pass additional drug screening.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.
INTRODUCTION
Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what's possible for a sustainable world.
Learn about our benefits designed for you to thrive at work and at home.
We boldly go.
LOCATION
Location: North Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Where is the work:
Monday to Thursday, work onsite with your colleagues. Fridays, choose your work location, balancing what your work requires.
What's in it for you:
Trane Technologies is hiring a Controls Project Manager in Charleston, SC. As a Controls Project Manager, you will be responsible for project financials, administration, implementation, management, and customer satisfaction for all assigned projects. The Controls PM leads the project team through all facets of the project and is the established point of contact for stakeholders. You will manage a portfolio of projects that could contain both smaller and larger multi-building or complex controls projects. The Controls Project Manager is knowledgeable on current job market and pricing strategies.
What you will do:
- Maintain customer satisfaction by investigating concerns, implementing corrective action, and developing internal and external communication plans with stakeholders to communicate project status.
- Review contract documents to identify risk and develop mitigation plans.
- Financially manages all aspects of projects including cash flow, monthly forecasted cost/revenue, forecasted cost at completion, monitoring expenses, collections support, analyzes reporting to identify project deficiencies and provides guidance on corrective action, prepares and facilitates monthly backlog review, and reconciles applied cost.
- Utilizes properly qualified subcontractors, oversees subcontractor RFQ process, awards subcontracts and manages subcontractor execution.
- Collaborate with technicians and subcontractors to establish project task, schedule requirements, communications for project progress, and review of plans/specifications and control submittals.
- Responsible for change order management by recommending solutions, facilitating quotes and closing orders that may require assistance from sales team and estimating.
- Leads all aspects of project administration including, knowledge and risk mitigation of construction contract content language, validating project scope/cost/schedule, managing project compliance, project documentation, project safety guidelines, development and maintenance on project schedules.
- Other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or Construction Project Management Degree a plus.
- Combination of degree or minimum 3 years’ experience in HVAC/BAS Controls and Project Management.
- Candidates without a 4-year degree are encouraged to apply; we prioritize practical experience, relevant skills, and alignment with our leadership principles.
- Experience in leading teams comprised of different technical skill levels.
- Efficient at resource/manpower planning.
- Must have familiarity executing as a third-tier contractor and experience working with building owners is a plus.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of 12 months, with no major or frequent traffic violations included, but not limited to: DUI, Hit & Run, License Suspension, Reckless/Careless Driving or multiple smaller infractions or preventable collisions in the previous 3 years.
COMPENSATION
Annual Base Salary Range or Hourly Base Pay Range:
$60,000.00 - $109,340.00
Compensation Type:
Salary
Incentive Eligible:
Yes
Sales Commission Eligible:
No
Disclaimer:
We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation. Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country. Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.
THRIVE AT WORK AND AT HOME:
- Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
- Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
- Paid time off includes up to 15 vacation days, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
- 401K match up, educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.
Disclaimer:
Benefit offerings may vary by site as well as Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations.
SAFETY SENSITIVE ROLE:
Yes
The company designates certain roles as Safety Sensitive. Safety Sensitive roles may require that you pass additional drug screening.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.
See all 131+ 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.