OPT Project Controls Manager Jobs
Project Controls Manager jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in engineering, construction management, or project management. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship, and STEM OPT extensions of up to 24 months are available for graduates from accredited STEM programs.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are seeking a Control Systems Engineer to join our federal team in Oahu, HI. As part of a Fortune 500 company and one of the global leaders in sustainability and energy efficiency, the Johnson Controls Federal Systems (JCFS) team is a specialized team serving as a trusted partner to the federal government. We help modernize U.S. military installations, Department of Defense and other federal agency facilities to be smarter, more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and secure with our building technologies and solutions.
LOCATION
Location: Oahu, HI.
BENEFITS
- Eligible for benefits on first day of employment
- Vacation: 3 weeks of paid vacation, 5 sick days, 3 floating holidays, and 10 standard holidays per calendar year
- Travel Required: Limited
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Control Systems Engineer, you will:
- Design, configure and program HVAC building automation and control systems (direct digital controls) and create sequence of operations. Creates flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of materials, network layouts and electrical schematics as required
- Develop and test software programs to operate the system
- Support technicians by ensuring the quality, timeliness and efficiency of designs
- Commission and troubleshoot building control system
- Coordinate drawings and equipment schedules to include in detailed information and submittal packages that communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, field installation team and subcontractors
- May help support the pre-sales engineering process; cost estimating & sales support, performing pre-design site survey, designing control system shop drawing submittals, generating product literature submittals
- Coordinate factory-mounting processes to meet factory and project schedule
- Help load and commission system-level and network-level controllers
- Validate complete system functionality
- Provide field change information to the project team for as-built drawings (Visio/CAD) and software
- Keep management, contractors, and customer informed of job progress and issues
- Provide site-specific training for owner/operator on the total building control system
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Proficiency and experience working with Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems, preferably with programming, configuration, visualization, and integration. 5+ years experience preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems
- Experience working with design packages and submittals
- Advanced computer skills, particularly with computer-related drafting tools. AutoCad and/or Visio experience preferred
- Must be able to obtain and maintain required security clearances (background/character, criminal history, employment, and credit checks)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Integration experience with low voltage building sub-systems using various industry protocols (i.e. LON, BACnet, Modbus, etc.)
- Working with Metasys or Tridium Niagara Direct Digital Control (DDC) system
- Proficiency with SMP, SCT, and/or CCT programming
- Proficiency creating SCT databases, custom programs, schedules, trends, alarms, and programming modules
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with AutoCad and/or Visio
PREFERRED EDUCATION
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related field, a vocational school four year program certificate, or an Associate’s Degree in Electronics, Mechanical Systems, Computer Technology, HVAC/R, or a similar field
Who We Are
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we are One Team working collaboratively to create purposeful solutions that make a difference in the world. We are a Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees worldwide offering the world’s largest portfolio of building technology products, solutions and services. As a member of our Federal Systems team, your work matters. We value and recognize your contributions and want to help you succeed. We invest in our employees, provide opportunities for growth and advancement, and foster a culture of inclusion and respect.
Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/careers
Division: JCFS (Johnson Controls Federal Systems)
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking a Control Systems Engineer to join our federal team in Oahu, HI. As part of a Fortune 500 company and one of the global leaders in sustainability and energy efficiency, the Johnson Controls Federal Systems (JCFS) team is a specialized team serving as a trusted partner to the federal government. We help modernize U.S. military installations, Department of Defense and other federal agency facilities to be smarter, more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and secure with our building technologies and solutions.
LOCATION
Location: Oahu, HI.
BENEFITS
- Eligible for benefits on first day of employment
- Vacation: 3 weeks of paid vacation, 5 sick days, 3 floating holidays, and 10 standard holidays per calendar year
- Travel Required: Limited
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Control Systems Engineer, you will:
- Design, configure and program HVAC building automation and control systems (direct digital controls) and create sequence of operations. Creates flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of materials, network layouts and electrical schematics as required
- Develop and test software programs to operate the system
- Support technicians by ensuring the quality, timeliness and efficiency of designs
- Commission and troubleshoot building control system
- Coordinate drawings and equipment schedules to include in detailed information and submittal packages that communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, field installation team and subcontractors
- May help support the pre-sales engineering process; cost estimating & sales support, performing pre-design site survey, designing control system shop drawing submittals, generating product literature submittals
- Coordinate factory-mounting processes to meet factory and project schedule
- Help load and commission system-level and network-level controllers
- Validate complete system functionality
- Provide field change information to the project team for as-built drawings (Visio/CAD) and software
- Keep management, contractors, and customer informed of job progress and issues
- Provide site-specific training for owner/operator on the total building control system
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Proficiency and experience working with Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems, preferably with programming, configuration, visualization, and integration. 5+ years experience preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems
- Experience working with design packages and submittals
- Advanced computer skills, particularly with computer-related drafting tools. AutoCad and/or Visio experience preferred
- Must be able to obtain and maintain required security clearances (background/character, criminal history, employment, and credit checks)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Integration experience with low voltage building sub-systems using various industry protocols (i.e. LON, BACnet, Modbus, etc.)
- Working with Metasys or Tridium Niagara Direct Digital Control (DDC) system
- Proficiency with SMP, SCT, and/or CCT programming
- Proficiency creating SCT databases, custom programs, schedules, trends, alarms, and programming modules
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with AutoCad and/or Visio
PREFERRED EDUCATION
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related field, a vocational school four year program certificate, or an Associate’s Degree in Electronics, Mechanical Systems, Computer Technology, HVAC/R, or a similar field
Who We Are
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we are One Team working collaboratively to create purposeful solutions that make a difference in the world. We are a Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees worldwide offering the world’s largest portfolio of building technology products, solutions and services. As a member of our Federal Systems team, your work matters. We value and recognize your contributions and want to help you succeed. We invest in our employees, provide opportunities for growth and advancement, and foster a culture of inclusion and respect.
Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/careers
Division: JCFS (Johnson Controls Federal Systems)
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Project Controls Manager
Target engineering and construction firms with active H-1B histories
Large engineering, infrastructure, and EPC firms sponsor H-1B visas for Project Controls Managers regularly. Focus your search on companies with documented sponsorship patterns rather than smaller contractors who rarely navigate the process.
Emphasize your degree field alignment in every application
Project Controls Manager roles typically require a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related technical field. Make that alignment explicit in your resume and cover letter so hiring managers immediately see your specialty occupation eligibility.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
Engineering and construction management degrees are often STEM-designated, making you eligible for a 24-month OPT extension. That gives employers a three-year window to plan sponsorship, which meaningfully reduces their perceived risk in hiring you.
Highlight scheduling and cost control software proficiency
Proficiency in Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or Earned Value Management tools signals technical depth that justifies a specialty occupation classification. List specific platforms and methodologies you have used on real projects prominently on your resume.
Raise sponsorship directly and early in the process
Avoid waiting until an offer is on the table to discuss visa status. Mentioning your OPT timeline and H-1B eligibility in early conversations helps employers plan and avoids late-stage surprises that can derail otherwise strong candidates.
Build credentials that reinforce the specialty occupation case
Certifications like PMI-SP, AACE CCP, or EVP strengthen the argument that your role requires specialized knowledge. Employers with less sponsorship experience often need this kind of supporting evidence when filing H-1B petitions with USCIS.
Project Controls Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Controls Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS generally classifies Project Controls Manager positions as specialty occupations when they require a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, construction management, or a closely related field. The key is that your job description must specify a degree requirement in a particular discipline, not just any bachelor's degree. Roles at large EPC firms or government contractors are typically well-documented for this purpose.
How long can I work as a Project Controls Manager on OPT?
Standard post-completion OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or construction management, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years total. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to support the STEM extension, so confirm that before accepting an offer.
Where can I find Project Controls Manager jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers who sponsor work visas. Browsing Project Controls Manager listings on Migrate Mate lets you focus on companies with documented H-1B sponsorship histories rather than applying broadly and discovering late that an employer does not sponsor. It removes one of the most frustrating parts of the job search for international students.
What industries hire the most Project Controls Managers willing to sponsor visas?
Oil and gas, infrastructure construction, defense contracting, and large-scale civil engineering projects account for a significant share of Project Controls Manager sponsorships. Firms operating on federal contracts or large capital programs tend to have established immigration processes and are more comfortable sponsoring H-1B visas than smaller regional contractors. Energy and utilities have also been consistent sponsors for this role.
Can I change employers while on OPT as a Project Controls Manager?
Yes, but you must report the change to your Designated School Official within ten days and update your record in SEVIS. Your new position must also be directly related to your degree field to remain in valid OPT status. If you are on a STEM OPT extension, your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and you must submit a new I-983 training plan before your start date.