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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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.
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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.