OPT Project Controls Specialist Jobs
Project Controls Specialist roles in cost management, schedule analysis, and earned value management qualify as specialty occupations under OPT work authorization. Most positions require a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field, making them a strong fit for F-1 students with STEM OPT extensions.
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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)
See all 675+ OPT Project Controls Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Project Controls Specialist
Target infrastructure and construction firms
Large engineering, procurement, and construction firms hire Project Controls Specialists regularly and have established visa sponsorship pipelines. Focus your applications on companies with active federal contracts, where project controls expertise is a compliance requirement, not a luxury.
Highlight earned value management experience
EVM proficiency is a hard requirement for many government-adjacent project controls roles. Demonstrating hands-on experience with cost performance index and schedule performance index calculations signals technical depth employers need when justifying specialty occupation status for OPT and H-1B visa.
Get certified early in your OPT window
Pursuing a PMI-SP or AACE certification during your OPT period strengthens your H-1B sponsorship case. Employers sponsoring your visa must demonstrate the role requires specialized knowledge, and industry credentials support that argument concretely.
Prioritize STEM OPT-eligible positions
Project Controls Specialist roles under construction management, industrial engineering, or systems engineering CIP codes typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to ensure you maximize your authorized work period.
Lead with Primavera P6 and cost control software skills
Employers screening for project controls candidates filter heavily on scheduling and cost software proficiency. Listing Primavera P6, Oracle Unifier, or SAP PS on your resume above the fold increases your chances of passing initial recruiter screening before sponsorship discussions even begin.
Address your OPT timeline directly with hiring managers
Project controls hiring cycles can run two to three months. Proactively share your OPT expiration date and STEM extension eligibility early, so employers can align their H-1B sponsorship timeline with their project staffing needs without last-minute surprises.
Project Controls Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Controls Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. Project Controls Specialist positions typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, construction management, or a closely related field, which meets the specialty occupation standard. Roles focused on cost engineering, schedule analysis, or earned value management have a strong track record of H-1B approval, but the specific job duties and degree match both matter.
Which degree fields qualify F-1 students for the STEM OPT extension in project controls roles?
Degrees in civil engineering, industrial engineering, systems engineering, construction management, and engineering management are the most common pathways to STEM OPT eligibility for project controls work. Degrees in business or general management without a STEM CIP code typically do not qualify. Confirm your specific degree's CIP code with your international student office before relying on the extension.
Where can I find Project Controls Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists project controls roles from employers who are open to sponsoring international candidates. Filtering for OPT-friendly positions saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship constraints late in the process. Most employers hiring for government contract or infrastructure projects are accustomed to working with candidates on work authorization.
How far in advance should I start applying for Project Controls Specialist roles given the H-1B lottery timeline?
Start applying at least six months before your OPT expires. H-1B registration opens in March for an October 1 start date, meaning your employer needs to be committed to sponsoring you by late February at the latest. For OPT holders expiring mid-year, missing one lottery cycle can mean a gap in work authorization, so early applications are critical.
Can I work as a Project Controls Specialist as an independent contractor on OPT?
Self-employment on OPT is permitted under USCIS rules, but it carries significant compliance risk. You must be actively engaged in work related to your degree field, and the arrangement must constitute genuine employment rather than passive income. Most project controls contractors work through staffing agencies or consulting firms, which simplifies the employment verification requirements under the OPT terms.