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
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 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.