OPT Project Coordinator Jobs
Project Coordinator roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in business, operations, or related fields. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months for STEM-adjacent roles, gives you real runway to prove yourself and secure long-term sponsorship.
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Overview:
The RFID Lab at Auburn University is accepting applications for multiple TES Program & Project Coordinator positions. These positions support the planning, coordination, and execution of research programs, industry-funded projects, and strategic initiatives within the Lab.
Responsibilities:
Program & Project Planning and Coordination:
- Manage and coordinate assigned program or project activities to meet established objectives, schedules, procedures, and reporting requirements.
- Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring program plans, project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
- Track progress, identify challenges, and coordinate adjustments to ensure successful execution and continuous improvement.
Research, Data Analysis & Deliverable Development:
- Collaborate with Lab leadership and research teams to plan and coordinate research activities, experiments, testing procedures, and laboratory operations.
- Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data to support research findings, program evaluation, and informed decision-making.
- Coordinate the development and review of reports, presentations, research documentation, and other program or project deliverables.
- Monitor data accuracy, quality standards, and established research protocols and procedures.
Team & Resource Coordination:
- Coordinate student team activities, including scheduling, task assignments, onboarding, training, and resource allocation.
- Monitor student team staffing needs to ensure assigned programs and projects are appropriately resourced.
- Facilitate collaboration across Lab teams to support operational efficiency and achievement of objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
- Establish and maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, including research teams, industry partners, and Lab leadership.
- Provide updates on program or project progress, timelines, outcomes, and resource needs.
- Support industry engagement, prospective funded research opportunities, laboratory tours, demonstrations, and program-related presentations.
Operational Improvement & Additional Responsibilities:
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve workflows, processes, documentation, and overall program or project effectiveness.
- Support Lab initiatives and organizational priorities as assigned.
- Travel for research, field activities, recruiting, industry engagement, and events as necessary.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution OR two years of relevant experience in program management, project management, research coordination, operations, or a related field.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in program or project management, research coordination, or technical operations.
- Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, schedules, resources, and deliverables.
- Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with data analysis, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience with RFID, sensor technologies, or emerging technology research preferred.
PAY RANGE:
USD $25.00 - USD $50.00 /Hr.
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Project Coordinator
Target employers with a history of H-1B sponsorship
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas for Project Coordinators before are far more likely to do it again. Search Migrate Mate to find employers with verified sponsorship track records in project management and operations roles.
Frame your OPT timeline clearly from the start
Tell employers upfront that you have 12 months of OPT authorization, with potential STEM extension if eligible. Clarity removes ambiguity and signals professionalism. Employers who hesitate over visa timelines often just need accurate information.
Pursue a PMP or CAPM certification
A Project Management Professional or Certified Associate in Project Management credential signals serious commitment to the field. It also strengthens your H-1B case by demonstrating your role requires specialized knowledge beyond a generalist skill set.
Build experience with recognized project management tools
Hands-on proficiency in tools like Jira, Asana, or Microsoft Project makes you immediately useful to hiring teams. Demonstrable technical skills reinforce that your Project Coordinator role qualifies as a specialty occupation for visa purposes.
Report every job change to your DSO within 10 days
OPT requires that your employment remain related to your degree field. Switching roles or employers without updating your DSO and SEVIS record can jeopardize your status, even if the new role is a better fit.
Ask about sponsorship timelines during the offer stage
H-1B petitions must be filed months before your OPT expires. Raise the sponsorship conversation during offer negotiations, not after you start. Employers who sponsor need lead time, and early alignment prevents last-minute gaps in authorization.
Project Coordinator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Coordinator role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It depends on how the role is defined. A Project Coordinator position that requires a bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, or a specific technical field typically qualifies. Roles where any degree satisfies the requirement, regardless of field, face more scrutiny. Your employer's attorney will assess whether the job description supports the specialty occupation standard.
Can I work as a Project Coordinator on OPT if my degree is in a non-business field?
Yes, as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. A computer science graduate coordinating software development projects, or an engineering graduate managing construction timelines, can justify the connection. Your DSO will need to confirm the role fits your authorized field of study before you begin.
Where can I find Project Coordinator jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers open to visa sponsorship. Most general job boards don't surface sponsorship status clearly, which wastes time on applications that go nowhere. Browsing Migrate Mate lets you focus on companies that have already indicated willingness to work with international candidates.
How does the STEM OPT extension apply to Project Coordinator roles?
STEM OPT extensions require your degree to appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Project Coordinator roles at technology or engineering firms can qualify if the underlying degree is STEM-designated. Operations, data analytics, or systems-focused PM roles with a STEM degree background are the most straightforward cases.
What happens to my OPT if my Project Coordinator contract ends before I find a new role?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment for standard OPT, and up to 150 days total during STEM extension. If your contract ends, that unemployment clock starts immediately. Notify your DSO, update your SEVIS record, and begin your job search without delay. Exceeding the unemployment limit terminates your OPT authorization.