Project Cost Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Project Cost Manager jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in construction management, civil engineering, or quantity surveying. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions under engineering classifications, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to build U.S. project experience.
See All Project Cost Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 90+ Project Cost Manager jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 90+ Project Cost Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Project Cost Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
It’s an exciting time to join MGAC! MGAC is a global boutique consultancy dedicated to managing and representing our clients’ best interests. Our success is rooted in hiring exceptional people who are driven to do challenging work with the unique blend of experience, integrity, creativity, and commitment that separates us from our competitors.
We have three simple goals: to do the most interesting and challenging work, to have fun working together, and to build a successful business in the process.
This position requires local support, with approximately 4-5 days per week onsite in Richmond, VA.
Unlock Your Potential
We’re looking for candidates eager to take ownership of challenging projects and grow their careers. Here’s what will set you up for success at MGAC:
- 3+ years of experience in construction project management with a thorough understanding of the building design and construction process.
- Bachelor’s, Associate’s, or equivalent experience in a construction-related discipline.
- 2+ years of construction cost management experience.
- 2+ years of experience managing critical environment construction projects (e.g., data centers, labs, hospitals).
- MEP experience in ground-up construction.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, presentation, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ambitious, construction and project management-focused, and seeking a modern and energetic business that will empower you to grow your career.
What You’ll Be Doing
MGAC’s Critical Environments team manages the construction of data centers and hospitals with deep industry expertise. We act as owner’s representatives—resolving issues, managing conflicts, and guiding informed decisions to keep projects on track. As a Project Manager at MGAC, you will lead incredible, resume-building, high-visibility projects.
Project Leadership
- Independently manage the full scope of projects while simultaneously managing components of others.
- Mentor and lead teams while managing schedule, scope, and budget.
- Lead project risk management, contingency planning, and schedule and budget recovery planning.
- Achieve and maintain the client’s vision as a trusted partner.
Financial and Contract Management
- Ensure timely invoicing and collection.
- Identify and secure add-services opportunities.
Collaboration and Communication
- Maintain collaborative relationships with clients, A&E professionals, contractors/GCs, vendors, and other teams.
- Anticipate project and team risks; solve complex challenges and conflicts.
- Conduct requirements gathering and needs assessments.
Our Critical Environments project work is expanding, with a healthy pipeline and numerous opportunities on the horizon.
Why Work With Us?
- 29+ years strong in North America and growing fast—with a positive, energizing culture.
- Consistently recognized as a Top Workplace with a true employee-first mindset.
- Entrepreneurial spirit encouraged—bring fresh ideas and exceed client expectations.
- Global reach, yet agile and client-focused like a boutique firm.
- Your voice matters—flat structure, open doors, and recognition for your contributions.
- Strong work-life balance, generous PTO, and top-tier wellness benefits.
Beyond the Paycheck: Discover Our Benefits
- Recognized as a Top Workplace for over a decade.
- Vacation starts on day one—accrue 3 weeks per year, plus a paid birthday off.
- 8 sick days and 9 paid holidays annually for full-time employees.
- Competitive benefits that support both personal and professional growth.
Salary Range
$110,000 - $140,000 per year (commensurate with experience)
The advertised salary range is intended as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as experience, expertise, and location. This base salary does not reflect the full compensation package, which may include bonuses, a 401(k) match, and other benefits.
INTRODUCTION
It’s an exciting time to join MGAC! MGAC is a global boutique consultancy dedicated to managing and representing our clients’ best interests. Our success is rooted in hiring exceptional people who are driven to do challenging work with the unique blend of experience, integrity, creativity, and commitment that separates us from our competitors.
We have three simple goals: to do the most interesting and challenging work, to have fun working together, and to build a successful business in the process.
This position requires local support, with approximately 4-5 days per week onsite in Richmond, VA.
Unlock Your Potential
We’re looking for candidates eager to take ownership of challenging projects and grow their careers. Here’s what will set you up for success at MGAC:
- 3+ years of experience in construction project management with a thorough understanding of the building design and construction process.
- Bachelor’s, Associate’s, or equivalent experience in a construction-related discipline.
- 2+ years of construction cost management experience.
- 2+ years of experience managing critical environment construction projects (e.g., data centers, labs, hospitals).
- MEP experience in ground-up construction.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, presentation, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ambitious, construction and project management-focused, and seeking a modern and energetic business that will empower you to grow your career.
What You’ll Be Doing
MGAC’s Critical Environments team manages the construction of data centers and hospitals with deep industry expertise. We act as owner’s representatives—resolving issues, managing conflicts, and guiding informed decisions to keep projects on track. As a Project Manager at MGAC, you will lead incredible, resume-building, high-visibility projects.
Project Leadership
- Independently manage the full scope of projects while simultaneously managing components of others.
- Mentor and lead teams while managing schedule, scope, and budget.
- Lead project risk management, contingency planning, and schedule and budget recovery planning.
- Achieve and maintain the client’s vision as a trusted partner.
Financial and Contract Management
- Ensure timely invoicing and collection.
- Identify and secure add-services opportunities.
Collaboration and Communication
- Maintain collaborative relationships with clients, A&E professionals, contractors/GCs, vendors, and other teams.
- Anticipate project and team risks; solve complex challenges and conflicts.
- Conduct requirements gathering and needs assessments.
Our Critical Environments project work is expanding, with a healthy pipeline and numerous opportunities on the horizon.
Why Work With Us?
- 29+ years strong in North America and growing fast—with a positive, energizing culture.
- Consistently recognized as a Top Workplace with a true employee-first mindset.
- Entrepreneurial spirit encouraged—bring fresh ideas and exceed client expectations.
- Global reach, yet agile and client-focused like a boutique firm.
- Your voice matters—flat structure, open doors, and recognition for your contributions.
- Strong work-life balance, generous PTO, and top-tier wellness benefits.
Beyond the Paycheck: Discover Our Benefits
- Recognized as a Top Workplace for over a decade.
- Vacation starts on day one—accrue 3 weeks per year, plus a paid birthday off.
- 8 sick days and 9 paid holidays annually for full-time employees.
- Competitive benefits that support both personal and professional growth.
Salary Range
$110,000 - $140,000 per year (commensurate with experience)
The advertised salary range is intended as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as experience, expertise, and location. This base salary does not reflect the full compensation package, which may include bonuses, a 401(k) match, and other benefits.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Project Cost Manager
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Project Cost Manager positions typically fall under engineering or construction management SOC codes eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your job offer letter lists a qualifying SOC code before accepting, so you're not caught short on authorization time.
Highlight cost control software proficiency
Employers hiring for this role expect hands-on experience with Procore, Primavera P6, or similar cost management platforms. Listing specific tools and the project values you managed signals you can contribute immediately, which matters more when a company is weighing OPT sponsorship logistics.
Target employers with active federal or infrastructure contracts
Large construction firms and engineering consultancies with government contracts routinely sponsor OPT and H-1B because project pipelines demand it. Companies running multi-year infrastructure programs are more likely to invest in retaining a cost manager beyond initial OPT authorization.
Quantify project scope in your resume
Employers evaluate cost managers by the scale of projects they've handled. Stating you managed cost tracking for a $40M commercial build is more compelling than listing duties. Concrete figures demonstrate readiness for U.S. project demands and justify the effort of OPT paperwork.
Understand your employer's E-Verify obligation
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your training plan must be formally approved before your extension begins. Confirm this with HR early in the offer process. Delays in E-Verify enrollment have caused STEM OPT gaps for students in project management roles.
Build your network inside owner-operator organizations
Real estate developers, utilities, and transit authorities employ in-house cost managers and often provide more visa sponsorship flexibility than subcontractors. Connecting with project controls professionals at these organizations puts you closer to decision-makers who control hiring and long-term sponsorship commitments.
Project Cost Manager jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Project Cost Manager JobsSee all 90+ Project Cost Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Project Cost Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Cost Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on the SOC code your employer assigns. Project Cost Manager positions classified under Construction Managers (SOC 11-9021) or Cost Estimators (SOC 13-1051) are not on the STEM OPT eligible list. However, if your role is classified under Industrial Engineers (SOC 17-2112) or a related engineering code, it may qualify. Always confirm the exact SOC code with your employer and DSO before accepting the offer.
What OPT documents do I need when starting a Project Cost Manager job?
You'll need your EAD card, a valid I-20 with OPT authorization noted, and your passport. Your employer will verify these through E-Verify at onboarding. Keep copies of your OPT approval notice and your DSO's contact information accessible, as project managers in construction environments are sometimes asked to present authorization documentation on federally contracted job sites.
Can I work as an independent contractor or consultant in a Project Cost Manager role on OPT?
OPT allows self-employment and contract work, but your position must be directly related to your field of study and average at least 20 hours per week. If you work through a staffing agency placed at a construction firm, that counts. However, you cannot be paid as a 1099 contractor by multiple unrelated clients simultaneously without carefully documenting each engagement for your OPT reporting obligations.
How do I find Project Cost Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Most job postings don't state OPT eligibility explicitly, which makes filtering difficult on general platforms. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Project Cost Manager roles from employers experienced with OPT and visa sponsorship. Searching there saves significant time compared to manually vetting postings that never mention work authorization requirements.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Project Cost Manager contract ends before my EAD expires?
You enter a 60-day grace period from the date your employment ends. During that window you can find a new qualifying job, transfer to another visa status, or prepare to depart the U.S. You cannot work during the grace period. If you secure a new Project Cost Manager role, your OPT continues under the same EAD as long as it hasn't expired and the new role relates to your degree field.
See which Project Cost Manager employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Project Cost Manager Jobs