OPT Project Development Manager Jobs
Project Development Manager jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in engineering, business, or urban planning. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions when tied to technical project portfolios. Your 12-month OPT window, or up to 36 months with a STEM extension, gives employers a meaningful runway to evaluate you.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Performs in a collaborative environment to develop and implement manufacturing processes, procedures and production layouts for assemblies, equipment installation, processing, fabrication, and material handling. Drives adoption of new technologies and processes (automation, robotics, computer aided manufacturing software, etc.) to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction and quality improvement. Creates and analyzes 3D based model data environment to optimize manufacturing process and digital work instructions. Leverages understanding of materials and automatic processes to define operations procedures and build sequences to drive operational excellence. Evaluates performance (including IoT devices, etc.) of equipment and tools to verify their efficiency and investigates and initiates corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure operational excellence. Leverages factory data to develop statistical process control approaches and integrates reporting and data analytics solutions for continuous improvement. Provides input to product design regarding design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques. Responsible for guidance and development of Manufacturing Engineering (ME) team, including Functional Test Engineering, providing support to AMMM production and on the Flight Line. Responsible for working closely with Production and assessing situations to develop tools and methods for improving quality and productivity. Responsible for department budget, audit support, and other ME related issues.
Will provide guidance and coaching/development on Manufacturing Engineering skills, including:
- Create and update Manufacturing Plan.
- Develop major tooling requirements and production floor layout.
- Initiate Tooling Request Forms and schedule tooling builds/buys to support production.
- Develop capital equipment requirements and forecast funding needs.
- Initiate capital spending request, SOW/specifications, and FSR for purchase of capital equipment.
- Initiate calibration requirements for new equipment and coordinate with Facilities Engineering on development of preventative maintenance requirements for ground support equipment maintenance and tooling.
- Initiate and coordinate all project tooling and special test equipment periodic inspection and maintenance/repair requirements in conjunction with Tool Engineering.
- Develop program specific methods, operating procedures, and tooling usage documents such as TSUD, MPS/PPDs, and SCLs.
- Develop requirements for and initiate purchase of perishable factory equipment.
- Develop specifications and initiate procurement of Standard Tools.
- Continuously review facilities and tools for Safety issues and initiate corrective action.
- Continuously work with production supervision and mechanics to improve process, methods, and work sequencing to include refinement of all things stated above.
- Investigate repetitive non-conformances; develop and implement corrective action.
Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, etc.)
- Experience in Manufacturing Engineering or understanding of Manufacturing Engineering practice and procedures.
- Production Support/Corrective Action experience.
- Formal/Informal Leadership experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Flight Line Experience.
- Demonstrated Full Spectrum Leadership skills and Culture of Accountability practices.
- MS Office experience including with Project and Access database.
- Familiarity with AMMM Airframes.
- Working knowledge of Manufacturing Engineering skills defined in job description and the controlling media PM-9003, PM-4053, and AC -3031.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
PAY INFORMATION
Full-Time Salary Range: $104900.00 - $194700.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills as well as market (work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
BENEFITS OFFERED
Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full-time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
INTRODUCTION
Performs in a collaborative environment to develop and implement manufacturing processes, procedures and production layouts for assemblies, equipment installation, processing, fabrication, and material handling. Drives adoption of new technologies and processes (automation, robotics, computer aided manufacturing software, etc.) to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction and quality improvement. Creates and analyzes 3D based model data environment to optimize manufacturing process and digital work instructions. Leverages understanding of materials and automatic processes to define operations procedures and build sequences to drive operational excellence. Evaluates performance (including IoT devices, etc.) of equipment and tools to verify their efficiency and investigates and initiates corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure operational excellence. Leverages factory data to develop statistical process control approaches and integrates reporting and data analytics solutions for continuous improvement. Provides input to product design regarding design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques. Responsible for guidance and development of Manufacturing Engineering (ME) team, including Functional Test Engineering, providing support to AMMM production and on the Flight Line. Responsible for working closely with Production and assessing situations to develop tools and methods for improving quality and productivity. Responsible for department budget, audit support, and other ME related issues.
Will provide guidance and coaching/development on Manufacturing Engineering skills, including:
- Create and update Manufacturing Plan.
- Develop major tooling requirements and production floor layout.
- Initiate Tooling Request Forms and schedule tooling builds/buys to support production.
- Develop capital equipment requirements and forecast funding needs.
- Initiate capital spending request, SOW/specifications, and FSR for purchase of capital equipment.
- Initiate calibration requirements for new equipment and coordinate with Facilities Engineering on development of preventative maintenance requirements for ground support equipment maintenance and tooling.
- Initiate and coordinate all project tooling and special test equipment periodic inspection and maintenance/repair requirements in conjunction with Tool Engineering.
- Develop program specific methods, operating procedures, and tooling usage documents such as TSUD, MPS/PPDs, and SCLs.
- Develop requirements for and initiate purchase of perishable factory equipment.
- Develop specifications and initiate procurement of Standard Tools.
- Continuously review facilities and tools for Safety issues and initiate corrective action.
- Continuously work with production supervision and mechanics to improve process, methods, and work sequencing to include refinement of all things stated above.
- Investigate repetitive non-conformances; develop and implement corrective action.
Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, etc.)
- Experience in Manufacturing Engineering or understanding of Manufacturing Engineering practice and procedures.
- Production Support/Corrective Action experience.
- Formal/Informal Leadership experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Flight Line Experience.
- Demonstrated Full Spectrum Leadership skills and Culture of Accountability practices.
- MS Office experience including with Project and Access database.
- Familiarity with AMMM Airframes.
- Working knowledge of Manufacturing Engineering skills defined in job description and the controlling media PM-9003, PM-4053, and AC -3031.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
PAY INFORMATION
Full-Time Salary Range: $104900.00 - $194700.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills as well as market (work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
BENEFITS OFFERED
Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full-time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Project Development Manager
Lead with your technical project experience
Project Development Managers are expected to manage complex deliverables from conception to completion. Highlight specific projects you've led or contributed to, including scope, stakeholders, and outcomes. Employers need evidence you can own a project lifecycle independently.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
If your degree is in engineering, computer science, or a related STEM field, you likely qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Mentioning this early removes a common employer hesitation and signals you've thought through your authorization timeline already.
Target employers with active project pipelines
Construction firms, infrastructure developers, tech companies, and energy organizations regularly hire for this role. Companies with multi-year project roadmaps are more motivated to sponsor long-term because turnover mid-project is costly to them operationally.
Earn a PMP or CAPM certification before applying
Project Management Professional credentials signal credibility to hiring managers and reduce perceived risk in sponsoring an OPT candidate. Even a CAPM, which has lower experience requirements, meaningfully strengthens your application against candidates with longer work histories.
Address sponsorship directly in your cover letter
Employers often assume OPT sponsorship is complicated. A brief, confident explanation that you're authorized for 12 months with potential STEM extension, and that H-1B visa sponsorship comes later, removes ambiguity and prevents early-stage rejections based on misunderstanding.
Quantify project outcomes on your resume
Generic descriptions like 'managed projects' won't stand out. Use metrics: budget controlled, timeline adherence percentage, team size, or efficiency improvements delivered. Quantified results help employers assess your readiness for independent project ownership quickly and confidently.
Project Development Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Project Development Manager on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Project Development Manager roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. If your degree is in engineering, business, urban planning, or a related discipline, this role typically satisfies that requirement. You can work for any employer willing to hire you without needing USCIS approval for each job change during your OPT period.
Does a Project Development Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title itself. If you hold a qualifying STEM degree, such as engineering, computer science, or information systems, and the Project Development Manager role involves applying that technical knowledge, your employer can sign the required training plan (Form I-983) to support your 24-month STEM extension. Roles in tech, infrastructure, and energy development are especially strong fits for this designation.
How do I find Project Development Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Browse Migrate Mate to find Project Development Manager openings from employers who are actively open to sponsoring F-1 OPT and visa candidates. Filtering by sponsorship willingness saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that an employer won't support work authorization. Focusing your search this way also improves your conversion rate from application to interview.
Will employers sponsor H-1B after my OPT ends for this type of role?
Many employers in construction, technology, infrastructure, and energy do sponsor H-1B visas for Project Development Managers because replacing mid-project leadership is expensive and disruptive. Your best indicator is whether the company has sponsored H-1B candidates in the past, which is publicly searchable through USCIS disclosure data. Prioritize employers with a documented sponsorship history when evaluating opportunities.
What degree backgrounds qualify an OPT student for Project Development Manager jobs?
Employers most commonly accept degrees in civil or mechanical engineering, construction management, urban planning, business administration, or environmental science for this role. The key requirement is that your coursework and skills are demonstrably relevant to managing project development workflows. Degrees in engineering or technical fields also open the door to STEM OPT, which significantly extends your authorized work period and improves your candidacy for sponsorship conversations.