OPT Project Lead Jobs
Project Lead roles sit at the intersection of technical execution and team coordination, making them a strong fit for OPT students with engineering, computer science, or business degrees. Most employers require H-1B visa sponsorship intent for full-time hires, so targeting sponsors early in your OPT window is critical.
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QISG leverages Quanta’s comprehensive resources to deliver collaborative solutions for our partners' energy infrastructure needs. We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects. Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with efficiency, consistency, attention to detail and safe execution. The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Scheduling, Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding results for our clients.
About This Role
QISG is growing our Project Management team in Scottsdale, Arizona, and we’re looking for driven professionals to join us as Regional Assistant Project Managers across multiple experience levels. With a strong pipeline of major transmission, distribution, substation, and EPC projects throughout the western United States, our teams are helping deliver some of the region’s most significant and complex energy infrastructure programs. Whether you’re building the foundation of your project management career or ready to take on greater responsibility, QISG offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced industry leaders, gain exposure to large-scale projects from planning through execution, and grow within an organization that continues to expand its impact across the power and utility industry.
- Coordinates engineering, estimating, project controls, procurement, and construction activities during the development and execution phase(s) of the project
- Assists PM in the development of the initial project schedule in conjunction with engineering, estimating, project controls, procurement, and construction management personnel
- Participates in value engineering and constructability reviews
- Works with procurement to develop subcontractor and vendor scopes of work and schedules exhibits to the contracts for review by PM before processing
- Works with the appropriate Safety personnel on all safety-related issues, including but not limited to, development and implementation of the project-specific safety plan, reporting of incidents, and supporting the investigation of incidents
- Assists the PM with project schedule and helps prepare monthly project review reports for the project management team and Senior Management
- Supports project by conducting financial reviews and closeouts on a monthly basis
- Assists with RFI submittals utilizing QISG’s document management system
- Provides feedback to improve Quality of all technical, commercial, and administrative deliverables for projects
- Assists in procurement of purchase orders and subcontract packages
- Monitors progress of overall design, procurement, and construction of the project
- Facilitates Project Close-Out and Warranty administration
- Performs post-construction cost review and reporting and participates in lessons learned
- Performs any other duties assigned by the PM, including acting as PM when PM is unavailable (when deemed qualified by PM/Operations Director)
- Adheres to internal standards, policies, and procedures
What You'll Bring
Required Experience and Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Science/Management, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or equivalent field; equivalent work experience, or combination of work and education, may be substituted
Skills
- Self-starter
- Ability to work well independently, as well as part of a team
- Strong problem evaluation/solving skills
- Understanding of the project design process for projects
- Understanding of integrated EPC process
- Understanding of construction means and methods
- Ability to interact effectively and professionally with other team members
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office)
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
- Familiarity with estimating, scheduling, and project management software and processes
Travel Requirements
- Travel: Yes
- Percent of Time: Up to 50%, or as project needs require
What You'll Get
QISG Benefits Highlights
- Competitive Compensation
- Comprehensive Health Coverage - Multiple Medical, dental & vision plans with 100% preventive care
- 24/7 telehealth (Teladoc)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Company-funded HSA and pre-tax savings options
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- No-cost Short- and Long-term Disability
- Employer-paid basic Life & AD&D Insurance
- Paid Time off (PTO) and 10 Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental leave
- Education Reimbursement and Professional Development
- Employee discount program and optional insurance offerings:
- Identity Theft Protection
- Accident Insurance
- Voluntary Life (spouse and child)
- Critical Illness
- Hospital Indemnity
- Pet Insurance
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.
About us
QISG leverages Quanta’s comprehensive resources to deliver collaborative solutions for our partners' energy infrastructure needs. We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects. Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with efficiency, consistency, attention to detail and safe execution. The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Scheduling, Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding results for our clients.
About This Role
QISG is growing our Project Management team in Scottsdale, Arizona, and we’re looking for driven professionals to join us as Regional Assistant Project Managers across multiple experience levels. With a strong pipeline of major transmission, distribution, substation, and EPC projects throughout the western United States, our teams are helping deliver some of the region’s most significant and complex energy infrastructure programs. Whether you’re building the foundation of your project management career or ready to take on greater responsibility, QISG offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced industry leaders, gain exposure to large-scale projects from planning through execution, and grow within an organization that continues to expand its impact across the power and utility industry.
- Coordinates engineering, estimating, project controls, procurement, and construction activities during the development and execution phase(s) of the project
- Assists PM in the development of the initial project schedule in conjunction with engineering, estimating, project controls, procurement, and construction management personnel
- Participates in value engineering and constructability reviews
- Works with procurement to develop subcontractor and vendor scopes of work and schedules exhibits to the contracts for review by PM before processing
- Works with the appropriate Safety personnel on all safety-related issues, including but not limited to, development and implementation of the project-specific safety plan, reporting of incidents, and supporting the investigation of incidents
- Assists the PM with project schedule and helps prepare monthly project review reports for the project management team and Senior Management
- Supports project by conducting financial reviews and closeouts on a monthly basis
- Assists with RFI submittals utilizing QISG’s document management system
- Provides feedback to improve Quality of all technical, commercial, and administrative deliverables for projects
- Assists in procurement of purchase orders and subcontract packages
- Monitors progress of overall design, procurement, and construction of the project
- Facilitates Project Close-Out and Warranty administration
- Performs post-construction cost review and reporting and participates in lessons learned
- Performs any other duties assigned by the PM, including acting as PM when PM is unavailable (when deemed qualified by PM/Operations Director)
- Adheres to internal standards, policies, and procedures
What You'll Bring
Required Experience and Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Science/Management, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or equivalent field; equivalent work experience, or combination of work and education, may be substituted
Skills
- Self-starter
- Ability to work well independently, as well as part of a team
- Strong problem evaluation/solving skills
- Understanding of the project design process for projects
- Understanding of integrated EPC process
- Understanding of construction means and methods
- Ability to interact effectively and professionally with other team members
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office)
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
- Familiarity with estimating, scheduling, and project management software and processes
Travel Requirements
- Travel: Yes
- Percent of Time: Up to 50%, or as project needs require
What You'll Get
QISG Benefits Highlights
- Competitive Compensation
- Comprehensive Health Coverage - Multiple Medical, dental & vision plans with 100% preventive care
- 24/7 telehealth (Teladoc)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Company-funded HSA and pre-tax savings options
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- No-cost Short- and Long-term Disability
- Employer-paid basic Life & AD&D Insurance
- Paid Time off (PTO) and 10 Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental leave
- Education Reimbursement and Professional Development
- Employee discount program and optional insurance offerings:
- Identity Theft Protection
- Accident Insurance
- Voluntary Life (spouse and child)
- Critical Illness
- Hospital Indemnity
- Pet Insurance
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.
See all 2,960+ OPT Project Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Project Lead
Lead with your OPT timeline upfront
Tell hiring managers your OPT start date and STEM extension eligibility in your first conversation. Project Lead roles involve long planning cycles, so employers need to know your authorization window before committing to the hire.
Target companies with H-1B sponsorship history
Project Lead positions are common at mid-size and enterprise technology firms that regularly sponsor visas. Look for employers with a documented history of H-1B visa filings, since sponsoring a Project Lead is a standard investment for these organizations.
Frame your degree as a direct qualification
Project Lead roles typically require a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Connect your coursework explicitly to the job description, since specialty occupation status depends on your degree matching the role.
Quantify project scope and team size in your resume
Employers sponsoring OPT students for Project Lead roles want evidence of real leadership. Include the number of stakeholders managed, project budgets overseen, and delivery timelines met to make your experience concrete and credible.
Apply before your 90-day unemployment clock starts
F-1 OPT students can only accumulate 90 days of unemployment, or 150 for STEM extensions. Start applying for Project Lead roles before graduation or immediately after OPT approval to avoid burning through that window.
Prepare a clear story on nonimmigrant intent and long-term plans
Some interviewers will ask about your visa situation directly. Have a practiced, honest answer ready that covers your current OPT status, STEM extension eligibility, and your expectation that the employer will file for H-1B sponsorship.
Project Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Project Lead on F-1 OPT?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorizes full-time employment in a role directly related to your major field of study. Project Lead positions tied to engineering, computer science, or business degrees typically satisfy this requirement. Keep documentation showing the connection between your degree and your job duties, since your DSO may request it.
Does a Project Lead role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not your job title. If you hold a STEM-designated degree, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and provide a formal training plan. Many technology and engineering firms that hire Project Leads meet both requirements, making a 24-month STEM extension realistic for qualified candidates.
How do I find Project Lead jobs where employers are open to OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, so every listing on the platform reflects employers open to work authorization. Searching there filters out roles where sponsorship is a non-starter and saves significant time compared to applying broadly and screening manually.
What degree backgrounds typically qualify for a Project Lead role under OPT?
Employers most commonly accept degrees in computer science, information systems, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, or business administration with a technical concentration. The key is demonstrating that your degree directly prepares you for the project management and technical coordination responsibilities the role involves.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Project Lead contract ends early?
Your OPT authorization itself does not automatically terminate, but you begin accumulating unemployment days. F-1 OPT students are limited to 90 days of unemployment, or 150 days on a STEM extension. If your contract ends unexpectedly, notify your DSO immediately and prioritize finding a new qualifying position quickly.