OPT Project Leader Jobs
Project Leader jobs on OPT require employers willing to sponsor H-1B visa or support your status transition before your work authorization expires. Most roles in this title fall under specialty occupation criteria, making them well-suited for STEM OPT extensions if your degree is in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Advance your career with the Johnson Controls Team!
Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. In this role, you will lead the day-to-day activities of a field Mechanical Install team, helping deliver safe, profitable, and customer-focused results while supporting a culture that values wellbeing, collaboration, and development.
We recognize that a fulfilling career is supported by your overall wellbeing. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you in multiple aspects of life, including:
- Competitive salary
- Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time - 15 days of vacation in your first year to promote work-life balance
- Comprehensive benefits package, including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care, available from day one
- An encouraging and collaborative team environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters innovation
- On-the-job and cross-training opportunities
- A strong commitment to safety through our Zero Harm policy, ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all employees
- JCI Employee discount programs (The Loop by Perk Spot)
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Under general supervision, responsible for the overall execution and performance of mechanical retrofit projects. Responsible for following consistent and repeatable project management standardized procedures and processes, and achieving financial results on assigned projects. Provides project coordination for day to day activities of Mechanics, and sub-contractors. Secures new work and change orders from the existing customer base. Provides mechanical project estimating and estimating reviews. Acts as a technical resource for Sales. Responsible for overall project safety program compliance.
HOW YOU WILL DO IT
Plans, executes and controls assigned projects. Coordinates the mechanical retrofit process to insure that it is performed in accordance with standard practices. Facilitates escalation of product related problems along with the drawing layouts / detailing for accurate job installation.
Estimates mechanical work and presents proposals to the customer.
Assists sales in project development efforts and performs pre-bid reviews.
Interfaces with the Truck Based team(s) to control proper staffing levels.
Reviews and interprets contract Terms and Conditions.
Analyzes financial reporting systems and project schedules to proactively address potential problems and manage risk. Investigates solutions and establishes project recovery plans.
Provides ongoing cost and estimate analysis reporting. Manages allocation of costs.
Uses Johnson Controls standard tracking and reporting tools to effectively communicate project progress and financial status to management.
Proactively investigates opportunities for improvements in the project scope that will result in value added change orders. Performs associated cost estimates, prepares proposals and secures customer acceptance.
Responsible for asset management including collections, cost control, progress billings and payables.
Coordinates assigned projects for compliance with specifications, local codes and installation techniques.
Uses negotiation skills to consistently resolve disputes.
Leads material procurement, warehousing and logistics processes.
Provides high quality written communications. Ensures project document controls are in compliance with contract requirements and Johnson Controls standards.
Develops and maintains viable long-term relationships with customers and subcontractors. Attends job progress meetings as the need arises. Ensures subcontractors understand expectations of the project.
Ensures transition to appropriate Johnson Controls Truck-based team is achieved.
Coordinates performance of owner training requirements.
Adheres and insures that Johnson Controls team members, and subcontractors adhere to safety standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Four or more years of comprehensive, technical and operational knowledge of the service business, particularly related to smaller fast track retrofit, remodel and tenant improvement types of projects.
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
- Must have the ability to communicate technical information to a non-technical audience. Proficient in Project Management software and financial accounting systems. Strong Personal Computer capabilities in MS Office (excel, word, power point), Adobe Writer, Visio and basic Windows environment.
- Travel is required and will vary on project assignment.
- Projects may exist outside of assigned geography.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Two to four years of engineering or trade school training such as an engineering degree or equivalent is preferred.
- Installation and Service experience related to complex HVAC Mechanical systems and equipment is desired.
COMPENSATION
- HIRING SALARY RANGE: $89,000 - $134,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package.
For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at About us - Johnson Controls Careers.
INTRODUCTION
Advance your career with the Johnson Controls Team!
Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. In this role, you will lead the day-to-day activities of a field Mechanical Install team, helping deliver safe, profitable, and customer-focused results while supporting a culture that values wellbeing, collaboration, and development.
We recognize that a fulfilling career is supported by your overall wellbeing. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you in multiple aspects of life, including:
- Competitive salary
- Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time - 15 days of vacation in your first year to promote work-life balance
- Comprehensive benefits package, including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care, available from day one
- An encouraging and collaborative team environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters innovation
- On-the-job and cross-training opportunities
- A strong commitment to safety through our Zero Harm policy, ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all employees
- JCI Employee discount programs (The Loop by Perk Spot)
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Under general supervision, responsible for the overall execution and performance of mechanical retrofit projects. Responsible for following consistent and repeatable project management standardized procedures and processes, and achieving financial results on assigned projects. Provides project coordination for day to day activities of Mechanics, and sub-contractors. Secures new work and change orders from the existing customer base. Provides mechanical project estimating and estimating reviews. Acts as a technical resource for Sales. Responsible for overall project safety program compliance.
HOW YOU WILL DO IT
Plans, executes and controls assigned projects. Coordinates the mechanical retrofit process to insure that it is performed in accordance with standard practices. Facilitates escalation of product related problems along with the drawing layouts / detailing for accurate job installation.
Estimates mechanical work and presents proposals to the customer.
Assists sales in project development efforts and performs pre-bid reviews.
Interfaces with the Truck Based team(s) to control proper staffing levels.
Reviews and interprets contract Terms and Conditions.
Analyzes financial reporting systems and project schedules to proactively address potential problems and manage risk. Investigates solutions and establishes project recovery plans.
Provides ongoing cost and estimate analysis reporting. Manages allocation of costs.
Uses Johnson Controls standard tracking and reporting tools to effectively communicate project progress and financial status to management.
Proactively investigates opportunities for improvements in the project scope that will result in value added change orders. Performs associated cost estimates, prepares proposals and secures customer acceptance.
Responsible for asset management including collections, cost control, progress billings and payables.
Coordinates assigned projects for compliance with specifications, local codes and installation techniques.
Uses negotiation skills to consistently resolve disputes.
Leads material procurement, warehousing and logistics processes.
Provides high quality written communications. Ensures project document controls are in compliance with contract requirements and Johnson Controls standards.
Develops and maintains viable long-term relationships with customers and subcontractors. Attends job progress meetings as the need arises. Ensures subcontractors understand expectations of the project.
Ensures transition to appropriate Johnson Controls Truck-based team is achieved.
Coordinates performance of owner training requirements.
Adheres and insures that Johnson Controls team members, and subcontractors adhere to safety standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Four or more years of comprehensive, technical and operational knowledge of the service business, particularly related to smaller fast track retrofit, remodel and tenant improvement types of projects.
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
- Must have the ability to communicate technical information to a non-technical audience. Proficient in Project Management software and financial accounting systems. Strong Personal Computer capabilities in MS Office (excel, word, power point), Adobe Writer, Visio and basic Windows environment.
- Travel is required and will vary on project assignment.
- Projects may exist outside of assigned geography.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Two to four years of engineering or trade school training such as an engineering degree or equivalent is preferred.
- Installation and Service experience related to complex HVAC Mechanical systems and equipment is desired.
COMPENSATION
- HIRING SALARY RANGE: $89,000 - $134,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package.
For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at About us - Johnson Controls Careers.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Project Leader
Target employers with an H-1B sponsorship track record
Search OFLC disclosure data to confirm an employer has filed H-1B visa petitions for Project Leader or similar titles before. Past sponsorship behavior is the strongest signal that a company will support your visa transition after OPT ends.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early in interviews
If your degree is in engineering, computer science, or a STEM-designated field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Communicating this upfront gives employers a longer runway and reduces perceived sponsorship urgency during hiring.
Frame your cross-functional coordination as a business asset
Project Leaders who can manage stakeholders across engineering, finance, and operations are harder to replace. Emphasizing this breadth during interviews positions you as a retention priority, which directly strengthens the case for sponsorship investment.
Understand your OPT timeline before accepting an offer
Know exactly when your OPT authorization expires and when the H-1B filing window opens. Starting a Project Leader role with only a few months of OPT remaining compresses the timeline for both you and your employer significantly.
Prioritize mid-size and large employers with structured HR processes
Companies with dedicated HR or legal teams are more likely to have established visa sponsorship workflows. Project Leader roles at organizations with 500-plus employees tend to come with clearer sponsorship pathways than early-stage startups.
Obtain a PMP or industry certification before applying
A Project Management Professional certification strengthens your specialty occupation argument by demonstrating field-specific expertise. It also differentiates you from other OPT candidates and signals long-term commitment to employers evaluating sponsorship cost versus return.
Project Leader OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Project Leader jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title itself. If your bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree is in a STEM-designated field and the Project Leader role involves applying that technical knowledge, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO and employer must both sign the I-983 training plan to activate the extension.
Do Project Leader roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B purposes?
Many do, but it requires documentation. USCIS evaluates whether the specific role requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field. Project Leader positions in software, engineering, or healthcare tend to qualify more readily than general operational management roles. Your employer's immigration attorney will assess the job description against USCIS specialty occupation criteria before filing.
How do I find Project Leader jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate lists Project Leader roles from employers with verified visa sponsorship history, so you're not guessing which companies are open to OPT candidates. You can browse roles filtered to your situation without sorting through postings that don't support work authorization.
Can I start a Project Leader job before my OPT EAD card arrives?
No. You cannot begin working until your EAD card is physically in hand and your OPT start date has passed. If an employer wants you to start before your card arrives, the offer start date needs to be pushed back. Starting work without a valid EAD violates your F-1 status and can jeopardize future visa applications.
What happens to my Project Leader job if my H-1B lottery application isn't selected?
If you're not selected in the H-1B lottery and your OPT expires, you lose work authorization and must stop working. Some employers respond by exploring cap-exempt H-1B options through qualifying nonprofit or university affiliates, pursuing O-1 visa classification for candidates with strong project leadership credentials, or supporting a departure and consular H-1B filing the following fiscal year.