OPT Project Program Manager Jobs
Project Program Manager roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in business, engineering, or computer science. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations, supporting H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT. Your 12-month standard OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you real runway to land and prove yourself in this field.
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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.
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 Program Manager
Target employers with active H-1B sponsorship history
Large technology firms, consulting companies, and healthcare systems file H-1B visa petitions for Program Managers regularly. Prioritize employers with a documented pattern of sponsoring this role, not just those who say they're open to it.
Highlight your STEM OPT extension eligibility upfront
If your degree is in computer science, engineering, or information systems, you qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Framing this in applications gives employers 36 total months before H-1B sponsorship becomes urgent, reducing their perceived risk.
Position your degree as directly tied to the role
Project Program Manager roles qualify as specialty occupations when a specific bachelor's degree field is required. Explicitly connect your degree to your PM work in your resume and interviews to support a future H-1B petition.
Pursue PMP or Agile certifications before applying
The PMP certification and Scrum Master credentials signal professional seriousness and reduce employer hesitation about OPT status. Certified candidates are easier to justify sponsoring because the professional qualification strengthens the specialty occupation argument.
Report your employment in SEVP on time
You must report your Program Manager job to your DSO within 10 days of starting. Failing to update your SEVIS record can jeopardize your OPT authorization, so confirm your employer name, address, and start date are accurate before your first day.
Negotiate an explicit conversation about H-1B sponsorship
Raise H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer, not after. Ask directly whether the company has sponsored Program Managers before and what their internal process looks like. A vague answer now saves disappointment during the lottery season.
Project Program Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Program Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It depends on how the role is defined. Project Program Manager positions that require a bachelor's degree in a specific field, such as engineering, computer science, or business administration, generally qualify as specialty occupations. Roles where any unrelated degree is accepted carry more risk. The strength of your petition depends heavily on the job description your employer uses.
Can I work as a Project Program Manager on OPT without my employer filing any paperwork?
Yes. OPT work authorization is tied to your F-1 status and your EAD card, not to your employer. Your employer does not need to file a petition or pay government fees to hire you on OPT. However, your DSO must update your SEVIS record within 10 days of your start date, and your job must be directly related to your degree field.
Where can I find Project Program Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by visa sponsorship status. Searching Migrate Mate for Project Program Manager positions surfaces employers who have sponsored international candidates before, which is a practical signal of sponsorship willingness rather than just stated openness in a job posting.
What happens to my OPT if my Project Program Manager contract ends between projects?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment, or 150 days if you're on a STEM extension. If your contract ends and you're between engagements, those days count against your unemployment limit. Consulting and contract PM roles carry this risk, so tracking your cumulative unemployment days is important. Secure a new position or an extension before hitting the cap.
Does consulting or contract Project Program Manager work count toward OPT employment?
Yes, consulting and contract work qualifies as valid OPT employment as long as the work is related to your degree. You do not need a traditional full-time employee arrangement. Self-employment may also qualify if you can demonstrate the work relates directly to your field of study, though you should confirm the structure with your DSO before proceeding.