OPT Truck Driver Jobs
Truck Driver jobs on OPT are limited but possible for F-1 students with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and the right employer. Most roles fall outside traditional specialty occupation categories, so understanding your authorization timeline and employer requirements upfront is critical to a successful job search.
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Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team
As a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support many industries worldwide. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful service work and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with experience, focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard – your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!
What we offer
- Competitive salary
- Paid vacation/holidays/sick time - 10 days of vacation first year
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care – Available day one
- Encouraging and collaborative team environment
- Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
What you will do
Under minimal supervision, conducts preventive maintenance, repair, installation, and commissioning and general servicing of systems (including detailed troubleshooting of systems). Responsible for high levels of customer satisfaction through direct, on site, customer interface. With a high level of complete technical competence, mentors control technicians, service technicians and mechanical technicians on building automation activities. Properly completes required project and service documentation. Provide our customers with the highest level of service to solve building inefficiencies and resolve service-related items. As a trusted advisor to our customers, you will provide solutions and outcomes at the time of service.
How you will do it
- Diagnoses and repairs complex control systems malfunctions requiring extensive knowledge of a variety of electronic or digital controls systems and ability to test and write modifications in multiple languages of systems software.
- Consults with the customer through data gathered and site assessments. Provides field proposals for retrofits, upgrades and or enhancements to existing equipment. Assists sales by providing technical recommendations for sales leads.
- Manages assigned work to meet professional and efficient execution of time and customer satisfaction. Reports problems or changes to management immediately. Interfaces with branch manager, service manager, service project manager or subcontractors on projects to coordinate activities as required ethically and professionally.
- Provides sketches of field changes and discrepancies for engineering corrections and drawings. May assist with job layouts and bid proposals.
- Install and modify software and graphics.
- Communicates with customers upon arrival and before leaving the work site. Ensures high levels of customer satisfaction. Meets regularly with customers to become familiar with operating problems. Keeps customer informed on the service provided, outstanding issues and recommends system enhancements, upgrades, and replacement. Promotes the sale of add-on work.
- Adheres to all Johnson Controls and customer safety standards. Provides safety leadership and instruction to all control's technicians in the branch. Provides safety awareness while working onsite with Johnson Controls subcontractors.
- Trains the customer in control systems operations. Delivers manuals and documentation to the customer for training needs as required.
- Provides mentorship for certification of Controls Technicians and Service Technicians on complex building automation systems. Coaches, supports and trains the technical workforce on non-complex, non-critical equipment.
- Compiles job documentation, such as certificate of completion, customer training form, training certificates and punch lists.
- Conducts extensive self-study (reading, research and practice) to improve and maintain technical proficiency in company's product lines. Completes certifications as required by the company.
- Other duties related to the installing, commissioning and servicing of building controls and facilities management systems and energy management systems, as assigned.
- Assists in the design and configuration of building control systems as defined by the contract documents. Creates flow diagrams, sequence of operations, and bill of material, network layouts and electrical schematics as required.
- Assists in developing and testing software programs necessary to operate the system per the project requirements' intent.
- Compiles and/or completes project as built and close-out documentation.
- Assists in the coordination and creation of necessary drawings and equipment schedules for submittals and installation.
- Selects, orders, and tracks the delivery of materials for assigned.
- Assists in the loading and commissioning of all system and network-level controllers as required. Assists in validation of complete system functionality and troubleshoots problems with subcontractors and other trades to ensure proper operation.
- May provide field change information to the project team for the creation of as-built drawings and software.
- Keeps management and JCI contractor or customer informed of job progress and issues.
- Assists in performing site-specific training for owner/operator on the total building control system.
- Participates in release meeting with project field team.
- Provide recommendations and solutions to ensure facility is running efficiently to include upselling opportunities.
- Provide quotes to support recommendations and solutions.
What we look for
Required
- Be a dedicated member of a North America Branch team willing to learn and be responsible for system trouble shooting, repair and aftermarket services for this fast-growing business.
- Minimum of Six (6) years Commercial Controls troubleshooting experience in the HVAC industry. This includes buildings, chiller plants and systems.
- Vocational School program graduate or associate's degree in a technical field, or two years’ experience in servicing electronic and or mechanical systems.
- Demonstrated ability to install and/or service electronic control systems and HVAC equipment.
- Effective communication skills to represent Johnson Controls on customer sites.
- Possesses the ability to explain technical information to technical and non-technical people.
- Demonstrate effective writing skills as well as understanding of programs and software applications.
- Knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems.
HIRING HOURLY RANGE: $30-40 (Hourly rate to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Truck Driver
Obtain your CDL before OPT begins
A Commercial Driver's License is the baseline requirement for nearly every truck driving position. Start the licensing process while still in school so you enter your OPT period ready to work, not waiting on credentials.
Target large fleet employers
Large logistics and freight companies are more experienced with work authorization paperwork than small owner-operators. Carriers with dedicated HR departments are better positioned to verify and support your OPT employment authorization documentation correctly.
Carry your EAD card at all times
Federal regulations require commercial drivers to carry valid work authorization documents. Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card must be on your person during every shift, not just during onboarding, to stay compliant with both USCIS and DOT requirements.
Track your OPT end date obsessively
Standard OPT lasts 12 months. STEM extension is not available for Truck Driver roles since the position does not meet specialty occupation or STEM criteria. Know your exact expiration date and plan your next visa step well in advance.
Understand DOT physical and drug test requirements
Commercial driving roles require a DOT physical exam and drug screening before employment. These federal requirements apply regardless of immigration status, so budget time and cost for these steps when planning your OPT job search timeline.
Clarify employment structure with the employer upfront
Some carriers classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. OPT requires authorized employment, and contractor arrangements may create compliance complications. Confirm you will be classified as a W-2 employee before accepting any offer.
Truck Driver OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Truck Drivers in the United States?
Yes, F-1 students on OPT can work as Truck Drivers as long as the job is directly related to their field of study and they hold a valid EAD card. The challenge is that most university programs that could support this are in logistics, transportation management, or supply chain fields. Students should confirm the connection between their degree and the role with their DSO before accepting an offer.
Is a STEM OPT extension available for Truck Driver positions?
No. Truck Driver roles are not classified under STEM degree categories recognized by the Department of Homeland Security, so STEM OPT extension is not an option for this position. F-1 students working as Truck Drivers are limited to the standard 12-month OPT period. Planning a transition to a different visa category before OPT expires is essential if you intend to continue working in the U.S.
What documents do I need to show an employer as an OPT student Truck Driver?
You will need your valid EAD card, your F-1 visa, your current I-20 with OPT authorization noted, and your passport. For commercial driving specifically, you also need a valid CDL and DOT medical certificate. Employers complete Form I-9 for all employees, and your EAD is a valid List A document for that process. Keep digital copies of everything in case originals are requested during roadside inspections.
How do I find Truck Driver employers who are comfortable hiring OPT students?
Large national carriers and logistics companies with established HR departments are generally more familiar with OPT work authorization than regional or independent operators. Migrate Mate lists employers with a track record of sponsoring or supporting international students, making it easier to identify which companies are open to OPT hires. Focus your outreach on fleet-based operations rather than small trucking businesses to improve your chances.
Does working as an independent contractor count toward OPT employment requirements?
Self-employment on OPT is technically permitted under certain conditions, but contractor arrangements with a single company can be scrutinized by USCIS. For Truck Drivers specifically, being classified as an independent contractor rather than a W-2 employee creates significant compliance risk. USCIS requires that OPT employment be legitimate and traceable. A formal employee classification with payroll records and an employer of record is the safest structure for OPT compliance.