STEM OPT Application Engineer Jobs
Application Engineer roles sit at the intersection of technical depth and client-facing problem-solving, making them a strong fit for STEM OPT graduates in engineering, computer science, and related fields. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension is available if your degree's CIP code qualifies, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to stay compliant with ICE reporting requirements.
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Get Access To All JobsBuild 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 a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an 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
- Company vehicle (as applicable)
- Paid vacation/holidays/sick time - 15 days of vacation first year
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one.
- Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities
- With outstanding resources Encouraging and collaborative team environment Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
- Career advancement opportunities
What you will do
Under general direction, responsible for the design, configuration, and operation of complete building control systems with a focus on HVAC Controls to meet the intent of the project requirements. Accountable to field teams for quality, timeliness and efficiency of designs. Develops complex software programs, commissions and troubleshoots to ensure proper operations of the building control system. Provides detailed information and submittals to communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, Johnson Controls field installation team and subcontractors.
How will you do it
- Designs and configures are technically complex building control systems as defined by the contract documents. Creates flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of material, network layouts and electrical schematics as required.
- Develops and tests software programs necessary to operate the system as per the intent of the project requirements.
- Coordinates the creation of necessary drawings and equipment schedules for submittals and installation.
- Selects, orders, and tracks the delivery of materials for assigned projects. Coordinates factory-mounting processes to meet factory and project schedule.
- 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.
- Provides 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. Collects and inputs data to track project progress using collaborative dashboards.
- Assists in performing site-specific training for owner/operator on the total building control system.
- Participates in release meeting with project field team. Performs value engineering to provide cost effective results while maintaining customer satisfaction.
- Coordinates with project owners to determine engineering & field execution task responsibilities.
- May provide work directions to Systems Design Assistants and other assigned project resources.
- Adheres to safety standards. High degree of regard to employee and subcontractor safety.
What we look for:
Required
- Associate or Technical degree, three years of related technical relevant work experience required; or equivalent work experience (with no degree) as a commercial HVAC Controls Technician, Engineer, or Installer
- Demonstrated knowledge of the HVAC industry.
- Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems from a design, installation, and/or commissioning perspective.
- Demonstrated experience in the integration of low voltage building sub-systems using various industry protocols. Ability to relate technical knowledge to a non-technical audience.
- Demonstrated advanced computer skills required, particularly computer-related drafting tools.
- Travel to job sites outside of the area as needed to support the customer needs.
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering with a minimum of three years of experience
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $68,000 - $95,000 (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. 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 at About us - Johnson Controls Careers.
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 a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an 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
- Company vehicle (as applicable)
- Paid vacation/holidays/sick time - 15 days of vacation first year
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one.
- Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities
- With outstanding resources Encouraging and collaborative team environment Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
- Career advancement opportunities
What you will do
Under general direction, responsible for the design, configuration, and operation of complete building control systems with a focus on HVAC Controls to meet the intent of the project requirements. Accountable to field teams for quality, timeliness and efficiency of designs. Develops complex software programs, commissions and troubleshoots to ensure proper operations of the building control system. Provides detailed information and submittals to communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, Johnson Controls field installation team and subcontractors.
How will you do it
- Designs and configures are technically complex building control systems as defined by the contract documents. Creates flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of material, network layouts and electrical schematics as required.
- Develops and tests software programs necessary to operate the system as per the intent of the project requirements.
- Coordinates the creation of necessary drawings and equipment schedules for submittals and installation.
- Selects, orders, and tracks the delivery of materials for assigned projects. Coordinates factory-mounting processes to meet factory and project schedule.
- 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.
- Provides 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. Collects and inputs data to track project progress using collaborative dashboards.
- Assists in performing site-specific training for owner/operator on the total building control system.
- Participates in release meeting with project field team. Performs value engineering to provide cost effective results while maintaining customer satisfaction.
- Coordinates with project owners to determine engineering & field execution task responsibilities.
- May provide work directions to Systems Design Assistants and other assigned project resources.
- Adheres to safety standards. High degree of regard to employee and subcontractor safety.
What we look for:
Required
- Associate or Technical degree, three years of related technical relevant work experience required; or equivalent work experience (with no degree) as a commercial HVAC Controls Technician, Engineer, or Installer
- Demonstrated knowledge of the HVAC industry.
- Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems from a design, installation, and/or commissioning perspective.
- Demonstrated experience in the integration of low voltage building sub-systems using various industry protocols. Ability to relate technical knowledge to a non-technical audience.
- Demonstrated advanced computer skills required, particularly computer-related drafting tools.
- Travel to job sites outside of the area as needed to support the customer needs.
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering with a minimum of three years of experience
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $68,000 - $95,000 (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. 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 at About us - Johnson Controls Careers.
See all 656+ STEM OPT Application Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Application Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your STEM degree's CIP code appears on the official DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Application Engineer roles typically draw on computer science, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering credentials, and a mismatched CIP code disqualifies your extension filing entirely.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask your recruiter directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before signing anything. A company that isn't enrolled cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT, and switching employers after accepting an offer resets your I-983 timeline.
Build your I-983 training plan around engineering deliverables
Application Engineer roles involve product demonstrations, technical integrations, and customer escalations. Document these as specific learning objectives on your I-983, tied to your engineering degree goals, so your DSO can approve the plan without revision requests.
Target employers with active LCA filings in your field
Use Migrate Mate to filter Application Engineer roles by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for engineering positions, which signals established sponsorship infrastructure and familiarity with work authorization requirements beyond the initial OPT period.
Apply 90 days before your OPT expiration date
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed while your initial OPT EAD is still valid. Missing this window means a gap in work authorization. File your I-765 with your DSO-endorsed I-20 no later than 90 days before your current EAD expires.
Match your job duties to the specialty occupation standard
Application Engineer positions vary widely between companies. Confirm your specific duties require a STEM degree to perform, not just to obtain the role. Generic sales-support duties without a technical component can complicate your H-1B visa transition later if the role wasn't properly structured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Application Engineer job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on whether your degree's CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and whether your specific duties require applying STEM knowledge. Application Engineer roles grounded in systems integration, software configuration, or hardware deployment typically qualify. Roles that are primarily client-facing or sales-oriented with minimal technical application may not. Your DSO makes the final determination when endorsing your I-20.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my STEM OPT employer?
Every employer who hires you on STEM OPT must be enrolled in E-Verify. This is an ICE requirement, not optional. The company must verify your employment eligibility through the E-Verify system within three days of your start date. If your employer is not enrolled, you cannot legally work for them on a STEM OPT EAD, regardless of their intent to enroll in the future.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an Application Engineer role?
Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, along with how your Application Engineer duties advance those goals. For this role, that typically means documenting technical skills like API integration, product configuration, or systems troubleshooting. Your employer's supervisor signs the plan, and your DSO must approve it before USCIS processes your extension. Vague job descriptions or generic training goals are the most common reasons for delays.
How does cap-gap protect me if my H-1B is selected while on STEM OPT?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT EAD expires and USCIS selects it in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. You can continue working as an Application Engineer during this period without a new EAD. USCIS updates cap-gap guidance annually, so confirm the current rules with your DSO before your STEM OPT end date approaches.
Where can I find Application Engineer jobs with E-Verify enrolled employers?
Migrate Mate filters Application Engineer listings by employers with verified sponsorship history, so you're not manually cross-referencing E-Verify enrollment for every company you apply to. Searching on Migrate Mate also surfaces roles where the employer has filed Labor Condition Applications for engineering positions, which is a strong indicator of experience with STEM OPT and H-1B processes.