STEM OPT Building Engineer Jobs
Building Engineer roles in facilities management, HVAC systems, and building controls qualify for STEM OPT when your degree is in engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you, and the 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total to build your career in this field.
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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 84+ STEM OPT Building Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Building Engineer
Verify your CIP code matches your role
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to the building engineering work you'll perform. Mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering CIP codes typically qualify, but your DSO confirms the match before your I-20 is updated.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you sign anything. Facilities management firms and property management companies often operate under parent entities, so confirm which legal employer entity is enrolled, not just the brand name.
Target employers with active DOL LCA filings
Search Migrate Mate to find building engineering employers with verified DOL Labor Condition Application filing history. This shows which companies have sponsored work-authorized employees before and understand the E-Verify and training plan obligations that come with hiring STEM OPT students.
Prepare your I-983 training plan with technical specificity
Your I-983 must document how the Building Engineer role applies your STEM degree, with specific learning objectives tied to systems like BMS, HVAC controls, or energy management. Generic job descriptions get rejected; name the engineering competencies you'll develop on the job.
Use OFLC Wage Search to anchor your salary negotiation
Run the OFLC Wage Search for your SOC code and metro area before negotiations. Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the prevailing wage level, so knowing the DOL wage tiers for your role prevents an offer that can't survive the LCA filing step.
File for the STEM OPT extension 90 days early
Submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS no later than 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Late filing forfeits your authorization gap protection, and building engineering roles with multi-month onboarding timelines can't absorb an unexpected gap in your work authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Building Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, or a related discipline, and the role directly applies that training. The connection between your degree and the job must be documented in your I-983 training plan. O*NET classifies Building Engineer roles under engineering and related technical occupations, which typically fall within STEM-designated CIP codes. Your DSO confirms the match before issuing the updated I-20.
How do I know if a building engineering employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the employer directly and request confirmation before accepting an offer. You can also search the E-Verify employer search tool to look up enrollment status by company name or location. Because facilities management companies often operate under holding companies or management groups, confirm which legal entity will appear on your I-9, not just the property or building name listed in the job posting.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Building Engineer position?
Your I-983 must link the day-to-day responsibilities of the Building Engineer role to specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. For this role, that means naming engineering competencies you'll develop, such as building management systems, energy systems analysis, HVAC controls, or preventive maintenance engineering. Both you and your employer's supervisor sign the plan, and USCIS can request it during any review of your STEM OPT authorization.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my building engineering job ends before the extension expires?
You have a 60-day grace period after your employment ends to find a new qualifying employer enrolled in E-Verify and update your training plan. Your DSO must be notified promptly. If you don't secure a new position and file a new I-983 within that window, your STEM OPT authorization lapses. Maintaining documented contact with your DSO throughout the process is required, not optional, under SEVP regulations.
Where can I find building engineering employers that hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by employers with active E-Verify enrollment and DOL Labor Condition Application filing history, so you can identify building engineering companies that have already sponsored work-authorized employees. This is more reliable than filtering general job boards by visa status, because LCA filing data is sourced directly from DOL disclosure records and reflects actual employer sponsorship activity rather than self-reported job post labels.