STEM OPT Project Controls Engineer Jobs
Project Controls Engineer roles in construction, infrastructure, and energy sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization after graduation. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree in engineering, project management, or a related STEM field must match the role's CIP code to qualify for the 24-month extension.
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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 444+ STEM OPT Project Controls Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Project Controls Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to a STEM-designated field recognized by ICE. Engineering and construction management degrees typically qualify, but mismatches between your transcript and your I-20 CIP code will block the extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether their company is enrolled in E-Verify before you sign anything. Construction firms and project management consultancies vary widely on compliance, and an unenrolled employer cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT.
Search verified sponsors on Migrate Mate
Filter Project Controls Engineer openings by E-Verify enrollment status on Migrate Mate to skip the manual employer research step. Roles are sourced from DOL Labor Condition Application data, so you can see actual sponsorship history by employer and occupation.
Build your I-983 training plan around deliverables
USCIS requires your I-983 to show practical training tied directly to your STEM degree. For project controls roles, map cost estimating, schedule analysis, and earned value management responsibilities to the engineering or analytics competencies listed in your degree program.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark offers
Pull the prevailing wage for Project Controls Engineer by SOC code and work location using the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating. STEM OPT doesn't require prevailing wage compliance the way H-1B visa does, but knowing the DOL benchmark strengthens your position in early-stage offer discussions.
Time your application window around cap-gap risk
If you plan to transition to H-1B after STEM OPT, your employer must file the petition before your 36-month authorization expires. Project controls roles at large engineering firms often have long internal approval cycles, so start H-1B conversations at least six months before your EAD end date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Controls Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your underlying degree is STEM-designated and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Project controls work typically falls under engineering or construction management CIP codes recognized by ICE. Confirm that your I-20 reflects a qualifying CIP code and that the job duties align with your degree field before your DSO recommends the extension.
What STEM degrees support a Project Controls Engineer STEM OPT extension?
Civil, mechanical, industrial, and systems engineering degrees are the most common qualifying credentials for project controls roles. Construction management and applied mathematics degrees also qualify under STEM-designated CIP codes. Check your I-20 against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree program list to confirm your specific program is included before filing.
How do I verify that a Project Controls Engineer employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly, or search the employer's name in the E-Verify employer search tool maintained by DHS. STEM OPT regulations require E-Verify enrollment at the specific hiring site, not just at the corporate level, so confirm the worksite location is covered. An employer who can't confirm enrollment cannot sponsor your STEM OPT extension.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Project Controls Engineer?
Your I-983 must connect specific job tasks to your STEM degree objectives. For project controls, that means documenting responsibilities like schedule development, cost variance analysis, risk modeling, and resource planning, then linking each to engineering or quantitative analysis competencies from your degree program. USCIS reviews whether the practical training advances your academic field, not just whether you hold a qualifying degree.
Where can I find Project Controls Engineer jobs from E-Verify enrolled employers?
Migrate Mate lists Project Controls Engineer openings filtered by E-Verify enrollment and DOL Labor Condition Application filing history, so you can identify employers who have actively sponsored STEM workers without contacting each company individually. This matters for STEM OPT because confirming E-Verify status early prevents wasted applications at non-compliant firms.