OPT Jobs in California
California is one of the strongest states for F-1 OPT sponsorship, with demand concentrated in tech, engineering, biotech, and finance across the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento. The state's employer density and innovation economy make it a top destination for OPT holders across nearly every STEM field.
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Get Access To All JobsPROJECT ENGINEER
Job Description
About us
Established in 1979, LEED Electric, Inc. has built a strong reputation in the construction industry by providing high-quality electrical and technology systems. We are committed to operational excellence, workplace safety, and supporting our employees' professional growth. LEED Electric offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement savings opportunities, and other employee benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.
Summary
The Project Engineer is an early-career construction professional who supports the planning, coordination, documentation, and execution of electrical construction projects. Working under the direction of a Project Manager, this position assists with project administration, drawing and specification reviews, submittal coordination, requests for information (RFIs), change orders, subcontractor coordination, and project closeout activities. The Project Engineer is expected to develop technical knowledge, strengthen project management skills, and progressively build competency in the essential functions of the position.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Assist with implementing project objectives, procedures, schedules, and performance standards in accordance with company policies and project requirements.
- Review construction drawings and specifications to identify discrepancies, missing information, and potential design or coordination issues. Assist with preparing and submitting requests for information (RFIs) and reviewing responses from vendors, subcontractors, and project stakeholders.
- Participate in constructability reviews and coordinate electrical requirements with other trades to identify and resolve potential conflicts.
- Prepare and maintain specification extracts to help verify that materials, equipment, and subcontractor work comply with applicable project specifications and revisions.
- Maintain project files, logs, and documentation necessary to track project progress, including submittals, RFIs, change orders, and other project records.
- Track equipment deliveries, subcontractor deliverables, and other project milestones to help ensure compliance with contract requirements and project schedules.
- Maintain drawing logs and document control records to help ensure field personnel have access to current drawings, specifications, and approved revisions.
- Assist with subcontractor coordination, including tracking, organizing, and reviewing submittals and related documentation.
- Review project closeout requirements and assist with preparing and maintaining closeout documentation, including required submittals, warranties, and related records.
- Communicate project updates, documentation needs, and outstanding items to the Project Manager and other project stakeholders.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
- At least two years of experience in a construction-related role, preferably within electrical construction.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience may be considered.
Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Working knowledge of construction technology, project coordination, cost management, scheduling, construction equipment, and construction methods.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, plans, and specifications.
- Familiarity with the National Electrical Code (NEC), applicable NFPA standards, and construction safety practices.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Familiarity with construction project management and documentation software.
- Experience with Bluebeam, CAD/BIM tools, Accubid, and Procore is preferred.
Organizational and Business Skills
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments while responding to changing project requirements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and recommend appropriate next steps.
- Ability to work effectively under time constraints and meet project deadlines.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain accurate records, and follow established procedures.
- Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and develop technical and project management skills.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, appropriate to the position's project coordination and documentation responsibilities.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with project managers, field personnel, customers, consultants, vendors, and subcontractors.
- Ability to communicate project information clearly, professionally, and accurately.
- Spanish-language proficiency is preferred but not required.
Working Conditions And Physical Requirements
- Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with periodic visits to construction sites as required by project assignments.
- Office work may involve prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, typing, and reviewing documents, as well as occasional standing and walking.
- Construction site visits may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, construction noise, uneven surfaces, moving equipment, and other job-site hazards. Appropriate personal protective equipment and compliance with applicable safety requirements are required.
- The position may require occasional lifting or carrying of materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds when necessary to perform essential job functions.
- Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
LEED Electric, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and complying with applicable federal, California, and local employment laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, as required by law.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
LEED Electric, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Employment decisions are based on legitimate business needs, job-related qualifications, and individual capabilities, without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Protected characteristics include, but are not limited to, race, including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles; color; religion; national origin; ancestry; citizenship or immigration status where protected by law; physical or mental disability; medical condition; genetic information; marital status; sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions; gender, gender identity, gender expression; sexual orientation; age; military or veteran status; reproductive health decision-making; and any other status protected by applicable law. LEED Electric complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and other applicable equal employment opportunity laws. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, as required by law. Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or hiring process may contact Human Resources. LEED Electric maintains workplace safety and substance-use policies consistent with applicable federal and California law.
PAY TRANSPARENCY
LEED Electric provides the pay scale for this position in accordance with applicable California law. The posted hourly range represents the company's good-faith estimate of the pay range reasonably expected for the position at the time of hire. Applicants may request the pay scale for a position in accordance with California law. LEED Electric does not seek or rely on prohibited salary history information when making employment decisions.
THIRD-PARTY RECRUITER ENGAGEMENTS
LEED Electric, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from recruiters or staffing agencies without prior written authorization. Unsolicited submissions do not create an obligation for LEED Electric to interview or hire a candidate or pay a placement fee. Recruiting agencies and staffing firms must have a written agreement authorized by the company's designated representatives before submitting candidates for consideration or expecting payment of recruiting fees. No employee or manager may bind the company to a recruiting agreement without the required authorization.
PROJECT ENGINEER
Job Description
About us
Established in 1979, LEED Electric, Inc. has built a strong reputation in the construction industry by providing high-quality electrical and technology systems. We are committed to operational excellence, workplace safety, and supporting our employees' professional growth. LEED Electric offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement savings opportunities, and other employee benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.
Summary
The Project Engineer is an early-career construction professional who supports the planning, coordination, documentation, and execution of electrical construction projects. Working under the direction of a Project Manager, this position assists with project administration, drawing and specification reviews, submittal coordination, requests for information (RFIs), change orders, subcontractor coordination, and project closeout activities. The Project Engineer is expected to develop technical knowledge, strengthen project management skills, and progressively build competency in the essential functions of the position.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Assist with implementing project objectives, procedures, schedules, and performance standards in accordance with company policies and project requirements.
- Review construction drawings and specifications to identify discrepancies, missing information, and potential design or coordination issues. Assist with preparing and submitting requests for information (RFIs) and reviewing responses from vendors, subcontractors, and project stakeholders.
- Participate in constructability reviews and coordinate electrical requirements with other trades to identify and resolve potential conflicts.
- Prepare and maintain specification extracts to help verify that materials, equipment, and subcontractor work comply with applicable project specifications and revisions.
- Maintain project files, logs, and documentation necessary to track project progress, including submittals, RFIs, change orders, and other project records.
- Track equipment deliveries, subcontractor deliverables, and other project milestones to help ensure compliance with contract requirements and project schedules.
- Maintain drawing logs and document control records to help ensure field personnel have access to current drawings, specifications, and approved revisions.
- Assist with subcontractor coordination, including tracking, organizing, and reviewing submittals and related documentation.
- Review project closeout requirements and assist with preparing and maintaining closeout documentation, including required submittals, warranties, and related records.
- Communicate project updates, documentation needs, and outstanding items to the Project Manager and other project stakeholders.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
- At least two years of experience in a construction-related role, preferably within electrical construction.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience may be considered.
Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Working knowledge of construction technology, project coordination, cost management, scheduling, construction equipment, and construction methods.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, plans, and specifications.
- Familiarity with the National Electrical Code (NEC), applicable NFPA standards, and construction safety practices.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Familiarity with construction project management and documentation software.
- Experience with Bluebeam, CAD/BIM tools, Accubid, and Procore is preferred.
Organizational and Business Skills
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments while responding to changing project requirements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and recommend appropriate next steps.
- Ability to work effectively under time constraints and meet project deadlines.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain accurate records, and follow established procedures.
- Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and develop technical and project management skills.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, appropriate to the position's project coordination and documentation responsibilities.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with project managers, field personnel, customers, consultants, vendors, and subcontractors.
- Ability to communicate project information clearly, professionally, and accurately.
- Spanish-language proficiency is preferred but not required.
Working Conditions And Physical Requirements
- Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with periodic visits to construction sites as required by project assignments.
- Office work may involve prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, typing, and reviewing documents, as well as occasional standing and walking.
- Construction site visits may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, construction noise, uneven surfaces, moving equipment, and other job-site hazards. Appropriate personal protective equipment and compliance with applicable safety requirements are required.
- The position may require occasional lifting or carrying of materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds when necessary to perform essential job functions.
- Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
LEED Electric, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and complying with applicable federal, California, and local employment laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, as required by law.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
LEED Electric, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Employment decisions are based on legitimate business needs, job-related qualifications, and individual capabilities, without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Protected characteristics include, but are not limited to, race, including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles; color; religion; national origin; ancestry; citizenship or immigration status where protected by law; physical or mental disability; medical condition; genetic information; marital status; sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions; gender, gender identity, gender expression; sexual orientation; age; military or veteran status; reproductive health decision-making; and any other status protected by applicable law. LEED Electric complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and other applicable equal employment opportunity laws. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, as required by law. Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or hiring process may contact Human Resources. LEED Electric maintains workplace safety and substance-use policies consistent with applicable federal and California law.
PAY TRANSPARENCY
LEED Electric provides the pay scale for this position in accordance with applicable California law. The posted hourly range represents the company's good-faith estimate of the pay range reasonably expected for the position at the time of hire. Applicants may request the pay scale for a position in accordance with California law. LEED Electric does not seek or rely on prohibited salary history information when making employment decisions.
THIRD-PARTY RECRUITER ENGAGEMENTS
LEED Electric, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from recruiters or staffing agencies without prior written authorization. Unsolicited submissions do not create an obligation for LEED Electric to interview or hire a candidate or pay a placement fee. Recruiting agencies and staffing firms must have a written agreement authorized by the company's designated representatives before submitting candidates for consideration or expecting payment of recruiting fees. No employee or manager may bind the company to a recruiting agreement without the required authorization.
Search F-1 OPT Jobs by Industry in California
Tips for Finding OPT Jobs in California
Target STEM-designated programs first
Roles in software engineering, data science, electrical engineering, and life sciences qualify for 24-month STEM OPT extensions. Prioritizing these fields in California gives you a longer runway to secure H-1B sponsorship after your initial 12-month OPT period.
Focus on the Bay Area and San Diego for the highest employer density
The Bay Area and San Diego concentrate the largest numbers of tech and biotech employers with established OPT sponsorship infrastructure. These metros have HR teams familiar with E-Verify enrollment and EAD requirements, which reduces friction in the hiring process.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for verified OPT-sponsoring employers
Browsing jobs on Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for F-1 OPT roles in California, so you're not sifting through postings from employers who don't sponsor. This is particularly useful in competitive California markets where job volume can make screening difficult.
Engage your university's career center for California-specific employer networks
California's major research universities, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, and Stanford, maintain active employer partnerships with Bay Area and Southern California companies. Many of these employers have recurring OPT hiring pipelines that aren't always advertised publicly.
See all 12,131+ F-1 OPT jobs in California
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 OPT jobs in California.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 OPT Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in California sponsor the most F-1 OPT visas?
Technology, biotech and life sciences, semiconductor manufacturing, and financial services sponsor the most F-1 OPT holders in California. The San Francisco Bay Area drives the bulk of tech and fintech OPT demand, while San Diego and the Los Angeles basin anchor biotech and aerospace hiring. Software development, data engineering, and research roles account for the largest share of OPT positions statewide.
Which cities in California have the most F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
San Jose, San Francisco, and the broader Bay Area have the highest concentration of F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in California, primarily in tech and engineering. Los Angeles follows closely, with strong demand in entertainment technology, aerospace, and healthcare. San Diego is the leading market for biotech and pharmaceutical OPT roles. Sacramento has growing opportunities in government-adjacent tech and consulting.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in California?
Roles that directly relate to your field of study qualify for F-1 OPT in California. In practice, the most common positions include software engineers, data analysts, machine learning researchers, biomedical scientists, electrical engineers, and financial analysts. STEM-designated roles in these categories also qualify for the 24-month extension, which is a significant factor given California's high concentration of STEM employers.
How do I find F-1 OPT jobs in California that confirm employer sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and lets you filter for F-1 OPT roles in California by industry and location, showing only employers with verified sponsorship history. Beyond that, reviewing DOL OFLC disclosure data lets you identify companies with active EAD or H-1B visa filings as a proxy for sponsorship willingness. Cross-referencing both methods narrows the field considerably.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in California?
California's strong worker protection laws mean employers must comply with both federal OPT requirements and state labor standards, including strict rules around misclassification. OPT holders must be hired as employees, not independent contractors, which California enforces more aggressively than most states under AB5. Confirming that a prospective employer classifies the role as W-2 employment before accepting an offer is important in California specifically.