STEM OPT Jobs in California
California leads the U.S. in F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship, with the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego anchoring dense clusters of tech, biotech, and semiconductor employers. STEM OPT's 24-month extension and E-Verify requirement make California's established sponsorship infrastructure especially valuable for international graduates.
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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 STEM OPT Jobs by Industry in California
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in California
Verify your role qualifies under STEM OPT
Cross-reference your job title against the official DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and confirm your degree's CIP code matches. Many California roles in data analytics or product management get flagged because the degree field, not job duties, determines eligibility.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers in California
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify before you start. Prioritize companies in the Bay Area, San Diego biotech corridor, and Los Angeles tech hubs that already have active E-Verify enrollment, cutting weeks off your onboarding timeline.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified California sponsors
Search Migrate Mate to filter California employers by DOL Labor Condition Application filing history, so you're targeting companies with proven STEM OPT sponsorship records rather than guessing from job postings that omit sponsorship details.
File your I-983 training plan before day one
Your employer must sign the I-983 Training Plan before your STEM OPT extension start date. Coordinate with your DSO and the hiring manager at least six weeks out, especially at large Bay Area firms where HR approval chains can delay signatures.
See all 3,427+ F-1 STEM OPT jobs in California
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 STEM OPT jobs in California.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in California sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Technology, semiconductor manufacturing, biotechnology, and aerospace dominate F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in California. The Bay Area concentrates software and AI employers, San Diego and South San Francisco anchor biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and the Los Angeles basin includes aerospace and advanced manufacturing firms. Clean energy and electric vehicle companies in the Central Valley and Southern California are also increasingly active STEM OPT sponsors.
Which cities in California have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
San Jose, San Francisco, and the broader Bay Area have the highest concentration of F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in California, driven by the density of technology and semiconductor employers. San Diego ranks second for biotech and defense roles. Los Angeles has grown significantly in fintech, media technology, and aerospace. Irvine and San Diego's North County corridor are strong markets for life sciences and hardware engineering roles.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in California?
Qualifying roles must involve direct application of STEM knowledge and require a degree whose CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. In California, this commonly includes software engineering, machine learning, electrical engineering, biochemistry research, and quantitative analysis positions. Roles in management, sales, or business operations generally don't qualify unless the position requires hands-on STEM application as the primary function.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lets you filter California employers by DOL Labor Condition Application filing history, identifying companies that have already sponsored STEM OPT workers rather than relying on job postings that rarely specify sponsorship willingness. You can also confirm that a prospective employer is E-Verify enrolled, which is a hard requirement for STEM OPT authorization. Combining Migrate Mate's employer data with your university's career center connections in markets like the Bay Area or San Diego gives you a structured outreach list.
Are there any California-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
California's state labor laws add compliance layers that affect STEM OPT arrangements. California prohibits most non-compete agreements, which matters for employers accustomed to restricting F-1 employees. Prevailing wage thresholds in Bay Area and Los Angeles metro areas are materially higher than national figures, so use OFLC Wage Search to confirm your offer meets the local level. Additionally, California's large STEM workforce means E-Verify enrollment is widespread, reducing friction in finding compliant sponsors compared to states with fewer STEM employers.