Construction OPT Jobs in South Carolina
Construction F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in South Carolina are concentrated around high-growth metros like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, where major infrastructure projects and commercial development are driving demand. Firms such as Holder Construction, Brasfield & Gorrie, and Skanska have active South Carolina operations. Engineering, project management, and estimating roles are the most common pathways for OPT-eligible candidates in this sector.
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INTRODUCTION
As a 100% employee-owned contractor, when you work at Sundt, you’re not just hiring on at a company, you’re joining a culture. Because everyone at Sundt is part owner, you’ll join a team of people who are deeply invested in their work. From apprentices to managers, we’re passionate about the details and deliberate in everything we do.
At Sundt we focus on building long-term prosperity for our clients, communities, and employee-owners. We offer competitive pay, industry-leading benefits including a 401k and employee stock ownership plan, incentive programs for craft and administrative employees as well as training that focuses on your personal and professional growth. We’re driven by skill, grit and purpose. Join us as we strive to be the most skilled builder in America.
JOB SUMMARY
Project Engineer is the technical source of information for the project and should have a thorough knowledge of the construction documents, subcontracts, and purchase orders. Responds to questions about drawings, specifications, shop drawings, and change orders. Maintains an effective and professional working relationship with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers. May assist with the supervision and/or training of Field Engineers. This position includes three 'steps' (I, II, and Senior), which provide for a progression of skill and experience. Step I is the entry level for individuals with a minimum of experience in this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Demonstrates an understanding of the components of the project management plan (PMP) including the project scope management plan, procurement plan, environmental plan, time management plan, financial plan, quality management and safety plans and risk management plan to ensure successful project execution. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the change management process.
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Develop a procurement schedule and integrate it with the project CPM schedule. Procures necessary material and equipment. Coordinates submittals with other trades. Reviews all submittals for compliance with the contract documents.
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Develops an understanding of the prime contract, subcontracts, purchase order agreements, and allowance items as well as contract drawings and specifications. Administers elements of the processes involved in budgeting and controlling costs so that the project can be completed within the approved budget. Demonstrates business acumen within area of responsibility.
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Maintains "As-built" contract documents. Compiles close-out requirements, including operation and maintenance manuals, warranties, and other job-specific items required by the specifications.
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May participate in concrete form design and related equipment selection and will participate in takeoffs for concrete, asphalt concrete, earthwork, and utilities as required.
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Plans, acquires, develops and supervises members of the project team to ensure relentless execution of the project.
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Prepares and maintains quantity reporting mechanisms and coordinates agendas and prepares minutes for all meetings as well as maintaining various project logs.
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Prepares and reviews change orders, including time extensions, with the appropriate personnel before submittal to the owner. Maintains the change order log and, upon receipt of executed change orders, distributes documents as required to company and subcontractor field personnel. Prepares cost control budget adjustments and executes in a timely manner.
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Prevents claims, identify potential claims, quantify, mitigate/resolve the effects of those that do occur on a timely basis.
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:
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An advanced knowledge of construction engineering technology, codes, standards, etc., plus in-depth understanding of the interdependence and relationship between other functional units, is required.
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Four-year construction-related degree or equivalent technical training and related experience, plus a minimum of three to four years of similar construction engineering experience.
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Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, plus demonstrated ability to manage a team of varied disciplines. Should have the skill/ability to supervise and/or train Field Engineer positions if so required.
NOTE: Job Description is subject to change at any time and may include other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
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Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hardhat, vest, etc.)
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May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
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May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
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May use telephone, computer system, email, or other electronic devices on a limited basis to communicate with internal and external customers or vendors.
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Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
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Occasionally will climb stairs, ladders, etc.
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Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
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Will interact with people frequently during a shift/workday.
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Will lift, push or pull objects on an occasional basis.
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Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift/workday.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT:
Sundt is committed to the equal treatment of all employees, and/or applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, disability, national origin, covered veteran status, genetic information; or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, state, or local laws.
BENEFIT LIST:
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Market Competitive Salary (paid weekly)
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Bonus Eligibility based on company, group, and individual performance
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Employee Stock Ownership Plan & 401K
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Industry Leading Health Coverage Starting Your First Day
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Flexible Time Off (FTO)
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Medical, Health Savings, and Wellness credits
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Flexible Spending Accounts
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Employee Assistance Program
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Workplace Wellness Programs
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Mental Health Program
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Life and Disability Insurance
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Employee-Owner Perks
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Educational Assistance
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Sundt Foundation - Charitable Employee-Owner's program
OPT Construction Job Roles in South Carolina
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Search Construction Jobs in South CarolinaConstruction OPT Sponsorship Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which construction companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in South Carolina?
Large general contractors and engineering-focused construction firms are the most consistent sponsors. Companies like Skanska, Turner Construction, and Fluor (which has a significant presence in the Upstate region near Greenville) have histories of hiring OPT candidates for technical roles. Smaller regional contractors occasionally sponsor as well, but national and multinational firms are far more likely to have the HR infrastructure to support F-1 OPT onboarding.
Which cities in South Carolina have the most construction F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Charleston leads the state for construction activity, driven by port expansion, mixed-use development, and hospitality projects along the coast. Columbia, the state capital, generates steady demand through government-adjacent infrastructure and university construction. Greenville has emerged as a strong market tied to manufacturing facility buildouts, particularly in the automotive and advanced manufacturing corridors. These three metros represent the majority of employer-sponsored construction opportunities in the state.
What types of construction roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that require a specific bachelor's or master's degree tend to qualify most consistently. Civil engineering, construction management, structural engineering, mechanical and electrical systems design, and estimating positions are strong fits. Field-only roles without a degree requirement are harder to qualify under OPT's specialty occupation framework. Graduates with degrees in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture from U.S. universities are well-positioned for these sponsored positions.
How do I find construction F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in South Carolina?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and graduates looking for F-1 OPT-eligible roles, including construction jobs in South Carolina. You can filter by visa type and state to surface employers actively open to OPT candidates. Because construction sponsorship varies significantly by firm size and project type, using a platform like Migrate Mate that screens for visa eligibility saves time compared to applying broadly and asking about sponsorship case by case.
Are there any state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in South Carolina's construction industry?
South Carolina's construction sector is heavily influenced by manufacturing expansion, particularly in the Upstate region where companies like BMW and Michelin have anchored large industrial construction pipelines. This creates demand for construction engineers and project managers on long-duration projects, which can align well with OPT timelines. STEM OPT extensions are available for graduates in civil or structural engineering, providing up to 36 months of work authorization and improving your value to employers planning multi-year projects.