How can we automatically transition an issue if it has been viewed/opened for the first time by a specific user/project role?

[Thompson David Cherian]

We want to transition issues automatically to another state when the Project Manager open/views the issue.

Is this possible?

[Toli An]

You can install ScriptRunner Plugin (version 3.1.4 was free), add custom field "Script Field" and write code to transition issue in this field script. 
Documentation for scripted fields - https://jamieechlin.atlassian.net/wiki/display/GRV/Scripted+Fields

[Toli An]

maybe it helps - https://marketplace.atlassian.com/plugins/com.atlassian.plugin.automation.jira-automation-plugin/server/overview