Automation Engineer Jobs at Prime Controls with Visa Sponsorship
Prime Controls hires Automation Engineers to design and implement control systems across construction and real estate projects, from building automation to industrial controls. The company has sponsored work visas for this function, making it a viable target if you're on H-1B, OPT, CPT, or TN status and looking to build a U.S.-based engineering career.
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Get Access To All JobsWhat You Will Do
As an Automation Specialist II you will be responsible for the design of control system details, instrumentation configuration, preparation for implementation, implementation, testing, documentation, and training.
A Typical Day at Prime Controls
- Collaborates with project managers and estimators to assess potential projects and submit proposals.
- Reads and interprets diagrams and documentation and communicates with customers to understand objectives and preferences.
- Develops the overall architecture and communication strategy between control system elements.
- Works with the customer and other stakeholders to define and document control system functionality.
- Develops BOMs, IO lists, and requirements for control panels.
- Serves as the technical lead for small projects. This includes building PLC and HMI templates for the project.
- Develops PLC programs in Ladder, Function Block, and other languages.
- Develops the human machine interface (HMI).
- Develops hardware and software test plans and writes simulation logic for the testing of the PLC and HMI system.
- Develops a training plan and materials to train operations and maintenance personnel.
- Communicates and coordinates with management of the installation team to ensure that technicians are executing per documented processes.
- Tests the installed system to observe system functionality and ensure that the programs function as designed.
- Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect drawings, changes in customer desires, inaccurate instrumentation specifications, or other technical issues. Diagnoses and resolves software and hardware interface issues.
- Trains customers on use and operation of client-specific system integration software.
- Interfaces with manufacturers and vendors of software and application products, especially with regard to problem diagnosis and resolution.
- Works with others to address design problems as necessary.
- May respond to service calls to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair programming and system failures.
- Mentor and train less experienced employees.
What You Will Bring
The Basic
- 4 years Industrial Controls experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, related Bachelor’s discipline, related degree from a Technical College or equivalent Industrial controls experience.
- 4 years of experience in PLC programming.
- Proficiency with Allen Bradley equipment and systems.
- Proficiency in PLC Programming including ladder logic, function block, and structured text.
- Familiarity with networking (Ethernet/IP).
- Experience and knowledge of HMIs.
The Preferred
- 6 years of experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD – Autodesk software.
What You Will Do
As an Automation Specialist II you will be responsible for the design of control system details, instrumentation configuration, preparation for implementation, implementation, testing, documentation, and training.
A Typical Day at Prime Controls
- Collaborates with project managers and estimators to assess potential projects and submit proposals.
- Reads and interprets diagrams and documentation and communicates with customers to understand objectives and preferences.
- Develops the overall architecture and communication strategy between control system elements.
- Works with the customer and other stakeholders to define and document control system functionality.
- Develops BOMs, IO lists, and requirements for control panels.
- Serves as the technical lead for small projects. This includes building PLC and HMI templates for the project.
- Develops PLC programs in Ladder, Function Block, and other languages.
- Develops the human machine interface (HMI).
- Develops hardware and software test plans and writes simulation logic for the testing of the PLC and HMI system.
- Develops a training plan and materials to train operations and maintenance personnel.
- Communicates and coordinates with management of the installation team to ensure that technicians are executing per documented processes.
- Tests the installed system to observe system functionality and ensure that the programs function as designed.
- Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect drawings, changes in customer desires, inaccurate instrumentation specifications, or other technical issues. Diagnoses and resolves software and hardware interface issues.
- Trains customers on use and operation of client-specific system integration software.
- Interfaces with manufacturers and vendors of software and application products, especially with regard to problem diagnosis and resolution.
- Works with others to address design problems as necessary.
- May respond to service calls to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair programming and system failures.
- Mentor and train less experienced employees.
What You Will Bring
The Basic
- 4 years Industrial Controls experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, related Bachelor’s discipline, related degree from a Technical College or equivalent Industrial controls experience.
- 4 years of experience in PLC programming.
- Proficiency with Allen Bradley equipment and systems.
- Proficiency in PLC Programming including ladder logic, function block, and structured text.
- Familiarity with networking (Ethernet/IP).
- Experience and knowledge of HMIs.
The Preferred
- 6 years of experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD – Autodesk software.
See all 27+ Automation Engineer at Prime Controls jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Automation Engineer Jobs at Prime Controls Jobs
Align Your Credentials to Controls Engineering
Prime Controls prioritizes candidates with hands-on PLC, SCADA, or BAS experience over generalist engineering backgrounds. Before applying, document specific control system platforms you've programmed or commissioned, since building automation for real estate projects is a core focus.
Target Open Roles by Project Type
Prime Controls fills Automation Engineer positions across commercial construction and real estate portfolios, so tailor your application to the specific sector listed. Use Migrate Mate to filter and browse their active Automation Engineer openings by sponsorship type before reaching out.
Verify TN Eligibility Before Applying
If you're Canadian or Mexican, the TN visa category covers Engineers and avoids the H-1B lottery entirely. Confirm your engineering degree maps to an accepted discipline under TN criteria before the offer stage, since TN approval happens at the port of entry with no USCIS filing lag.
Time Your OPT Application to Hiring Cycles
Prime Controls hires for construction project timelines, which often ramp in spring and fall. If your OPT start date can be aligned to those windows, file your EAD application with USCIS at least 90 days before your intended start to avoid authorization gaps during onboarding.
Request Clarity on LCA Scope During Negotiation
For H-1B candidates, the DOL Labor Condition Application locks in your worksite location. If Prime Controls deploys engineers across multiple project sites, confirm whether your LCA will cover secondary worksites before signing your offer letter, since site changes can require amended filings.
Prepare a Controls-Specific Portfolio for Interviews
Prime Controls evaluates Automation Engineers on demonstrated system integration experience, not just degree credentials. Bring documented examples of commissioning work, panel design, or BAS programming to your technical interview to support the specialty occupation argument USCIS requires for H-1B approval.
Automation Engineer at Prime Controls jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Automation Engineer at Prime Controls JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Prime Controls sponsor H-1B visas for Automation Engineers?
Yes, Prime Controls has sponsored H-1B visas for Automation Engineer roles. Because H-1B requires demonstrating specialty occupation status, your application is strongest when your engineering degree directly aligns with the control systems work in the role. Prime Controls would file the H-1B petition with USCIS on your behalf after extending an offer.
How do I apply for Automation Engineer jobs at Prime Controls?
You can browse and apply for Automation Engineer openings at Prime Controls through Migrate Mate, which filters jobs specifically by visa sponsorship type. When applying, emphasize your experience with industrial or building automation platforms relevant to construction and real estate projects, since those are the environments Prime Controls operates in.
Which visa types does Prime Controls commonly use for Automation Engineers?
Prime Controls sponsors H-1B visas and accepts candidates on F-1 OPT and F-1 CPT for Automation Engineer roles. Canadian and Mexican nationals may also be eligible under the TN visa category, which covers Engineers and can be faster to arrange since it doesn't require a USCIS petition and has no annual cap.
What qualifications does Prime Controls look for in Automation Engineer candidates?
Prime Controls typically expects a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a closely related field. Practical experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, or building automation systems is heavily weighted. Candidates who can demonstrate commissioning or system integration work on commercial or real estate projects are well-positioned for sponsorship consideration.
How do I plan my timeline if Prime Controls sponsors my H-1B?
The H-1B cap-subject lottery opens in March for an October 1 start date, so you'll need your offer and I-129 petition ready before the registration window. If you're currently on OPT, confirm whether your OPT expiration date creates a gap before October 1, and ask Prime Controls whether they'll file for cap-gap or premium processing to bridge any overlap.
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