CPT Controls Engineer Jobs
Controls Engineer CPT jobs put your automation, PLC programming, and instrumentation coursework directly into practice on the plant floor. CPT requires your DSO to authorize each position as integral to your degree program, so roles involving SCADA systems, HMI development, or control system commissioning are the strongest fits.
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Get Access To All JobsInstrumentation & Controls Intern
- (194810)
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
In the role of an Instrumentation and Controls Intern, we'll count on you to:
- Gain real-world experience on exciting projects by applying standard engineering techniques and procedures to help with the selection and specification of process instrumentation, control panels, and network equipment.
- Work under the guidance and direct supervision of senior-level Engineers to assist with the development of SCADA / I&C construction documents including P&IDs, network architecture diagrams, control panel layouts and wiring diagrams, installation details, and technical specifications.
- Participate in coordination during construction phases including the review of shop drawings and to participate in field observation on an as needed basis.
- Connect with recent college graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professionals’ programs.
- Perform other duties as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prefer candidates pursuing a degree in Electrical, Chemical or Mechanical.
- Prefer 2+ years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA.
- Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to field of study/industry.
- Preference given to local candidates.
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program.
- Attention to detail.
- Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills.
- Basic Microsoft Office skills.
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location:
United States-Missouri-Kansas City
Industry:
Building Engineering
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Temporary
Business Class:
Control Systems and OT Cybersecurity
Job Posting:
Aug 7, 2026
Instrumentation & Controls Intern
- (194810)
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
In the role of an Instrumentation and Controls Intern, we'll count on you to:
- Gain real-world experience on exciting projects by applying standard engineering techniques and procedures to help with the selection and specification of process instrumentation, control panels, and network equipment.
- Work under the guidance and direct supervision of senior-level Engineers to assist with the development of SCADA / I&C construction documents including P&IDs, network architecture diagrams, control panel layouts and wiring diagrams, installation details, and technical specifications.
- Participate in coordination during construction phases including the review of shop drawings and to participate in field observation on an as needed basis.
- Connect with recent college graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professionals’ programs.
- Perform other duties as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prefer candidates pursuing a degree in Electrical, Chemical or Mechanical.
- Prefer 2+ years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA.
- Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to field of study/industry.
- Preference given to local candidates.
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program.
- Attention to detail.
- Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills.
- Basic Microsoft Office skills.
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location:
United States-Missouri-Kansas City
Industry:
Building Engineering
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Temporary
Business Class:
Control Systems and OT Cybersecurity
Job Posting:
Aug 7, 2026
See all CPT Controls Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsControls Engineer CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Controls Engineer role qualify for CPT authorization?
Most Controls Engineer positions qualify if the work is directly tied to your degree program in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related field. Your DSO evaluates the job description against your enrolled coursework, not the job title itself. Roles involving PLC programming, SCADA configuration, or control system design are the strongest fits because they map clearly to engineering degree requirements.
Can I do part-time CPT as a Controls Engineer while finishing coursework?
Yes, and part-time CPT is often the safer choice if you're still completing degree requirements. Part-time CPT (under 20 hours per week) doesn't count against your OPT eligibility, while 12 or more months of full-time CPT eliminates your OPT entirely. Talk to your DSO about structuring CPT hours to protect your post-graduation work authorization options.
What documents does my employer need to hire me on CPT?
Your employer needs your I-20 with the CPT authorization endorsement showing the specific employer name, work address, and authorized dates. They'll also need your I-94 to confirm valid F-1 status. Some employers in manufacturing or defense also require E-Verify completion, which you'll complete as part of standard onboarding using your employment authorization documents.
How do I find Controls Engineer employers who are comfortable hiring CPT students?
Search for Controls Engineer roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with documented work authorization filing history. Employers in industrial automation, process manufacturing, and building systems are typically most familiar with CPT because they hire engineering students for co-op and internship programs regularly. Smaller automation integrators may have less experience with F-1 documentation, so come prepared to explain the process.
Does CPT employment as a Controls Engineer help with future H-1B sponsorship?
It can, particularly if your CPT employer later converts your role to full-time and files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf. Controls Engineering falls under specialty occupation, which is a core H-1B requirement, so your CPT experience in that role strengthens the employer's case. CPT itself doesn't create any H-1B advantage in the lottery, but demonstrated employer-employee history in the same specialty occupation can support the petition.