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.
Find CPT Controls Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 21+ Controls Engineer jobs
See all Controls Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Controls Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary:
The Controls and Commissioning Co-op is part of a cross-discipline project team, supporting the successful execution of conveyor system integration projects. Under the guidance of experienced controls engineers, the co-op will assist with electrical controls engineering, PLC programming, testing, documentation, and commissioning activities while gaining hands-on experience in industrial automation and material handling systems.
The Controls and Commissioning Co-op will aid in the testing, implementation, and commissioning of PLC programs used to control conveyor systems and related equipment within the Material Handling Industry. This includes participating in system testing, assisting with field commissioning activities, and helping ensure compliance with customer specifications and project requirements.
The position provides valuable exposure to PLCs, industrial networking, HMI systems, electrical design, troubleshooting, and field commissioning while working alongside experienced Controls Engineers.
Tasks
- Review electrical drawings, I/O lists, control narratives, and system documentation.
- Participate in system testing and validation efforts to ensure compliance with design requirements.
- Assist with completion of testing and commissioning documentation.
- Support field commissioning and startup activities for assigned projects.
- Aid in troubleshooting PLC programs, HMIs, industrial communication networks, and field devices.
- Travel to customer sites to support system testing, commissioning, and startup activities.
Skills
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what others are saying and asking questions when appropriate.
- Troubleshooting: Assisting in identifying causes of equipment and system issues.
- Critical Thinking: Applying logical analysis to technical problems and potential solutions.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
- Complex Problem Solving: Supporting engineers in analyzing and resolving technical challenges.
- Technical Aptitude: Interest in industrial automation, controls systems, and material handling equipment.
- Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
Attributes
- Strong desire to learn and develop technical skills.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Problem-solving mindset and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to adapt to changing project priorities and schedules.
- Willingness to travel and support field activities as required.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering field.
- Basic understanding of industrial automation, electrical controls, or PLC programming preferred.
- Familiarity with Rockwell Automation platforms, HMIs, or industrial communication networks is a plus but not required.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability to travel up to 80-90% during co-op assignments as project needs require.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc. When traveling the job environment shifts to a site-based, typically industrial. When traveling this role routinely uses appropriate PPE, electrical diagnostic tools, electrical implementation tools, laptops, and networking equipment.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to lift 25 pounds.
- Ability to climb ladders.
- Ability to navigate safely over and around warehouse automation equipment.
- Physical stamina may be required for prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and/or working in cramped quarters.
- Exposure to potentially dangerous tools and equipment amidst a variety of building materials is probable, as is occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
- The noise level in the work environment can vary from being relatively quiet, to moderate, to excessive.
Position Summary:
The Controls and Commissioning Co-op is part of a cross-discipline project team, supporting the successful execution of conveyor system integration projects. Under the guidance of experienced controls engineers, the co-op will assist with electrical controls engineering, PLC programming, testing, documentation, and commissioning activities while gaining hands-on experience in industrial automation and material handling systems.
The Controls and Commissioning Co-op will aid in the testing, implementation, and commissioning of PLC programs used to control conveyor systems and related equipment within the Material Handling Industry. This includes participating in system testing, assisting with field commissioning activities, and helping ensure compliance with customer specifications and project requirements.
The position provides valuable exposure to PLCs, industrial networking, HMI systems, electrical design, troubleshooting, and field commissioning while working alongside experienced Controls Engineers.
Tasks
- Review electrical drawings, I/O lists, control narratives, and system documentation.
- Participate in system testing and validation efforts to ensure compliance with design requirements.
- Assist with completion of testing and commissioning documentation.
- Support field commissioning and startup activities for assigned projects.
- Aid in troubleshooting PLC programs, HMIs, industrial communication networks, and field devices.
- Travel to customer sites to support system testing, commissioning, and startup activities.
Skills
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what others are saying and asking questions when appropriate.
- Troubleshooting: Assisting in identifying causes of equipment and system issues.
- Critical Thinking: Applying logical analysis to technical problems and potential solutions.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
- Complex Problem Solving: Supporting engineers in analyzing and resolving technical challenges.
- Technical Aptitude: Interest in industrial automation, controls systems, and material handling equipment.
- Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
Attributes
- Strong desire to learn and develop technical skills.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Problem-solving mindset and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to adapt to changing project priorities and schedules.
- Willingness to travel and support field activities as required.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering field.
- Basic understanding of industrial automation, electrical controls, or PLC programming preferred.
- Familiarity with Rockwell Automation platforms, HMIs, or industrial communication networks is a plus but not required.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability to travel up to 80-90% during co-op assignments as project needs require.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc. When traveling the job environment shifts to a site-based, typically industrial. When traveling this role routinely uses appropriate PPE, electrical diagnostic tools, electrical implementation tools, laptops, and networking equipment.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to lift 25 pounds.
- Ability to climb ladders.
- Ability to navigate safely over and around warehouse automation equipment.
- Physical stamina may be required for prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and/or working in cramped quarters.
- Exposure to potentially dangerous tools and equipment amidst a variety of building materials is probable, as is occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
- The noise level in the work environment can vary from being relatively quiet, to moderate, to excessive.
See all CPT Controls Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPT Controls Engineer Jobs.
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.