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 Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs31+
Work Type100% On-site
Top LocationHouston, TX
Most JobsBurns & McDonnell

Showing 5 of 31+ Controls Engineer jobs

Marvin
Controls Engineer Internship
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Marvin
New 5h ago
Controls Engineer Internship
Marvin
Warroad, Minnesota
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$21 - $24/hr
On-Site
Associate's
5,001-10,000

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Hitachi Rail
Controls Engineering Internship
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Hitachi Rail
Added 4d ago
Controls Engineering Internship
Hitachi Rail
Nashville, Tennessee
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
High School
10,000+

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Fluor Corp.
Project Controls Tech II - Intern
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Fluor Corp.
Added 5d ago
Project Controls Tech II - Intern
Fluor Corp.
Houston, Texas
Project & Program Management
Business Analysis
Project Management
$43k - $66k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Dennis Group
Controls Engineer Co-Op
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Dennis Group
Added 5d ago
Controls Engineer Co-Op
Dennis Group
Duluth, Georgia
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's
201-500

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Burns & McDonnell
Project Controls Intern
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Burns & McDonnell
Added 5d ago
Project Controls Intern
Burns & McDonnell
Phoenix, Arizona
Construction
Construction Management
Construction Labor
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Controls 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.