CPT Controls Technician Jobs
Controls Technician roles involve hands-on work with PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial instrumentation, exactly the kind of applied engineering work DSOs authorize for CPT when it directly integrates with your degree program. Your CPT authorization must name this role specifically, so confirm the job description aligns with your coursework before your DSO signs off.
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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 Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsControls Technician CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Controls Technician role qualify for CPT?
Yes, if your school's DSO confirms the position is an integral part of your curriculum. Controls Technician work involving PLCs, instrumentation, or process automation typically maps directly to electrical engineering, industrial technology, or mechatronics programs. Your offer letter must describe duties that your DSO can connect to specific coursework or program requirements before authorization is granted.
Can I do CPT for a Controls Technician role at a manufacturing plant or utility company?
Yes. Industrial manufacturers, utilities, and process facilities are common CPT employers for this role. Confirm the employer is willing to provide a signed offer letter describing your duties, start date, and hours per week. Many facilities in these sectors are also E-Verify enrolled, which can smooth onboarding paperwork and strengthen your profile for future visa sponsorship.
How do I find Controls Technician employers open to CPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Controls Technician openings filtered by employers with work authorization experience, so you're not cold-applying to companies unfamiliar with CPT paperwork. Focus on mid-size industrial or energy companies where hiring managers have more flexibility and direct involvement in onboarding decisions than large enterprises with rigid HR pipelines.
Does full-time CPT as a Controls Technician affect my OPT eligibility?
It does if you accumulate 12 or more months of full-time CPT. Full-time means 20 or more hours per week during the academic term. If your Controls Technician CPT runs across two or more full-time semesters and crosses that threshold, you lose OPT eligibility entirely. Part-time CPT, regardless of total duration, doesn't affect OPT.
What happens to my CPT authorization if my Controls Technician employer changes my job duties?
Your CPT is authorized for a specific employer, position, and set of duties. If the employer reassigns you to unrelated tasks, your CPT authorization may no longer cover that work. Notify your DSO immediately if your role changes significantly. A new CPT authorization tied to the updated duties may be required before you can legally continue working.