CPT Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs
Electrical Controls Engineer CPT positions let you apply PLC programming, HMI design, and industrial automation coursework in a real engineering environment. Your DSO must authorize each placement as an integral part of your degree, so line up your academic justification before you start applying.
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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.
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Get Access To All JobsElectrical Controls Engineer CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Electrical Controls Engineer role qualify for CPT authorization?
Yes, if your degree program in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related field includes coursework in control systems, automation, or embedded programming that the role directly reinforces. Your DSO evaluates the curricular connection, not just the job title. Bring the job description and your course catalog to the authorization meeting so your DSO can document the integral relationship required for a valid CPT authorization on your I-20.
Can I do CPT at a company that makes defense or aerospace control systems?
You can, but some positions at defense contractors require security clearances or involve export-controlled technology under ITAR regulations, which can restrict who is eligible to work on specific projects. Disclose your F-1 status and citizenship early in the interview process. Many large aerospace and defense employers have dedicated compliance teams that handle F-1 CPT placements on non-restricted programs, so ask HR directly which projects are available to international students.
How do I find Electrical Controls Engineer employers who are familiar with CPT?
Employers with a history of filing Labor Condition Applications for engineering roles are the strongest signals of sponsorship familiarity. Migrate Mate surfaces these employers by filtering on LCA filing history for controls and automation roles, so you can focus your applications on companies that have already navigated work authorization for engineers rather than educating an unfamiliar HR team from scratch.
Does full-time CPT affect my OPT eligibility after graduation?
Full-time CPT totaling 12 months or more eliminates your post-completion OPT eligibility entirely, per USCIS regulations. Part-time CPT, defined as fewer than 20 hours per week, has no limit and does not affect OPT. If your program requires multiple full-time CPT semesters, plan your academic timeline carefully with your DSO to ensure you don't exhaust OPT before your first full-time job offer and any potential H-1B visa sponsorship.
What does an Electrical Controls Engineer typically do in a CPT role?
In a CPT placement, you'll typically work on PLC programming using platforms like Allen-Bradley or Siemens, design or modify HMI interfaces, develop electrical schematics, and support commissioning of automated production or process equipment. The O*NET occupation profile for this role lists tasks that align closely with industrial engineering and control systems coursework, which is useful documentation when your DSO needs to verify the academic connection for your CPT authorization.