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.
Find CPT Electrical Controls Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 14+ Electrical Controls Engineer jobs










See all Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Electrical Controls Engineer roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
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 Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPT Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs.
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.