H-1B Visa Automation Developer Jobs
Automation Developer jobs at H-1B visa sponsoring employers sit firmly within specialty occupation territory, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a closely related field. Employers file a certified LCA with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, sponsoring your status for up to three years with extensions available to six.
Find H-1B Visa Automation Developer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 84+ Automation Developer jobs








See all 84+ Automation Developer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Automation Developer roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
Sprague is passionate about delivering diverse products and programs that warm, power and move the world. We keep homes warm through Northeastern winters and hospitals cool through summer. We help small businesses focus on serving their communities, and our renewable fuels keep our country’s infrastructure running. From importing wind energy components to deploying leading-edge solar technology to help power terminal facilities, we are committed to continually evolving to meet our customers’ changing energy needs.
Our Culture
We recently surveyed our employees to ask them their favorite part of the job. They answered, "The people I work with."
In addition to great coworkers, you’ll enjoy perks like medical benefits and retirement contributions that start on your first day. Employees start with three weeks (15 days) of paid vacation time per year! Sprague also provides tuition reimbursement for any employee that would like to further their education. Do you like to get involved where you work? Is giving back important to you? It’s important to us, too! Sprague donates back to the communities in which we live and work every year and provides opportunities for employees to support various charities throughout the year. In addition, Sprague offers paid volunteer time to allow employees to support charities which are meaningful to them in the communities in which they live. Sprague has a range of committees to support varying initiatives (Sustainability, Charitable, Scholarship, Innovation, FunForce, etc.). Sprague is a place that cares about its employees, its community, and about creating a place where people want to come to work every day.
Plus, we have some great benefits!
- 401(k) Traditional and Roth plans with employer match of 100% of the first 6% of the employee’s contribution
- Defined Contribution Plan with an automatic contribution from Sprague
- Paid Volunteer Time
- Flexible Working Policy
- Choice of high deductible and PPO Health Plans to fit your individual needs
- Wellness Program
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We are seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Application Developer to support our terminal automation systems and industrial automation solutions, including the back-office database systems that support these applications. This role encompasses software development, engineering, system integration, and vendor management responsibilities.
The position is responsible for ensuring the reliability, security, performance, and continuous improvement of Terminal Automation Systems (TAS), including loading rack controls, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), tank gauging systems, SCADA integrations, and interfaces with enterprise systems. Our ideal candidate will be able to perform duties in high pressure, time sensitive situations.
This opportunity will be remote and requires you to live within a 1 to 2-hour commute of Portsmouth, NH.
Key Responsibilities:
- Knowledge and familiarity with load rack operations
- Installation, upgrades, maintenance, and support of multiple terminal automation systems, including DTN Guardian G3 and TopTech TMS6/7, and support systems
- Ensure continuous availability of critical systems including terminal automation, tank gauging, PLC, and HMI systems
- Effectively communicate and manage issues with product vendors
- Understanding of general operation, programming, wiring, and communication functions of AccuLoads and Multiloads, Weigh scales, PLC’s, and instrumentation
- Ensure accurate data flow from terminal systems to corporate reporting platforms for inventory, throughput, and compliance metrics
- Develop and maintain documentation and procedures
- Develop and set up distribution of data reports
- Provide 1st and 2nd level 24/7 on-call production support for systems as part of rotation with other team members
- Work as a member of a team to design cost effective technology solutions in support of functional business requirements
- Develop and maintain HMI screens for terminal automation, loading rack control, and industrial weighing systems with a focus on clarity, operator efficiency, and safety
- Design, configure, and troubleshoot PLC logic for loading racks, safety interlocks, permissive, and industrial weighing processes
- Integrate PLCs with terminal automation platforms, and field instrumentation using Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, and serial protocols
- Diagnose PLC communication issues, I/O faults, and network disruptions to restore operational continuity
- Design and maintain industrial control system architectures, including Studio 5000 environments, FactoryTalk, Modbus TCP networks, and Ethernet based instrumentation
- Configure and troubleshoot Modbus TCP communication between PLCs, HMIs, and automation controllers
- Ability to perform duties in high pressure, time sensitive situations
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to apply technical knowledge
- Occasional, but periodically frequent, travel as needed, when needed
- Other projects as assigned
Do you like to solve problems and consider yourself forward thinking? If you are looking for a place to challenge yourself, then Sprague is your place. Sprague employees are dedicated and driven. We work best as a team, knowing that collaboration leads to innovation and the best customer experience. We are looking for hardworking colleagues to join us and help us stay at the forefront of the energy industry, which is where we’ve been for over 150 years.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidates for this role will have the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and a minimum of seven years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the job
- Knowledge of liquid and weigh scale terminal loading operations
- Knowledge and experience with load rack metering devices (AccuLoad, MultiLoad)
- Experience with management of terminal automation system applications including DTN G3 and Toptech TMS6/7
- Experience with PLC/HMI programming, including Allen Bradley
- Extensive database experience (Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL)
- Research and resolve issues independently / strong problem solving skills
- Ability to multi-task while maintaining attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
- Ability to prioritize workload, perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment and relate to customers/outside contacts and fellow employees
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk
- Frequent use of computer keyboard and mouse
- Occasional reaching and stretching
- Occasional lifting and carrying light objects (usually up to 10 pounds)
- Moving within the office environment, including visits to different departments or meeting rooms
- Prolonged periods of computer monitor work, reading documents, and detailed work
- Frequent typing and use of office equipment
- Ability to communicate clearly over the phone, video conferencing and in person
WHO WE ARE
Sprague takes a collaborative, customer-centric approach to providing best-in-class energy products and related services throughout the Northeast. Founded in 1870, we pride ourselves on offering customers the expert solutions and high-quality service that help their businesses thrive in any market landscape. Sprague values innovation, safety, integrity and people. We know that our people are what set us apart from our competition, and we work hard to make sure each employee across our 20+ locations knows how important they are to our community.
Come join us to learn why we are consistently celebrating 20-, 30-, and even 40-year anniversaries here at Sprague!
Sprague is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We strive to create a respectful and inclusive environment which welcomes people from all backgrounds and experiences.
As a federal contractor we adhere to OFCCP employment regulations. Click here for OFCCP compliance information
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all 84+ H-1B Visa Automation Developer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Automation Developer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as an Automation Developer
Align your degree to automation engineering
USCIS evaluates whether your specific degree field directly relates to automation development. A degree in computer science, electrical engineering, mechatronics, or control systems strengthens your specialty occupation case more than a general IT or business degree would.
Look up prevailing wages before negotiating
Use the OFLC Wage Search to find the certified prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location before your offer letter arrives. Your employer's LCA must meet or exceed that level, so knowing it protects you from an underpayment that could block certification.
Verify each worksite requires its own LCA
If your automation role involves on-site deployments at client facilities or multiple company locations, each worksite needs its own certified LCA. Confirm with your employer early that all anticipated work locations are covered before the I-129 petition is filed.
Find sponsors through Migrate Mate's verified employer database
Target employers who have an active H-1B LCA filing history in automation and software engineering roles. Migrate Mate surfaces verified sponsoring employers by role and location, so you're applying to companies already familiar with the H-1B process for technical positions.
Check O*NET before writing your job description
O*NET lists the core tasks and required knowledge for automation developer roles under relevant SOC codes. Reviewing it helps you confirm your actual duties match the specialty occupation definition and gives you language that aligns with how USCIS evaluates petitions.
Account for cap timing when accepting an offer
H-1B cap selection rules have changed recently. If you're not currently in H-1B status or at a cap-exempt employer, confirm your start date timeline with your employer's immigration counsel before signing an offer, since petition approval must precede your start date.
H-1B Visa Automation Developer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Automation Developer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, Automation Developer roles typically qualify as a specialty occupation. USCIS looks for a direct relationship between the job duties and a specific bachelor's degree field. Automation development requires theoretical and applied knowledge in computer science, electrical engineering, or control systems, which satisfies the specialty occupation definition. Your employer documents this connection in the I-129 petition and supporting evidence.
What SOC code do employers typically use for Automation Developer H-1B petitions?
Most employers file under SOC 15-1252 (Software Developers) or 17-2112 (Industrial Engineers), depending on whether the role centers on software logic and programming or on systems integration and hardware-software interfacing. The SOC code determines the prevailing wage tier on the LCA, so it directly affects your certified wage floor. Confirm the SOC selection with your employer before the LCA is filed.
How long does H-1B status last for an Automation Developer?
USCIS grants initial H-1B status for up to three years, with extensions available to a six-year maximum. Beyond six years, continued status typically requires an approved immigrant visa petition or a pending green card application meeting specific milestones. Your employer's immigration counsel can advise on extension strategy well before the six-year limit approaches.
Can my H-1B LCA cover automation work at a client's facility?
Not automatically. Each physical worksite where you perform H-1B duties needs its own certified LCA, including client sites for deployment, commissioning, or integration projects. If your role involves traveling to or working from customer facilities, your employer must file separate LCAs for each location. Overlooking this is a common compliance gap in project-based automation roles.
Where can I find Automation Developer jobs at employers who sponsor H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate lists Automation Developer openings at employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history, searchable by location and role type. Focusing your search on companies that have already filed LCAs for similar technical positions reduces the risk of approaching employers unfamiliar with the H-1B process or unwilling to absorb the filing costs.