H-1B Visa Automation Specialist Jobs
Automation Specialist roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field. Employers filing LCAs for these positions must meet DOL prevailing wage requirements, and the annual H-1B cap means timing your job search around the April lottery window matters.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!
Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.
JOB DESCRIPTION
- Creates and/or oversees basic to highly complex instrumentation, controls and related systems designs using 3D and 4D design practices.
- Develops technical memoranda related to design issues for clients.
- Prepares preliminary design reports (PDRs) under limited supervision.
- Coordinates designs reconciliation with clients.
- Creates basic to highly complex human-machine interface (HMI) designs, programmable logic controllers (PLC), reports, etc.
- Creates basic to moderate control system designs including control system architecture (CSA) drawings, Piping and Instrumentation (P&ID) drawings, control narratives and specifications.
- Prepares level of effort estimates (LOEs).
- Assists in the testing and startup of instrumentation, controls and related systems independently with minimal supervision.
- Assists in the development of systems training for end users.
- Reviews basic to highly complex component level shop drawings, contractor clarifications.
- Performs and/or oversees testing and field inspections.
- Responsible for testing and startup documentation completion, as required.
- Leads teams of more junior staff and provides direction and mentoring.
- Reviews the work of junior staff as necessary.
- Participates in the Automation Community of Practice (CoP); focuses on an area of specialty (e.g., communications, networking, instrumentation, security) and strives to become a subject matter expert.
- Under general supervision, prepares proposal sections and presentations.
- Prepares scope and budgets.
- Supports marketing and new business activities as requested in support of the automation strategy.
- May participate in proposals.
- Performs other duties as required.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Expert knowledge of instrumentation, controls and related systems designs.
- PLC and HMI experience required.
- Excellent communication and client relation skills.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft office suite of programs.
- Fully competent in 3D and 4D design practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree. 7 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
AMOUNT OF TRAVEL REQUIRED
20% - 40%
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS
An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.
EEO STATEMENT
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
BACKGROUND CHECK AND DRUG TESTING INFORMATION
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing. Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION
All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
PAY RANGE
- Pay Range Min: USD $115,253.00
- Pay Range Max: USD $201,677.00
VISA SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
We will support sponsorship, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position.
INTRODUCTION
Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!
Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.
JOB DESCRIPTION
- Creates and/or oversees basic to highly complex instrumentation, controls and related systems designs using 3D and 4D design practices.
- Develops technical memoranda related to design issues for clients.
- Prepares preliminary design reports (PDRs) under limited supervision.
- Coordinates designs reconciliation with clients.
- Creates basic to highly complex human-machine interface (HMI) designs, programmable logic controllers (PLC), reports, etc.
- Creates basic to moderate control system designs including control system architecture (CSA) drawings, Piping and Instrumentation (P&ID) drawings, control narratives and specifications.
- Prepares level of effort estimates (LOEs).
- Assists in the testing and startup of instrumentation, controls and related systems independently with minimal supervision.
- Assists in the development of systems training for end users.
- Reviews basic to highly complex component level shop drawings, contractor clarifications.
- Performs and/or oversees testing and field inspections.
- Responsible for testing and startup documentation completion, as required.
- Leads teams of more junior staff and provides direction and mentoring.
- Reviews the work of junior staff as necessary.
- Participates in the Automation Community of Practice (CoP); focuses on an area of specialty (e.g., communications, networking, instrumentation, security) and strives to become a subject matter expert.
- Under general supervision, prepares proposal sections and presentations.
- Prepares scope and budgets.
- Supports marketing and new business activities as requested in support of the automation strategy.
- May participate in proposals.
- Performs other duties as required.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Expert knowledge of instrumentation, controls and related systems designs.
- PLC and HMI experience required.
- Excellent communication and client relation skills.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft office suite of programs.
- Fully competent in 3D and 4D design practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree. 7 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
AMOUNT OF TRAVEL REQUIRED
20% - 40%
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS
An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.
EEO STATEMENT
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
BACKGROUND CHECK AND DRUG TESTING INFORMATION
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing. Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION
All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
PAY RANGE
- Pay Range Min: USD $115,253.00
- Pay Range Max: USD $201,677.00
VISA SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
We will support sponsorship, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position.
See all 193+ H-1B Visa Automation Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Automation Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as an Automation Specialist
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
USCIS evaluates whether your degree field directly relates to automation work. A degree in mechanical, electrical, or software engineering carries the strongest case. If your degree is in a tangential field, gather documentation showing coursework or certifications that bridge the gap.
Target employers with active LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to filter Automation Specialist roles by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for this occupation code, so you're applying to companies with a demonstrated H-1B filing track record rather than guessing at sponsorship willingness.
Verify the role's prevailing wage tier before negotiating
The DOL's OFLC Wage Search assigns Automation Specialist positions to wage levels one through four based on experience and supervision. Knowing your expected level before salary discussions helps you confirm the employer's offer satisfies the LCA wage requirement.
Prioritize E-Verify enrolled employers for STEM OPT transitions
If you're moving from STEM OPT to H-1B, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your OPT extension is authorized. Confirm enrollment status early in the interview process, not after an offer is extended.
Clarify cap-exempt status with research or nonprofit employers
Automation roles at universities, nonprofit research institutions, and government-affiliated entities are exempt from the H-1B cap and lottery. These employers can file at any time of year, giving you a path to H-1B status outside the April registration window.
Build your O*NET job zone profile into your application materials
Automation Specialist maps to a Job Zone 4 occupation on O*NET, requiring substantial preparation and experience. Referencing the specific tasks and technology skills listed there in your resume strengthens the employer's specialty occupation argument in the H-1B petition.
H-1B Visa Automation Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Automation Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, Automation Specialist positions typically qualify because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field such as electrical engineering, computer science, or mechatronics. USCIS looks at whether the role normally requires this degree and whether your degree directly relates to the duties. Roles involving PLC programming, robotics integration, or process control systems have a strong specialty occupation argument.
How do I find employers who actually sponsor H-1B visas for Automation Specialist jobs?
Search for Automation Specialist positions on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers based on verified DOL Labor Condition Application filing history for this occupation. This filters out postings from companies with no H-1B track record and focuses your applications on employers who have filed for similar roles before.
What happens to my H-1B status if my automation project ends or I'm placed on bench time?
H-1B status is tied to a bona fide employer-employee relationship and active employment in the approved specialty occupation. If you're benched without pay, USCIS may consider the position abandoned. You have a 60-day grace period after involuntary termination to find a new sponsor, transfer your H-1B, or change status.
Can a staffing agency sponsor my H-1B for an Automation Specialist placement at a client site?
Yes, but USCIS scrutinizes staffing agency petitions closely. The agency must demonstrate it retains the right to control your work, including supervision and assignment authority. The LCA wage must reflect the worksite location's prevailing wage, not the agency's home state. Client site changes may require amended petitions if the new location is in a different metropolitan statistical area.
Is the Automation Specialist occupation subject to the H-1B cap and annual lottery?
Most private-sector Automation Specialist positions are cap-subject, meaning your employer must register you in the annual lottery held each March for an October start date. Roles at universities, nonprofit research organizations, or government research entities are cap-exempt and can be filed year-round. If you're on OPT with a cap-gap, your work authorization extends automatically through September 30 if your petition is pending.