H-1B Visa Senior Control Engineer Jobs
Senior Control Engineer roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations under USCIS guidelines, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering. Employers in manufacturing, energy, and automation regularly file H-1B visa petitions for this role. Use Migrate Mate to find companies with verified H-1B visa filing history for control engineering positions.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Our Equipment Automation Engineering (EAE) team seeks a professional and innovative individual to join our team in Pullman WA or Lewiston ID. SEL is a 100 percent employee-owned company that specializes in creating and manufacturing digital products and systems that protect and control power systems around the world.
The Equipment Automation Engineering team supports manufacturing and vertical integration teams by understanding our manufacturing processes, recommending solutions, and executing projects.
The successful candidate will be dependable, responsible, and self-motivated, and work closely with EAE mechanical engineers, Production representatives, and related Engineering teams to develop, successfully implement, and support manufacturing automation solutions. These solutions often include fully custom automation designs.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Senior Controls Engineer, a typical day might include the following:
-
Mentoring engineers and technicians.
-
Leading in initial equipment concept development and carefully balancing product specifications, process control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality, and lead-time limits.
-
Laying out new industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant and create electrical schematics.
-
Architecting, writing, and debugging PLC ladder logic with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems such as conveyors, robots, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), machine vision, and 3rd party equipment.
-
Managing electrical cabinet builds.
-
Creating machine interactions with plant-wide Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
-
Introducing automated machines and processes into production, and training Maintenance and Production teams to support after deployment of equipment.
-
Creating and reviewing specifications and providing technical evaluations for outsourced automated equipment purchases.
-
Performing as technical lead on assigned projects.
-
Other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
This job might be for you if you have:
-
B.S./M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
-
12+ years relevant experience in designing and implementing automation solutions in a manufacturing environment.
-
Strong technical expertise in the application of PLCs (example: Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi), HMI/GUI layout, Field Bus Networks, Safety Systems, Vision Systems, and integration of Robotics.
-
Familiarity with electrical prints and standards for industrial equipment.
-
Excellent technical presentation and training skills.
-
Demonstrated advanced proficiency in programming PLCs, with a well-defined methodology for maintaining code structure and organization.
-
Ability to program state machines for complex processes which involve multi-station parallel processing, pick and place automation, data acquisition, and PID control.
-
Proven ability to design reliable systems with error handling and recovery processes.
COMPENSATION
- Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
PAY RANGE DATA
New hires generally start between $160,600 - $230,000. We base our starting pay offer on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location.
COMMUNICATION WITH APPLICANTS
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
INTRODUCTION
Our Equipment Automation Engineering (EAE) team seeks a professional and innovative individual to join our team in Pullman WA or Lewiston ID. SEL is a 100 percent employee-owned company that specializes in creating and manufacturing digital products and systems that protect and control power systems around the world.
The Equipment Automation Engineering team supports manufacturing and vertical integration teams by understanding our manufacturing processes, recommending solutions, and executing projects.
The successful candidate will be dependable, responsible, and self-motivated, and work closely with EAE mechanical engineers, Production representatives, and related Engineering teams to develop, successfully implement, and support manufacturing automation solutions. These solutions often include fully custom automation designs.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Senior Controls Engineer, a typical day might include the following:
-
Mentoring engineers and technicians.
-
Leading in initial equipment concept development and carefully balancing product specifications, process control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality, and lead-time limits.
-
Laying out new industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant and create electrical schematics.
-
Architecting, writing, and debugging PLC ladder logic with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems such as conveyors, robots, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), machine vision, and 3rd party equipment.
-
Managing electrical cabinet builds.
-
Creating machine interactions with plant-wide Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
-
Introducing automated machines and processes into production, and training Maintenance and Production teams to support after deployment of equipment.
-
Creating and reviewing specifications and providing technical evaluations for outsourced automated equipment purchases.
-
Performing as technical lead on assigned projects.
-
Other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
This job might be for you if you have:
-
B.S./M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
-
12+ years relevant experience in designing and implementing automation solutions in a manufacturing environment.
-
Strong technical expertise in the application of PLCs (example: Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi), HMI/GUI layout, Field Bus Networks, Safety Systems, Vision Systems, and integration of Robotics.
-
Familiarity with electrical prints and standards for industrial equipment.
-
Excellent technical presentation and training skills.
-
Demonstrated advanced proficiency in programming PLCs, with a well-defined methodology for maintaining code structure and organization.
-
Ability to program state machines for complex processes which involve multi-station parallel processing, pick and place automation, data acquisition, and PID control.
-
Proven ability to design reliable systems with error handling and recovery processes.
COMPENSATION
- Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
PAY RANGE DATA
New hires generally start between $160,600 - $230,000. We base our starting pay offer on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location.
COMMUNICATION WITH APPLICANTS
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
See all 1,199+ H-1B Visa Senior Control Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Senior Control Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Senior Control Engineer
Verify your degree maps to SOC codes
Control engineering spans multiple SOC codes, and your H-1B approval depends on a direct match between your degree field and the specific role. Check the O*NET occupation profile for 17-2112 (Industrial Engineers) or 17-2071 (Electrical Engineers) before applying to confirm alignment.
Target employers with active LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Senior Control Engineer roles by employers who have already filed Labor Condition Applications for this occupation. Past LCA activity signals that the employer understands the H-1B process and has an established sponsorship workflow.
Document PLC and SCADA certifications separately
USCIS adjudicators occasionally issue RFEs for control engineer roles, questioning whether the position truly requires a specialty degree. A portfolio listing certifications such as Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, or ISA credentials strengthens the specialty occupation argument alongside your academic credentials.
Request the prevailing wage before negotiating salary
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your location and job level before filing your LCA. Run your job title and worksite ZIP code through the OFLC Wage Search to know the wage floor, so you can evaluate any offer against the legal minimum.
Confirm the employer files cap-subject petitions
Some control engineering roles at universities or nonprofit research labs fall under cap-exempt H-1B filings, which skip the lottery entirely. Ask directly during the offer stage whether the employer is cap-exempt and whether they have filed H-1B petitions within the past three fiscal years.
Use the 60-day grace period strategically after layoffs
If your H-1B is terminated, USCIS allows a 60-day grace period to secure a new employer and file a transfer petition. Control engineering demand in automation and energy sectors means new offers are achievable within that window, but your new employer must file before the grace period expires.
H-1B Visa Senior Control Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Control Engineer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Senior Control Engineer positions typically require at least a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering, which meets USCIS's specialty occupation definition. The role must be directly tied to that degree field. Employers document this in the H-1B petition using the job description and the LCA filed with DOL, which certifies the position requires theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge.
Which industries sponsor H-1B visas for Senior Control Engineers most often?
Manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, utilities, and industrial automation are the heaviest H-1B sponsors for control engineering roles. Companies deploying distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA platforms at scale regularly file petitions for this title. You can browse verified sponsoring employers in these sectors directly on Migrate Mate, filtered by occupation and filing history.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new control engineering employer mid-status?
Yes. H-1B portability under AC21 lets you start working for a new employer as soon as they file a transfer petition, without waiting for approval, as long as your current H-1B has been approved for at least 180 days. The new employer files a new I-129 and LCA covering your new worksite and job duties. Control of physical plant systems counts as a distinct work location for LCA purposes.
How does the prevailing wage requirement affect H-1B sponsorship for this role?
Before filing your LCA, your employer must certify to DOL that your offered wage meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for Senior Control Engineer roles in your worksite's metropolitan area. DOL uses four wage levels, and senior positions are typically benchmarked at Level III or IV. You can verify the applicable wage yourself using the OFLC Wage Search before finalizing your offer letter.
Does working on-site at a client facility affect my H-1B as a control engineer?
Yes. If your employer places you at a third-party facility, such as a manufacturing plant or energy site, USCIS scrutinizes these arrangements carefully under its third-party placement rules. Your employer must demonstrate it retains day-to-day control over your work. Each client site may require a separate LCA if it falls in a different metropolitan statistical area, which your employer handles before you start at that location.