H-1B Visa Senior Control Engineer Jobs
Senior Control Engineer roles qualify as H-1B 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 petitions for this role. Use Migrate Mate to find companies with verified H-1B filing history for control engineering positions.
See All Senior Control Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,081+ Senior Control Engineer jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 1,081+ Senior Control Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Senior Control Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsJOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a Senior Motion Control Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced robotic and automation systems for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role requires deep technical expertise in motion control, strong system-level thinking, and the ability to drive solutions from concept through production while collaborating across disciplines and with external partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead motion control system analysis, simulation, and testing to develop robust, high-performance solutions.
- Architect, design, and implement control systems, including requirements definition, schematics, firmware, and cable designs.
- Program, tune, and optimize motion controllers to meet demanding performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
- Define and execute system-level test strategies; design and build test fixtures to qualify, validate, and troubleshoot robots and controllers.
- Troubleshoot complex system-level issues and provide expert technical support to manufacturing and field teams.
- Drive Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and maintain accurate, traceable design documentation.
- Ensure designs meet applicable safety and regulatory standards including UL, IEC, NFPA, and SEMI.
- Collaborate cross-functionally and with external suppliers to resolve technical challenges and improve manufacturability.
- Act as a technical leader and mentor while fostering a positive, results-driven engineering culture.
- Travel domestically and internationally as required (less than 10%).
Requirements
- Senior-level expertise in motion control systems and robotics with a demonstrated ability to execute independently.
- Deep understanding of closed-loop control theory and its application to servo motor systems.
- Extensive experience programming motion controllers and optimizing real-world system performance.
- Strong knowledge of motion feedback devices (encoders) and industrial communication protocols, including Macro Ring, Modbus TCP, and EtherCAT.
- Proven ability to create and review control system schematics and cable design specifications.
- Working knowledge of safety and compliance standards, including UL, IEC, NFPA, and SEMI.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced development environment.
- Ability to work in a cleanroom environment.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
Experience
Minimum 3+ years of hands-on experience developing, documenting, and testing semiconductor manufacturing equipment or similarly complex electromechanical systems, demonstrating increasing technical responsibility and ownership.
Preferred Experience
- SCARA robot control systems.
- Omron PMAC (formerly Delta Tau) controllers and Macro Ring communication.
- Vacuum control systems.
- System-level experience with semiconductor process tools, including EFEM wafer handling systems.
- Ability to work onsite a minimum of three days per week.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
It is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.
U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE
$124,050.32 - $186,075.49
This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations.
Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based on multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work location, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression as you develop within the role.
Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in the Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regular employees working 20+ hours a week).
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a Senior Motion Control Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced robotic and automation systems for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role requires deep technical expertise in motion control, strong system-level thinking, and the ability to drive solutions from concept through production while collaborating across disciplines and with external partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead motion control system analysis, simulation, and testing to develop robust, high-performance solutions.
- Architect, design, and implement control systems, including requirements definition, schematics, firmware, and cable designs.
- Program, tune, and optimize motion controllers to meet demanding performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
- Define and execute system-level test strategies; design and build test fixtures to qualify, validate, and troubleshoot robots and controllers.
- Troubleshoot complex system-level issues and provide expert technical support to manufacturing and field teams.
- Drive Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and maintain accurate, traceable design documentation.
- Ensure designs meet applicable safety and regulatory standards including UL, IEC, NFPA, and SEMI.
- Collaborate cross-functionally and with external suppliers to resolve technical challenges and improve manufacturability.
- Act as a technical leader and mentor while fostering a positive, results-driven engineering culture.
- Travel domestically and internationally as required (less than 10%).
Requirements
- Senior-level expertise in motion control systems and robotics with a demonstrated ability to execute independently.
- Deep understanding of closed-loop control theory and its application to servo motor systems.
- Extensive experience programming motion controllers and optimizing real-world system performance.
- Strong knowledge of motion feedback devices (encoders) and industrial communication protocols, including Macro Ring, Modbus TCP, and EtherCAT.
- Proven ability to create and review control system schematics and cable design specifications.
- Working knowledge of safety and compliance standards, including UL, IEC, NFPA, and SEMI.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced development environment.
- Ability to work in a cleanroom environment.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
Experience
Minimum 3+ years of hands-on experience developing, documenting, and testing semiconductor manufacturing equipment or similarly complex electromechanical systems, demonstrating increasing technical responsibility and ownership.
Preferred Experience
- SCARA robot control systems.
- Omron PMAC (formerly Delta Tau) controllers and Macro Ring communication.
- Vacuum control systems.
- System-level experience with semiconductor process tools, including EFEM wafer handling systems.
- Ability to work onsite a minimum of three days per week.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
It is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.
U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE
$124,050.32 - $186,075.49
This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations.
Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based on multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work location, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression as you develop within the role.
Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in the Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regular employees working 20+ hours a week).
See all 1,081+ Senior Control Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Senior Control Engineer roles.
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.
Senior Control Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Senior Control Engineer JobsSenior Control Engineer H-1B Visa: 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.
See which Senior Control Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Senior Control Engineer Jobs