J-1 Visa Automation Engineer Jobs
Automation Engineer roles in the U.S. are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa under the Trainee or Intern program category, depending on your career stage. Designated sponsor organizations issue your DS-2019 and coordinate sponsorship with your host employer, covering structured training in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics, and systems integration.
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Automation and Controls Engineering Co-Op
Location
US format: Arden, NC
About Us
BorgWarner is a global product leader in delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. We are a company of innovators and independent thinkers that brings together talented employees, meaningful work and amazing technology in a unique environment. At BorgWarner, we constantly work towards our vision of a clean and energy-efficient world.
Our Culture
BorgWarner promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive environment, honors integrity, strives for excellence, commits to responsibility for our communities and the environment, and builds on the power of collaboration. We believe the health and safety of our employees are a top priority.
Career Opportunities
We manage talent as seriously as we manage our businesses and encourage you to learn about our proud history, strong culture, technologies, and vision for the future. We offer positions locally and globally with over 80 locations in 19 countries.
If this position energizes you and you feel you can help us achieve our mission and vision, you are invited to submit an application for consideration.
You may see the list of requirements and feel you do not meet all of them. However, remember that BorgWarner thinks differently. If your qualifications align with the majority of those outlined in this job description, we encourage you to apply and share your experience and skills with us.
For a listing of Asheville/Arden openings: BorgWarner Openings
Job Purpose
The BorgWarner Arden campus offers two world class technical centers and a cutting-edge manufacturing facility that designs and produces turbos, fan, and fan drive components for the automotive industry. The Arden campus offers a multitude of career opportunities and is in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
We are seeking a controls-focused Automation & Controls Engineering co-op to support PLC and HMI/SCADA activities in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on learning role where you will work alongside Controls Engineers and Maintenance teams to help maintain, troubleshoot, document, and improve industrial automation systems while building strong foundational skills in controls engineering.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with PLC programming tasks such as adding or updating tags, implementing simple ladder logic changes, and supporting standardized code structure under engineering review
- Help with commissioning and validation activities (I/O checks, sensor verification, device addressing, safety interlock verification) and document test results.
- Support troubleshooting of automation equipment by collecting symptoms, checking I/O status and alarms, and helping identify root causes with a mentor.
- Assist with basic industrial networking and device communications checks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus) under guidance
- Document system configurations, troubleshooting notes, and standard work instructions; help build training and turnover materials.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Maintenance, Quality, IT/BRM) to support production, reduce downtime, and improve reliability.
- Support continuous improvement activities by gathering data, performing basic analysis, and proposing small enhancements under supervision
- Follow all BorgWarner safety rules and EHS requirements while working around energized equipment and production machinery
What we are looking for
- Working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline.
- Academic or project-based exposure to PLC concepts and logic (Ladder, Function Block, or Structured Text)
- Basic understanding of sensors, actuators, motors/drives, and control fundamentals
- Ability to read (or learn to read) electrical schematics and follow troubleshooting steps
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite
- Comfort using a laptop and basic tools for commissioning/troubleshooting in a plant environment.
- Strong problem-solving mindset, curiosity, and willingness to learn quickly.
- Clear communication skills and ability to document work and follow standard processes.
- Preferred experience:
- Exposure to PLCs
- Exposure to HMI/SCADA platforms
- Exposure to industrial communications and basic networking concepts
- Basic scripting/programming skills (Python, SQL, C/C++)
- Hands-on lab or project experience with robotics or motion control
What we offer
All positions start at an above market pay rate for that position. Benefits are also above market and include the below for all student employees:
- Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with a matching program
- All positions are paid opportunities based on college class standing
- Housing support and travel reimbursement according to policy requirements
Join the company that is creating solutions that support a cleaner, more energy-efficient world. For more information about BorgWarner, please visit www.borgwarner.com
Internal Use Only: Indirect Hourly
Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement
Carefully read the BorgWarner Privacy Policy before using this website. Your ability to access and use this website and apply for a job at BorgWarner are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.
Please access the linked document by clicking here, select the geographical area where you are applying for employment, and review. Before submitting your application you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.
Career Scam Disclaimer: BorgWarner makes no representations or guarantees regarding employment opportunities listed on any third-party website. To protect against career scams, job applicants should take the necessary precautions when interviewing for and accepting employment positions allegedly offered by BorgWarner. Applicants should never provide their national ID numbers, birth dates, credit card numbers, bank account information or other private information when communicating with prospective employers or responding to employment opportunities online. Job applicants are invited to contact BorgWarner through BorgWarner’s website to verify the authenticity of any employment opportunities.
Position
Automation and Controls Engineering Co-Op
Location
US format: Arden, NC
About Us
BorgWarner is a global product leader in delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. We are a company of innovators and independent thinkers that brings together talented employees, meaningful work and amazing technology in a unique environment. At BorgWarner, we constantly work towards our vision of a clean and energy-efficient world.
Our Culture
BorgWarner promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive environment, honors integrity, strives for excellence, commits to responsibility for our communities and the environment, and builds on the power of collaboration. We believe the health and safety of our employees are a top priority.
Career Opportunities
We manage talent as seriously as we manage our businesses and encourage you to learn about our proud history, strong culture, technologies, and vision for the future. We offer positions locally and globally with over 80 locations in 19 countries.
If this position energizes you and you feel you can help us achieve our mission and vision, you are invited to submit an application for consideration.
You may see the list of requirements and feel you do not meet all of them. However, remember that BorgWarner thinks differently. If your qualifications align with the majority of those outlined in this job description, we encourage you to apply and share your experience and skills with us.
For a listing of Asheville/Arden openings: BorgWarner Openings
Job Purpose
The BorgWarner Arden campus offers two world class technical centers and a cutting-edge manufacturing facility that designs and produces turbos, fan, and fan drive components for the automotive industry. The Arden campus offers a multitude of career opportunities and is in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
We are seeking a controls-focused Automation & Controls Engineering co-op to support PLC and HMI/SCADA activities in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on learning role where you will work alongside Controls Engineers and Maintenance teams to help maintain, troubleshoot, document, and improve industrial automation systems while building strong foundational skills in controls engineering.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with PLC programming tasks such as adding or updating tags, implementing simple ladder logic changes, and supporting standardized code structure under engineering review
- Help with commissioning and validation activities (I/O checks, sensor verification, device addressing, safety interlock verification) and document test results.
- Support troubleshooting of automation equipment by collecting symptoms, checking I/O status and alarms, and helping identify root causes with a mentor.
- Assist with basic industrial networking and device communications checks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus) under guidance
- Document system configurations, troubleshooting notes, and standard work instructions; help build training and turnover materials.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Maintenance, Quality, IT/BRM) to support production, reduce downtime, and improve reliability.
- Support continuous improvement activities by gathering data, performing basic analysis, and proposing small enhancements under supervision
- Follow all BorgWarner safety rules and EHS requirements while working around energized equipment and production machinery
What we are looking for
- Working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline.
- Academic or project-based exposure to PLC concepts and logic (Ladder, Function Block, or Structured Text)
- Basic understanding of sensors, actuators, motors/drives, and control fundamentals
- Ability to read (or learn to read) electrical schematics and follow troubleshooting steps
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite
- Comfort using a laptop and basic tools for commissioning/troubleshooting in a plant environment.
- Strong problem-solving mindset, curiosity, and willingness to learn quickly.
- Clear communication skills and ability to document work and follow standard processes.
- Preferred experience:
- Exposure to PLCs
- Exposure to HMI/SCADA platforms
- Exposure to industrial communications and basic networking concepts
- Basic scripting/programming skills (Python, SQL, C/C++)
- Hands-on lab or project experience with robotics or motion control
What we offer
All positions start at an above market pay rate for that position. Benefits are also above market and include the below for all student employees:
- Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with a matching program
- All positions are paid opportunities based on college class standing
- Housing support and travel reimbursement according to policy requirements
Join the company that is creating solutions that support a cleaner, more energy-efficient world. For more information about BorgWarner, please visit www.borgwarner.com
Internal Use Only: Indirect Hourly
Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement
Carefully read the BorgWarner Privacy Policy before using this website. Your ability to access and use this website and apply for a job at BorgWarner are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.
Please access the linked document by clicking here, select the geographical area where you are applying for employment, and review. Before submitting your application you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.
Career Scam Disclaimer: BorgWarner makes no representations or guarantees regarding employment opportunities listed on any third-party website. To protect against career scams, job applicants should take the necessary precautions when interviewing for and accepting employment positions allegedly offered by BorgWarner. Applicants should never provide their national ID numbers, birth dates, credit card numbers, bank account information or other private information when communicating with prospective employers or responding to employment opportunities online. Job applicants are invited to contact BorgWarner through BorgWarner’s website to verify the authenticity of any employment opportunities.
See all J-1 Visa Automation Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Automation Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as an Automation Engineer
Align your training plan to automation competencies
Your DS-2019 requires a detailed training plan listing specific skills you'll develop. Map it to measurable automation competencies like SCADA configuration, PLC ladder logic, or HMI design so the designated sponsor can approve it without revisions.
Distinguish Intern from Trainee eligibility early
Intern status applies if you're currently enrolled in a degree program. Trainee status requires at least one year of post-degree work experience in automation or a related engineering field. Applying under the wrong category delays your DS-2019 issuance.
Search for host employers using Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter for Automation Engineer roles at U.S. employers that have hosted J-1 visa exchange visitors before. Targeting companies with established host relationships shortens the sponsor approval timeline significantly.
Verify the host employer's DOL compliance posture
Your designated sponsor will confirm that the host employer meets DOL workplace standards before issuing your DS-2019. Ask the employer upfront whether they've hosted J-1 Trainees before and whether their safety and compensation practices are documented.
Request a specialty occupation letter from your degree institution
Designated sponsors often require official documentation linking your engineering degree to the automation role. A letter from your university confirming your field of study and relevant coursework strengthens your training plan approval, especially for Intern applicants.
Negotiate the offer before the DS-2019 is finalized
Once a designated sponsor begins processing your DS-2019, changing the job title, responsibilities, or training duration requires restarting the approval process. Confirm the role scope, start date, and host site address with your employer before submission.
Automation Engineer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits an Automation Engineer role?
The Trainee category applies to Automation Engineers who have completed a degree in engineering or a related field and have at least one year of relevant professional experience. If you're still enrolled in a degree program, the Intern category applies instead. Both require a formal training plan covering specific automation skills and a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor to issue your DS-2019.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as an Automation Engineer?
Your J-1 sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations like Cultural Vistas or AIPT issue your DS-2019, review your training plan, and monitor your program compliance. The manufacturing or engineering company where you work is the host employer. That company does not hold sponsorship authority and cannot issue the DS-2019 on its own.
Does the J-1 Trainee category carry a two-year home residency requirement for Automation Engineers?
It depends on your country of origin and whether your training is funded by a government or international organization. Many J-1 Trainees from countries on the Exchange Visitor Skills List are subject to the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e), which restricts your ability to change to H-1B visa or permanent resident status until you return home or obtain a waiver.
How do I find U.S. employers open to hosting a J-1 Automation Engineer?
Use Migrate Mate to search for Automation Engineer positions at companies that have experience hosting J-1 exchange visitors. Not every employer understands the host relationship, training plan requirements, or designated sponsor process, so targeting companies with prior J-1 host experience reduces friction and speeds up DS-2019 approval.
What does the training plan need to include for an Automation Engineer J-1 application?
Your training plan must outline specific technical objectives organized by phase, the supervision structure, and the automation competencies you'll gain, such as PLC programming, robotics integration, or SCADA systems. The designated sponsor reviews this plan before issuing your DS-2019, and it must reflect actual hands-on training rather than routine production work. Generic engineer job descriptions typically fail sponsor review.