J-1 Visa Automation Technician Jobs
Automation Technician roles in the United States are available to exchange visitors through J-1 visa sponsorship, most commonly under the Trainee or Intern program category. Host employers in manufacturing, automotive, and industrial automation sectors work with State Department-designated sponsors to issue DS-2019 forms and structure approved training plans.
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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 Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Automation Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as an Automation Technician
Document hands-on PLC and SCADA experience
Designated sponsors evaluate your training plan against verifiable technical skills. Gather documentation of your experience with specific automation platforms, industrial controllers, and any certifications before approaching host employers or sponsors.
Distinguish Intern from Trainee program eligibility
If you're currently enrolled in a post-secondary program, the J-1 visa Intern category applies. If you've graduated within the past 12 months or hold relevant work experience abroad, Trainee is the correct category. Applying under the wrong category stalls your DS-2019 issuance.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1 compatible roles
Not every automation employer has experience hosting J-1 exchange visitors. Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers actively recruiting for roles that align with J-1 sponsorship, saving time you'd otherwise spend filtering out unsuitable hosts.
Verify the host employer's training plan specificity
State Department-designated sponsors require a detailed training plan before issuing your DS-2019. Confirm your prospective host employer can document rotation schedules, supervised tasks, and measurable learning objectives tied to automation systems, not just a general job description.
Check whether the two-year home residency rule applies
J-1 exchange visitors funded by their home government or from certain nationalities face a two-year home residency requirement before changing to most work visa categories. Confirm your eligibility status with your designated sponsor before accepting a host offer.
Align your offer letter with OFLC Wage Search benchmarks
Your host employer's offered compensation must meet prevailing wage levels for the automation technician role and work location. Cross-reference the OFLC Wage Search before finalizing your offer to avoid delays during the sponsor's compliance review.
Automation Technician J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits an Automation Technician placement?
The Trainee category is the most common fit for Automation Technicians who have completed a relevant degree or have work experience in industrial automation, robotics, or electrical systems outside the United States. If you're currently enrolled in a post-secondary technical program, the Intern category applies instead. Your designated sponsor confirms the correct category based on your qualifications and the host employer's training plan.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for an Automation Technician role?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT, not the manufacturing or automation employer you work for. The employer acts as your host organization and provides the training environment. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019, monitors compliance, and is legally responsible for your exchange program. Conflating the two roles leads to misunderstandings during the application process.
What should an Automation Technician training plan include to satisfy J-1 requirements?
Your training plan must detail the specific technical skills you'll develop, including equipment you'll operate, software platforms like SCADA or PLC systems, and measurable learning objectives at each stage. Generic job descriptions don't satisfy State Department requirements. Your host employer needs to document supervision arrangements, rotation schedules if applicable, and how the placement builds on your prior education or experience in ways that benefit your home country career.
How do I find U.S. employers willing to host a J-1 Automation Technician?
Many automation and manufacturing employers haven't hosted J-1 exchange visitors before and won't recognize the process. Migrate Mate lets you search for U.S. roles and employers that align with J-1 sponsorship criteria, helping you focus outreach on host organizations already familiar with exchange visitor compliance rather than starting from scratch with employers unfamiliar with the DS-2019 process.
Does the two-year home residency requirement affect Automation Technician J-1 holders?
It can. J-1 exchange visitors whose programs are funded by their home government, who come from countries designated on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, or who received graduate medical training in the U.S. are subject to a two-year home residency requirement. For Automation Technicians, the most common trigger is home-government funding or skills-list designation. If this applies to you, transitioning to an H-1B visa or other work visa after your exchange program requires either completing the two years abroad or obtaining a waiver.