OPT Automation Jobs
Automation jobs on OPT span roles in robotics, industrial controls, test engineering, and process automation across manufacturing, tech, and aerospace. Most positions require a background in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering. STEM OPT extension applies to nearly all automation roles, giving you up to three years of work authorization.
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Operations is at the heart of Amazon’s business. We are known for our speed, accuracy, and exceptional service. Our buildings deliver tens of thousands of products to hundreds of countries worldwide, every day. The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. We drive continuous improvement, and maintain all of the robotics and material handling equipment (MHE) to ensure our customers are met with the Amazon smile. Come join us on our journey!
About the Role:
As an Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and technical support. Your expertise will be essential in troubleshooting complex control systems, analyzing performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize material handling equipment (MHE) systems and implement innovative projects. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology, including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs. Through your efforts, you'll directly contribute to ensuring our customers receive their orders with Amazon's signature speed and accuracy.
What Do We Offer?
Amazon offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive healthcare benefits starting on Day 1, matching 401(k) program, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave. But wait, there’s more: We provide lightweight fire-resistant daily wear and composite toe safety shoes for your safety!
Key job responsibilities
Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- You will serve as the site expert for maintaining the automation systems that are critical for operations
- You will understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
- You will monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance/operations to address system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations
- You will provide first-level escalation support for site technicians, both locally and remotely
- You will perform and analyze building System Assessments to enhance material handling system performance
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of PLC programming or automation engineering experience
- Work flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of process or production environment related PLC-controlled automation and issue diagnosis experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of robotics work cells and control systems experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of Ladder Logic and structured programming from Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Codesys PLCs experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with HMI and control network components, including maintenance, troubleshooting, programming and design
- Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying Motor Controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, DC drives, and standard electrical components
- Experience with preventive maintenance procedures, industrial electrical, industrial controls, and industrial electronics & robotics
- Experience interpreting and modifying mechanical and electrical drawings
- Experience programming with RSLogix5000, Studio 5000, FT View, and other controls software platforms
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, FL, FORT MYERS
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $112,500.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Operations is at the heart of Amazon’s business. We are known for our speed, accuracy, and exceptional service. Our buildings deliver tens of thousands of products to hundreds of countries worldwide, every day. The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. We drive continuous improvement, and maintain all of the robotics and material handling equipment (MHE) to ensure our customers are met with the Amazon smile. Come join us on our journey!
About the Role:
As an Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and technical support. Your expertise will be essential in troubleshooting complex control systems, analyzing performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize material handling equipment (MHE) systems and implement innovative projects. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology, including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs. Through your efforts, you'll directly contribute to ensuring our customers receive their orders with Amazon's signature speed and accuracy.
What Do We Offer?
Amazon offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive healthcare benefits starting on Day 1, matching 401(k) program, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave. But wait, there’s more: We provide lightweight fire-resistant daily wear and composite toe safety shoes for your safety!
Key job responsibilities
Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- You will serve as the site expert for maintaining the automation systems that are critical for operations
- You will understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
- You will monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance/operations to address system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations
- You will provide first-level escalation support for site technicians, both locally and remotely
- You will perform and analyze building System Assessments to enhance material handling system performance
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of PLC programming or automation engineering experience
- Work flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of process or production environment related PLC-controlled automation and issue diagnosis experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of robotics work cells and control systems experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of Ladder Logic and structured programming from Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Codesys PLCs experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with HMI and control network components, including maintenance, troubleshooting, programming and design
- Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying Motor Controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, DC drives, and standard electrical components
- Experience with preventive maintenance procedures, industrial electrical, industrial controls, and industrial electronics & robotics
- Experience interpreting and modifying mechanical and electrical drawings
- Experience programming with RSLogix5000, Studio 5000, FT View, and other controls software platforms
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, FL, FORT MYERS
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $112,500.00 USD annually
See all 801+ OPT Automation Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Automation
Highlight your STEM eligibility upfront
Automation roles almost universally qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mention your STEM-eligible degree field in your resume summary and cover letter so employers understand your full three-year authorization window before they even ask.
Target industries with established OPT pipelines
Manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive companies hire automation engineers on OPT regularly. These industries have large engineering teams and HR departments experienced with work authorization paperwork, making sponsorship conversations less friction-heavy than at smaller firms.
Lead with hands-on technical experience
Employers hiring automation engineers want evidence of practical skills: PLC programming, SCADA systems, robotics integration, or test automation frameworks. Projects from coursework, internships, or research labs carry real weight. Describe outcomes, not just tools you used.
Clarify your OPT timeline early in interviews
Automation roles often involve project timelines of one to two years. Demonstrating that your OPT window aligns with or exceeds those timelines removes a common employer hesitation. Come prepared with exact start and end dates for your current authorization period.
Understand which automation roles qualify for STEM extension
Your degree field must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List for the extension to apply. Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, and systems engineering all qualify. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before making claims to employers.
Prepare to explain the employer's OPT obligations
Some automation employers, especially smaller manufacturers, are unfamiliar with OPT requirements. Be ready to explain that the employer must enroll in E-Verify and submit a training plan through your DSO. Removing ambiguity for the employer accelerates the hiring decision.
Automation OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do automation engineering jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Automation roles tied to degrees in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, systems engineering, or related STEM fields qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That gives you up to three years of total work authorization on F-1 status. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO to verify eligibility before applying.
How do I find automation employers who are comfortable hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists automation jobs from employers experienced with OPT and visa sponsorship, so you can filter out postings where work authorization is a hard barrier. Look for companies in manufacturing, aerospace, and industrial tech sectors, where engineering hiring at scale makes OPT workflows routine for HR teams.
What happens to my OPT status if my automation job is with a staffing agency or contractor?
OPT allows third-party placement, but the arrangement must reflect genuine employment, not independent contracting. The staffing agency is typically your employer of record and must enroll in E-Verify. Your work must be directly related to your degree. Confirm the structure with your DSO before accepting a contract role to stay compliant.
Can I work on automation projects as an independent contractor during OPT?
Self-employment is technically permitted on OPT, but it requires a formal business structure and genuine automation-related work tied to your degree field. USCIS scrutinizes self-employment arrangements closely. Most OPT students in automation are better protected under a traditional employer-employee relationship. Consult your DSO before pursuing contract or freelance work.
What should I do if an automation employer says they don't sponsor visas?
OPT does not require visa sponsorship. Your employer needs to enroll in E-Verify and sign a training plan through your school, but they are not filing an immigration petition on your behalf. Clarifying this distinction often resolves the objection. If the role qualifies for STEM extension, you have up to three years, which covers most H-1B visa cycles.