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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Get Access To All JobsABOUT ABBVIE
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Purpose:
Responsible for basic configuration and programming per AbbVie’s change management procedures for the manufacturing process, utilities and facilities control systems. This position performs system troubleshooting during and outside business hours as necessary. Responsible for the maintenance of assigned site operations technologies (OT) systems per applicable departmental procedures.
Responsibilities
- Develop basic control configuration or programming in accordance with the design documents to meet the functional requirements.
- Provide first line technical support to Project Engineers, Maintenance, Production and Technical Operation personnel in automation related problems as need arises. Provides training for OT Systems users in automation technologies and process control applications.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot Control System hardware, software, and networking issues, replace defective components as needed.
- Perform site OT systems (DCS, PLC’s, SCADA, and Data Historian) upgrades and data migrations activities.
- Develop and execute qualification protocols plus associated technical documentation like System’s Functional and/or Design Specifications following OT Systems lifecycle validation activities.
- Perform scheduled OT Systems administration and maintenance tasks such as operating systems (OS) and anti-virus updates, user accounts management, critical data back-up and others.
- Evaluate and provide input and recommendations regarding control system improvements. Establish monitoring and reporting project techniques to support equipment performance reliability.
- Provide production support during off-peak hours. This might require working overtime, overnight or on weekends.
- Conform to EHS management system requirements and compliance obligations, promote continuous improvement, and consider EHS aspects during the design and change process. Comply with all EHS procedures and policies including incident reporting, use of PPE, waste management and disposal, and any other program applicable according to the position duties.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering or related discipline with a minimum of (two) 2 years of relevant experience. Master’s degree in computer science, engineering or related discipline, no experience is required.
- Hands-on experience configuring Distributed Control Systems (DCS) such as Emerson, DeltaV, Foxboro I/A. Hands-on experience programming in ladder logic and instructional texts. HMI graphics development is a plus.
- Working experience with HMI graphics development. Knowledge of Data Historian systems such as OSIsoft PI is a plus. Experience with commissioning and qualification activities, desirable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
ABOUT ABBVIE
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Purpose:
Responsible for basic configuration and programming per AbbVie’s change management procedures for the manufacturing process, utilities and facilities control systems. This position performs system troubleshooting during and outside business hours as necessary. Responsible for the maintenance of assigned site operations technologies (OT) systems per applicable departmental procedures.
Responsibilities
- Develop basic control configuration or programming in accordance with the design documents to meet the functional requirements.
- Provide first line technical support to Project Engineers, Maintenance, Production and Technical Operation personnel in automation related problems as need arises. Provides training for OT Systems users in automation technologies and process control applications.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot Control System hardware, software, and networking issues, replace defective components as needed.
- Perform site OT systems (DCS, PLC’s, SCADA, and Data Historian) upgrades and data migrations activities.
- Develop and execute qualification protocols plus associated technical documentation like System’s Functional and/or Design Specifications following OT Systems lifecycle validation activities.
- Perform scheduled OT Systems administration and maintenance tasks such as operating systems (OS) and anti-virus updates, user accounts management, critical data back-up and others.
- Evaluate and provide input and recommendations regarding control system improvements. Establish monitoring and reporting project techniques to support equipment performance reliability.
- Provide production support during off-peak hours. This might require working overtime, overnight or on weekends.
- Conform to EHS management system requirements and compliance obligations, promote continuous improvement, and consider EHS aspects during the design and change process. Comply with all EHS procedures and policies including incident reporting, use of PPE, waste management and disposal, and any other program applicable according to the position duties.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering or related discipline with a minimum of (two) 2 years of relevant experience. Master’s degree in computer science, engineering or related discipline, no experience is required.
- Hands-on experience configuring Distributed Control Systems (DCS) such as Emerson, DeltaV, Foxboro I/A. Hands-on experience programming in ladder logic and instructional texts. HMI graphics development is a plus.
- Working experience with HMI graphics development. Knowledge of Data Historian systems such as OSIsoft PI is a plus. Experience with commissioning and qualification activities, desirable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
See all 975+ 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.