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 JobsAutomation Engineer – PLC
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated Automation Engineer-PLC to join our growing team. In this role, you will design and program PLC-based control systems for building automation projects while contributing to the development of system sequences and supporting successful project delivery from design through commissioning.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a solid foundation in controls engineering who is ready to take ownership of standard system designs and grow into more advanced automation responsibilities.
What You’ll Do
- Develop controls drawings in alignment with company standards
- Perform product selection for standard automation applications
- Support and draft portions of Sequence of Operations (SoO) documentation
- Program PLC controllers for building automation systems
- Create and execute functional test plans for both bench testing and field validation
- Collaborate with SCADA teams to develop and manage I/O lists
- Maintain organized documentation, including revision logs and program backups
- Support network architecture documentation
- Conduct bench testing by simulating real-world operating conditions
- Ensure all deliverables meet internal quality standards and project requirements
- Travel to project sites for system commissioning and first-of-kind functional testing
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Automation) or related field, or equivalent experience
- 2–5 years of experience in controls engineering, automation design, or PLC programming
Technical Skills
- Strong experience with PLC programming and controls system design
- Ability to independently produce controls drawings and perform product selection
- Familiarity with developing Sequence of Operations (with guidance)
- Basic understanding of network architecture for automation systems
Soft Skills
- Clear and effective communication within project teams
- Strong collaboration across engineering and field teams
- Problem-solving mindset with structured troubleshooting skills
- Ownership mentality with a drive to deliver high-quality work
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to grow your technical and professional skills
- Hands-on involvement in real-world automation projects
- Collaborative team environment with strong technical support
- Exposure to cutting-edge building automation systems
This job description is intended to provide information regarding the essential functions and basic duties of this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and duties that could be assigned. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by management as it deems appropriate. This document does not constitute a contract and is subject to change at the discretion of Hoffman Building Technologies, Inc.
No phone calls or drop-ins please.
EEO Employer/Vets/Disabled
Automation Engineer – PLC
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated Automation Engineer-PLC to join our growing team. In this role, you will design and program PLC-based control systems for building automation projects while contributing to the development of system sequences and supporting successful project delivery from design through commissioning.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a solid foundation in controls engineering who is ready to take ownership of standard system designs and grow into more advanced automation responsibilities.
What You’ll Do
- Develop controls drawings in alignment with company standards
- Perform product selection for standard automation applications
- Support and draft portions of Sequence of Operations (SoO) documentation
- Program PLC controllers for building automation systems
- Create and execute functional test plans for both bench testing and field validation
- Collaborate with SCADA teams to develop and manage I/O lists
- Maintain organized documentation, including revision logs and program backups
- Support network architecture documentation
- Conduct bench testing by simulating real-world operating conditions
- Ensure all deliverables meet internal quality standards and project requirements
- Travel to project sites for system commissioning and first-of-kind functional testing
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Automation) or related field, or equivalent experience
- 2–5 years of experience in controls engineering, automation design, or PLC programming
Technical Skills
- Strong experience with PLC programming and controls system design
- Ability to independently produce controls drawings and perform product selection
- Familiarity with developing Sequence of Operations (with guidance)
- Basic understanding of network architecture for automation systems
Soft Skills
- Clear and effective communication within project teams
- Strong collaboration across engineering and field teams
- Problem-solving mindset with structured troubleshooting skills
- Ownership mentality with a drive to deliver high-quality work
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to grow your technical and professional skills
- Hands-on involvement in real-world automation projects
- Collaborative team environment with strong technical support
- Exposure to cutting-edge building automation systems
This job description is intended to provide information regarding the essential functions and basic duties of this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and duties that could be assigned. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by management as it deems appropriate. This document does not constitute a contract and is subject to change at the discretion of Hoffman Building Technologies, Inc.
No phone calls or drop-ins please.
EEO Employer/Vets/Disabled
See all 888+ 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.