OPT Automation Engineer Jobs
Automation Engineer roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students, with most positions qualifying under STEM OPT extension eligibility. Employers in manufacturing, tech, and automotive actively hire for this title, and the 24-month STEM extension gives you meaningful runway to prove your value before H-1B visa sponsorship conversations begin.
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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 770+ OPT Automation Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Automation Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Automation Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers first
Automation Engineer roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Focus on companies registered with E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT. This filters out employers who can't legally support your extension before you invest time applying.
Lead with your PLC and robotics experience
Employers scanning OPT candidates want proof you can contribute immediately. Highlight hands-on experience with tools like Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley, or FANUC robotics upfront. Concrete technical credentials reduce perceived risk for employers unfamiliar with OPT work authorization.
Address OPT proactively in your cover letter
Briefly explain your current OPT status, your STEM extension eligibility, and your authorization end date. Many hiring managers don't understand OPT timelines. A clear, confident one-paragraph explanation removes ambiguity and prevents your application from being filtered out prematurely.
Prioritize mid-size manufacturers and system integrators
Large enterprises often have rigid immigration policies, but mid-size manufacturers and automation system integrators hire OPT students regularly. These companies need technical talent and are often more flexible about sponsoring H-1B visa petitions after your OPT period builds their confidence in you.
File your STEM OPT extension at least 90 days early
USCIS recommends filing your STEM OPT extension at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. If filed on time, you get a 180-day automatic extension while it's pending. Missing this window creates an employment gap that complicates your standing with your current employer.
Get your I-983 training plan signed before you start
Your employer must complete and sign Form I-983 before your STEM OPT begins. The training plan must describe how your Automation Engineer role relates to your STEM degree. Start this conversation with HR during onboarding, not after your extension is already filed.
Automation Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Automation Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Automation Engineer positions typically fall under CIP codes related to electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science, all of which are STEM-designated fields. Your degree must be from a U.S. school and listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by ICE. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
How much time do I have to find an Automation Engineer job on OPT?
After your OPT start date, you have a 90-day unemployment limit during your initial OPT period. If you secure a STEM OPT extension, a separate 150-day unemployment limit applies. Automation Engineer roles in manufacturing and tech tend to have strong demand, but don't wait. Browse OPT-friendly postings on Migrate Mate to start applications early in your job search.
Does my Automation Engineer job have to be directly related to my degree?
Yes. For both initial OPT and the STEM OPT extension, your employment must be directly related to your major area of study. For Automation Engineer roles, this typically means a degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, industrial engineering, or computer science. If your degree is in an adjacent field, work with your DSO to document how the role connects to your program of study.
Can I work on a project basis or contract as an Automation Engineer on OPT?
Self-employment is technically permitted on OPT if you own a business that employs you, but pure freelance or independent contracting with no fixed employer is a gray area that many DSOs advise against. For STEM OPT specifically, you must have a formal employer relationship with an E-Verify company. Contract-to-hire or W-2 contract roles through a staffing agency that is E-Verify registered are generally acceptable.
Which industries hire the most Automation Engineers willing to sponsor OPT students?
Manufacturing, automotive, semiconductor fabrication, and industrial robotics companies are the heaviest hirers of Automation Engineers and have established track records of OPT and H-1B sponsorship. Aerospace and defense firms also hire for this role, though security clearance requirements can complicate OPT eligibility. Companies that sponsor H-1B petitions consistently tend to be comfortable with OPT as a pipeline, which is why filtering by sponsorship history matters when you search.