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 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 883+ OPT Automation Engineer Jobs
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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.