OPT Automation Project Manager Jobs
Automation Project Managers on OPT oversee the planning and delivery of automation initiatives, working closely with engineering, operations, and business teams. Your STEM OPT designation typically applies if your degree is in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization.
Find OPT Automation Project Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 826+ Automation Project Manager jobs










See all 826+ Automation Project Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Automation Project Manager roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
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 826+ OPT Automation Project Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Automation Project Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Automation Project Manager
Lead with your technical fluency
Hiring managers for automation roles want PMs who understand the systems they're managing. Highlight hands-on experience with automation tools, PLCs, robotics, or RPA platforms alongside your project management credentials to stand out from generalist candidates.
Confirm your STEM OPT eligibility early
Automation PM roles often fall under STEM-designated CIP codes in engineering or computer science. Verify your degree qualifies before applying so you can confidently communicate your 36-month authorization window to employers who ask about OPT timelines.
Target employers with active automation programs
Companies investing heavily in manufacturing automation, warehouse robotics, or enterprise RPA are far more likely to sponsor visas. Search Migrate Mate to find automation PM roles at employers with a demonstrated history of hiring and sponsoring OPT candidates.
Frame your OPT timeline around project cycles
Automation projects often run 12 to 24 months. Position your OPT duration as an asset by showing employers you can carry a meaningful initiative from scoping through delivery before any sponsorship transition is needed.
Get PMP or PMI-ACP certified before you apply
Formal project management certification signals credibility to hiring managers who might hesitate on OPT candidates. PMP certification in particular is widely recognized in industrial and enterprise automation environments and can offset sponsorship concerns directly.
Prepare a clear sponsorship conversation script
Many employers misunderstand OPT costs and timelines. Come ready to explain that OPT requires no employer filing, that STEM extension adds 24 months, and that H-1B visa sponsorship typically begins well after you've proven your value on the team.
Automation Project Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Automation Project Manager roles qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most Automation Project Manager positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as industrial engineering, computer science, systems engineering, or a related discipline. The job itself must also require the application of that technical knowledge. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I find Automation Project Manager jobs that sponsor OPT or H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers willing to sponsor F-1 OPT and H-1B candidates, so you're not wasting time on roles that won't work for your status. Automation PM roles with visa sponsorship tend to cluster at manufacturing firms, defense contractors, and enterprise software companies with large-scale automation deployments.
Will employers be concerned about hiring an Automation PM on OPT?
Some will, particularly smaller firms unfamiliar with OPT mechanics. The most effective approach is to proactively clarify that OPT work authorization requires no employer filing or cost, that STEM extension adds two years, and that you're eligible for H-1B sponsorship before your authorization expires. Framing your timeline around the project lifecycle helps too.
What degree fields support an Automation Project Manager OPT application?
Industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and systems engineering are the most common qualifying degrees for automation PM roles. Some business or operations management degrees without a strong technical component may not qualify for STEM OPT, so verifying your CIP code with your DSO before applying is important.
Can I work as a contractor or consultant in an Automation Project Manager role on OPT?
OPT requires a bona fide employer-employee relationship, which means staffing agency placements and independent contracting arrangements can create compliance risks. If a role is structured as a W-2 position through a staffing firm with a clear end client, it may be permissible, but you should review the arrangement with your DSO before accepting to confirm it meets USCIS requirements.