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 Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs784+
Work Type88% On-site
Top LocationAtlanta, GA
Most JobsAmazon.com

Showing 5 of 784+ Automation Project Manager jobs

Electrical & Automation Technician
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New 2h ago
Electrical & Automation Technician
Michelin
Ela, North Carolina
Electrical Engineering
Maintenance & Repair
Manufacturing Operations
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Coordinator MRO & PM
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New 11h ago
Coordinator MRO & PM
Voyant Beauty
Ridgefield, New Jersey
Project & Program Management
Procurement & Supply Chain
Supply Chain
Logistics & Fleet Management
$25 - $31/hr
On-Site
Associate's
1,001-5,000

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SAP PM Plant Maintenance Consultant
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New 21h ago
SAP PM Plant Maintenance Consultant
Ensisinfo Inc
Carmichael, California
Project & Program Management
Business Analysis
Consulting & Professional Services
Project Management
$55 - $70/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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QA Automation Engineer
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Added 1d ago
QA Automation Engineer
DRB Systems
Akron, Ohio
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
On-Site
Bachelor's
501-1,000

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Data Analytics & Automation Specialist
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Added 1d ago
Data Analytics & Automation Specialist
Loenbro
Centennial, Colorado
Data Science & Analytics
Sales
Partnerships & Business Development
Project & Program Management
Data Science
Data Analytics
Business Development
Project Management
$85k - $100k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
201-500

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Tips 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.