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.
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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 919+ OPT Automation Project Manager Jobs
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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.