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 JobsINTRODUCTION
This Jobot Job is hosted by: Drew Fetter. Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Easy Apply" button and sending us your resume.
ROLE
Project Manager - Automation/Robotics - Hybrid
Salary: $120,000 - $140,000 per year
A bit about us:
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead custom automation and machine build projects from kickoff through delivery. This role is responsible for managing project scope, schedules, budgets, customer communication, and cross-functional engineering/manufacturing activities to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial automation, custom machinery, manufacturing engineering, or machine design/build environments, with the ability to oversee mechanical design, controls integration, fabrication, assembly, and system implementation activities.
Why join us?
- Competitive Base Salary
- Equity in the company
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Accelerated Career Growth
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and customer expectations
- Serve as the primary point of contact between customers and internal engineering/manufacturing teams
- Coordinate mechanical design, controls engineering, fabrication, assembly, and system startup activities
- Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and recovery plans as needed
- Monitor project costs, margins, labor utilization, and supplier/vendor performance
- Handle project changes, scope adjustments, and contract-related discussions
- Lead regular project review meetings and drive issue resolution
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field preferred
- Experience managing custom machine build, automation, manufacturing, or industrial engineering projects
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems, tooling, controls, pneumatics, and manufacturing processes
- Experience working directly with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams
- Familiarity with welding, packaging, assembly, or automated production equipment is a plus
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, MS Project, and CAD/SolidWorks
- Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
Travel:
Approximately 15% travel to customer and supplier facilities as needed
Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Easy Apply" button.
Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Information collected and processed as part of your Jobot candidate profile, and any job applications, resumes, or other information you choose to submit is subject to Jobot's Privacy Policy, as well as the Jobot California Worker Privacy Notice and Jobot Notice Regarding Automated Employment Decision Tools which are available at jobot.com/legal. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Jobot, and/or its agents and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy here: jobot.com/privacy-policy.
INTRODUCTION
This Jobot Job is hosted by: Drew Fetter. Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Easy Apply" button and sending us your resume.
ROLE
Project Manager - Automation/Robotics - Hybrid
Salary: $120,000 - $140,000 per year
A bit about us:
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead custom automation and machine build projects from kickoff through delivery. This role is responsible for managing project scope, schedules, budgets, customer communication, and cross-functional engineering/manufacturing activities to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial automation, custom machinery, manufacturing engineering, or machine design/build environments, with the ability to oversee mechanical design, controls integration, fabrication, assembly, and system implementation activities.
Why join us?
- Competitive Base Salary
- Equity in the company
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Accelerated Career Growth
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and customer expectations
- Serve as the primary point of contact between customers and internal engineering/manufacturing teams
- Coordinate mechanical design, controls engineering, fabrication, assembly, and system startup activities
- Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and recovery plans as needed
- Monitor project costs, margins, labor utilization, and supplier/vendor performance
- Handle project changes, scope adjustments, and contract-related discussions
- Lead regular project review meetings and drive issue resolution
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field preferred
- Experience managing custom machine build, automation, manufacturing, or industrial engineering projects
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems, tooling, controls, pneumatics, and manufacturing processes
- Experience working directly with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams
- Familiarity with welding, packaging, assembly, or automated production equipment is a plus
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, MS Project, and CAD/SolidWorks
- Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
Travel:
Approximately 15% travel to customer and supplier facilities as needed
Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Easy Apply" button.
Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Information collected and processed as part of your Jobot candidate profile, and any job applications, resumes, or other information you choose to submit is subject to Jobot's Privacy Policy, as well as the Jobot California Worker Privacy Notice and Jobot Notice Regarding Automated Employment Decision Tools which are available at jobot.com/legal. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Jobot, and/or its agents and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy here: jobot.com/privacy-policy.
See all 33+ 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.