OPT Automation Specialist Jobs
Automation Specialist roles are strong OPT candidates because employers in manufacturing, software, and logistics routinely sponsor H-1B visas for this work. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies, gives you real runway to prove your value and secure long-term sponsorship.
See All OPT Automation Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 44+ Automation Specialist jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 44+ Automation Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Automation Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsWe are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.
This position is based in our Nashville office.
General Description:
We are seeking a Legal AI Automation Specialist and Closing Coordinator to join our team. The Legal AI Automation Specialist and Closing Coordinator will provide primary support for AI automation initiatives, driving efficiency using legal technology and AI-enabled tools, as well as providing support for complex commercial real estate transactions throughout the United States. The person in this role will work directly with the lead closing coordinator and attorneys to develop customized AI-enabled workflows to streamline CRE workstreams, such as loan document drafting and other legal document review (organizational documents, title, and survey review). They will also assist with real estate loan closings and other real estate related matters.
Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:
- Collaborate with attorneys and paralegals to understand transactional frictions and develop customized AI-based solutions to improve closing processes.
- Lead process automation initiatives from intake through deployment.
- Scope, build, and refine legal workflow automations based on ongoing feedback from the transactional team.
- Leverage AI-enabled legal tools to streamline document review, data extraction, and closing workflows, consistent with firm-approved platforms.
- Identify opportunities to automate repetitive closing tasks (e.g., checklists, signature tracking, document indexing, post-closing reporting).
- Assist with standardizing templates, checklists, and intake processes using AI and workflow tools.
- Attend meetings and closings.
- Print documents, monitor email traffic, review diligence materials, compile electronic closing books.
- Communicate with attorneys, paralegals, clients, and third parties via email, phone, and on video meetings.
- Assist with transaction closing processes using Microsoft Office suite, as needed.
- Expected to maintain a regular and predictable work schedule and full attention to and engagement in work activities on behalf of the firm during business hours unless otherwise approved or required by applicable law.
- Special projects and duties as assigned.
Required Skills:
- Analytical and critical thinking skills are sufficient to understand legal problems and develop sound business judgment.
- Organizational skills to work independently and meet deadlines in an atmosphere of frequent interruptions.
- Organizational skills to maintain daily accounting of time records and input timesheets into the system directly.
- Communication skills to interact with all levels of internal staff, attorneys, management, and external clients of the firm.
- Attention to detail to produce client-ready work product.
- Time management skills to manage multiple tasks efficiently and accurately.
- Knowledge or ability to learn Microsoft Office Suite, or Microsoft 365.
Required Qualifications & Education:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 1 – 4 years of demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and/or improving workflows using AI or other software tools.
Preferred Qualifications & Education:
- Experience in commercial real estate/commercial real estate finance is a plus.
- Paralegal certification is a plus.
- Software programming coursework a plus.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- Moderate or advanced keyboard usage.
Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.
Below are the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.
Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.
Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact ApplicantAccommodations@hklaw.com.
Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.
We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.
This position is based in our Nashville office.
General Description:
We are seeking a Legal AI Automation Specialist and Closing Coordinator to join our team. The Legal AI Automation Specialist and Closing Coordinator will provide primary support for AI automation initiatives, driving efficiency using legal technology and AI-enabled tools, as well as providing support for complex commercial real estate transactions throughout the United States. The person in this role will work directly with the lead closing coordinator and attorneys to develop customized AI-enabled workflows to streamline CRE workstreams, such as loan document drafting and other legal document review (organizational documents, title, and survey review). They will also assist with real estate loan closings and other real estate related matters.
Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:
- Collaborate with attorneys and paralegals to understand transactional frictions and develop customized AI-based solutions to improve closing processes.
- Lead process automation initiatives from intake through deployment.
- Scope, build, and refine legal workflow automations based on ongoing feedback from the transactional team.
- Leverage AI-enabled legal tools to streamline document review, data extraction, and closing workflows, consistent with firm-approved platforms.
- Identify opportunities to automate repetitive closing tasks (e.g., checklists, signature tracking, document indexing, post-closing reporting).
- Assist with standardizing templates, checklists, and intake processes using AI and workflow tools.
- Attend meetings and closings.
- Print documents, monitor email traffic, review diligence materials, compile electronic closing books.
- Communicate with attorneys, paralegals, clients, and third parties via email, phone, and on video meetings.
- Assist with transaction closing processes using Microsoft Office suite, as needed.
- Expected to maintain a regular and predictable work schedule and full attention to and engagement in work activities on behalf of the firm during business hours unless otherwise approved or required by applicable law.
- Special projects and duties as assigned.
Required Skills:
- Analytical and critical thinking skills are sufficient to understand legal problems and develop sound business judgment.
- Organizational skills to work independently and meet deadlines in an atmosphere of frequent interruptions.
- Organizational skills to maintain daily accounting of time records and input timesheets into the system directly.
- Communication skills to interact with all levels of internal staff, attorneys, management, and external clients of the firm.
- Attention to detail to produce client-ready work product.
- Time management skills to manage multiple tasks efficiently and accurately.
- Knowledge or ability to learn Microsoft Office Suite, or Microsoft 365.
Required Qualifications & Education:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 1 – 4 years of demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and/or improving workflows using AI or other software tools.
Preferred Qualifications & Education:
- Experience in commercial real estate/commercial real estate finance is a plus.
- Paralegal certification is a plus.
- Software programming coursework a plus.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- Moderate or advanced keyboard usage.
Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.
Below are the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.
Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.
Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact ApplicantAccommodations@hklaw.com.
Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.
See all 44+ OPT Automation Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Automation Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Automation Specialist
Target STEM OPT-eligible degree fields
Automation Specialist roles typically require degrees in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or systems engineering, all of which qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Prioritize employers with H-1B filing history
Look for companies that have sponsored H-1B visas for automation or controls engineers before. Past sponsorship behavior is the strongest signal that a company understands the process and will do it again for the right candidate.
Highlight PLC and SCADA certifications
Employers treat certifications in Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Ignition SCADA as hard qualifications, not nice-to-haves. Candidates with these credentials are harder to replace, which strengthens the business case for sponsoring your visa down the line.
Apply to mid-sized manufacturers and integrators
Large OEMs get flooded with applicants. Mid-sized manufacturers and systems integrators often have genuine automation talent gaps and are more willing to work through OPT paperwork for a qualified candidate with the right technical stack.
Address your OPT timeline early but confidently
Bring up your work authorization status before the offer stage, not after. Frame it as: you are authorized to work now, STEM extension gives you three years total, and H-1B sponsorship is a straightforward next step for employers familiar with the process.
Quantify your automation impact in your resume
Hiring managers in this field want specifics. Stating that you reduced cycle time by a measurable amount or automated a previously manual process signals engineering maturity and makes your application stand out from candidates with generic project descriptions.
Automation Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Automation Specialist jobs typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Automation Specialist roles generally require degrees in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or related STEM fields, all of which are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO confirms eligibility based on your specific CIP code, so verify with them before banking on the extension during your job search.
How much of my OPT period will a typical Automation Specialist hiring process use up?
Most hiring processes for automation roles, including technical assessments and background checks, take four to eight weeks from first interview to offer. Factor in your OPT start date and any remaining time on your EAD when timing applications. Starting your search at least three months before your program end date gives you the most flexibility and avoids unnecessary urgency.
Where can I find Automation Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers who are open to sponsoring international candidates. Browsing Automation Specialist listings on Migrate Mate surfaces roles where sponsorship is a real possibility, saving you from spending weeks applying to companies that will not move forward once your work authorization comes up in interviews.
Can I work as a contractor or on a 1099 basis while on OPT as an Automation Specialist?
No. OPT requires that your work be directly related to your degree and that you are employed, not self-employed or working as an independent contractor without a formal employer relationship. Contract roles through a staffing agency that classifies you as a W-2 employee are generally fine, but 1099 arrangements are not permitted under OPT regulations. Confirm any non-traditional arrangement with your DSO before accepting.
Is an Automation Specialist role likely to lead to H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Automation and controls engineering roles consistently appear among H-1B approved specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field. Employers in manufacturing, automotive, and industrial technology sectors file H-1B petitions for these roles regularly. The strongest indicator is whether a company has sponsored automation engineers before, which DOL public disclosure data can help you verify.