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.
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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 883+ OPT Automation Specialist Jobs
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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.