OPT Automation Technician Jobs
Automation Technician roles are strong OPT fits because the work falls squarely within engineering and industrial technology, fields that support both 12-month standard OPT and 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers in manufacturing, automotive, and energy routinely hire OPT students for hands-on automation and controls work.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
Our purpose is to make a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make.
At Silfab Solar, the energy of our people is the power behind our success. Our employees actively shape the solar innovations of tomorrow, while adhering to the highest ethical operating standards and promoting a respectful and safe workplace for our diverse workforce.
Silfab Solar is the North American leader in the design, development, and manufacture of high-efficiency, premium quality solar cells and solar modules. Silfab leverages more than 40 years of solar experience and best-in-class technologies operating state-of-the-art facilities in Burlington, Washington, Fort Mill, South Carolina, and corporate headquarters in Toronto, Canada. Each operating facility features multiple automated production lines, certified to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standard, and just-in-time manufacturing to deliver Buy American approved PV modules specifically designed for and dedicated to the North American market.
We are committed to investing in our employees, providing a dynamic and supportive environment for learning and professional growth. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but more importantly, we offer you the ability to make a real difference in the world.
Job Description
Summary of Position
The Process Automation Technician is responsible for monitoring, documenting, controlling process recipes and parameters, Out of Control Action Plans (OCAPs) within all processes and adjusting when required; regular review of the production schedule; preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, updating the inventory of spare parts and wearable parts on hand, setting reorder points, maximizing machine up-time and work with and assist the Quality Team to ensure product quality.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Daily audit of all equipment capturing process recipes, and process control parameters.
- Support production and ensure that equipment process integrity is in place.
- Work with the Quality Team to collect and evaluate operating and quality data to conduct equipment/recipe adjustment to ensure process optimization.
- Perform periodic checking of machine process parameters and recipes.
- Get to know the manufacturing process in detail (its process characterization) to be able to identify when the process is deviating from the norm via Statistical Process Control (SPC) and take action via OCAPs to correct it or to escalate it to senior Eng. / Maintenance staff if unable to correct the problem.
- Perform inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of the equipment in accordance with operational instructions.
- Document routine manufacturing processes in approved Standard Work Instructions (SWIs).
- Lead and work with Production, Quality and Maintenance to identify areas for improvement and optimize machine availability, cycle time, utilization, and cost via Value Stream Mapping (VSM).
- Initiate and lead PK, A3 and Apollo process to identify and implement containments, determine root cause analysis and prevent re-occurrence of machine failure and quality defects.
- Quick and effective diagnosis and troubleshooting of routine or minor problems.
- Provide technical solutions either by improving the process, machine modifications, or incoming material evaluation.
- Use formulate test hypothesis and perform and document qualitative analysis of data by conducting proper DOE (Design of Experiment) and other statistical analysis testing tools to adjust processes and recipes to maintain production quality and output.
- Troubleshoot nonstandard events on the production line and establish preventative measures to limit recurrence of such events through the PK (Process Killer) and A3 processes.
- Follow established standard process for training other employees as well as updating training manuals when necessary.
- Exercise informed and analytical judgment and initiative by leading Apollo process to resolving complex nonstandard problems.
- Develop and communicate recommendations to prevent machine down time and maintain quality levels.
- Participate in programs to improve productivity and output quality of the module.
- Ensure the equipment is operating in a safe manner and all safety devices are active.
- Support the team on improving the safety of the machine, where necessary.
Qualifications
Skills
- Excellent inter-personal and communication skills both written and verbal.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional team members.
- High mechanical, electrical and electromagnetic aptitude.
Traits
- Mechanical aptitude/interest
- Team oriented.
- Commitment to continuous learning
- High degree of attention to detail, precision and follow through.
- Be able to conceive and manage small projects.
Education and/or Experience
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or technical program (e.g., Microelectronics, Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Electronic Engineering Technology) or be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in a STEM or technical program.
- Training in a technical field (e.g., Electronics, Mechanical), and a minimum of 6 months of hands-on experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2 years of work experience in fully/semi-automated manufacturing plant
- Knowledge in PLC, HMI, electro-pneumatic, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical wiring, vision system, VFDs and chemical processes.
Additional Information
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive wages $30- $40 DOE
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
- Health Savings Account option
- Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Employee PV Panel Purchase Program
Company Description
Our purpose is to make a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make.
At Silfab Solar, the energy of our people is the power behind our success. Our employees actively shape the solar innovations of tomorrow, while adhering to the highest ethical operating standards and promoting a respectful and safe workplace for our diverse workforce.
Silfab Solar is the North American leader in the design, development, and manufacture of high-efficiency, premium quality solar cells and solar modules. Silfab leverages more than 40 years of solar experience and best-in-class technologies operating state-of-the-art facilities in Burlington, Washington, Fort Mill, South Carolina, and corporate headquarters in Toronto, Canada. Each operating facility features multiple automated production lines, certified to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standard, and just-in-time manufacturing to deliver Buy American approved PV modules specifically designed for and dedicated to the North American market.
We are committed to investing in our employees, providing a dynamic and supportive environment for learning and professional growth. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but more importantly, we offer you the ability to make a real difference in the world.
Job Description
Summary of Position
The Process Automation Technician is responsible for monitoring, documenting, controlling process recipes and parameters, Out of Control Action Plans (OCAPs) within all processes and adjusting when required; regular review of the production schedule; preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, updating the inventory of spare parts and wearable parts on hand, setting reorder points, maximizing machine up-time and work with and assist the Quality Team to ensure product quality.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Daily audit of all equipment capturing process recipes, and process control parameters.
- Support production and ensure that equipment process integrity is in place.
- Work with the Quality Team to collect and evaluate operating and quality data to conduct equipment/recipe adjustment to ensure process optimization.
- Perform periodic checking of machine process parameters and recipes.
- Get to know the manufacturing process in detail (its process characterization) to be able to identify when the process is deviating from the norm via Statistical Process Control (SPC) and take action via OCAPs to correct it or to escalate it to senior Eng. / Maintenance staff if unable to correct the problem.
- Perform inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of the equipment in accordance with operational instructions.
- Document routine manufacturing processes in approved Standard Work Instructions (SWIs).
- Lead and work with Production, Quality and Maintenance to identify areas for improvement and optimize machine availability, cycle time, utilization, and cost via Value Stream Mapping (VSM).
- Initiate and lead PK, A3 and Apollo process to identify and implement containments, determine root cause analysis and prevent re-occurrence of machine failure and quality defects.
- Quick and effective diagnosis and troubleshooting of routine or minor problems.
- Provide technical solutions either by improving the process, machine modifications, or incoming material evaluation.
- Use formulate test hypothesis and perform and document qualitative analysis of data by conducting proper DOE (Design of Experiment) and other statistical analysis testing tools to adjust processes and recipes to maintain production quality and output.
- Troubleshoot nonstandard events on the production line and establish preventative measures to limit recurrence of such events through the PK (Process Killer) and A3 processes.
- Follow established standard process for training other employees as well as updating training manuals when necessary.
- Exercise informed and analytical judgment and initiative by leading Apollo process to resolving complex nonstandard problems.
- Develop and communicate recommendations to prevent machine down time and maintain quality levels.
- Participate in programs to improve productivity and output quality of the module.
- Ensure the equipment is operating in a safe manner and all safety devices are active.
- Support the team on improving the safety of the machine, where necessary.
Qualifications
Skills
- Excellent inter-personal and communication skills both written and verbal.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional team members.
- High mechanical, electrical and electromagnetic aptitude.
Traits
- Mechanical aptitude/interest
- Team oriented.
- Commitment to continuous learning
- High degree of attention to detail, precision and follow through.
- Be able to conceive and manage small projects.
Education and/or Experience
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or technical program (e.g., Microelectronics, Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Electronic Engineering Technology) or be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in a STEM or technical program.
- Training in a technical field (e.g., Electronics, Mechanical), and a minimum of 6 months of hands-on experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2 years of work experience in fully/semi-automated manufacturing plant
- Knowledge in PLC, HMI, electro-pneumatic, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical wiring, vision system, VFDs and chemical processes.
Additional Information
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive wages $30- $40 DOE
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
- Health Savings Account option
- Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Employee PV Panel Purchase Program
See all 202+ OPT Automation Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Automation Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Automation Technician
Lead with your controls experience
Hiring managers for automation roles care most about hands-on skills. List specific platforms you've worked with, such as PLCs, SCADA systems, or HMIs, before mentioning your degree. Concrete technical experience reduces perceived risk for employers considering OPT candidates.
Target STEM-designated employers early
Manufacturing, semiconductor, and energy companies frequently hold STEM OPT extension experience. Prioritizing employers with a track record of sponsoring STEM OPT gives you more runway and signals they already understand the authorization process for engineering roles.
Address OPT timing in your cover letter
Briefly state your OPT start date and expiration upfront. Automation hiring timelines can run six to ten weeks, so showing you've thought through the overlap between their process and your work authorization window removes a common employer hesitation.
Highlight industry certifications
Credentials like Rockwell Automation certifications or an OSHA 10 card signal job-readiness to plant managers who may be unfamiliar with OPT. Certifications shift the conversation from your visa status toward your qualifications, which is exactly where you want it.
Apply to mid-size manufacturers, not just large firms
Mid-size manufacturers in automotive, food processing, and aerospace often struggle to find qualified automation technicians and are more flexible on sponsorship than their hiring pages suggest. Smaller hiring teams make decisions faster and value technical fit over administrative convenience.
Prepare to explain E-Verify enrollment clearly
Most OPT employers must participate in E-Verify, and automation employers with federal contracts are already enrolled. Confirming you understand that requirement and can provide DSO-issued documentation quickly makes you a lower-friction hire for plant HR teams.
Automation Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Automation Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree field, not just the job title. If your degree is in electrical engineering, mechatronics, industrial engineering, or a related STEM field, and the role involves applying that technical knowledge directly, it will generally qualify. Your DSO must confirm the degree is on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List before approving the extension.
How do I find Automation Technician jobs that sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers open to work authorization. Searching there saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company won't hire OPT candidates. Automation roles in manufacturing, utilities, and defense contracting appear regularly on the platform.
Can I work as an Automation Technician at a staffing or contract firm on OPT?
Yes, but the staffing agency must be your employer of record and enrolled in E-Verify. Contract placements are common in automation and controls, but your OPT authorization is tied to the agency, not the client site. Confirm that the agency understands OPT requirements and will sign your employer verification documentation before accepting a placement.
What counts as a qualifying job for OPT in an Automation Technician role?
USCIS requires that your position be directly related to your degree field and that you work at least 20 hours per week. For automation technicians, roles involving PLC programming, system integration, troubleshooting, or process control equipment typically satisfy this standard when paired with a relevant engineering or technology degree. Document the connection clearly in case of an audit.
How much time do I have to find an Automation Technician job after graduation?
You have a 60-day unemployment buffer within your OPT authorization period. If your OPT start date is tied to your graduation, the clock starts then. Automation hiring processes often take six to ten weeks, so applying before you finish your final semester gives you the best chance of starting work before or shortly after your authorization begins.