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 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 Technician Jobs
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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.