Automation Technician Jobs for OPT Students
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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About us
Daifuku is the nation’s leading independent, U.S.‐based provider of intelligent material handling systems. With hundreds of engineers in‐house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs the full spectrum of intralogistics solutions. We provide leading‐edge conveyor and sortation systems, voice and light‐directed order fulfillment equipment, controls and software, robotics, mezzanines, and structures.
If you want to join a team of industry leading experts and who want to create an impact on the future of material handling solutions, we want to hear from you.
Position Summary
As an Automation Technician II, you'll take on a leadership role in troubleshooting, maintenance, and continuous improvement of material handling systems. With advanced experience and expertise, you'll lead complex projects, develop training programs, and drive standardization initiatives.
Responsibilities:
- Uses advanced troubleshooting skills to diagnose and repair mechanical problems.
- Diagnoses mechanical and electrical problems using technical drawings.
- Performs on-site set-up, programming, and training.
- Create and review Standers Operating Procedure SOP documents.
- Follows all preventive maintenance programs.
- Lead complex troubleshooting efforts and root cause analysis.
- Develop and implement advanced predictive maintenance strategies.
- Lead training programs for Automation Technicians I and II.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on technology integration.
- Conduct audits and inspections for compliance and quality assurance.
- Analyze performance data and identify process optimization opportunities.
- Drive initiatives to standardize maintenance procedures and documentation.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to the team.
- Comply with all requirements of Daifuku's policies and procedures.
- Ensure sustainable process outputs that drive continuous improvement and exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Must possess a passport along with the ability to travel to Canada and Mexico.
Qualifications
- 3-4 years working in material handling industry or equivalent industry experience
- Advanced experience with CMMS platform, PLC’s, and Software knowledge
- 4-5 years industry experience with advanced expertise.
- Minimum 3 years' experience with material handling technology.
- Working knowledge of handheld and power tools
- Advanced knowledge of PLCs and motor control
- Advanced ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical, electrical, and controls defects
- Advanced ability to interpret both mechanical and electric drawings and schematics
- Ability to maintain and troubleshoot all material handling equipment and components
- Self-motivated, organized and detail-oriented
- Knowledge of safe industrial work practices
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Customer service orientation
- Ability to Lead, teach, and contribute to a team setting
- Advanced computer skills including MS Office
- Follow maintenance manuals and procedures to repair equipment
Overview:
About us
Daifuku is the nation’s leading independent, U.S.‐based provider of intelligent material handling systems. With hundreds of engineers in‐house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs the full spectrum of intralogistics solutions. We provide leading‐edge conveyor and sortation systems, voice and light‐directed order fulfillment equipment, controls and software, robotics, mezzanines, and structures.
If you want to join a team of industry leading experts and who want to create an impact on the future of material handling solutions, we want to hear from you.
Position Summary
As an Automation Technician II, you'll take on a leadership role in troubleshooting, maintenance, and continuous improvement of material handling systems. With advanced experience and expertise, you'll lead complex projects, develop training programs, and drive standardization initiatives.
Responsibilities:
- Uses advanced troubleshooting skills to diagnose and repair mechanical problems.
- Diagnoses mechanical and electrical problems using technical drawings.
- Performs on-site set-up, programming, and training.
- Create and review Standers Operating Procedure SOP documents.
- Follows all preventive maintenance programs.
- Lead complex troubleshooting efforts and root cause analysis.
- Develop and implement advanced predictive maintenance strategies.
- Lead training programs for Automation Technicians I and II.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on technology integration.
- Conduct audits and inspections for compliance and quality assurance.
- Analyze performance data and identify process optimization opportunities.
- Drive initiatives to standardize maintenance procedures and documentation.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to the team.
- Comply with all requirements of Daifuku's policies and procedures.
- Ensure sustainable process outputs that drive continuous improvement and exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Must possess a passport along with the ability to travel to Canada and Mexico.
Qualifications
- 3-4 years working in material handling industry or equivalent industry experience
- Advanced experience with CMMS platform, PLC’s, and Software knowledge
- 4-5 years industry experience with advanced expertise.
- Minimum 3 years' experience with material handling technology.
- Working knowledge of handheld and power tools
- Advanced knowledge of PLCs and motor control
- Advanced ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical, electrical, and controls defects
- Advanced ability to interpret both mechanical and electric drawings and schematics
- Ability to maintain and troubleshoot all material handling equipment and components
- Self-motivated, organized and detail-oriented
- Knowledge of safe industrial work practices
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Customer service orientation
- Ability to Lead, teach, and contribute to a team setting
- Advanced computer skills including MS Office
- Follow maintenance manuals and procedures to repair equipment
How to Get Visa 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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