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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Operations is at the heart of Amazon’s business. We are known for our speed, accuracy, and exceptional service. Our buildings deliver tens of thousands of products to hundreds of countries worldwide, every day. The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. We drive continuous improvement, and maintain all of the robotics and material handling equipment (MHE) to ensure our customers are met with the Amazon smile. Come join us on our journey!
About the Role:
As an Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and technical support. Your expertise will be essential in troubleshooting complex control systems, analyzing performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize material handling equipment (MHE) systems and implement innovative projects. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology, including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs. Through your efforts, you'll directly contribute to ensuring our customers receive their orders with Amazon's signature speed and accuracy.
What Do We Offer?
Amazon offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive healthcare benefits starting on Day 1, matching 401(k) program, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave. But wait, there’s more: We provide lightweight fire-resistant daily wear and composite toe safety shoes for your safety!
Key job responsibilities
Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- You will serve as the site expert for maintaining the automation systems that are critical for operations
- You will understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
- You will monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance/operations to address system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations
- You will provide first-level escalation support for site technicians, both locally and remotely
- You will perform and analyze building System Assessments to enhance material handling system performance
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of PLC programming or automation engineering experience
- Work flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of process or production environment related PLC-controlled automation and issue diagnosis experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of robotics work cells and control systems experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of Ladder Logic and structured programming from Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Codesys PLCs experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with HMI and control network components, including maintenance, troubleshooting, programming and design
- Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying Motor Controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, DC drives, and standard electrical components
- Experience with preventive maintenance procedures, industrial electrical, industrial controls, and industrial electronics & robotics
- Experience interpreting and modifying mechanical and electrical drawings
- Experience programming with RSLogix5000, Studio 5000, FT View, and other controls software platforms
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, FL, FORT MYERS
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $112,500.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Operations is at the heart of Amazon’s business. We are known for our speed, accuracy, and exceptional service. Our buildings deliver tens of thousands of products to hundreds of countries worldwide, every day. The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. We drive continuous improvement, and maintain all of the robotics and material handling equipment (MHE) to ensure our customers are met with the Amazon smile. Come join us on our journey!
About the Role:
As an Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and technical support. Your expertise will be essential in troubleshooting complex control systems, analyzing performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize material handling equipment (MHE) systems and implement innovative projects. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology, including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs. Through your efforts, you'll directly contribute to ensuring our customers receive their orders with Amazon's signature speed and accuracy.
What Do We Offer?
Amazon offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive healthcare benefits starting on Day 1, matching 401(k) program, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave. But wait, there’s more: We provide lightweight fire-resistant daily wear and composite toe safety shoes for your safety!
Key job responsibilities
Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- You will serve as the site expert for maintaining the automation systems that are critical for operations
- You will understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
- You will monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance/operations to address system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations
- You will provide first-level escalation support for site technicians, both locally and remotely
- You will perform and analyze building System Assessments to enhance material handling system performance
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of PLC programming or automation engineering experience
- Work flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of process or production environment related PLC-controlled automation and issue diagnosis experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of robotics work cells and control systems experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of Ladder Logic and structured programming from Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Codesys PLCs experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with HMI and control network components, including maintenance, troubleshooting, programming and design
- Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying Motor Controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, DC drives, and standard electrical components
- Experience with preventive maintenance procedures, industrial electrical, industrial controls, and industrial electronics & robotics
- Experience interpreting and modifying mechanical and electrical drawings
- Experience programming with RSLogix5000, Studio 5000, FT View, and other controls software platforms
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, FL, FORT MYERS
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $112,500.00 USD annually
See all 801+ 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.