OPT Control Systems Engineer Jobs
Control Systems Engineer jobs on OPT are well-suited for F-1 students with degrees in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields. Many roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in manufacturing, aerospace, and automation regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
The Northern California Control Systems and Cybersecurity team supports a diverse portfolio of projects across industrial automation, operational technology (OT), SCADA, instrumentation and controls (I&C), industrial networking, building automation (BAS/BMS), and OT cybersecurity. This position will provide technical support and project delivery services for a variety of clients including hyperscale data centers, municipal water and wastewater utilities, renewable energy and battery energy storage facilities, agribusiness and food processing clients, advanced manufacturing facilities, and mission-critical infrastructure.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work across the full project lifecycle, including planning, assessment, design, implementation support, commissioning, and operational optimization of industrial control systems. While many candidates may have deeper experience in one specific area, we are particularly interested in engineers who are adaptable and interested in developing expertise across multiple control systems disciplines.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In the role of Control Systems Engineer, we'll count on you to:
- Development of SCADA, PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and industrial networking solutions for municipal, industrial, and commercial clients.
- Preparation of engineering studies, master plans, assessments, basis-of-design reports, and technical memoranda related to control systems, automation, networking, and operational technology.
- Design and development of construction documents including P&IDs, network architecture diagrams, control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, loop drawings, instrumentation schedules, control narratives, and technical specifications.
- Support of industrial control system implementations including PLC programming, HMI development, system integration, testing, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
- Participation in OT and industrial cybersecurity assessments, network architecture development, asset inventories, segmentation strategies, and implementation of security controls aligned with industry standards and best practices.
- Integration of control, networking, power, instrumentation, and process systems in coordination with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Participation in client workshops, field investigations, site assessments, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning activities, and operational readiness evaluations.
- Support of proposal development, technical presentations, client engagement activities, and business development initiatives.
Current and anticipated project opportunities include work for hyperscale data center clients, municipal water and wastewater utilities, industrial and agribusiness facilities, renewable energy and battery energy storage systems, and operational technology modernization programs throughout Northern California and the western United States. The candidate should be comfortable working across multiple market sectors and adapting to a broad range of client requirements and project delivery models.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with the following is highly desirable:
- SCADA systems and industrial automation platforms
- PLC and HMI development
- Industrial Ethernet and OT networking
- Building Management Systems (BMS) and facility automation
- Instrumentation and process controls
- Operational technology (OT) cybersecurity
- Commissioning and startup support
- Data center automation and critical facility infrastructure
- Water and wastewater treatment systems
- Agribusiness sector including production and packaging
- Renewable energy and battery energy storage facilities
The ideal candidate is a technically strong, client-focused engineer who enjoys solving complex multidisciplinary problems and is interested in supporting the growth of an expanding controls, automation, networking, and cybersecurity practice in Northern California.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
General
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience supporting industrial control systems, SCADA systems, automation, operational technology (OT), industrial networking, building automation, or related engineering disciplines.
- Previous experience working for an engineering consulting firm, systems integrator, technology provider, industrial automation firm, or industrial owner/operator.
- Experience supporting municipal water/wastewater, data centers, renewable energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS), agribusiness, industrial manufacturing, or critical infrastructure facilities.
- Project management, task management, or technical leadership experience.
- Experience participating in field investigations, startup, commissioning, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and operational readiness activities.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering and project teams throughout planning, design, implementation, testing, commissioning, and operational support phases.
- Experience preparing technical documents, reports, engineering calculations, specifications, and construction documentation.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work directly with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal project teams.
- Ability to travel periodically to client facilities throughout Northern California and the western United States.
- This position is subject to a preemployment drug test.
Controls Design, SCADA & Automation
Candidates may possess experience in one or more of the following:
- Design of SCADA, industrial control systems, instrumentation, and process automation systems.
- Development of P&IDs, network architecture diagrams, control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, loop drawings, instrumentation schedules, control narratives, and technical specifications.
- Instrumentation selection, specification, configuration, calibration, and commissioning.
- Development and review of construction documents for industrial and municipal facilities.
- Experience with water/wastewater treatment facilities, pumping systems, process controls, and industrial automation projects.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Revit, or similar engineering design platforms.
Systems Integration & Implementation
Candidates may possess experience in one or more of the following:
- PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS programming, configuration, and testing.
- Control panel design, panel fabrication support, and field implementation.
- Startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and operational support of industrial control systems.
- Experience with automation platforms such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Emerson, GE, AVEVA/Wonderware, Ignition, FactoryTalk, iFIX, VTScada, or similar technologies.
- Integration of third-party systems, instrumentation, databases, historians, and operational technology platforms.
Industrial Networking & OT Cybersecurity
Candidates may possess experience in one or more of the following:
- Industrial Ethernet and OT network architecture design.
- Managed switches, industrial firewalls, cellular communications, remote access platforms, radio systems, and network segmentation.
- Network assessments, asset inventories, vulnerability assessments, and modernization planning.
- Operational technology cybersecurity principles and implementation of security controls for industrial environments.
- Application of standards and frameworks such as ISA/IEC 62443, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST 800-82, DoD RMF, NERC CIP, or similar guidance.
- Experience working within critical infrastructure sectors such as water, wastewater, power generation, renewable energy, manufacturing, transportation, or data centers.
- Certifications such as GICSP, CISSP, CISM, Security+, CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent technical certifications.
BENEFITS
Employee Stock Ownership, Robust Health Plan (medical/dental/vision), 401K Match, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Parental Leave, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, etc...
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-California-Folsom
Other Locations: United States-California-Walnut Creek
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
COMPENSATION
The expected compensation range for this position is $90,965.00 - $141,250.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field.
- Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.
- A minimum of 5 years applicable experience.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions.
EEO STATEMENT
The University is an equal opportunity employer.
INTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
The Northern California Control Systems and Cybersecurity team supports a diverse portfolio of projects across industrial automation, operational technology (OT), SCADA, instrumentation and controls (I&C), industrial networking, building automation (BAS/BMS), and OT cybersecurity. This position will provide technical support and project delivery services for a variety of clients including hyperscale data centers, municipal water and wastewater utilities, renewable energy and battery energy storage facilities, agribusiness and food processing clients, advanced manufacturing facilities, and mission-critical infrastructure.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work across the full project lifecycle, including planning, assessment, design, implementation support, commissioning, and operational optimization of industrial control systems. While many candidates may have deeper experience in one specific area, we are particularly interested in engineers who are adaptable and interested in developing expertise across multiple control systems disciplines.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In the role of Control Systems Engineer, we'll count on you to:
- Development of SCADA, PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and industrial networking solutions for municipal, industrial, and commercial clients.
- Preparation of engineering studies, master plans, assessments, basis-of-design reports, and technical memoranda related to control systems, automation, networking, and operational technology.
- Design and development of construction documents including P&IDs, network architecture diagrams, control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, loop drawings, instrumentation schedules, control narratives, and technical specifications.
- Support of industrial control system implementations including PLC programming, HMI development, system integration, testing, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
- Participation in OT and industrial cybersecurity assessments, network architecture development, asset inventories, segmentation strategies, and implementation of security controls aligned with industry standards and best practices.
- Integration of control, networking, power, instrumentation, and process systems in coordination with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Participation in client workshops, field investigations, site assessments, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning activities, and operational readiness evaluations.
- Support of proposal development, technical presentations, client engagement activities, and business development initiatives.
Current and anticipated project opportunities include work for hyperscale data center clients, municipal water and wastewater utilities, industrial and agribusiness facilities, renewable energy and battery energy storage systems, and operational technology modernization programs throughout Northern California and the western United States. The candidate should be comfortable working across multiple market sectors and adapting to a broad range of client requirements and project delivery models.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with the following is highly desirable:
- SCADA systems and industrial automation platforms
- PLC and HMI development
- Industrial Ethernet and OT networking
- Building Management Systems (BMS) and facility automation
- Instrumentation and process controls
- Operational technology (OT) cybersecurity
- Commissioning and startup support
- Data center automation and critical facility infrastructure
- Water and wastewater treatment systems
- Agribusiness sector including production and packaging
- Renewable energy and battery energy storage facilities
The ideal candidate is a technically strong, client-focused engineer who enjoys solving complex multidisciplinary problems and is interested in supporting the growth of an expanding controls, automation, networking, and cybersecurity practice in Northern California.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
General
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience supporting industrial control systems, SCADA systems, automation, operational technology (OT), industrial networking, building automation, or related engineering disciplines.
- Previous experience working for an engineering consulting firm, systems integrator, technology provider, industrial automation firm, or industrial owner/operator.
- Experience supporting municipal water/wastewater, data centers, renewable energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS), agribusiness, industrial manufacturing, or critical infrastructure facilities.
- Project management, task management, or technical leadership experience.
- Experience participating in field investigations, startup, commissioning, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and operational readiness activities.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering and project teams throughout planning, design, implementation, testing, commissioning, and operational support phases.
- Experience preparing technical documents, reports, engineering calculations, specifications, and construction documentation.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work directly with clients, contractors, vendors, and internal project teams.
- Ability to travel periodically to client facilities throughout Northern California and the western United States.
- This position is subject to a preemployment drug test.
Controls Design, SCADA & Automation
Candidates may possess experience in one or more of the following:
- Design of SCADA, industrial control systems, instrumentation, and process automation systems.
- Development of P&IDs, network architecture diagrams, control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, loop drawings, instrumentation schedules, control narratives, and technical specifications.
- Instrumentation selection, specification, configuration, calibration, and commissioning.
- Development and review of construction documents for industrial and municipal facilities.
- Experience with water/wastewater treatment facilities, pumping systems, process controls, and industrial automation projects.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Revit, or similar engineering design platforms.
Systems Integration & Implementation
Candidates may possess experience in one or more of the following:
- PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS programming, configuration, and testing.
- Control panel design, panel fabrication support, and field implementation.
- Startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and operational support of industrial control systems.
- Experience with automation platforms such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Emerson, GE, AVEVA/Wonderware, Ignition, FactoryTalk, iFIX, VTScada, or similar technologies.
- Integration of third-party systems, instrumentation, databases, historians, and operational technology platforms.
Industrial Networking & OT Cybersecurity
Candidates may possess experience in one or more of the following:
- Industrial Ethernet and OT network architecture design.
- Managed switches, industrial firewalls, cellular communications, remote access platforms, radio systems, and network segmentation.
- Network assessments, asset inventories, vulnerability assessments, and modernization planning.
- Operational technology cybersecurity principles and implementation of security controls for industrial environments.
- Application of standards and frameworks such as ISA/IEC 62443, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST 800-82, DoD RMF, NERC CIP, or similar guidance.
- Experience working within critical infrastructure sectors such as water, wastewater, power generation, renewable energy, manufacturing, transportation, or data centers.
- Certifications such as GICSP, CISSP, CISM, Security+, CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent technical certifications.
BENEFITS
Employee Stock Ownership, Robust Health Plan (medical/dental/vision), 401K Match, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Parental Leave, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, etc...
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-California-Folsom
Other Locations: United States-California-Walnut Creek
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
COMPENSATION
The expected compensation range for this position is $90,965.00 - $141,250.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field.
- Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.
- A minimum of 5 years applicable experience.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions.
EEO STATEMENT
The University is an equal opportunity employer.
See all 826+ OPT Control Systems Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Control Systems Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Control Systems Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers first
Control systems roles almost always fall under STEM OPT extension eligibility. Prioritize companies with a history of filing H-1B petitions for engineers, since they already understand the sponsorship process and are less likely to hesitate at visa costs.
Frame your degree field precisely
Employers need to confirm your degree aligns with the role for OPT authorization. Electrical engineering, mechatronics, and control engineering are strong matches. If your degree is mechanical or computer engineering, highlight coursework in control theory, PLCs, or embedded systems explicitly.
Lead with your technical stack in applications
Hiring managers in controls scan for MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW, PLC programming, and SCADA experience. Listing these prominently signals you can contribute immediately, which reduces employer hesitation about the time and cost of sponsoring work authorization.
Pursue roles in aerospace, defense, and industrial automation
These industries file H-1B petitions for controls engineers at high rates. Defense contractors and aerospace manufacturers often have established immigration programs, making them more comfortable extending offers to OPT candidates who will eventually need H-1B sponsorship.
Raise OPT status early and clearly
Disclosing your OPT status in your first substantive conversation avoids wasted time. Briefly explain that STEM OPT gives you up to three years of work authorization and that H-1B sponsorship is a future step, not an immediate cost, to set accurate expectations.
Highlight project experience with real systems
Employers value controls engineers who have worked on physical systems, not only simulations. Academic or internship projects involving motor control, robotics, or industrial automation hardware demonstrate hands-on competency that differentiates you from candidates with only theoretical backgrounds.
Control Systems Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Control Systems Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Control Systems Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, or a related STEM field. Your DSO must confirm your degree's CIP code is on the STEM designated degree program list. If it qualifies, you get up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization.
How do I find Control Systems Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Control Systems Engineer roles from employers with a demonstrated history of visa sponsorship. Filtering by sponsorship-willing companies saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that an employer does not sponsor work authorization.
Which industries hire Control Systems Engineers on OPT most consistently?
Aerospace, automotive, industrial automation, semiconductor manufacturing, and defense consistently hire controls engineers on OPT. Companies in these sectors file H-1B petitions for this role at high rates because the specialty occupation requirement is straightforward to establish with an engineering degree and relevant technical skills.
What does a Control Systems Engineer need to demonstrate for H-1B specialty occupation eligibility?
The role must require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific technical field such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Control systems work typically satisfies this standard because it requires applying theoretical knowledge of feedback systems, signal processing, and embedded control that is directly tied to a qualifying engineering degree.
Can I work as a Control Systems Engineer on OPT while my employer files my H-1B petition?
Yes. If your employer files your H-1B petition before your OPT expires, you may be covered by cap-gap work authorization, which extends your ability to work through September 30 of that year while USCIS processes the petition. Your DSO can issue an updated I-20 reflecting the cap-gap extension once your employer files.