OPT Controls Engineer Jobs
Controls Engineer jobs are actively hiring OPT students with backgrounds in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and automation systems. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in manufacturing, energy, and industrial automation regularly sponsor H-1B visas for strong performers.
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Get Access To All JobsCOMPANY OVERVIEW: Hamilton Medical was founded in 1983 with a clear mission: to enhance the lives of patients on respirators and support the caregivers who serve them. Our focus is on developing ventilation technologies that prioritize safety, effectiveness, and lung protection. We are dedicated to easing the burden on healthcare professionals who work tirelessly every day, helping critically ill patients recover and regain their health. We are committed to helping medical teams deliver the best respiratory care ‑ to anyone, anywhere.
Responsibilities:
Hamilton Medical, Inc. (HMI) is seeking a Controls Engineer 2 who will take technical ownership of the control systems for all automated equipment at HMI. This role maintains and improves PLC, HMI, and robot programs to increase equipment reliability, process yield, and production efficiency. The Controls Engineer 2 works with Manufacturing Engineering to optimize automation, supports Maintenance in troubleshooting equipment errors, and coordinates technical activities with external automation vendors. The role independently executes assigned controls work with occasional guidance on complex issues. A strong candidate solves problems efficiently, creates practical solutions, documents changes, shares knowledge, and supports safe, consistent production.
Essential Job Functions:
- Takes technical ownership of control systems for all automated equipment at HMI, maintaining reliable operation and serving as the primary internal controls resource.
- Develops, modifies, tests, and maintains PLC and HMI programs, including machine sequences, alarms, diagnostics, recipes, and process settings.
- Programs, debugs, and optimizes robots, including motion paths, tooling interfaces, equipment handshakes, and fault recovery sequences.
- Integrates and troubleshoots sensors, actuators, servo drives, machine vision, and other peripheral devices through PLC interfaces and industrial communication networks.
- Partners with manufacturing engineers to analyze cycle time, downtime, faults, and yield, and implements controls improvements that increase automation performance and process consistency to attain target OEE KPIs.
- Supports Maintenance in troubleshooting control system errors and restoring equipment operation, and investigates recurring failures and implements corrective actions with Engineering and Quality.
- Coordinates external automation vendors for troubleshooting, modifications, and upgrades, reviews technical deliverables and obtains current source programs, backups, and documentation for HMI support.
- Translates manufacturing needs into controls requirements and functional specifications, reviews proposed hardware, software, and vendor designs for maintainability and compatibility with HMI equipment.
- Coordinates controls startup, debugging, and commissioning for new and modified equipment, supports factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, and production handoff.
- Applies and improves programming standards, reusable code, and documentation practices, maintains controlled program versions, verified backups, change histories, and recovery instructions.
- Develops and executes controls test plans, including affected functions and fault recovery, supports equipment qualification and validation with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality.
- Assesses controls changes for effects on machine safety, product quality, and validated processes, follows HMI change control, testing, and release requirements.
- Maintains electrical schematics, I/O lists, network layouts, program comments, and troubleshooting guides, supports equipment data collection for diagnostics and performance analysis.
- Trains Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, and production personnel on controls, diagnostics, and recovery procedures appropriate to their roles.
- Plans assigned controls projects and upgrades, including obsolete component replacement, estimates resources, communicates schedules and risks, and coordinates downtime with Production.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Independently uses first-principles thinking and structured troubleshooting, seeks assistance when technical complexity or risk requires additional expertise.
- Shows initiative, takes ownership of assigned tasks, and completes work without repeated prompting.
- Proficient in PLC programming and troubleshooting, HMI development, and robot programming for automated manufacturing equipment.
- Working knowledge of sensors, actuators, servo systems, variable frequency drives, machine vision interfaces, and industrial communication networks.
- Ability to read electrical schematics and use diagnostic tools to distinguish programming, electrical, mechanical, and process-related faults.
- Ability to evaluate equipment performance data and apply root cause analysis techniques to recurring faults and production losses.
- Working knowledge of machine safety functions, interlocks, and safe troubleshooting practices, follows established equipment safety procedures.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills, works effectively with manufacturing engineers, maintenance technicians, production personnel, Quality, and external vendors.
- Ability to prioritize competing production needs, communicate realistic completion dates, and support planned installations and production recovery activities.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- 3+ years of technical experience in controls engineering or industrial automation, including hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related engineering discipline required.
- Experience programming and supporting industrial robots in manufacturing applications required.
- Experience with PLC and HMI platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or comparable systems, ability to learn and support multiple platforms.
- Experience with program backups, version control, engineering change processes, and document control.
- Experience supporting equipment commissioning, acceptance testing, qualification, or validation preferred, medical device or other regulated manufacturing experience preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools, experience with electrical CAD, machine vision, or equipment data integration is preferred.
ABOUT HAMILTON:
- Tremendous opportunities for professional growth.
- Commitment to sustainable design.
- Competitive compensation.
- Excellent benefit package includes medical, dental, vision insurance, paid vacation time, paid sick time, disability insurance, 401k, tuition reimbursement and more.
- Solid stable company.
- Must pass drug and background screens. May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (provided by employer).
EEO - It is the policy of this organization to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age 40 and over, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, religious preference, or veteran status in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
COMPANY OVERVIEW: Hamilton Medical was founded in 1983 with a clear mission: to enhance the lives of patients on respirators and support the caregivers who serve them. Our focus is on developing ventilation technologies that prioritize safety, effectiveness, and lung protection. We are dedicated to easing the burden on healthcare professionals who work tirelessly every day, helping critically ill patients recover and regain their health. We are committed to helping medical teams deliver the best respiratory care ‑ to anyone, anywhere.
Responsibilities:
Hamilton Medical, Inc. (HMI) is seeking a Controls Engineer 2 who will take technical ownership of the control systems for all automated equipment at HMI. This role maintains and improves PLC, HMI, and robot programs to increase equipment reliability, process yield, and production efficiency. The Controls Engineer 2 works with Manufacturing Engineering to optimize automation, supports Maintenance in troubleshooting equipment errors, and coordinates technical activities with external automation vendors. The role independently executes assigned controls work with occasional guidance on complex issues. A strong candidate solves problems efficiently, creates practical solutions, documents changes, shares knowledge, and supports safe, consistent production.
Essential Job Functions:
- Takes technical ownership of control systems for all automated equipment at HMI, maintaining reliable operation and serving as the primary internal controls resource.
- Develops, modifies, tests, and maintains PLC and HMI programs, including machine sequences, alarms, diagnostics, recipes, and process settings.
- Programs, debugs, and optimizes robots, including motion paths, tooling interfaces, equipment handshakes, and fault recovery sequences.
- Integrates and troubleshoots sensors, actuators, servo drives, machine vision, and other peripheral devices through PLC interfaces and industrial communication networks.
- Partners with manufacturing engineers to analyze cycle time, downtime, faults, and yield, and implements controls improvements that increase automation performance and process consistency to attain target OEE KPIs.
- Supports Maintenance in troubleshooting control system errors and restoring equipment operation, and investigates recurring failures and implements corrective actions with Engineering and Quality.
- Coordinates external automation vendors for troubleshooting, modifications, and upgrades, reviews technical deliverables and obtains current source programs, backups, and documentation for HMI support.
- Translates manufacturing needs into controls requirements and functional specifications, reviews proposed hardware, software, and vendor designs for maintainability and compatibility with HMI equipment.
- Coordinates controls startup, debugging, and commissioning for new and modified equipment, supports factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, and production handoff.
- Applies and improves programming standards, reusable code, and documentation practices, maintains controlled program versions, verified backups, change histories, and recovery instructions.
- Develops and executes controls test plans, including affected functions and fault recovery, supports equipment qualification and validation with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality.
- Assesses controls changes for effects on machine safety, product quality, and validated processes, follows HMI change control, testing, and release requirements.
- Maintains electrical schematics, I/O lists, network layouts, program comments, and troubleshooting guides, supports equipment data collection for diagnostics and performance analysis.
- Trains Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, and production personnel on controls, diagnostics, and recovery procedures appropriate to their roles.
- Plans assigned controls projects and upgrades, including obsolete component replacement, estimates resources, communicates schedules and risks, and coordinates downtime with Production.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Independently uses first-principles thinking and structured troubleshooting, seeks assistance when technical complexity or risk requires additional expertise.
- Shows initiative, takes ownership of assigned tasks, and completes work without repeated prompting.
- Proficient in PLC programming and troubleshooting, HMI development, and robot programming for automated manufacturing equipment.
- Working knowledge of sensors, actuators, servo systems, variable frequency drives, machine vision interfaces, and industrial communication networks.
- Ability to read electrical schematics and use diagnostic tools to distinguish programming, electrical, mechanical, and process-related faults.
- Ability to evaluate equipment performance data and apply root cause analysis techniques to recurring faults and production losses.
- Working knowledge of machine safety functions, interlocks, and safe troubleshooting practices, follows established equipment safety procedures.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills, works effectively with manufacturing engineers, maintenance technicians, production personnel, Quality, and external vendors.
- Ability to prioritize competing production needs, communicate realistic completion dates, and support planned installations and production recovery activities.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- 3+ years of technical experience in controls engineering or industrial automation, including hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related engineering discipline required.
- Experience programming and supporting industrial robots in manufacturing applications required.
- Experience with PLC and HMI platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or comparable systems, ability to learn and support multiple platforms.
- Experience with program backups, version control, engineering change processes, and document control.
- Experience supporting equipment commissioning, acceptance testing, qualification, or validation preferred, medical device or other regulated manufacturing experience preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools, experience with electrical CAD, machine vision, or equipment data integration is preferred.
ABOUT HAMILTON:
- Tremendous opportunities for professional growth.
- Commitment to sustainable design.
- Competitive compensation.
- Excellent benefit package includes medical, dental, vision insurance, paid vacation time, paid sick time, disability insurance, 401k, tuition reimbursement and more.
- Solid stable company.
- Must pass drug and background screens. May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (provided by employer).
EEO - It is the policy of this organization to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age 40 and over, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, religious preference, or veteran status in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
See all 666+ OPT Controls Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Controls Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Controls Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers first
Controls Engineering falls under CIP codes tied to electrical or mechanical engineering, qualifying for 36-month STEM OPT. Prioritize employers who have filed H-1B petitions before, as they understand the sponsorship process and are more likely to extend your authorization.
Emphasize PLC and SCADA experience upfront
Hiring managers in automation and manufacturing screen for hands-on PLC programming skills, particularly with Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Rockwell platforms. Quantify your project experience in your resume rather than listing tools generically. Specificity signals readiness to contribute from day one.
Frame your OPT timeline proactively
Bring up your work authorization early, not after an offer. Clarify you have up to 36 months on STEM OPT and that H-1B sponsorship, when the time comes, involves a straightforward filing. Removing ambiguity early builds employer confidence and avoids late-stage hesitation.
Focus on industries with strong sponsorship track records
Automotive, semiconductor, oil and gas, and industrial manufacturing companies sponsor Controls Engineers at high rates. These industries have long project cycles and strong incentives to retain specialized talent, making them more willing to invest in H-1B sponsorship for qualified OPT candidates.
Get your OPT EAD and STEM extension paperwork in order early
Employers sometimes stall offers when authorization timelines are unclear. Having your EAD card, I-20 with OPT authorization, and STEM extension eligibility documented and ready to share demonstrates professionalism and removes a common point of friction during the hiring process.
Apply to mid-size manufacturers, not just large corporations
Large enterprises get most attention, but mid-size manufacturers in states like Ohio, Michigan, and Texas frequently hire Controls Engineers on OPT with genuine sponsorship intent. These companies often offer faster hiring cycles and more direct access to the engineers making sponsorship decisions.
Controls Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Controls Engineer jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Controls Engineering roles typically fall under CIP codes for electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, both of which are STEM-designated. That makes you eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of your initial 12 months, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to qualify.
How common is H-1B sponsorship for Controls Engineers?
H-1B sponsorship is relatively common for Controls Engineers, particularly in automotive, semiconductor, energy, and industrial manufacturing sectors. Roles requiring specialized PLC programming, motion control, or SCADA system experience meet the specialty occupation standard clearly, which simplifies the employer's legal case. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for OPT-friendly employers who have a history of sponsoring these roles.
What makes a Controls Engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
A Controls Engineer position qualifies as a specialty occupation when it requires a bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a directly related field as a standard entry requirement. Roles involving PLC programming, control system design, or industrial automation typically meet this standard. Generic maintenance or technician roles that accept any technical background may not qualify, so reviewing the job description carefully matters.
Can I work as a Controls Engineer on OPT before my employer sponsors my H-1B?
Yes. Your OPT EAD authorizes you to work for any qualifying employer in a role directly related to your degree. You do not need H-1B sponsorship to start working. Most Controls Engineers on STEM OPT use the 36-month window to build experience while their employer files an H-1B petition, typically during a future lottery cycle.
What should I look for in a job posting to assess whether sponsorship is realistic?
Look for postings that explicitly mention visa sponsorship availability, list engineering degree requirements rather than accepting any technical background, and describe work tied to specific systems or platforms like Rockwell Automation or Siemens TIA Portal. Employers who detail technical requirements in depth are generally more serious about hiring specialists long-term. Migrate Mate surfaces Controls Engineer roles with sponsorship indicators so you can focus your search efficiently.