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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The future. It’s on you. You & Golden Aluminum. We are a continuous casting aluminum rolling mill who established operations in 1984 and located in Fort Lupton Colorado, 35 miles north of downtown Denver. We care about our environment, our people, and our community. We’re honored to be selected by the Department of Energy to receive up to $22.3 million in investment supporting our Nexcast Mini Mill and other breakthrough projects which will steer the aluminum industry toward a greener, decarbonized future.
Benefits:
- Quarterly Profit-sharing bonus - up to $1,200 per quarter
- 401k Match
- Medical, dental and vision coverage with generous Health Savings Account contribution
- Gym membership reimbursement
And much more!
Compensation: $40+ per hour (Dependent on Qualifications)
Job Summary:
Golden Aluminum is seeking an experienced Instrumentation and Controls Technician who will be responsible for calibrating, maintaining and repairing all instruments, control systems and electrical equipment while working closely with engineers, electricians, vendors, suppliers and inspectors, etc.
Responsibilities
- Manage controls, calibration and repair oversight of all instruments for each assigned project from beginning to end.
- Develop process and instrumentation diagrams, system specifications; prepare cost estimates for projects; and review and approve documentation developed by contractors.
- Design new plant equipment or modify existing programs as directed.
- Manage multiple projects at one time with responsibility for hitting all associated project deadlines.
- Use computerized maintenance management systems to plan maintenance, generate work orders, order parts and manage spare parts inventory.
- Perform or coordinate the calibration of pressure sensors.
- Design, test and perform repair work on motors, fans, blowers, transformers, relays, switches, PLC, VFDs, control equipment, wiring, electrical signals, communications equipment, computer systems and batteries.
- Prepare system layouts, detailed drawings and schematics of electrical designs.
- Complies and analyzes operational test data to identify and resolve performance issues.
- Develops experimental test programs to test instruments and troubleshoot.
- Ensures and maintains proper controls documentation, including updates during life-cycle.
- Maintain complete records, manuals, technical references, prints and diagrams associated with all activities as well as assist in the development and training of maintenance and operations personnel in the area of controls systems.
- Restore plant control systems in the event of unplanned, unanticipated emergency outages.
- All other duties assigned.
Requirements
- Engineering degree in related field or equivalent experience and/or certifications
- Experience in instrument and controls activities in a manufacturing facility preferred
- Knowledge of controls/SCADA systems, relays, process controls computer hardware, software and programming, meters, network systems and communications.
- Knowledge of Control Logix, Siemens, Allen Bradley, Automax, Automate and Modicon preferred.
- Knowledge of AC and reliance on DC drives
- Knowledge of Red Lion controls preferred.
- Must be able to analyze and execute problem solving techniques.
- Must have the ability to work in a team setting as well as be a self-starter that can multitask.
- Proven track record of successfully managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal, team building, and communication skills at all levels.
Because Golden Aluminum thrives on the power of diversity and is committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect, and contribution, we are committed to giving every qualified applicant and employee an equal opportunity.
Description:
The future. It’s on you. You & Golden Aluminum. We are a continuous casting aluminum rolling mill who established operations in 1984 and located in Fort Lupton Colorado, 35 miles north of downtown Denver. We care about our environment, our people, and our community. We’re honored to be selected by the Department of Energy to receive up to $22.3 million in investment supporting our Nexcast Mini Mill and other breakthrough projects which will steer the aluminum industry toward a greener, decarbonized future.
Benefits:
- Quarterly Profit-sharing bonus - up to $1,200 per quarter
- 401k Match
- Medical, dental and vision coverage with generous Health Savings Account contribution
- Gym membership reimbursement
And much more!
Compensation: $40+ per hour (Dependent on Qualifications)
Job Summary:
Golden Aluminum is seeking an experienced Instrumentation and Controls Technician who will be responsible for calibrating, maintaining and repairing all instruments, control systems and electrical equipment while working closely with engineers, electricians, vendors, suppliers and inspectors, etc.
Responsibilities
- Manage controls, calibration and repair oversight of all instruments for each assigned project from beginning to end.
- Develop process and instrumentation diagrams, system specifications; prepare cost estimates for projects; and review and approve documentation developed by contractors.
- Design new plant equipment or modify existing programs as directed.
- Manage multiple projects at one time with responsibility for hitting all associated project deadlines.
- Use computerized maintenance management systems to plan maintenance, generate work orders, order parts and manage spare parts inventory.
- Perform or coordinate the calibration of pressure sensors.
- Design, test and perform repair work on motors, fans, blowers, transformers, relays, switches, PLC, VFDs, control equipment, wiring, electrical signals, communications equipment, computer systems and batteries.
- Prepare system layouts, detailed drawings and schematics of electrical designs.
- Complies and analyzes operational test data to identify and resolve performance issues.
- Develops experimental test programs to test instruments and troubleshoot.
- Ensures and maintains proper controls documentation, including updates during life-cycle.
- Maintain complete records, manuals, technical references, prints and diagrams associated with all activities as well as assist in the development and training of maintenance and operations personnel in the area of controls systems.
- Restore plant control systems in the event of unplanned, unanticipated emergency outages.
- All other duties assigned.
Requirements
- Engineering degree in related field or equivalent experience and/or certifications
- Experience in instrument and controls activities in a manufacturing facility preferred
- Knowledge of controls/SCADA systems, relays, process controls computer hardware, software and programming, meters, network systems and communications.
- Knowledge of Control Logix, Siemens, Allen Bradley, Automax, Automate and Modicon preferred.
- Knowledge of AC and reliance on DC drives
- Knowledge of Red Lion controls preferred.
- Must be able to analyze and execute problem solving techniques.
- Must have the ability to work in a team setting as well as be a self-starter that can multitask.
- Proven track record of successfully managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal, team building, and communication skills at all levels.
Because Golden Aluminum thrives on the power of diversity and is committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect, and contribution, we are committed to giving every qualified applicant and employee an equal opportunity.
See all 679+ 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.