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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2024, Continental generated preliminary sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 190,000 people in 55 countries and markets.
ContiTech is one of the world’s leading industry specialists. The Continental group sector offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 42,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.8 billion euros (2023), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role you will plan, coordinate, track, and ensure implementation of Plant level automation projects (e.g. investment projects, performance improvement and cost saving initiatives in order to meet the defined MPE and Plant targets and contribute to the achievement of the BA strategy). Supports automation projects in the plant for process improvement.
- Ensure implementation of investments based on Plant mission and goals planning (TPOC/VSD)
- Drive the approval of specifications and eCRs for investments of production equipment
- Ensure implementation of BA/Plant specific standard production concepts (incl. layout)
- Ensure implementation of BA/Plant specific automation strategy and concepts (incl. Smart Factory) and standards (mechanical; e.g. handling systems, machine loading/unloading systems)
- Support the plant in implementation of automation projects and assist in BA reporting requirements
- Ensure implementation of Sector M&E standards related with production equipment and systems for a specific area of responsibility
- Ensure implementation of CT standards for installation, start-up, validation, handover and improvement of all production and SC (i.e. intralogistics) equipment
- Communicating with lead roles in plant to push continued integration of automation at all levels
- Performs Gap analysis to identify opportunities on legacy equipment
- Maintain VSD and other living project documents associated with automation projects
- Maximizing internal & external customer satisfaction by demonstrating ownership, dedication towards ensuring high-quality results and process-orientation
- Owning the quality of all outputs in the dedicated responsibility area as process member or process owner
- Innovate and/or create solutions to support our corporate sustainability strategy
- Hands-on approach to establish an automation plan based off Hoshin, TPOC, and corporate objectives
- Implement the appropriate level of technology on production processes to ensure projects on-time and in-budget
- Hands-on execution of projects from conception to implementation with minimal direct supervision
- Support Equipment design (drawings & specs) (Solidworks, Inventor, AutoCAD, etc.)
- Assist development of business cases for capital projects
- Submit RFQs and purchase orders as required
- Manage project timelines and budgets
- Supervise contractors
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical/mechanical/manufacturing engineering or related
- 2+ years of professional experience in various manufacturing engineering functions including Automation
- Experience developing and implementing automation solutions within a manufacturing environment
- Experience in project management/capital Improvements
- Experience with troubleshooting & programming PLCs (Allen Bradley Siemens)
- Experience in a leadership role, including leading in an ad hoc project team environment
Visa sponsorship for Continental Employees Only
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in rubber and plastic production processes
- 5+ years of Automation and Controls experience in a manufacturing environment
THE PERKS
- Immediate Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Assistance & Employee Discounts
- Employer 401(k) Match
- Competitive Bonus Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional
- And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!
EEO / AA / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to Careers@conti-na.com or contact US Recruiting at 248.393.5566. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.
EEO-Statement:
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to Careers@conti-na.com or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.
Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.
INTRODUCTION
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2024, Continental generated preliminary sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 190,000 people in 55 countries and markets.
ContiTech is one of the world’s leading industry specialists. The Continental group sector offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 42,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.8 billion euros (2023), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role you will plan, coordinate, track, and ensure implementation of Plant level automation projects (e.g. investment projects, performance improvement and cost saving initiatives in order to meet the defined MPE and Plant targets and contribute to the achievement of the BA strategy). Supports automation projects in the plant for process improvement.
- Ensure implementation of investments based on Plant mission and goals planning (TPOC/VSD)
- Drive the approval of specifications and eCRs for investments of production equipment
- Ensure implementation of BA/Plant specific standard production concepts (incl. layout)
- Ensure implementation of BA/Plant specific automation strategy and concepts (incl. Smart Factory) and standards (mechanical; e.g. handling systems, machine loading/unloading systems)
- Support the plant in implementation of automation projects and assist in BA reporting requirements
- Ensure implementation of Sector M&E standards related with production equipment and systems for a specific area of responsibility
- Ensure implementation of CT standards for installation, start-up, validation, handover and improvement of all production and SC (i.e. intralogistics) equipment
- Communicating with lead roles in plant to push continued integration of automation at all levels
- Performs Gap analysis to identify opportunities on legacy equipment
- Maintain VSD and other living project documents associated with automation projects
- Maximizing internal & external customer satisfaction by demonstrating ownership, dedication towards ensuring high-quality results and process-orientation
- Owning the quality of all outputs in the dedicated responsibility area as process member or process owner
- Innovate and/or create solutions to support our corporate sustainability strategy
- Hands-on approach to establish an automation plan based off Hoshin, TPOC, and corporate objectives
- Implement the appropriate level of technology on production processes to ensure projects on-time and in-budget
- Hands-on execution of projects from conception to implementation with minimal direct supervision
- Support Equipment design (drawings & specs) (Solidworks, Inventor, AutoCAD, etc.)
- Assist development of business cases for capital projects
- Submit RFQs and purchase orders as required
- Manage project timelines and budgets
- Supervise contractors
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical/mechanical/manufacturing engineering or related
- 2+ years of professional experience in various manufacturing engineering functions including Automation
- Experience developing and implementing automation solutions within a manufacturing environment
- Experience in project management/capital Improvements
- Experience with troubleshooting & programming PLCs (Allen Bradley Siemens)
- Experience in a leadership role, including leading in an ad hoc project team environment
Visa sponsorship for Continental Employees Only
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in rubber and plastic production processes
- 5+ years of Automation and Controls experience in a manufacturing environment
THE PERKS
- Immediate Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Assistance & Employee Discounts
- Employer 401(k) Match
- Competitive Bonus Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional
- And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!
EEO / AA / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to Careers@conti-na.com or contact US Recruiting at 248.393.5566. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.
EEO-Statement:
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to Careers@conti-na.com or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.
Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.
See all 3,053+ 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.