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
We are seeking a Control Systems Engineer to join our federal team in Oahu, HI. As part of a Fortune 500 company and one of the global leaders in sustainability and energy efficiency, the Johnson Controls Federal Systems (JCFS) team is a specialized team serving as a trusted partner to the federal government. We help modernize U.S. military installations, Department of Defense and other federal agency facilities to be smarter, more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and secure with our building technologies and solutions.
LOCATION
Location: Oahu, HI.
BENEFITS
- Eligible for benefits on first day of employment
- Vacation: 3 weeks of paid vacation, 5 sick days, 3 floating holidays, and 10 standard holidays per calendar year
- Travel Required: Limited
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Control Systems Engineer, you will:
- Design, configure and program HVAC building automation and control systems (direct digital controls) and create sequence of operations. Creates flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of materials, network layouts and electrical schematics as required
- Develop and test software programs to operate the system
- Support technicians by ensuring the quality, timeliness and efficiency of designs
- Commission and troubleshoot building control system
- Coordinate drawings and equipment schedules to include in detailed information and submittal packages that communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, field installation team and subcontractors
- May help support the pre-sales engineering process; cost estimating & sales support, performing pre-design site survey, designing control system shop drawing submittals, generating product literature submittals
- Coordinate factory-mounting processes to meet factory and project schedule
- Help load and commission system-level and network-level controllers
- Validate complete system functionality
- Provide field change information to the project team for as-built drawings (Visio/CAD) and software
- Keep management, contractors, and customer informed of job progress and issues
- Provide site-specific training for owner/operator on the total building control system
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Proficiency and experience working with Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems, preferably with programming, configuration, visualization, and integration. 5+ years experience preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems
- Experience working with design packages and submittals
- Advanced computer skills, particularly with computer-related drafting tools. AutoCad and/or Visio experience preferred
- Must be able to obtain and maintain required security clearances (background/character, criminal history, employment, and credit checks)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Integration experience with low voltage building sub-systems using various industry protocols (i.e. LON, BACnet, Modbus, etc.)
- Working with Metasys or Tridium Niagara Direct Digital Control (DDC) system
- Proficiency with SMP, SCT, and/or CCT programming
- Proficiency creating SCT databases, custom programs, schedules, trends, alarms, and programming modules
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with AutoCad and/or Visio
PREFERRED EDUCATION
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related field, a vocational school four year program certificate, or an Associate’s Degree in Electronics, Mechanical Systems, Computer Technology, HVAC/R, or a similar field
Who We Are
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we are One Team working collaboratively to create purposeful solutions that make a difference in the world. We are a Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees worldwide offering the world’s largest portfolio of building technology products, solutions and services. As a member of our Federal Systems team, your work matters. We value and recognize your contributions and want to help you succeed. We invest in our employees, provide opportunities for growth and advancement, and foster a culture of inclusion and respect.
Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/careers
Division: JCFS (Johnson Controls Federal Systems)
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking a Control Systems Engineer to join our federal team in Oahu, HI. As part of a Fortune 500 company and one of the global leaders in sustainability and energy efficiency, the Johnson Controls Federal Systems (JCFS) team is a specialized team serving as a trusted partner to the federal government. We help modernize U.S. military installations, Department of Defense and other federal agency facilities to be smarter, more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and secure with our building technologies and solutions.
LOCATION
Location: Oahu, HI.
BENEFITS
- Eligible for benefits on first day of employment
- Vacation: 3 weeks of paid vacation, 5 sick days, 3 floating holidays, and 10 standard holidays per calendar year
- Travel Required: Limited
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Control Systems Engineer, you will:
- Design, configure and program HVAC building automation and control systems (direct digital controls) and create sequence of operations. Creates flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of materials, network layouts and electrical schematics as required
- Develop and test software programs to operate the system
- Support technicians by ensuring the quality, timeliness and efficiency of designs
- Commission and troubleshoot building control system
- Coordinate drawings and equipment schedules to include in detailed information and submittal packages that communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, field installation team and subcontractors
- May help support the pre-sales engineering process; cost estimating & sales support, performing pre-design site survey, designing control system shop drawing submittals, generating product literature submittals
- Coordinate factory-mounting processes to meet factory and project schedule
- Help load and commission system-level and network-level controllers
- Validate complete system functionality
- Provide field change information to the project team for as-built drawings (Visio/CAD) and software
- Keep management, contractors, and customer informed of job progress and issues
- Provide site-specific training for owner/operator on the total building control system
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Proficiency and experience working with Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems, preferably with programming, configuration, visualization, and integration. 5+ years experience preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems
- Experience working with design packages and submittals
- Advanced computer skills, particularly with computer-related drafting tools. AutoCad and/or Visio experience preferred
- Must be able to obtain and maintain required security clearances (background/character, criminal history, employment, and credit checks)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Integration experience with low voltage building sub-systems using various industry protocols (i.e. LON, BACnet, Modbus, etc.)
- Working with Metasys or Tridium Niagara Direct Digital Control (DDC) system
- Proficiency with SMP, SCT, and/or CCT programming
- Proficiency creating SCT databases, custom programs, schedules, trends, alarms, and programming modules
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with AutoCad and/or Visio
PREFERRED EDUCATION
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related field, a vocational school four year program certificate, or an Associate’s Degree in Electronics, Mechanical Systems, Computer Technology, HVAC/R, or a similar field
Who We Are
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we are One Team working collaboratively to create purposeful solutions that make a difference in the world. We are a Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees worldwide offering the world’s largest portfolio of building technology products, solutions and services. As a member of our Federal Systems team, your work matters. We value and recognize your contributions and want to help you succeed. We invest in our employees, provide opportunities for growth and advancement, and foster a culture of inclusion and respect.
Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/careers
Division: JCFS (Johnson Controls Federal Systems)
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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.