Controls Technician Jobs for OPT Students
Controls Technician jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or industrial automation. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in manufacturing and energy regularly hire controls technicians on OPT.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB SUMMARY
To implement and maintain electrical power circuits and equipment, control and automation systems, and electronic and pneumatic equipment used in pipelines, compressor stations, terminals, pump stations, plant operations, and measurement facilities.
This position reports directly to the Systems Integration Manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for all activities related to electrical and control integrity including design, installation, inspection, maintenance, operation, troubleshooting, repair, calibration and adjust various pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, electronic, and Programmable Logic (PLC) control systems.
- Perform preventative maintenance checks on pumps, compressors, drivers and auxiliary equipment.
- Perform Inspection and Maintenance (I & M) checks on all control systems.
- Maintain electrical switch gear and power distribution.
- Lead efforts to develop and implement changes to improve operational efficiency and safety.
- Evaluation/development/implementation/maintenance of facility grounding systems.
- Install, analyze, and repair security/intrusion systems.
- Responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and equipment as needed.
- Perform all work in compliance with Company standards, procedures, and regulatory and tariff requirements.
- Identify, report and correct safety and environmental concerns.
- Complete appropriate documentation and paperwork.
- Oversee the construction, maintenance and/or work activities performed by third parties.
- Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.
- Mentor fellow employees.
- Deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
- Speak clearly, both in person and by telephone, using a high level of verbal skills and listen carefully.
- Maintain regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
- Will work non-traditional hours as needed.
- Will maintain Operator Qualification on all assigned covered tasks as determined by the direct Supervisor.
- Maintain a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
- Other daily, weekly, monthly, or special project duties as identified and defined.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education:
Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in a technical field or a related discipline.
EXPERIENCE/SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
- Understand and operate all electronic test instruments.
- Good record of safe work practices.
- Working knowledge and experience preparing drawings of electrical circuits.
- Working knowledge and experience reading and interpreting electrical and mechanical blueprints and diagrams.
- Working knowledge and experience applying and interpreting results from common electrical measurement instruments (voltmeter, ammeter, ohmmeter, oscilloscope, thermal camera, battery test equipment, etc.)
- Working knowledge of National Electric Codes.
- Ability to estimate the installation, operating, and maintenance expenses associated with electrical and control systems.
- Ability to complete work assignments with minimal supervision in an acceptable time frame.
- Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS:
- May be required to achieve and maintain certifications as required to perform job duties.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).
COMPETENCIES, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to complete work assignments with minimal supervision in an acceptable time frame.
- Strong customer focus and attention to detail.
- Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
- Must be able to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
- Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
- Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.
- Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets; position will be filled depending on the qualifications, experience, and skillsets of the successful candidate.
NECESSARY PHYSICAL ABILITIES TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Safety of our employees is a key priority of Horizontal, thus the company must ensure that applicants are physically able to perform certain essential functions of the Electrical and Controls Technician position. Applicants should be able to physically perform the following activities (or be able to perform these activities with a reasonable accommodation):
- Routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Sit, speak, or listen actively for extended periods of time.
- Possess full use of both hands in order to feel or manipulate objects, tools or controls.
- Perform an extended reach with arms in order to manipulate objects, tools or controls.
- Walk short distances, sometimes over uneven terrain.
- Perform manual work requiring periods of extensive physical exertion, sometimes under extreme weather conditions.
- Must demonstrate a strong communication skillset.
And any other duties needed to help drive to our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by our Organizations Values.
JOB SUMMARY
To implement and maintain electrical power circuits and equipment, control and automation systems, and electronic and pneumatic equipment used in pipelines, compressor stations, terminals, pump stations, plant operations, and measurement facilities.
This position reports directly to the Systems Integration Manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for all activities related to electrical and control integrity including design, installation, inspection, maintenance, operation, troubleshooting, repair, calibration and adjust various pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, electronic, and Programmable Logic (PLC) control systems.
- Perform preventative maintenance checks on pumps, compressors, drivers and auxiliary equipment.
- Perform Inspection and Maintenance (I & M) checks on all control systems.
- Maintain electrical switch gear and power distribution.
- Lead efforts to develop and implement changes to improve operational efficiency and safety.
- Evaluation/development/implementation/maintenance of facility grounding systems.
- Install, analyze, and repair security/intrusion systems.
- Responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and equipment as needed.
- Perform all work in compliance with Company standards, procedures, and regulatory and tariff requirements.
- Identify, report and correct safety and environmental concerns.
- Complete appropriate documentation and paperwork.
- Oversee the construction, maintenance and/or work activities performed by third parties.
- Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.
- Mentor fellow employees.
- Deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
- Speak clearly, both in person and by telephone, using a high level of verbal skills and listen carefully.
- Maintain regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
- Will work non-traditional hours as needed.
- Will maintain Operator Qualification on all assigned covered tasks as determined by the direct Supervisor.
- Maintain a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
- Other daily, weekly, monthly, or special project duties as identified and defined.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education:
Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in a technical field or a related discipline.
EXPERIENCE/SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
- Understand and operate all electronic test instruments.
- Good record of safe work practices.
- Working knowledge and experience preparing drawings of electrical circuits.
- Working knowledge and experience reading and interpreting electrical and mechanical blueprints and diagrams.
- Working knowledge and experience applying and interpreting results from common electrical measurement instruments (voltmeter, ammeter, ohmmeter, oscilloscope, thermal camera, battery test equipment, etc.)
- Working knowledge of National Electric Codes.
- Ability to estimate the installation, operating, and maintenance expenses associated with electrical and control systems.
- Ability to complete work assignments with minimal supervision in an acceptable time frame.
- Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS:
- May be required to achieve and maintain certifications as required to perform job duties.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).
COMPETENCIES, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to complete work assignments with minimal supervision in an acceptable time frame.
- Strong customer focus and attention to detail.
- Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
- Must be able to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
- Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
- Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.
- Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets; position will be filled depending on the qualifications, experience, and skillsets of the successful candidate.
NECESSARY PHYSICAL ABILITIES TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Safety of our employees is a key priority of Horizontal, thus the company must ensure that applicants are physically able to perform certain essential functions of the Electrical and Controls Technician position. Applicants should be able to physically perform the following activities (or be able to perform these activities with a reasonable accommodation):
- Routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Sit, speak, or listen actively for extended periods of time.
- Possess full use of both hands in order to feel or manipulate objects, tools or controls.
- Perform an extended reach with arms in order to manipulate objects, tools or controls.
- Walk short distances, sometimes over uneven terrain.
- Perform manual work requiring periods of extensive physical exertion, sometimes under extreme weather conditions.
- Must demonstrate a strong communication skillset.
And any other duties needed to help drive to our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by our Organizations Values.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Controls Technician
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Controls Technician positions typically fall under CIP codes for electrical, mechatronic, or systems engineering. Verify your specific degree CIP code aligns with the role before accepting an offer to ensure you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Target manufacturers and industrial automation firms
Companies running large-scale manufacturing lines, oil and gas facilities, or automated warehouses hire controls technicians regularly. These employers are experienced with OPT work authorization and are more likely to have established processes for supporting international students through the hiring process.
Highlight PLC and SCADA experience prominently
Employers screening Controls Technician resumes look for hands-on experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Rockwell systems. Listing specific platforms and projects signals technical readiness and shortens the hiring timeline, which matters when your OPT start date is fixed and non-negotiable.
Start your job search at least three months before OPT begins
Controls Technician roles often involve background checks, safety clearances, and onboarding processes that add weeks to the timeline. Beginning early gives you room to complete hiring steps without risking a gap between your graduation date and authorized employment start date.
Address OPT authorization proactively with recruiters
Many hiring managers at industrial companies confuse OPT with H-1B sponsorship. Clarify upfront that OPT is pre-authorized federal work authorization requiring no employer petition or fees, which removes a common objection early and keeps your application moving through the pipeline.
Pursue E-Verify registered employers for STEM OPT eligibility
To qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm E-Verify participation before accepting any offer. Most established manufacturers and defense contractors are already enrolled, making them reliable targets for your Controls Technician job search.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Controls Technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Controls Technician roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in electrical engineering, mechatronics, industrial engineering, or a related STEM field. The role must be directly related to your degree program. Your DSO at your university will confirm eligibility based on your specific CIP code before filing the extension.
Do Controls Technician employers need to sponsor me or file paperwork for OPT?
No. OPT is authorized by USCIS through your university, not your employer. The employer does not file any petition or pay any government fees to hire you on OPT. For the STEM OPT extension, your employer does need to be E-Verify enrolled and sign a formal training plan, but this is straightforward for most established manufacturers.
Where can I find Controls Technician jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by OPT sponsorship willingness, so you can focus on employers already open to hiring international students. General job boards do not filter by work authorization compatibility, which means you spend time applying to roles where OPT will be an obstacle.
Can I work as a Controls Technician while on OPT if my degree is in computer science or a non-engineering field?
It depends on how directly your degree relates to the Controls Technician role. A computer science degree may support OPT authorization if the position involves embedded systems, industrial software, or automation programming. Your DSO makes this determination. For the STEM extension specifically, the connection between your CIP code and the job duties needs to be defensible and documented.
What happens to my OPT status if my Controls Technician contract ends or I'm laid off?
F-1 OPT students have a 90-day unemployment allowance during the standard OPT period and 60 days during the STEM OPT extension. If your contract ends, you must find a new qualifying Controls Technician role within that window or fall out of status. Report the job change to your DSO immediately and use Migrate Mate to find your next OPT-compatible position quickly.
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