OPT Controls Technician Jobs
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 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)
See all 675+ OPT Controls Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 visa 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.
Controls Technician OPT: Frequently 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.