OPT Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs
Electrical Controls Engineer jobs are among the stronger options for F-1 OPT students, since the role sits squarely in a STEM-designated field and qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most positions involve PLC programming, HMI development, and systems integration work that maps cleanly to electrical or controls engineering degrees.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB FUNCTIONS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Specify, evaluate and select electrical engineered and specialty equipment for operations and major/complex projects.
- Prepare technical bids and/or proposal evaluations and recommendations.
- Evaluate, prepare and analyze designs of electrical systems including power generation, utility inter-ties, distribution, motor/plant logic, control systems, lighting, emergency power, supplies, grounding, alarm and safety shutdown systems.
- Provide technical assistance in the form of written reports, consultation, research, electrical system studies, National Electrical Code interpretations, recommendations and utility contracts.
- Prepare highly detailed short circuit, motor starting, voltage drop, load shedding and relay coordination studies as needed to ensure plant reliability and personnel safety.
- Ensure that company standards and strategies comply with the latest industry practices, safety, environmental and process safety management requirements.
- Develop and maintain electrical engineering specifications and facility electrical area classification drawings.
- Investigate plant uses for improved energy conservation.
- Direct work and review outside engineering contractors' designs, studies, drawings and material selections to ensure conformance with Targa specifications and standards.
- Investigate and resolve problems associated with new or existing facilities and their electrical design.
- Prepare budgetary and AFE quality cost estimates in addition to technical scopes of work.
- Participate in technical and industry conferences, making presentations when requested.
- Supervise field work and small projects in terms of coordinating activities, monitoring the budget, and ensuring timely and accurate completion of multiple tasks at one time.
- Additional duties as assigned.
MINIMUM ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university
- 3+ years related experience and/or training.
- Experience with power system design, power distribution equipment and protective relaying.
- Experience with design and troubleshooting of electric motors and related equipment including motor starters, motor protection relay, and variable frequency drives.
- Experience in electrical modeling program (SKM, ETAP, etc.) for use to conduct power studies, short circuit calculation, coordination studies, arc flash calculation, and troubleshooting is required.
- Basic understanding of preventative/predictive maintenance concepts and applications as it applies to electrical equipment.
- Knowledge applicable codes, government regulations, standards, pertaining to electrical systems such as NFPA, NEC, and API.
- Self-motivated and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interface effectively with wide range of technical, analytical and managerial personnel.
- Knowledge of contracts, proposals, bids and budgeting concepts
- Maintain a valid driver’s license to include a safe driving record satisfactory to the company.
- Regular and reliable attendance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with PLC logic, analog instrumentation and digital control systems processes and selection criteria.
WORK CONDITIONS:
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, with the ability to respond to call outs as needed to fulfill business objective and the ability to work shifts for plant or field conditions.
- Ability to travel up to 30-40% of time.
- Ability to frequently throughout the work shift, push, pull and lift at least a minimum of 50lbs to a minimum height of 3-4 feet and maneuver equipment or parts as needed.
- Ability to work outdoors in changing climate conditions.
- Able to work in close quarters: i.e., work while kneeling, squatting, sitting, climbing, and standing.
- Ability to climb up and down ladders, stairs and platforms at varying heights.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Targa Resources provides equal employment opportunities based on merit, experience, and other work-related criteria and without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We also strive to provide reasonable accommodation to employees’ beliefs and practices that do not conflict with Targa’s policies and applicable law. We value the unique contributions that every employee brings to their role with Targa.
JOB FUNCTIONS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Specify, evaluate and select electrical engineered and specialty equipment for operations and major/complex projects.
- Prepare technical bids and/or proposal evaluations and recommendations.
- Evaluate, prepare and analyze designs of electrical systems including power generation, utility inter-ties, distribution, motor/plant logic, control systems, lighting, emergency power, supplies, grounding, alarm and safety shutdown systems.
- Provide technical assistance in the form of written reports, consultation, research, electrical system studies, National Electrical Code interpretations, recommendations and utility contracts.
- Prepare highly detailed short circuit, motor starting, voltage drop, load shedding and relay coordination studies as needed to ensure plant reliability and personnel safety.
- Ensure that company standards and strategies comply with the latest industry practices, safety, environmental and process safety management requirements.
- Develop and maintain electrical engineering specifications and facility electrical area classification drawings.
- Investigate plant uses for improved energy conservation.
- Direct work and review outside engineering contractors' designs, studies, drawings and material selections to ensure conformance with Targa specifications and standards.
- Investigate and resolve problems associated with new or existing facilities and their electrical design.
- Prepare budgetary and AFE quality cost estimates in addition to technical scopes of work.
- Participate in technical and industry conferences, making presentations when requested.
- Supervise field work and small projects in terms of coordinating activities, monitoring the budget, and ensuring timely and accurate completion of multiple tasks at one time.
- Additional duties as assigned.
MINIMUM ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university
- 3+ years related experience and/or training.
- Experience with power system design, power distribution equipment and protective relaying.
- Experience with design and troubleshooting of electric motors and related equipment including motor starters, motor protection relay, and variable frequency drives.
- Experience in electrical modeling program (SKM, ETAP, etc.) for use to conduct power studies, short circuit calculation, coordination studies, arc flash calculation, and troubleshooting is required.
- Basic understanding of preventative/predictive maintenance concepts and applications as it applies to electrical equipment.
- Knowledge applicable codes, government regulations, standards, pertaining to electrical systems such as NFPA, NEC, and API.
- Self-motivated and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interface effectively with wide range of technical, analytical and managerial personnel.
- Knowledge of contracts, proposals, bids and budgeting concepts
- Maintain a valid driver’s license to include a safe driving record satisfactory to the company.
- Regular and reliable attendance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with PLC logic, analog instrumentation and digital control systems processes and selection criteria.
WORK CONDITIONS:
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, with the ability to respond to call outs as needed to fulfill business objective and the ability to work shifts for plant or field conditions.
- Ability to travel up to 30-40% of time.
- Ability to frequently throughout the work shift, push, pull and lift at least a minimum of 50lbs to a minimum height of 3-4 feet and maneuver equipment or parts as needed.
- Ability to work outdoors in changing climate conditions.
- Able to work in close quarters: i.e., work while kneeling, squatting, sitting, climbing, and standing.
- Ability to climb up and down ladders, stairs and platforms at varying heights.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Targa Resources provides equal employment opportunities based on merit, experience, and other work-related criteria and without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We also strive to provide reasonable accommodation to employees’ beliefs and practices that do not conflict with Targa’s policies and applicable law. We value the unique contributions that every employee brings to their role with Targa.
See all 37+ OPT Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Electrical Controls Engineer
Verify your degree aligns with the role
Electrical Controls Engineer roles require a degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a closely related field. Confirm your specific program is on the STEM OPT extension list before applying, since mismatches can complicate future H-1B visa sponsorship conversations with employers.
Target manufacturers and industrial automation firms
Companies in automotive, aerospace, food processing, and industrial automation sponsor controls engineers at high rates. These industries run capital-intensive operations where retaining specialized engineers long-term makes H-1B sponsorship a straightforward business decision, not a policy exception.
Lead with PLC and SCADA platform experience
Hiring managers screen resumes for specific platform experience: Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, Ignition SCADA. Listing the platforms you have hands-on time with upfront signals you can contribute immediately, which directly reduces the perceived risk of hiring someone who needs work authorization support.
Apply before your OPT start date
Electrical controls roles often have structured onboarding tied to project cycles. Starting the application process two to three months before your OPT authorization begins gives you time to clear technical interviews and background checks without putting employers under a deadline pressure that can cool interest.
Prepare to explain your work authorization timeline clearly
Many hiring managers are unfamiliar with STEM OPT extension details. Have a one- or two-sentence explanation ready: your initial OPT period, the 24-month STEM extension eligibility, and the fact that your employer files an E-Verify form, not a government petition, for the extension.
Pursue roles at companies with existing H-1B filing history
Companies that have sponsored H-1B petitions before understand the process and are more likely to do it again. Searching for controls engineer roles on Migrate Mate filters for employers who actively sponsor, saving you time spent on companies with no history of supporting international engineers.
Electrical Controls Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Electrical Controls Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. The role qualifies if your degree is in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related STEM-designated field. The extension gives you 24 additional months of work authorization beyond your initial 12-month OPT period. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to support the extension, which most mid-to-large manufacturers already are.
What types of employers sponsor Electrical Controls Engineers for H-1B visas?
Manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and industrial automation are the most consistent sponsors. Companies like Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and large contract engineering firms regularly file H-1B petitions for controls engineers because the skill set is specialized and hard to replace. You can browse employers actively sponsoring these roles on Migrate Mate to narrow your search to companies with a real sponsorship track record.
Can I work on-site at a client facility as an Electrical Controls Engineer while on OPT?
Yes, but your employer of record must be the company that authorized your OPT employment, not the client site. If a staffing firm or engineering services company places you at a client facility, the staffing firm is your legal employer for OPT purposes. Make sure your OPT authorization lists the correct employer before any placement begins, since unauthorized employment has serious immigration consequences.
How do I handle the gap between graduating and starting my first controls engineering role on OPT?
Your OPT application should be filed before graduation, and you have up to 90 days of unemployment allowed during your OPT period. If the job search takes longer than expected, prioritize roles that are actively hiring rather than waiting for a perfect fit. Migrate Mate lists open positions from employers who sponsor, which helps focus your time on applications with a realistic path to long-term authorization.
Do project-based or contract Electrical Controls Engineer roles count as valid OPT employment?
They can, but the work must be at least 20 hours per week and directly related to your degree field. Short-duration project contracts that end and restart create gaps that count against your 90-day unemployment limit. If you take contract work, confirm with your DSO that the arrangement qualifies before you start, since misclassified employment can jeopardize your status and any future extension.