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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Sealed Air designs and delivers packaging solutions that protect essential goods transported worldwide, preserve food, enable e-commerce and digital connectivity, and help create a global supply chain that is touchless, safer, less wasteful, and more resilient. We strive to foster a caring, high-performance growth culture that will deliver consistent, sustainable profitable growth and accelerate our performance – a culture where accountability is clear and aligned, and where we reward business outcomes and impact. That culture guides everything we do, including how we partner with our customers and suppliers, how we attract and retain top talent, and how we create and deliver value to our stakeholders. In 2025, Sealed Air generated $5.4 billion in sales and has approximately 16,100 employees who serve customers in 119 countries/territories.
JOB DESCRIPTION
BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Technical Manager, this position works independently or in conjunction with engineers, production and maintenance personnel. The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, deployment and maintenance of a broad range of electrical systems and equipment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Designs and modifies electrical equipment, facilities, components, products, and systems for commercial, industrial, and domestic purposes.
- Designs and directs engineering and maintenance personnel in fabrication of test control apparatus and equipment, and determines methods, procedures, and conditions for testing designs.
- Develops applications of controls, instruments, and systems for new commercial, domestic, and industrial uses.
- Directs activities to ensure that manufacturing, construction, installation, and operational testing conform to functional specifications and customer requirements.
- Directs and coordinates operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and systems in field installations.
- Confer with engineers, customers, and others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects and products.
- Design, implement, maintain, and improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, and systems for commercial, industrial, and domestic purposes.
- Direct and coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, and testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, and customer requirements.
- Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications.
- Inspect completed installations and observe operations, to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational and safety standards.
- Plan and implement research methodology and procedures to apply principles of electrical and controls theory to engineering projects.
- Prepare specifications for purchase of materials and equipment.
- Supervise and assist the training of the project team members as necessary.
- Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time and within budget.
- Prepare and study technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, and topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
- Assist in developing capital project programs for new equipment and major repairs.
- Develop budgets, estimating labor, material, and construction costs for projects.
- Compile data and write reports regarding existing and potential engineering studies and projects.
INTERNAL INTERACTION REQUIRED WITH:
- Production Personnel
- Maintenance Personnel
- Engineering Personnel
EXTERNAL INTERACTION REQUIRED WITH:
- Sales
- Vendors
- Customers (End Users)
- Customer Service
SUPERVISES:
N/A
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
- Three years (+) prior experience preferred
- Experience with Allen Bradley software programming suites, this includes but is not limited to RS Logix, 5000, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View Studio
- Draftsight 2024 experience a plus
- Prior experience in Plastics Extrusion process and/or conversion of products a plus
- Prior use of designed experiments, Lean Six Sigma, SPC or equivalent preferred
- Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
- Will consider candidates with degrees in other engineering disciplines as well as Computer Science if accompanied by relevant experience.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Able to work both independently and within a team, generating results with general/minimal guidance from management
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with professional presentation and negotiation skills
- Exhibits qualities of flexibility and innovation
- Must possess strong interpersonal skills and a work ethic that corresponds with SEE’s core values
BENEFITS AND PERKS
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discounts
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid elder care
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
PAY TRANSPARENCY
Salary Range: $81,900 - $141,335
The range disclosed complies with applicable state and local pay transparency laws. Offers within this range will be determined by considering relevant factors including education, experience, and internal alignment. This position may also be eligible for annual performance bonuses and other incentive programs. Sealed Air offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other benefits designed to promote well-being.
Requisition id: 56661
Relocation: No
Sealed Air is committed to attracting, selecting, and developing talent that reflects the diversity of the communities and customers we serve. We take pride in our selection process to identify, infuse, and grow talent to align with our culture, values, and norms. Sealed Air prioritizes talent development, fostering a culture of continuous growth and career progression. The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and to all employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, protected disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Please be cautious of fraudulent recruiting efforts using the Sealed Air name or logo. Sealed Air will never request private information during the application process, such as a Driver's License or Social Security Number. If you have any concerns about information received from SEE during the application process, please reach out to us directly at globalta@sealedair.com.
INTRODUCTION
Sealed Air designs and delivers packaging solutions that protect essential goods transported worldwide, preserve food, enable e-commerce and digital connectivity, and help create a global supply chain that is touchless, safer, less wasteful, and more resilient. We strive to foster a caring, high-performance growth culture that will deliver consistent, sustainable profitable growth and accelerate our performance – a culture where accountability is clear and aligned, and where we reward business outcomes and impact. That culture guides everything we do, including how we partner with our customers and suppliers, how we attract and retain top talent, and how we create and deliver value to our stakeholders. In 2025, Sealed Air generated $5.4 billion in sales and has approximately 16,100 employees who serve customers in 119 countries/territories.
JOB DESCRIPTION
BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Technical Manager, this position works independently or in conjunction with engineers, production and maintenance personnel. The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, deployment and maintenance of a broad range of electrical systems and equipment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Designs and modifies electrical equipment, facilities, components, products, and systems for commercial, industrial, and domestic purposes.
- Designs and directs engineering and maintenance personnel in fabrication of test control apparatus and equipment, and determines methods, procedures, and conditions for testing designs.
- Develops applications of controls, instruments, and systems for new commercial, domestic, and industrial uses.
- Directs activities to ensure that manufacturing, construction, installation, and operational testing conform to functional specifications and customer requirements.
- Directs and coordinates operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and systems in field installations.
- Confer with engineers, customers, and others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects and products.
- Design, implement, maintain, and improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, and systems for commercial, industrial, and domestic purposes.
- Direct and coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, and testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, and customer requirements.
- Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications.
- Inspect completed installations and observe operations, to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational and safety standards.
- Plan and implement research methodology and procedures to apply principles of electrical and controls theory to engineering projects.
- Prepare specifications for purchase of materials and equipment.
- Supervise and assist the training of the project team members as necessary.
- Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time and within budget.
- Prepare and study technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, and topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
- Assist in developing capital project programs for new equipment and major repairs.
- Develop budgets, estimating labor, material, and construction costs for projects.
- Compile data and write reports regarding existing and potential engineering studies and projects.
INTERNAL INTERACTION REQUIRED WITH:
- Production Personnel
- Maintenance Personnel
- Engineering Personnel
EXTERNAL INTERACTION REQUIRED WITH:
- Sales
- Vendors
- Customers (End Users)
- Customer Service
SUPERVISES:
N/A
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
- Three years (+) prior experience preferred
- Experience with Allen Bradley software programming suites, this includes but is not limited to RS Logix, 5000, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View Studio
- Draftsight 2024 experience a plus
- Prior experience in Plastics Extrusion process and/or conversion of products a plus
- Prior use of designed experiments, Lean Six Sigma, SPC or equivalent preferred
- Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
- Will consider candidates with degrees in other engineering disciplines as well as Computer Science if accompanied by relevant experience.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Able to work both independently and within a team, generating results with general/minimal guidance from management
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with professional presentation and negotiation skills
- Exhibits qualities of flexibility and innovation
- Must possess strong interpersonal skills and a work ethic that corresponds with SEE’s core values
BENEFITS AND PERKS
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discounts
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid elder care
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
PAY TRANSPARENCY
Salary Range: $81,900 - $141,335
The range disclosed complies with applicable state and local pay transparency laws. Offers within this range will be determined by considering relevant factors including education, experience, and internal alignment. This position may also be eligible for annual performance bonuses and other incentive programs. Sealed Air offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other benefits designed to promote well-being.
Requisition id: 56661
Relocation: No
Sealed Air is committed to attracting, selecting, and developing talent that reflects the diversity of the communities and customers we serve. We take pride in our selection process to identify, infuse, and grow talent to align with our culture, values, and norms. Sealed Air prioritizes talent development, fostering a culture of continuous growth and career progression. The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and to all employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, protected disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Please be cautious of fraudulent recruiting efforts using the Sealed Air name or logo. Sealed Air will never request private information during the application process, such as a Driver's License or Social Security Number. If you have any concerns about information received from SEE during the application process, please reach out to us directly at globalta@sealedair.com.
See all 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.