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
Dematic has an immediate need for an Electrical Controls Engineer in our Life Cycle and Services Modernizations & Upgrades group. Candidates will have up to 5 years' experience in controls engineering. Qualified candidates are proficient in planning, creating schematic and panel assembly drawings, working with PLCs (Allen Bradley and/or Siemens), HMIs, and VFD's, implementation and commissioning of engineering design projects. Employees must be willing to travel no more than 50% to customer locations in the USA.
Dematic is an intralogistics innovator that designs, builds and supports intelligent, automated solutions for manufacturing, warehouse and distribution environments for customers that are powering the future of commerce. With engineering centers, manufacturing facilities and service centers located in more than 25 countries, Dematic’s global network of 8,000 employees have helped achieve more than 6,000 worldwide customer installations for some of the world’s leading brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION Group, a global leader in industrial trucks, supply chain solutions and related services, and a leading provider of warehouse automation.
We offer:
- Career Development
- Competitive Compensation and Benefits
- Pay Transparency
- Global Opportunities
Dematic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $64,000 - $116,400 at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as work location, education, experience, knowledge, and skills.
TASKS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
What you Will Do in This Role:
- Deliver assigned work packages on time and within budget, as defined by the Project Manager.
- Ensure all deliverables and solutions meet quality standards, processes, and established engineering practices.
- Interpret design input requirements to produce semi-complex system designs.
- Select and place electrical and controls components for conveyor systems to ensure accurate and reliable operation (e.g., photoeyes, I/O blocks, beacon lights, control stations, gateways, VFDs, etc.).
- Develop electrical layouts and schematic drawings using appropriate CAD tools.
- Perform FLA, power drop, cable length, and other engineering calculations to ensure proper system functionality and compliance with Dematic and industrial standards.
- Design industrial networks in accordance with Dematic guidelines and industry standards (Ethernet, ProfiBus/ProfiNet, AS-i, DCAN, etc.).
- Design semi-complex conveyor control software using tools such as AB Logix Designer.
- Configure Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) parameters to meet specific application requirements.
- Create configuration and parameter files for Embedded Conveyor Controllers (ECCs).
- Emulation testing of designed systems to ensure proper functionality.
- Document findings and results in alignment with Dematic standards, including Best Practices, Standard Work Packages, process documentation, application guidelines, and manuals.
- Share developed documentation and knowledge with less experienced engineers through training sessions, spreadsheets, manuals, and other collaborative formats.
- Track engineering progress against schedule; report updates with ME/CE Leads.
- Completes the commissioning of complex systems that integrate hardware and software.
- Completes recommendations for ideas related to productivity improvement, cost reduction and improvement in customer satisfaction.
Must be open to travel up to 50% to customer location in the USA.
What We Are Looking For
- BS/BA in electrical engineering or advanced degree.
- 0-5 years of successful experience in related field.
- Demonstrates and applies a broad knowledge of field of specialization through successful completion of moderately complex assignments.
- Demonstrates knowledge of organization's business practices and issues.
- Proficient in AutoCAD.
- Proficient in either Rockwell or Siemens PLCs.
- Knowledgeable on AC drives, both open & closed loop.
- Experience in Ethernet IP network design and machine safety a plus.
INTRODUCTION
Dematic has an immediate need for an Electrical Controls Engineer in our Life Cycle and Services Modernizations & Upgrades group. Candidates will have up to 5 years' experience in controls engineering. Qualified candidates are proficient in planning, creating schematic and panel assembly drawings, working with PLCs (Allen Bradley and/or Siemens), HMIs, and VFD's, implementation and commissioning of engineering design projects. Employees must be willing to travel no more than 50% to customer locations in the USA.
Dematic is an intralogistics innovator that designs, builds and supports intelligent, automated solutions for manufacturing, warehouse and distribution environments for customers that are powering the future of commerce. With engineering centers, manufacturing facilities and service centers located in more than 25 countries, Dematic’s global network of 8,000 employees have helped achieve more than 6,000 worldwide customer installations for some of the world’s leading brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION Group, a global leader in industrial trucks, supply chain solutions and related services, and a leading provider of warehouse automation.
We offer:
- Career Development
- Competitive Compensation and Benefits
- Pay Transparency
- Global Opportunities
Dematic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $64,000 - $116,400 at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as work location, education, experience, knowledge, and skills.
TASKS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
What you Will Do in This Role:
- Deliver assigned work packages on time and within budget, as defined by the Project Manager.
- Ensure all deliverables and solutions meet quality standards, processes, and established engineering practices.
- Interpret design input requirements to produce semi-complex system designs.
- Select and place electrical and controls components for conveyor systems to ensure accurate and reliable operation (e.g., photoeyes, I/O blocks, beacon lights, control stations, gateways, VFDs, etc.).
- Develop electrical layouts and schematic drawings using appropriate CAD tools.
- Perform FLA, power drop, cable length, and other engineering calculations to ensure proper system functionality and compliance with Dematic and industrial standards.
- Design industrial networks in accordance with Dematic guidelines and industry standards (Ethernet, ProfiBus/ProfiNet, AS-i, DCAN, etc.).
- Design semi-complex conveyor control software using tools such as AB Logix Designer.
- Configure Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) parameters to meet specific application requirements.
- Create configuration and parameter files for Embedded Conveyor Controllers (ECCs).
- Emulation testing of designed systems to ensure proper functionality.
- Document findings and results in alignment with Dematic standards, including Best Practices, Standard Work Packages, process documentation, application guidelines, and manuals.
- Share developed documentation and knowledge with less experienced engineers through training sessions, spreadsheets, manuals, and other collaborative formats.
- Track engineering progress against schedule; report updates with ME/CE Leads.
- Completes the commissioning of complex systems that integrate hardware and software.
- Completes recommendations for ideas related to productivity improvement, cost reduction and improvement in customer satisfaction.
Must be open to travel up to 50% to customer location in the USA.
What We Are Looking For
- BS/BA in electrical engineering or advanced degree.
- 0-5 years of successful experience in related field.
- Demonstrates and applies a broad knowledge of field of specialization through successful completion of moderately complex assignments.
- Demonstrates knowledge of organization's business practices and issues.
- Proficient in AutoCAD.
- Proficient in either Rockwell or Siemens PLCs.
- Knowledgeable on AC drives, both open & closed loop.
- Experience in Ethernet IP network design and machine safety a plus.
See all 774+ 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.