OPT Process Control Engineer Jobs
Process Control Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or systems engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in oil and gas, manufacturing, and utilities are among the most active sponsors for this specialty.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: Middletown, OH
Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opportunity for an Operational Technology (OT) Networking Engineer at our Middletown Works facility. The OT Networking Engineer will ensure the availability of network-related hardware and software and assist in troubleshooting and root cause analysis. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and thrive in a fast-paced work environment with complex operations.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Ensure stability and availability of plant wide network infrastructure hardware and software by thorough and precise maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Develop and implement plant wide security initiatives to improve OT security.
- Maintain IP Layer-3 Access Control Lists, VLANs, Trunks, Port-channels, etc. for the many segmented OT networks within the Middletown Works facility.
- Monitor network activity for possible potential threats.
- Develop or modify network configurations to meet evolving company production requirements or goals.
- Determine the root cause of network problems and develop effective corrective actions.
- Provide explanations of technical issues to operations and management.
- Work together with other engineers responsible for interconnected systems to assist their troubleshooting efforts.
- Provide on-call support on a rotational basis for 24/7 production environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer or networking field, or foreign equivalent.
- 3-5 years’ experience in OT networking or related field.
- Networking equipment (routers, switches), Windows Servers and Workstations, IP based video and audio equipment. Cisco
Preferred Qualifications:
- Cisco: iOS-XE, iOS, NX-OS
- Operating Systems: Windows Server, Windows Desktop
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated, spanning from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, including stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off and more.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to careers@clevelandcliffs.com or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.
Location: Middletown, OH
Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opportunity for an Operational Technology (OT) Networking Engineer at our Middletown Works facility. The OT Networking Engineer will ensure the availability of network-related hardware and software and assist in troubleshooting and root cause analysis. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and thrive in a fast-paced work environment with complex operations.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Ensure stability and availability of plant wide network infrastructure hardware and software by thorough and precise maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Develop and implement plant wide security initiatives to improve OT security.
- Maintain IP Layer-3 Access Control Lists, VLANs, Trunks, Port-channels, etc. for the many segmented OT networks within the Middletown Works facility.
- Monitor network activity for possible potential threats.
- Develop or modify network configurations to meet evolving company production requirements or goals.
- Determine the root cause of network problems and develop effective corrective actions.
- Provide explanations of technical issues to operations and management.
- Work together with other engineers responsible for interconnected systems to assist their troubleshooting efforts.
- Provide on-call support on a rotational basis for 24/7 production environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer or networking field, or foreign equivalent.
- 3-5 years’ experience in OT networking or related field.
- Networking equipment (routers, switches), Windows Servers and Workstations, IP based video and audio equipment. Cisco
Preferred Qualifications:
- Cisco: iOS-XE, iOS, NX-OS
- Operating Systems: Windows Server, Windows Desktop
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated, spanning from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, including stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off and more.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to careers@clevelandcliffs.com or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.
See all OPT Process Control Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Process Control Engineer
Verify your degree field qualifies for STEM OPT
Process Control Engineer roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in chemical, electrical, or systems engineering. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles requiring longer authorization windows.
Target employers already familiar with OPT
Large manufacturers, chemical companies, and utilities have dedicated HR teams experienced with OPT work authorization. These employers have established processes for I-983 training plans, which reduces delays and friction compared to smaller firms encountering OPT for the first time.
Highlight PLC and DCS experience in your resume
Employers sponsoring OPT for process control roles want to see hands-on familiarity with control systems like Siemens, Honeywell, or Rockwell Automation platforms. Specific technical skills demonstrate immediate value, which strengthens your case for an employer willing to support your work authorization.
Apply early to account for OPT authorization timelines
USCIS recommends applying for OPT at least 90 days before your program end date. Process control hiring cycles in industrial sectors can run 6 to 10 weeks, so starting your job search early ensures your EAD arrives before your intended start date.
Understand the I-983 training plan requirement
STEM OPT requires an I-983 training plan signed by your employer detailing your learning objectives and supervision structure. Bring this up proactively with hiring managers so they understand it is a straightforward form, not a complex legal obligation requiring outside counsel.
Frame your academic projects as industry-relevant experience
If you lack full-time process control experience, emphasize senior design projects, process simulation coursework, or lab work with instrumentation systems. Employers evaluating OPT candidates look for technical fundamentals and learning trajectory, not just years of experience in the field.
Process Control Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Process Control Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Process Control Engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, bringing your total OPT authorization to 36 months. Eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code falling within a STEM-designated field such as chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or systems engineering. Confirm your specific CIP code with your designated school official before accepting an offer.
How do I find Process Control Engineer employers willing to support OPT?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, so you can focus on roles where the company already understands work authorization requirements. In the broader market, large chemical producers, oil and gas operators, and industrial automation firms are the most consistent sponsors because they hire process control engineers at scale and have established HR workflows for OPT.
What does the STEM OPT I-983 training plan require from my employer?
The I-983 requires your employer to describe your role, outline specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, confirm a formal mentoring and supervision structure, and attest that you are not displacing a U.S. worker. It is a two-page form. Most employers in engineering-heavy industries complete it routinely, but raising it early in the offer conversation helps avoid last-minute delays.
Can I work as a Process Control Engineer at a contractor or consulting firm on OPT?
Yes, but third-party placement arrangements require careful attention. Under STEM OPT regulations, your employer of record must sign the I-983 and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with you. If a staffing firm places you at a client site, the staffing firm is typically your employer of record, not the end client. Confirm this structure with your DSO before accepting a contract role.
What happens if my OPT period ends before my employer files an H-1B petition?
If your employer submits an H-1B visa petition before your OPT expires and you are selected in the lottery, a cap-gap provision automatically extends your OPT work authorization through September 30 of that year. If you are not selected or your employer does not file in time, you must stop working when your OPT EAD expires. Planning your H-1B timeline with your employer well before the April filing window is essential.