STEM OPT Automation Jobs
Automation roles in controls engineering, robotics programming, and industrial systems integration qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree must map to an eligible CIP code. This page lists Automation jobs at E-Verify-enrolled companies.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
Making a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make.
Our purpose is to make a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make.
At Silfab Solar, the energy of our people is the power behind our success. Our employees actively shape the solar innovations of tomorrow, while adhering to the highest ethical operating standards and promoting a respectful and safe workplace for our diverse workforce.
Our state-of-the art facilities in the US and Canada engineer and design the latest generation of solar products and utilize advanced manufacturing technology to produce high-efficiency PV cells and modules intended to outperform the market. As a profitable and rapidly expanding company in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the renewable energy industry, Silfab provides you with an incredible opportunity to build your career and contribute to a sustainable future. We are committed to investing in our employees, providing a dynamic and supportive environment for learning and professional growth. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but more importantly, we offer you the ability to make a real difference in the world.
Together we can create a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.
Summary of Position
The Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and management of automation projects within the company's manufacturing environment. This position requires a strong understanding and practical application of control schematic and wiring diagrams, control panel layout, instrumentation and controls, and industrial electrical design practices. The Automation Engineer will be responsible for executing projects from concept to realization, focusing primarily on controls and integration-based projects to enhance the existing manufacturing line.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Strong understanding and implementation of:
- Control schematic & wiring diagrams
- Control Panel layout and design
- Instrumentation and Controls
- Knowledge of industrial electrical design practices and safety standards
- Manage and execute projects from concept to realization.
- Providing technical support and troubleshooting services to Maintenance and Operations departments as required.
- Manage primarily controls and integration-based projects that are additions and improvements to a current manufacturing line.
- Providing automation solutions that meet company standards.
- Primary contact with machine vendors regarding technical standards and integration needs and requirements.
- Following and improving policies and procedures for documenting work; providing comprehensive documentation for all projects including drawing as built and revisions. Recommending capital projects.
- Ability to work with a diverse group of people; Able to manage a small team as required; Able to manage outside vendors/contractors as required.
- Ability to work under time constraints; Ensure all safety policies, procedures and rules are adhered to by all staff.
Qualifications
Skills
- Skilled in PLC Design and Programming – Primarily Siemens S7 / Schnieder SoMachine
- Skilled in HMI Design and Programming – Primarily Siemens / Schnieder / Proface
- Proficient in VFD Configuration and Commissioning, primarily SEW integrated with S7.
- Knowledge of Robotics Programming and interfacing, primarily Kuka and ABB
- Knowledge in AutoCAD Electrical and AutoCAD Inventor.
Traits
- Ability to work cross-functionally.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
- Detailed oriented individual capable of Time Management, Technical Analysis and Project Management.
- Excellent Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Education and/or Experience
- College/University bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
- Minimum 3 years’ experience as Electrical Technologist or Electrical Engineer
- 5+ years of experience with strong problem-solving skills, preferably in a fast-paced manufacturing/industrial environment with multiple priorities preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
- $90,000 - $105,000 annually
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
- Health Savings Account option
- Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Employee PV Panel Purchase Program
Company Description
Making a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make.
Our purpose is to make a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make.
At Silfab Solar, the energy of our people is the power behind our success. Our employees actively shape the solar innovations of tomorrow, while adhering to the highest ethical operating standards and promoting a respectful and safe workplace for our diverse workforce.
Our state-of-the art facilities in the US and Canada engineer and design the latest generation of solar products and utilize advanced manufacturing technology to produce high-efficiency PV cells and modules intended to outperform the market. As a profitable and rapidly expanding company in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the renewable energy industry, Silfab provides you with an incredible opportunity to build your career and contribute to a sustainable future. We are committed to investing in our employees, providing a dynamic and supportive environment for learning and professional growth. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but more importantly, we offer you the ability to make a real difference in the world.
Together we can create a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.
Summary of Position
The Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and management of automation projects within the company's manufacturing environment. This position requires a strong understanding and practical application of control schematic and wiring diagrams, control panel layout, instrumentation and controls, and industrial electrical design practices. The Automation Engineer will be responsible for executing projects from concept to realization, focusing primarily on controls and integration-based projects to enhance the existing manufacturing line.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Strong understanding and implementation of:
- Control schematic & wiring diagrams
- Control Panel layout and design
- Instrumentation and Controls
- Knowledge of industrial electrical design practices and safety standards
- Manage and execute projects from concept to realization.
- Providing technical support and troubleshooting services to Maintenance and Operations departments as required.
- Manage primarily controls and integration-based projects that are additions and improvements to a current manufacturing line.
- Providing automation solutions that meet company standards.
- Primary contact with machine vendors regarding technical standards and integration needs and requirements.
- Following and improving policies and procedures for documenting work; providing comprehensive documentation for all projects including drawing as built and revisions. Recommending capital projects.
- Ability to work with a diverse group of people; Able to manage a small team as required; Able to manage outside vendors/contractors as required.
- Ability to work under time constraints; Ensure all safety policies, procedures and rules are adhered to by all staff.
Qualifications
Skills
- Skilled in PLC Design and Programming – Primarily Siemens S7 / Schnieder SoMachine
- Skilled in HMI Design and Programming – Primarily Siemens / Schnieder / Proface
- Proficient in VFD Configuration and Commissioning, primarily SEW integrated with S7.
- Knowledge of Robotics Programming and interfacing, primarily Kuka and ABB
- Knowledge in AutoCAD Electrical and AutoCAD Inventor.
Traits
- Ability to work cross-functionally.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
- Detailed oriented individual capable of Time Management, Technical Analysis and Project Management.
- Excellent Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Education and/or Experience
- College/University bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
- Minimum 3 years’ experience as Electrical Technologist or Electrical Engineer
- 5+ years of experience with strong problem-solving skills, preferably in a fast-paced manufacturing/industrial environment with multiple priorities preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
- $90,000 - $105,000 annually
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
- Health Savings Account option
- Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Employee PV Panel Purchase Program
See all 605+ Automation jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Automation roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Automation
Verify your CIP code matches automation
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before applying. Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science codes typically qualify for Automation roles, but industrial technology programs vary.
Confirm employers are E-Verify enrolled
Before submitting applications, verify each company's E-Verify enrollment through the E-Verify employer search portal. Automation teams at manufacturing and defense contractors are often enrolled, but smaller systems integrators sometimes aren't, which disqualifies them for your extension.
Build your I-983 training plan around automation competencies
Work with your DSO and hiring manager early to draft an I-983 that ties your daily tasks to specific learning objectives. For Automation roles, frame PLC programming, SCADA configuration, or robotics deployment as direct applications of your degree's technical curriculum.
Target industries with dense automation hiring
Automotive, semiconductor fabrication, food processing, and aerospace sectors run dedicated automation engineering teams and file Labor Condition Applications consistently. Use Migrate Mate to filter Automation job listings by employers with active STEM OPT hiring records so you skip the manual research.
Check prevailing wage tiers before negotiating
Look up your target job title and work location in the OFLC Wage Search before your offer stage. Automation engineers often span wage levels one through three depending on supervisory scope, and knowing your tier prevents you from accepting an offer that undercuts DOL standards.
File your OPT extension 90 days before expiration
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to arrive no earlier than 90 days before your initial OPT ends and recommends filing with significant buffer given processing times. Your DSO must update your I-20 with a new end date and training plan before you file the I-765.
Automation jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Automation JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Automation jobs qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
Most Automation roles qualify if your underlying degree maps to an eligible CIP code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, and systems engineering typically qualify. Your DSO confirms eligibility by matching your specific CIP code to the list, not by evaluating your job title alone.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my Automation employer?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify at the specific worksite where you'll be employed, not just at the corporate level. You can confirm enrollment through the E-Verify employer search before signing an offer. If your role involves a client site or contract placement, the E-Verify requirement applies to your direct employer of record, not the end client.
How does the I-983 training plan work for an Automation engineering role?
The I-983 must connect your daily Automation tasks to learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. For example, if you're programming PLCs or deploying robotic cells, your training plan should map those tasks to coursework in control systems or mechatronics. Your employer's designated representative signs the form, and your DSO must approve it before USCIS processes your extension.
What happens to my work authorization if my OPT expires while my extension is pending?
If you filed your STEM OPT extension application before your initial OPT expired, you're covered by a 180-day cap-gap period that lets you keep working while USCIS adjudicates. You must have filed on time and remain employed with the same E-Verify employer. USCIS issues a receipt notice confirming your continued authorization during this window.
Where can I find Automation jobs at employers enrolled in E-Verify?
Migrate Mate filters Automation job listings specifically for employers enrolled in E-Verify and with STEM OPT hiring history, so you don't have to cross-reference company enrollment separately. You can browse roles by location and automation subdiscipline, then confirm the employer's E-Verify status before applying, which saves significant time during an already tight OPT timeline.
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