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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Essential Functions:
- Supports Sofidel America’s Good Manufacturing Practices and HACCP to promote a safe, sanitary and hygienically sound workplace.
- Test technically and economically the offers received by suppliers and arrange information for the purchase decision.
- Together with the purchasing officer, participate in the negotiating phase with suppliers, if necessary.
- Provide technical support and training to the productive units also in the post start-up phase.
- Get updated on technological innovation also through the relationship with suppliers.
- Promote a safety-bound corporate culture.
- Apply the corporate principles and values.
- Provides Project Management activities for Capital and Major Expense projects as assigned.
- Provide practical project engineering and design expertise utilizing incumbent’s education and training on all projects or sub-projects assigned. Completes necessary calculations, drawings, specifications, reports, etc. as assignment requires according to approved time schedule and engineering budget.
- Provide technical support and direction to operations by providing timely feedback for optimizing quality, efficiency and cost.
- Develop and maintain good relationships with operations, maintenance, field service, sales and marketing personnel and act as a communication pathway for customer quality issues.
- Determine root cause and corrective actions for quality and production deficiencies.
- Directly support the production department in outage execution, safety improvements.
- Manage the hourly technicians and co-ops in the department (as applicable).
- Works from verbal and written instructions as well as work orders. Communicates openly between shifts.
- Use designated computer systems to input work orders, track required work, and track parts in inventory.
- Provide preventative electrical maintenance on electrical equipment, and instrument systems. Troubleshoot and diagnose problems related to instrumentation and electrical failure, report conditions, and recommend steps to be taken. Monitor instruments to determine within range.
- Oversee and direct preventative maintenance such as changing contacts, checking motors, and operation of robotic systems.
- Maintain the robotic systems including all mechanical, electrical and electrical components to ensure proper operation.
- PLC/DCS programming, troubleshooting, and repair. Repair electrical and electronic systems including any electromechanical production equipment.
- Collect PLC input and output data to monitor efficiency of equipment to assist in the planning of future conversion operations.
- Program computerized monitoring system. Monitor output to determine if settings are correct.
- Examine equipment to identify potential problems. Participate in process improvement efforts, identify inefficiencies and design flaws. Collaborate with other team members as necessary to resolve problems and determine the roots cause. Recommend improvements and make adjustments.
- Managing and working with contractors and vendors to monitor and improve the efficiency and output, to enhance our technology with better products and services, and safety of the plant.
- Reads and uses all types of electrical schematic wiring diagrams and keeps abreast of new innovations and techniques in the specialized field in which engaged.
- Assists in on-the-job training of others.
Other Duties May Include:
- Perform or assist with operations, as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules and quality requirements. Notify supervision of unusual equipment or operating problems and the need for additional material and supplies.
- Maintain safe work area and comply with safety procedures and equipment operating rules keeping work area in a clean and orderly condition.
- Participate in a variety of meetings and work groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems, and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements, policies, and regulatory guidelines.
- Available to support maintenance and engineering activities after/before normal business hours.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Skill Requirements:
- Must possess strong analytical and technical skills;
- Excellent communication, documentation, and computer skills required;
- Solid mechanical aptitude preferred;
- Must have the ability/desire to work in a team environment;
- Must possess a high level of integrity, inspiring trust;
- Must demonstrate the ability to promote a safe working environment;
- Must be innovative, showing a drive for results;
- The ability to effectively manage conflict, the possession of managerial courage and interpersonal savvy are preferred;
- The ability to communicate vision and purpose and the ability to motivate others is a plus;
- Experience in an industrial environment.
Education/Experience Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree - Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, Electro-Mechanical Engineering or Automation/Engineering preferred. Two plus years of experience in related area.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Employee will use computer and peripherals, standard and customized software applications and tools, DVMs, oscilloscopes, and usual office equipment.
Language Ability:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, quality and procedure manuals, and equipment drawings and programs.
Physical Demands:
Lift/Carry Requirements:
Stand
F (Frequently)
10 lbs. or less
F (Frequently)
Walk
F (Frequently)
11-20 lbs.
O (Occasionally)
Sit
F (Frequently)
21-50 lbs.
O (Occasionally)
Manually Manipulate
F (Frequently)
51-100 lbs.
N (Not Applicable)
Grasp
F (Frequently)
Over 100 lbs.
N (Not Applicable)
Reach Outward
F (Frequently)
Push / Pull
Reach Above Shoulder
F (Frequently)
12 lbs. or less
F (Frequently)
Speak
F (Frequently)
13-25 lbs.
O (Occasionally)
Climb
O (Occasionally)
26-40 lbs.
N (Not Applicable)
Crawl
N (not applicable)
41-100 lbs.
N (Not Applicable)
Squat or Kneel
F (Frequently)
Bend
F (Frequently)
N (Not Applicable)
Activity is not applicable to this occupation.
O (Occasionally)
Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently)
Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly)
Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
Other Physical Requirements
Vision (Near, Distance)
Sense of Sound (within normal range)
Sense of Touch
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when in the plant and warehouse areas. PPE will include safety shoes, eye and ear protection, reflective vests and hairnets or hats along with any other necessary protection. Temperatures in the plant/warehouse can range a great deal from season to season. The employee will be exposed to considerable paper dust and employees will also be exposed to noise levels that will require hearing protection.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.
EEO/AAP/M/F/D/V
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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.
Frequently 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.