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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Airgas is Hiring for an Automation Technician Apprentice in Vancouver, WA!
How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW?
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the unique perspectives of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders, and cultures across the world. We believe that a variety of backgrounds makes our team stronger and more innovative. At Airgas, we RESPECT, HONOR and VALUE diversity.
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Automation Technician Apprentice performs service work on plasma, oxy/fuel cutting systems, and robots, including installation, preventative maintenance, onsite troubleshooting and service, component repair and performs component upgrades while ensuring a safe working environment.
- Ensures machines are tested, calibrated and run according to manufacturer’s specifications.
- Communicate completed service work, estimates, and service summary reports to the automation and service manager in a timely manner to facilitate customer billing.
- Maintains a clean, organized and safe work environment by ensuring all health and safety guidelines are followed both at Airgas and customer facilities.
- We look for a technician ready to service equipment in-house and at customer sites.
- Ideally, you bring the openness to attend a minimum of two weeks of company paid training per year focused on advancing the technicians ability to serve our customer base.
- First year training focuses on advancing over 12 weeks to cultivate a foundational understanding in manufacturers certifications. This may require out of town and overnight travel.
- Interacts with both internal and external customers in a professional manner. Collaborates as a supportive team contributor with a wide variety of people with different personalities and backgrounds ensuring the team and customer achieve excellent results.
- Ability to work closely with customers as the Company’s primary point of connection to build confidence and support the customer and Airgas.
- Maintains accurate and timely expense reports.
ARE YOU A MATCH?
Required Qualifications:
- Proven experience operating large equipment, such as CNC tables, high-voltage electrical equipment, and various power sources.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) that meets company policy standards; must be willing/able to take a DOT physical if required by the assigned vehicle.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate Degree in Welding (AAS) or formal certification from a Technical School.
- Strong electrical and electronic knowledge combined with relevant work experience (can be used to fulfill educational requirements).
- Ability and comfort working flexibly in a variety of manufacturing environments.
- Ability to read and interpret critical documents, including safety rules, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to write routine reports and professional correspondence.
The hourly base pay range for this position in Washington is $32.00 /hr. - $35.00 /hr. Please note that the hourly base pay information is a general guideline only. Airgas considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
BENEFITS
We care about and support our Airgas Families. This is evident not only through our competitive compensation but also through a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term and long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pre-tax commuter transportation benefit, parental leave, vacation, sick time, floating holidays, jury duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees.
Additionally, we offer our eligible employees a 401k plan with company matching funds, tuition reimbursement, discounted college tuition for eligible employees’ dependents, and an Airgas Scholarship Program for dependent children.
Associates who are members of collective bargaining units should review their bargaining agreement to determine whether they are eligible for some or all of the benefits described here and to see any special terms or conditions for eligibility.
Your DIFFERENCES enhance our PERFORMANCE
At Airgas, we are committed to building a workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.
We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.
About Airgas
Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals. Through the passion and diversity of its 18,000 associates, Airgas fosters a culture of safety, customer success, sustainability and innovation. Airgas associates are empowered to share ideas, take initiative and make decisions.
Airgas is a subsidiary of Air Liquide, a world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and healthcare. Present in 60 countries with approximately 66,500 employees, Air Liquide serves more than 4 million customers and patients.
Join us for a stimulating experience: At Airgas, you matter and so does the work you do. As a member of our team, you play an important role in the success of your team, making sure our products are created sustainably and delivered safely and efficiently. In turn, you’ll find a welcoming workplace where you’re valued for who you are and where you can fill your potential while growing a fulfilling career — whatever path you choose.
Equal Employment Opportunity Information
We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Airgas, an Air Liquide Company is a Government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Airgas does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to the known disabilities of such individuals so as to ensure equal access to benefits and privileges of employment. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us by email at us-accommodationrequest@airgas.com.
INTRODUCTION
Airgas is Hiring for an Automation Technician Apprentice in Vancouver, WA!
How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW?
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the unique perspectives of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders, and cultures across the world. We believe that a variety of backgrounds makes our team stronger and more innovative. At Airgas, we RESPECT, HONOR and VALUE diversity.
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Automation Technician Apprentice performs service work on plasma, oxy/fuel cutting systems, and robots, including installation, preventative maintenance, onsite troubleshooting and service, component repair and performs component upgrades while ensuring a safe working environment.
- Ensures machines are tested, calibrated and run according to manufacturer’s specifications.
- Communicate completed service work, estimates, and service summary reports to the automation and service manager in a timely manner to facilitate customer billing.
- Maintains a clean, organized and safe work environment by ensuring all health and safety guidelines are followed both at Airgas and customer facilities.
- We look for a technician ready to service equipment in-house and at customer sites.
- Ideally, you bring the openness to attend a minimum of two weeks of company paid training per year focused on advancing the technicians ability to serve our customer base.
- First year training focuses on advancing over 12 weeks to cultivate a foundational understanding in manufacturers certifications. This may require out of town and overnight travel.
- Interacts with both internal and external customers in a professional manner. Collaborates as a supportive team contributor with a wide variety of people with different personalities and backgrounds ensuring the team and customer achieve excellent results.
- Ability to work closely with customers as the Company’s primary point of connection to build confidence and support the customer and Airgas.
- Maintains accurate and timely expense reports.
ARE YOU A MATCH?
Required Qualifications:
- Proven experience operating large equipment, such as CNC tables, high-voltage electrical equipment, and various power sources.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) that meets company policy standards; must be willing/able to take a DOT physical if required by the assigned vehicle.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate Degree in Welding (AAS) or formal certification from a Technical School.
- Strong electrical and electronic knowledge combined with relevant work experience (can be used to fulfill educational requirements).
- Ability and comfort working flexibly in a variety of manufacturing environments.
- Ability to read and interpret critical documents, including safety rules, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to write routine reports and professional correspondence.
The hourly base pay range for this position in Washington is $32.00 /hr. - $35.00 /hr. Please note that the hourly base pay information is a general guideline only. Airgas considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
BENEFITS
We care about and support our Airgas Families. This is evident not only through our competitive compensation but also through a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term and long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pre-tax commuter transportation benefit, parental leave, vacation, sick time, floating holidays, jury duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees.
Additionally, we offer our eligible employees a 401k plan with company matching funds, tuition reimbursement, discounted college tuition for eligible employees’ dependents, and an Airgas Scholarship Program for dependent children.
Associates who are members of collective bargaining units should review their bargaining agreement to determine whether they are eligible for some or all of the benefits described here and to see any special terms or conditions for eligibility.
Your DIFFERENCES enhance our PERFORMANCE
At Airgas, we are committed to building a workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.
We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.
About Airgas
Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals. Through the passion and diversity of its 18,000 associates, Airgas fosters a culture of safety, customer success, sustainability and innovation. Airgas associates are empowered to share ideas, take initiative and make decisions.
Airgas is a subsidiary of Air Liquide, a world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and healthcare. Present in 60 countries with approximately 66,500 employees, Air Liquide serves more than 4 million customers and patients.
Join us for a stimulating experience: At Airgas, you matter and so does the work you do. As a member of our team, you play an important role in the success of your team, making sure our products are created sustainably and delivered safely and efficiently. In turn, you’ll find a welcoming workplace where you’re valued for who you are and where you can fill your potential while growing a fulfilling career — whatever path you choose.
Equal Employment Opportunity Information
We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Airgas, an Air Liquide Company is a Government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Airgas does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to the known disabilities of such individuals so as to ensure equal access to benefits and privileges of employment. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us by email at us-accommodationrequest@airgas.com.
See all 552+ STEM OPT Automation Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Automation Jobs.
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.