STEM OPT Automation Specialist Jobs
Automation Specialist roles in manufacturing, robotics, and process control are strong fits for F-1 students with STEM degrees in engineering, computer science, or related fields. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you under this authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsWhat You Will Do
As an Automation Specialist I you will assist with most aspects of system integration projects by identifying parts and components for PLC, network, computer, and software components; programming PLCs and HMIs; testing functionality of program logic and installed equipment; troubleshooting software and systems issues during start-up; developing and assembling required documentation and user manuals created during the development process.
A Typical Day at Prime Controls
- Reads and interprets diagrams and documentation and communicates with customers to understand objectives and preferences.
- Develops BOMs, IO lists, and requirements for control panels.
- Develops PLC programs in Ladder, Function Block, and other languages.
- Develops the human machine interface (HMI).
- Develops hardware and software test plans and writes simulation logic for the testing of the PLC and HMI system.
- Tests the installed system to observe system functionality and ensure that the programs function as designed.
- Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect drawings, changes in customer desires, incorrect instrumentation specifications, or other technical issues. Diagnoses and resolves software and hardware interface issues.
- Trains customers on the use and operation of client-specific system integration software.
- Interfaces with manufacturers and vendors of software and application products, particularly regarding problem diagnosis and resolution.
- Works with others to address design problems as necessary.
- May respond to service calls to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair programming and system failures.
What You Will Bring
The Basic
- 2 years of experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, related Bachelor’s discipline, related degree from a Technical College or equivalent Industrial controls experience
The Preferred
- 4 years of experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
What You Will Do
As an Automation Specialist I you will assist with most aspects of system integration projects by identifying parts and components for PLC, network, computer, and software components; programming PLCs and HMIs; testing functionality of program logic and installed equipment; troubleshooting software and systems issues during start-up; developing and assembling required documentation and user manuals created during the development process.
A Typical Day at Prime Controls
- Reads and interprets diagrams and documentation and communicates with customers to understand objectives and preferences.
- Develops BOMs, IO lists, and requirements for control panels.
- Develops PLC programs in Ladder, Function Block, and other languages.
- Develops the human machine interface (HMI).
- Develops hardware and software test plans and writes simulation logic for the testing of the PLC and HMI system.
- Tests the installed system to observe system functionality and ensure that the programs function as designed.
- Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect drawings, changes in customer desires, incorrect instrumentation specifications, or other technical issues. Diagnoses and resolves software and hardware interface issues.
- Trains customers on the use and operation of client-specific system integration software.
- Interfaces with manufacturers and vendors of software and application products, particularly regarding problem diagnosis and resolution.
- Works with others to address design problems as necessary.
- May respond to service calls to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair programming and system failures.
What You Will Bring
The Basic
- 2 years of experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, related Bachelor’s discipline, related degree from a Technical College or equivalent Industrial controls experience
The Preferred
- 4 years of experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
See all 35+ Automation Specialist jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Automation Specialist
Verify your CIP code covers automation
Your STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code mapping to a STEM-designated field. Electrical, mechanical, industrial, and computer engineering codes all qualify. Confirm your code with your DSO before applying, since a mismatch delays your I-983 approval.
Check E-Verify status before accepting offers
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension starts, not just at offer. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name to confirm active enrollment. A non-enrolled employer cannot legally onboard you under STEM OPT.
Target employers with active automation LCA filings
Companies that file Labor Condition Applications for automation or controls engineer roles have documented H-1B sponsorship pipelines. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with verified STEM OPT hiring history so your 36 months align with a realistic H-1B transition path.
Build an I-983 training plan around your role
Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your automation work, not generic job duties. Document skills like PLC programming, SCADA configuration, or robotics integration. Employers unfamiliar with STEM OPT often draft vague plans that USCIS flags during review.
Benchmark your offer against OFLC Wage Search data
STEM OPT doesn't require prevailing wage compliance the way H-1B does, but your I-983 requires that your compensation is commensurate with similarly situated U.S. workers. Pull the Level I and Level II wage for your SOC code using OFLC Wage Search before negotiating.
Identify cap-gap risk in your hiring timeline
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap protects your authorization through September 30. Automation roles at large manufacturers often run 6-to-12-month hiring cycles, so align your application timeline to allow petition filing before your EAD end date.
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Find Automation Specialist JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does my engineering degree qualify me for STEM OPT as an Automation Specialist?
Most Automation Specialist roles accept degrees in electrical, mechanical, industrial, or computer engineering, all of which carry STEM-designated CIP codes. Your DSO confirms your specific code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in automation technology or systems engineering also qualify if the CIP code appears on that list. Verify this before your DSO recommends the STEM OPT extension to USCIS.
What must my employer include in the I-983 training plan for an automation role?
Your I-983 must identify concrete learning objectives directly tied to your day-to-day automation work, such as PLC ladder logic development, motion control systems, or industrial network configuration. Vague descriptions like 'gaining engineering experience' are insufficient. The plan must also confirm your compensation matches similarly situated U.S. workers in the same occupation and geographic area, and your employer must agree to report material changes within five business days.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before my STEM OPT extension begins?
Use the E-Verify employer search tool on the E-Verify website to look up your employer by company name or EIN before your extension start date. Enrollment must be active, not pending. If your employer isn't yet enrolled, they can register directly through E-Verify, but the process takes time. Don't wait until your EAD arrives to check.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my Automation Specialist employer loses E-Verify enrollment?
If your employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses or is terminated after your STEM OPT extension begins, your work authorization becomes invalid at that employer. USCIS requires continuous E-Verify enrollment throughout your employment period. You'd need to either find a new E-Verify-enrolled employer or stop working immediately. Your DSO must be notified within five business days of any material change to your employment.
Where can I find Automation Specialist jobs where employers are already set up to hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Automation Specialist listings by employers with active E-Verify enrollment and documented STEM OPT hiring history, so you're not cold-applying to companies that have never sponsored international students. Automation roles in manufacturing, energy, and industrial controls are well represented, and you can narrow by industry sector or company size to match your H-1B transition goals.
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