STEM OPT Controls Engineer Jobs
Controls Engineer roles in automation, PLC programming, and industrial systems qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
See All STEM OPT Controls Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,983+ Controls Engineer jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 1,983+ Controls Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Controls Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Renewable energy continues to expand and we want you to be a part of it! Nor-Cal Controls provides controls solutions for utility-scale renewable energy power plants and we are looking for an Automation Engineer II to join our talented team! As an Automation Engineer II, you will take ownership of assigned projects, with specific focus on successful commissioning. You will also be responsible for initial project design, customer reviews, design implementation, testing, and troubleshooting. This role is open to in-office, hybrid work, or remote options with a salary range of $120,000 - $135,000 annually*.
WHY JOIN US?
- A workplace culture that celebrates collaboration, teamwork, and inclusivity.
- 401(K).
- Gold-level medical benefits with employee-only premiums paid at 100%.
- We’re a lot of fun! Company activities, social Fridays, and more!
WHAT WILL A SUCCESSFUL AUTOMATION ENGINEER ACCOMPLISH IN THE FIRST YEAR?
- Provide excellent customer service, including same day response to customer emails or calls.
- Commission solar PV SCADA projects.
- Consistently meet Nor-Cal’s Core Values.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Engineering B.S. degree (Automation, Controls, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar), or equivalent experience.
- 3 - 5 years of experience designing and developing SCADA systems for utility-scale solar PV projects.
- Advanced knowledge of SCADA, process instrumentation, and control systems.
- Possesses a positive “can do” attitude and a strong motivation to learn and excel.
*Salary is determined by multiple factors including relevant experience, education, place of residence (if remote), and internal parity.
From humble beginnings, Nor-Cal Controls ES, LLC. (located in El Dorado Hills, CA) has grown over the past 20 years to be the leading controls provider and systems integrator for renewable energies in the United States. Nor-Cal has led by adhering to our core values of Family, Dependability, Hard Work, Trust, and Knowledge. Our philosophy is simple: we take care of our clients by taking care of our employees. In addition to competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and flexible work options, we pride ourselves on having a healthy work environment that promotes diversity, collaboration, and professional growth.
INTRODUCTION
Renewable energy continues to expand and we want you to be a part of it! Nor-Cal Controls provides controls solutions for utility-scale renewable energy power plants and we are looking for an Automation Engineer II to join our talented team! As an Automation Engineer II, you will take ownership of assigned projects, with specific focus on successful commissioning. You will also be responsible for initial project design, customer reviews, design implementation, testing, and troubleshooting. This role is open to in-office, hybrid work, or remote options with a salary range of $120,000 - $135,000 annually*.
WHY JOIN US?
- A workplace culture that celebrates collaboration, teamwork, and inclusivity.
- 401(K).
- Gold-level medical benefits with employee-only premiums paid at 100%.
- We’re a lot of fun! Company activities, social Fridays, and more!
WHAT WILL A SUCCESSFUL AUTOMATION ENGINEER ACCOMPLISH IN THE FIRST YEAR?
- Provide excellent customer service, including same day response to customer emails or calls.
- Commission solar PV SCADA projects.
- Consistently meet Nor-Cal’s Core Values.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Engineering B.S. degree (Automation, Controls, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar), or equivalent experience.
- 3 - 5 years of experience designing and developing SCADA systems for utility-scale solar PV projects.
- Advanced knowledge of SCADA, process instrumentation, and control systems.
- Possesses a positive “can do” attitude and a strong motivation to learn and excel.
*Salary is determined by multiple factors including relevant experience, education, place of residence (if remote), and internal parity.
From humble beginnings, Nor-Cal Controls ES, LLC. (located in El Dorado Hills, CA) has grown over the past 20 years to be the leading controls provider and systems integrator for renewable energies in the United States. Nor-Cal has led by adhering to our core values of Family, Dependability, Hard Work, Trust, and Knowledge. Our philosophy is simple: we take care of our clients by taking care of our employees. In addition to competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and flexible work options, we pride ourselves on having a healthy work environment that promotes diversity, collaboration, and professional growth.
See all 1,983+ STEM OPT Controls Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Controls Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Controls Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Engineering degrees typically carry eligible CIP codes for STEM OPT, but Systems Engineering or Engineering Technology degrees vary. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before targeting Controls Engineer roles.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension is approved. Search the E-Verify employer database by company name to confirm enrollment status rather than waiting until the offer stage.
Target manufacturers and defense contractors with structured training programs
Controls Engineer roles in automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation firms often come with formal onboarding and documented training plans, which directly supports the I-983 training objectives USCIS requires for your STEM OPT extension.
Draft your I-983 training plan before your start date
Your I-983 must connect specific on-the-job training goals to your STEM degree. Work with your hiring manager early to document PLC programming milestones, control system design tasks, and safety certification goals that align with your coursework.
Use Migrate Mate to find E-Verify confirmed employers
Filter Controls Engineer listings on Migrate Mate to surface employers already enrolled in E-Verify. This cuts the verification step out of your outreach process and lets you focus on roles where your STEM OPT extension can actually be processed.
Apply early if your OPT expires during H-1B cap season
If your initial 12-month OPT ends between April and September, your STEM OPT extension and cap-gap protection need to be in place before your status lapses. File your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS at least 90 days before your OPT end date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Controls Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in an eligible STEM field such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Engineering and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. The role itself must also provide practical training related to your degree. Your DSO will confirm whether your specific CIP code qualifies before recommending the extension to USCIS.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Controls Engineer?
Your I-983 must describe how the job provides practical training in a STEM field directly tied to your degree. For Controls Engineer roles, this typically means documenting objectives around PLC programming, control loop design, SCADA systems, or industrial automation projects. Your employer's supervisor signs the plan, and your DSO must also approve it before USCIS processes your extension.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
E-Verify maintains a public employer search tool where you can look up any company by name. Enrollment in E-Verify is a mandatory condition for STEM OPT, so verify this before you sign an offer letter. If a company isn't enrolled, they'd need to register with E-Verify before your extension application can be approved by USCIS.
What happens to my work authorization if my OPT ends during H-1B cap season?
If you've filed a timely H-1B visa petition and your STEM OPT is still valid when the cap year begins, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. You must have an approved STEM OPT extension already in place, not just a pending application. Talk to your DSO as soon as your employer submits your H-1B registration.
Where can I find Controls Engineer jobs where employers already sponsor STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Controls Engineer roles filtered for employers enrolled in E-Verify, which is the foundational requirement for STEM OPT sponsorship. Targeting employers with confirmed E-Verify status saves you from discovering late in the hiring process that a company can't support your extension.