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.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Dematic has an immediate need for an Electrical Controls Engineer in our Life Cycle and Services Modernizations & Upgrades group. Candidates will have up to 5 years' experience in controls engineering. Qualified candidates are proficient in planning, creating schematic and panel assembly drawings, working with PLCs (Allen Bradley and/or Siemens), HMIs, and VFD's, implementation and commissioning of engineering design projects. Employees must be willing to travel no more than 50% to customer locations in the USA.
Dematic is an intralogistics innovator that designs, builds and supports intelligent, automated solutions for manufacturing, warehouse and distribution environments for customers that are powering the future of commerce. With engineering centers, manufacturing facilities and service centers located in more than 25 countries, Dematic’s global network of 8,000 employees have helped achieve more than 6,000 worldwide customer installations for some of the world’s leading brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION Group, a global leader in industrial trucks, supply chain solutions and related services, and a leading provider of warehouse automation.
We offer:
- Career Development
- Competitive Compensation and Benefits
- Pay Transparency
- Global Opportunities
Dematic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $64,000 - $116,400 at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as work location, education, experience, knowledge, and skills.
TASKS AND QUALIFICATIONS
What you Will Do in This Role:
- Deliver assigned work packages on time and within budget, as defined by the Project Manager.
- Ensure all deliverables and solutions meet quality standards, processes, and established engineering practices.
- Interpret design input requirements to produce semi-complex system designs.
- Select and place electrical and controls components for conveyor systems to ensure accurate and reliable operation (e.g., photoeyes, I/O blocks, beacon lights, control stations, gateways, VFDs, etc.).
- Develop electrical layouts and schematic drawings using appropriate CAD tools.
- Perform FLA, power drop, cable length, and other engineering calculations to ensure proper system functionality and compliance with Dematic and industrial standards.
- Design industrial networks in accordance with Dematic guidelines and industry standards (Ethernet, ProfiBus/ProfiNet, AS-i, DCAN, etc.).
- Design semi-complex conveyor control software using tools such as AB Logix Designer.
- Configure Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) parameters to meet specific application requirements.
- Create configuration and parameter files for Embedded Conveyor Controllers (ECCs).
- Emulation testing of designed systems to ensure proper functionality.
- Document findings and results in alignment with Dematic standards, including Best Practices, Standard Work Packages, process documentation, application guidelines, and manuals.
- Share developed documentation and knowledge with less experienced engineers through training sessions, spreadsheets, manuals, and other collaborative formats.
- Track engineering progress against schedule; report updates with ME/CE Leads.
- Completes the commissioning of complex systems that integrate hardware and software.
- Completes recommendations for ideas related to productivity improvement, cost reduction and improvement in customer satisfaction.
- Must be open to travel up to 50% to customer location in the USA.
What We Are Looking For
- BS/BA in electrical engineering or advanced degree.
- 0-5 years of successful experience in related field.
- Demonstrates and applies a broad knowledge of field of specialization through successful completion of moderately complex assignments.
- Demonstrates knowledge of organization's business practices and issues.
- Proficient in AutoCAD.
- Proficient in either Rockwell or Siemens PLCs.
- Knowledgeable on AC drives, both open & closed loop.
- Experience in Ethernet IP network design and machine safety a plus.
INTRODUCTION
Dematic has an immediate need for an Electrical Controls Engineer in our Life Cycle and Services Modernizations & Upgrades group. Candidates will have up to 5 years' experience in controls engineering. Qualified candidates are proficient in planning, creating schematic and panel assembly drawings, working with PLCs (Allen Bradley and/or Siemens), HMIs, and VFD's, implementation and commissioning of engineering design projects. Employees must be willing to travel no more than 50% to customer locations in the USA.
Dematic is an intralogistics innovator that designs, builds and supports intelligent, automated solutions for manufacturing, warehouse and distribution environments for customers that are powering the future of commerce. With engineering centers, manufacturing facilities and service centers located in more than 25 countries, Dematic’s global network of 8,000 employees have helped achieve more than 6,000 worldwide customer installations for some of the world’s leading brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION Group, a global leader in industrial trucks, supply chain solutions and related services, and a leading provider of warehouse automation.
We offer:
- Career Development
- Competitive Compensation and Benefits
- Pay Transparency
- Global Opportunities
Dematic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $64,000 - $116,400 at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as work location, education, experience, knowledge, and skills.
TASKS AND QUALIFICATIONS
What you Will Do in This Role:
- Deliver assigned work packages on time and within budget, as defined by the Project Manager.
- Ensure all deliverables and solutions meet quality standards, processes, and established engineering practices.
- Interpret design input requirements to produce semi-complex system designs.
- Select and place electrical and controls components for conveyor systems to ensure accurate and reliable operation (e.g., photoeyes, I/O blocks, beacon lights, control stations, gateways, VFDs, etc.).
- Develop electrical layouts and schematic drawings using appropriate CAD tools.
- Perform FLA, power drop, cable length, and other engineering calculations to ensure proper system functionality and compliance with Dematic and industrial standards.
- Design industrial networks in accordance with Dematic guidelines and industry standards (Ethernet, ProfiBus/ProfiNet, AS-i, DCAN, etc.).
- Design semi-complex conveyor control software using tools such as AB Logix Designer.
- Configure Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) parameters to meet specific application requirements.
- Create configuration and parameter files for Embedded Conveyor Controllers (ECCs).
- Emulation testing of designed systems to ensure proper functionality.
- Document findings and results in alignment with Dematic standards, including Best Practices, Standard Work Packages, process documentation, application guidelines, and manuals.
- Share developed documentation and knowledge with less experienced engineers through training sessions, spreadsheets, manuals, and other collaborative formats.
- Track engineering progress against schedule; report updates with ME/CE Leads.
- Completes the commissioning of complex systems that integrate hardware and software.
- Completes recommendations for ideas related to productivity improvement, cost reduction and improvement in customer satisfaction.
- Must be open to travel up to 50% to customer location in the USA.
What We Are Looking For
- BS/BA in electrical engineering or advanced degree.
- 0-5 years of successful experience in related field.
- Demonstrates and applies a broad knowledge of field of specialization through successful completion of moderately complex assignments.
- Demonstrates knowledge of organization's business practices and issues.
- Proficient in AutoCAD.
- Proficient in either Rockwell or Siemens PLCs.
- Knowledgeable on AC drives, both open & closed loop.
- Experience in Ethernet IP network design and machine safety a plus.
See all 2,166+ 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.