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
Accelerate possibilities. The WSP Data Center CoE (Center of Excellence) is growing, and we’re looking for smart, responsive, collaborative people to join us. Our CoE is 100% focused on data centers—supporting the world’s leading AI and cloud infrastructure companies. You’ll work to help tackle our clients’ biggest challenges: Where to build? How to secure power and water? How to develop responsibly and become a valued part of the community? AI is transforming life from scientific discoveries to smarter transportation and more sustainable communities. Data centers make it possible. With us, you can build impact, deliver remarkable projects, and grow your career while shaping the future of the data center industry.
This Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Data Center Building Automation and Controls Engineer, Assistant Consultant for our Milwaukee, WI office. Be involved in projects with our kW Mission Critical Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.
Take part in providing local technical assistance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.
- Assist with performing basic professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
- Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues.
- Under close supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
- 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.
- Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
- General understanding of electrical engineering as applied in design engineering of large capital projects.
- Familiarity with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
- Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, and CAPE), AutoCADD electrical.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
- The selected candidate must have the ability to work in the United States immediately.
Preferred Qualifications
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
- A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
INTRODUCTION
Accelerate possibilities. The WSP Data Center CoE (Center of Excellence) is growing, and we’re looking for smart, responsive, collaborative people to join us. Our CoE is 100% focused on data centers—supporting the world’s leading AI and cloud infrastructure companies. You’ll work to help tackle our clients’ biggest challenges: Where to build? How to secure power and water? How to develop responsibly and become a valued part of the community? AI is transforming life from scientific discoveries to smarter transportation and more sustainable communities. Data centers make it possible. With us, you can build impact, deliver remarkable projects, and grow your career while shaping the future of the data center industry.
This Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Data Center Building Automation and Controls Engineer, Assistant Consultant for our Milwaukee, WI office. Be involved in projects with our kW Mission Critical Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.
Take part in providing local technical assistance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.
- Assist with performing basic professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
- Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues.
- Under close supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
- 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.
- Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
- General understanding of electrical engineering as applied in design engineering of large capital projects.
- Familiarity with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
- Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, and CAPE), AutoCADD electrical.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
- The selected candidate must have the ability to work in the United States immediately.
Preferred Qualifications
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
- A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
See all 377+ 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.