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 JobsBuild your best future with the Johnson Controls team!
As a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard – your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!
What we offer
- Competitive salary
- Company vehicle (as applicable)
- Paid vacation/holidays/sick time - 15 days of vacation first year
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one.
- Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities
- With outstanding resources Encouraging and collaborative team environment Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
- Career advancement opportunities
What you will do
Under general direction, responsible for the design, configuration, and operation of complete building control systems with a focus on HVAC Controls to meet the intent of the project requirements. Accountable to field teams for quality, timeliness and efficiency of designs. Develops complex software programs, commissions and troubleshoots to ensure proper operations of the building control system. Provides detailed information and submittals to communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, Johnson Controls field installation team and subcontractors.
How will you do it
- Designs and configures are technically complex building control systems as defined by the contract documents. Creates flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of material, network layouts and electrical schematics as required.
- Develops and tests software programs necessary to operate the system as per the intent of the project requirements.
- Coordinates the creation of necessary drawings and equipment schedules for submittals and installation.
- Selects, orders, and tracks the delivery of materials for assigned projects. Coordinates factory-mounting processes to meet factory and project schedule.
- Assists in the loading and commissioning of all system and network-level controllers as required. Assists in validation of complete system functionality and troubleshoots problems with subcontractors and other trades to ensure proper operation.
- Provides field change information to the project team for the creation of as-built drawings and software.
- Keeps management and JCI contractor or customer informed of job progress and issues. Collects and inputs data to track project progress using collaborative dashboards.
- Assists in performing site-specific training for owner/operator on the total building control system.
- Participates in release meeting with project field team. Performs value engineering to provide cost effective results while maintaining customer satisfaction.
- Coordinates with project owners to determine engineering & field execution task responsibilities.
- May provide work directions to Systems Design Assistants and other assigned project resources.
- Adheres to safety standards. High degree of regard to employee and subcontractor safety.
What we look for:
Required
- Associate or Technical degree, three years of related technical relevant work experience required; or equivalent work experience (with no degree) as a commercial HVAC Controls Technician, Engineer, or Installer
- Demonstrated knowledge of the HVAC industry.
- Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems from a design, installation, and/or commissioning perspective.
- Demonstrated experience in the integration of low voltage building sub-systems using various industry protocols. Ability to relate technical knowledge to a non-technical audience.
- Demonstrated advanced computer skills required, particularly computer-related drafting tools.
- Travel to job sites outside of the area as needed to support the customer needs.
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering with a minimum of three years of experience
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $68,000 - $95,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at About us - Johnson Controls Careers.
Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team!
As a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard – your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!
What we offer
- Competitive salary
- Company vehicle (as applicable)
- Paid vacation/holidays/sick time - 15 days of vacation first year
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one.
- Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities
- With outstanding resources Encouraging and collaborative team environment Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
- Career advancement opportunities
What you will do
Under general direction, responsible for the design, configuration, and operation of complete building control systems with a focus on HVAC Controls to meet the intent of the project requirements. Accountable to field teams for quality, timeliness and efficiency of designs. Develops complex software programs, commissions and troubleshoots to ensure proper operations of the building control system. Provides detailed information and submittals to communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, Johnson Controls field installation team and subcontractors.
How will you do it
- Designs and configures are technically complex building control systems as defined by the contract documents. Creates flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of material, network layouts and electrical schematics as required.
- Develops and tests software programs necessary to operate the system as per the intent of the project requirements.
- Coordinates the creation of necessary drawings and equipment schedules for submittals and installation.
- Selects, orders, and tracks the delivery of materials for assigned projects. Coordinates factory-mounting processes to meet factory and project schedule.
- Assists in the loading and commissioning of all system and network-level controllers as required. Assists in validation of complete system functionality and troubleshoots problems with subcontractors and other trades to ensure proper operation.
- Provides field change information to the project team for the creation of as-built drawings and software.
- Keeps management and JCI contractor or customer informed of job progress and issues. Collects and inputs data to track project progress using collaborative dashboards.
- Assists in performing site-specific training for owner/operator on the total building control system.
- Participates in release meeting with project field team. Performs value engineering to provide cost effective results while maintaining customer satisfaction.
- Coordinates with project owners to determine engineering & field execution task responsibilities.
- May provide work directions to Systems Design Assistants and other assigned project resources.
- Adheres to safety standards. High degree of regard to employee and subcontractor safety.
What we look for:
Required
- Associate or Technical degree, three years of related technical relevant work experience required; or equivalent work experience (with no degree) as a commercial HVAC Controls Technician, Engineer, or Installer
- Demonstrated knowledge of the HVAC industry.
- Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems from a design, installation, and/or commissioning perspective.
- Demonstrated experience in the integration of low voltage building sub-systems using various industry protocols. Ability to relate technical knowledge to a non-technical audience.
- Demonstrated advanced computer skills required, particularly computer-related drafting tools.
- Travel to job sites outside of the area as needed to support the customer needs.
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering with a minimum of three years of experience
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $68,000 - $95,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at About us - Johnson Controls Careers.
See all 444+ 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.