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 JobsJOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a Senior Motion Control Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced robotic and automation systems for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role requires deep technical expertise in motion control, strong system-level thinking, and the ability to drive solutions from concept through production while collaborating across disciplines and with external partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead motion control system analysis, simulation, and testing to develop robust, high-performance solutions.
- Architect, design, and implement control systems, including requirements definition, schematics, firmware, and cable designs.
- Program, tune, and optimize motion controllers to meet demanding performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
- Define and execute system-level test strategies; design and build test fixtures to qualify, validate, and troubleshoot robots and controllers.
- Troubleshoot complex system-level issues and provide expert technical support to manufacturing and field teams.
- Drive Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and maintain accurate, traceable design documentation.
- Ensure designs meet applicable safety and regulatory standards including UL, IEC, NFPA, and SEMI.
- Collaborate cross-functionally and with external suppliers to resolve technical challenges and improve manufacturability.
- Act as a technical leader and mentor while fostering a positive, results-driven engineering culture.
- Travel domestically and internationally as required (less than 10%).
Requirements
- Senior-level expertise in motion control systems and robotics with a demonstrated ability to execute independently.
- Deep understanding of closed-loop control theory and its application to servo motor systems.
- Extensive experience programming motion controllers and optimizing real-world system performance.
- Strong knowledge of motion feedback devices (encoders) and industrial communication protocols, including Macro Ring, Modbus TCP, and EtherCAT.
- Proven ability to create and review control system schematics and cable design specifications.
- Working knowledge of safety and compliance standards, including UL, IEC, NFPA, and SEMI.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced development environment.
- Ability to work in a cleanroom environment.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
Experience
Minimum 3+ years of hands-on experience developing, documenting, and testing semiconductor manufacturing equipment or similarly complex electromechanical systems, demonstrating increasing technical responsibility and ownership.
Preferred Experience
- SCARA robot control systems.
- Omron PMAC (formerly Delta Tau) controllers and Macro Ring communication.
- Vacuum control systems.
- System-level experience with semiconductor process tools, including EFEM wafer handling systems.
- Ability to work onsite a minimum of three days per week.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
It is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.
U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE
$124,050.32 - $186,075.49
This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations.
Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based on multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work location, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression as you develop within the role.
Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in the Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regular employees working 20+ hours a week).
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a Senior Motion Control Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced robotic and automation systems for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role requires deep technical expertise in motion control, strong system-level thinking, and the ability to drive solutions from concept through production while collaborating across disciplines and with external partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead motion control system analysis, simulation, and testing to develop robust, high-performance solutions.
- Architect, design, and implement control systems, including requirements definition, schematics, firmware, and cable designs.
- Program, tune, and optimize motion controllers to meet demanding performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
- Define and execute system-level test strategies; design and build test fixtures to qualify, validate, and troubleshoot robots and controllers.
- Troubleshoot complex system-level issues and provide expert technical support to manufacturing and field teams.
- Drive Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and maintain accurate, traceable design documentation.
- Ensure designs meet applicable safety and regulatory standards including UL, IEC, NFPA, and SEMI.
- Collaborate cross-functionally and with external suppliers to resolve technical challenges and improve manufacturability.
- Act as a technical leader and mentor while fostering a positive, results-driven engineering culture.
- Travel domestically and internationally as required (less than 10%).
Requirements
- Senior-level expertise in motion control systems and robotics with a demonstrated ability to execute independently.
- Deep understanding of closed-loop control theory and its application to servo motor systems.
- Extensive experience programming motion controllers and optimizing real-world system performance.
- Strong knowledge of motion feedback devices (encoders) and industrial communication protocols, including Macro Ring, Modbus TCP, and EtherCAT.
- Proven ability to create and review control system schematics and cable design specifications.
- Working knowledge of safety and compliance standards, including UL, IEC, NFPA, and SEMI.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced development environment.
- Ability to work in a cleanroom environment.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
Experience
Minimum 3+ years of hands-on experience developing, documenting, and testing semiconductor manufacturing equipment or similarly complex electromechanical systems, demonstrating increasing technical responsibility and ownership.
Preferred Experience
- SCARA robot control systems.
- Omron PMAC (formerly Delta Tau) controllers and Macro Ring communication.
- Vacuum control systems.
- System-level experience with semiconductor process tools, including EFEM wafer handling systems.
- Ability to work onsite a minimum of three days per week.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
It is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.
U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE
$124,050.32 - $186,075.49
This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations.
Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based on multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work location, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression as you develop within the role.
Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in the Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regular employees working 20+ hours a week).
See all 2,106+ Controls Engineer jobs
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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.
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Find Controls Engineer JobsFrequently 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 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.
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