STEM OPT Senior Control Engineer Jobs
Senior Control Engineer roles in automation, process control, and systems integration qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension if 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 215+ Senior Control Engineer jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Senior Control Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by USCIS. Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science codes commonly support Senior Control Engineer roles, but industrial technology codes vary by school and may not qualify.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you reach the offer stage. A company can be enthusiastic about hiring you but still be ineligible to employ STEM OPT workers if it hasn't completed E-Verify enrollment.
Build an I-983 training plan around control systems
Draft your I-983 before your start date, mapping your engineering degree learning outcomes to specific job duties like PLC programming, SCADA configuration, or closed-loop tuning. Generic descriptions get returned by DSOs; specificity tied to your coursework clears faster.
Target manufacturers with active DOL LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Senior Control Engineer roles by employers with verified DOL Labor Condition Application filing history. Companies that have filed LCAs for control or automation engineers have already navigated the E-Verify and prevailing-wage process.
Benchmark your offer against prevailing wage data
Run the job title and your target metro area through the OFLC Wage Search before evaluating offers. Employers sponsoring STEM OPT workers who later file for H-1B must meet DOL prevailing-wage thresholds, so an offer below Level I wages can create problems at the H-1B stage.
Use O*NET to align your resume with SOC codes
Senior Control Engineer maps to specific SOC codes in O*NET, which USCIS and DOL use to classify the role at H-1B petition time. Matching your resume's language to O*NET task descriptions for your target code strengthens continuity between your STEM OPT training plan and any future sponsorship petition.
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Find Senior Control Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Control Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not just the job title. Your degree must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and carry an eligible CIP code. Electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering degrees typically qualify. The role itself must also provide training directly related to that field of study, which you document in the I-983 training plan your employer signs.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a control engineering role?
The I-983 must connect your STEM degree's learning objectives to specific job duties you'll perform. For a Senior Control Engineer, that means describing how your coursework in control theory, instrumentation, or embedded systems applies to tasks like PLC logic development, process loop tuning, or HMI design. Vague descriptions tied to general engineering skills are frequently returned by DSOs for revision.
How do I confirm that a potential employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly during the screening stage, before you invest time in technical interviews. E-Verify enrollment is required for any employer hiring STEM OPT workers, and not every company in automation or manufacturing has completed enrollment. You can also search the E-Verify employer search tool to check a company's enrollment status by name before applying.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B is selected in the lottery but not yet effective?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your STEM OPT expires and the petition is timely filed, the cap-gap provision extends your work authorization automatically until October 1, when the new fiscal year H-1B status takes effect. You can continue working as a Senior Control Engineer throughout that gap period without interruption, as long as you remain in the same qualifying role.
Where can I find Senior Control Engineer jobs at E-Verify enrolled companies?
Migrate Mate filters Senior Control Engineer listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and DOL LCA filing history, so you're not applying to companies that can't legally employ STEM OPT workers. This saves time during the offer stage and helps you avoid discovering E-Verify gaps after you've already completed multiple interview rounds.
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