TN Visa Senior Automation Specialist Jobs
Senior Automation Specialist roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's Engineer category, provided your offer letter specifies engineering or systems integration responsibilities tied to your degree. Canadian citizens can enter at a port of entry the same day; Mexican nationals apply at a U.S. consulate.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Prime
Introducing Prime Controls, L.P.
Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C Construction firm dedicated to meeting clients’ industrial automation and control requirements. As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size, expertise, and extensive experience. With a professional team of 1000+ employees, Prime Controls serves customers nationwide from our Dallas, Texas headquarters and offices throughout the United States. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality professional services while prioritizing our employees’ well-being and fostering an exceptional workplace environment.
Overview
What You Will Do
As a Senior Automation Specialist, you will be involved in all elements of project design and implementation including PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, electrical, networking, computers, and panel equipment. You will lead an exciting team of professionals in the areas of design, development, and documentation.
A Typical Day at Prime Controls
- Collaborates with project managers and estimators to assess potential projects and submit proposals.
- Reads and interprets diagrams and documentation and communicates with customers to understand objectives and preferences.
- Works with the customer and other stakeholders to define and document control system functionality.
- Develops the overall architecture and communication strategy between control system elements.
- Serves as the technical lead for small projects. This includes building PLC and HMI templates for the project.
- Develops BOMs, IO lists, and requirements for control panels.
- Develops PLC programs in Ladder, Function Block, and other languages.
- Develops the human machine interface (HMI).
- Develops hardware and software test plans and writes simulation logic for the testing of the PLC and HMI system.
- Tests the installed system to observe system functionality and ensure that the programs function as designed.
- Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect drawings, changes in customer desires, incorrect instrumentation specifications, or other technical issues. Diagnoses and resolves software and hardware interface issues.
- Develops a training plan and materials to train operations and maintenance personnel.
- Trains customers in the use and operation of client-specific system integration software.
- Interfaces with manufacturers and vendors of software and application products, particularly regarding problem diagnosis and resolution.
- Works with others to address design problems as necessary.
- May respond to service calls to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair programming and system failures.
- Mentor and train less experienced employees.
What You Will Bring
The Basic
- 7 years Industrial Controls experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, related Bachelor’s discipline, related degree from a Technical College or equivalent Industrial controls experience
- 7 years of experience in PLC programming
- Proficiency with Allen Bradley equipment and systems
- Proficiency in PLC Programming including ladder logic, function block, and structured text
- Familiarity with networking (Ethernet/IP)
- Experience and knowledge of HMIs
- Experience leading a team through project completion
The Preferred
- 8 years of experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Proficiency with AutoCAD – Autodesk software
Benefits
What We Offer:
Full-time employees enjoy a great benefits package including, but not limited to:
- Health, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Account(s)
- Generous PTO
- Numerous culture events
- ESOP
- 401k matching and more!
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Physical requirements and work environment expectations vary by position. Generally, roles at Prime Controls may involve moderate noise, occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and, depending on the role, work at heights or around airborne particles and electrical components. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as the use of hands, arms, and voice communication. Some roles may require lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements may include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
EEO
Prime Controls is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Veteran/Disabled employer. As a federal contractor, Prime Controls is required to participate in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.
About Prime
Introducing Prime Controls, L.P.
Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C Construction firm dedicated to meeting clients’ industrial automation and control requirements. As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size, expertise, and extensive experience. With a professional team of 1000+ employees, Prime Controls serves customers nationwide from our Dallas, Texas headquarters and offices throughout the United States. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality professional services while prioritizing our employees’ well-being and fostering an exceptional workplace environment.
Overview
What You Will Do
As a Senior Automation Specialist, you will be involved in all elements of project design and implementation including PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, electrical, networking, computers, and panel equipment. You will lead an exciting team of professionals in the areas of design, development, and documentation.
A Typical Day at Prime Controls
- Collaborates with project managers and estimators to assess potential projects and submit proposals.
- Reads and interprets diagrams and documentation and communicates with customers to understand objectives and preferences.
- Works with the customer and other stakeholders to define and document control system functionality.
- Develops the overall architecture and communication strategy between control system elements.
- Serves as the technical lead for small projects. This includes building PLC and HMI templates for the project.
- Develops BOMs, IO lists, and requirements for control panels.
- Develops PLC programs in Ladder, Function Block, and other languages.
- Develops the human machine interface (HMI).
- Develops hardware and software test plans and writes simulation logic for the testing of the PLC and HMI system.
- Tests the installed system to observe system functionality and ensure that the programs function as designed.
- Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect drawings, changes in customer desires, incorrect instrumentation specifications, or other technical issues. Diagnoses and resolves software and hardware interface issues.
- Develops a training plan and materials to train operations and maintenance personnel.
- Trains customers in the use and operation of client-specific system integration software.
- Interfaces with manufacturers and vendors of software and application products, particularly regarding problem diagnosis and resolution.
- Works with others to address design problems as necessary.
- May respond to service calls to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair programming and system failures.
- Mentor and train less experienced employees.
What You Will Bring
The Basic
- 7 years Industrial Controls experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, related Bachelor’s discipline, related degree from a Technical College or equivalent Industrial controls experience
- 7 years of experience in PLC programming
- Proficiency with Allen Bradley equipment and systems
- Proficiency in PLC Programming including ladder logic, function block, and structured text
- Familiarity with networking (Ethernet/IP)
- Experience and knowledge of HMIs
- Experience leading a team through project completion
The Preferred
- 8 years of experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Proficiency with AutoCAD – Autodesk software
Benefits
What We Offer:
Full-time employees enjoy a great benefits package including, but not limited to:
- Health, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Account(s)
- Generous PTO
- Numerous culture events
- ESOP
- 401k matching and more!
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Physical requirements and work environment expectations vary by position. Generally, roles at Prime Controls may involve moderate noise, occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and, depending on the role, work at heights or around airborne particles and electrical components. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as the use of hands, arms, and voice communication. Some roles may require lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements may include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
EEO
Prime Controls is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Veteran/Disabled employer. As a federal contractor, Prime Controls is required to participate in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Senior Automation Specialist
Match your degree field to automation engineering
TN classification requires your engineering or computer science degree to align directly with the automation work described in your offer letter. If your degree is in a adjacent field, request that your employer's job description emphasize systems integration and control engineering language.
Get your offer letter TN-ready before applying
Your offer letter must state your job title, duties tied to a qualifying USMCA occupation, your degree field, and that the position is temporary. Missing any of these causes a denial at the port of entry or consulate, even for otherwise clean applications.
Target employers with active control systems footprints
Manufacturers, utilities, and defense contractors running Siemens, Rockwell, or Honeywell environments file TN petitions for automation roles regularly. Searching by NAICS codes for industrial machinery and process manufacturing surfaces employers already familiar with TN sponsorship requirements.
Use Migrate Mate to find roles at visa-sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate to filter Senior Automation Specialist jobs by employers with recent visa filings and work visa sponsorship experience. Targeting companies experienced with visa sponsorship cuts your outreach time and reduces the risk of pursuing roles where HR doesn't understand the process.
Prepare for Canadian port-of-entry processing on day one
Canadian citizens applying at a land border or preclearance airport need their offer letter, degree credential, and TN fee payment ready. CBP adjudicates TN status on the spot, so having organized, tabbed documentation speeds the review and reduces the chance of secondary inspection.
Clarify employer willingness to file I-129 for status changes
If you're already in the U.S. on a different status, your employer must file an I-129 petition with USCIS to change you to TN. Confirm this during negotiation, since some HR teams only know the border-entry path and may not realize they can sponsor you without you leaving the country.
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Find Senior Automation Specialist JobsSenior Automation Specialist TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Automation Specialist role qualify for TN visa sponsorship?
Yes, provided the role is structured as an engineering position requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in electrical, mechanical, systems, or computer engineering. The USMCA's Engineer category covers automation and control systems work when the offer letter ties specific duties to that engineering discipline. Roles titled 'technician' or emphasizing hands-on maintenance over engineering design typically do not qualify.
How does TN visa sponsorship compare to H-1B for automation roles?
TN has no annual lottery, no cap for Canadians, and allows same-day processing at a port of entry. H-1B is subject to an annual lottery with roughly a one-in-four selection rate and a months-long wait. For Senior Automation Specialists whose work clearly maps to an engineering discipline, TN is a faster, more predictable path without the uncertainty of a lottery slot.
Where can I find Senior Automation Specialist jobs that already offer TN visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lets you filter engineering and automation roles by employers with documented visa sponsorship history, so you can focus your applications on companies that already understand the TN process. Targeting those employers reduces back-and-forth with HR teams unfamiliar with USMCA classifications and speeds up the offer-to-entry timeline.
Can a Mexican national get TN status as a Senior Automation Specialist, and are there extra steps?
Yes. Mexican nationals qualify for TN status under the same USMCA Engineer category, but they must apply at a U.S. consulate rather than at a port of entry. The application requires a DS-160 form, a consular interview, and the same supporting documentation as Canadian applicants. Processing times vary by consulate and season, so building in additional lead time before your intended start date is practical.
What happens to my TN status if my automation role changes significantly after I start?
If your duties shift substantially, such as moving from PLC programming into management with no direct engineering work, your original TN classification may no longer cover the role. Your employer should file an amended TN petition or a new I-129 before the duties change. USCIS or CBP can question the status if your actual work no longer matches what was approved.
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