Controls Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Florida
Florida's controls engineer job market spans aerospace manufacturing in the Space Coast, defense contractors around Jacksonville and Tampa, and industrial automation firms throughout the state. Major employers like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Siemens have established engineering presences here, and many actively hire international engineers with visa sponsorship for automation and systems control roles.
See All Controls Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 345+ Controls Engineer Jobs in Florida with Visa Sponsorship jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 345+ Controls Engineer Jobs in Florida with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Controls Engineer Jobs in Florida with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All Jobs
Make a Difference in YOUR Career!
Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.
We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.
Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.
Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?
Position Description
Reporting to the Senior Manager of Controls Engineering, the Controls Engineer will lead continuous improvement initiatives and oversee infrastructure automation upgrades to modernize systems and address obsolescence. This role requires expertise in PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and servo system programming and troubleshooting, as well as proficiency in Ethernet network configuration, diagnostics, and SQL Server development. Additionally, the Controls Engineer will focus on enhancing the technical capabilities of Controls Technicians, Electricians, and Instrumentation Technicians by creating comprehensive training plans and delivering targeted, skill-building training.
Essential Job Functions:
- Utilizes expert knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, Ethernet Networks, I/O networks, to efficiently troubleshoot controls automation system issues, determine root cause, and implement timely, permanent solutions.
- Use condition monitoring tools to perform predictive maintenance (PdM) analysis on Production Equipment to identify pending maintenance issues, and issue PM work orders to take corrective action to prevent emergency breakdowns and to determine root cause of maintenance issues.
- Analyze performance trends and conducts root cause corrective action to drive improvements.
- Drive continuous improvement opportunities to improve plant performance and machine reliability.
- Promote infrastructure automation upgrades and establish automation disaster recovery strategy.
- Lead team of electricians and develop training plans to improve the team’s skillset.
- Develop improvement processes to reduce scrap and defects, enhance throughput, and implement SOPs and Best Practices using engineering techniques (e.g., Process Flow Design, FMEA, Time Study, Poke Yoke).
- Coordinate the installation of new equipment to optimize production efficiency and reliability.
- Act as a project engineer; research applicable codes, regulations and requirements for the assigned projects; develop and oversee the development of construction plans and specifications; oversee and prepare changes as conditions warrant.
- Maintain a knowledge base in the capacity of existing utilities and the current level of utilization.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards by maintaining current knowledge, preparing reports, and adhering to all applicable codes.
- Maintain constant awareness of progress on assigned projects to ensure compliance with designated time and cost schedules for project completion; supervise and participate in the inspection of construction projects; prepare change orders; review contractor’s estimates and prepare/review progress payments.
- Leads capital projects supporting new processes, bottling lines, utilities, and facility management to enhance operational efficiency across Refresco’s US facilities.
- Designs, implements and tunes processing, batching, thermal processing, refrigeration, bottling, CIP & utility control systems, evaluates alternatives, selects & sizes hardware, develops estimates, and ensures regulatory compliance.
- Collaborates with OEM vendors to implement control schemes optimizing line performance for various products and packaging formats.
- Develops P&IDs, PID loops, ladder diagrams, pin charts, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams; sizes equipment & components; prepares construction packages; manages construction; and controls schedule and cost within project timeline and budget.
- Maintains company drawings and technical records and provides clear and concise analysis and reporting.
- Initiates appropriation requests, purchase orders, and contracts as required.
- Identifies opportunities to improve plant performance, product quality, and employee welfare, while leading solution development and participating in capital planning.
- Provides technical support for the operation, maintenance and improvement of processing equipment, production lines, utilities, and buildings.
- Works in a team environment to support company objectives, initiatives and policies.
- Improves production line performance using Controls Automation and Continuous Improvement expertise.
Required Skills:
- Ability to establish, meet deadlines and prioritize work.
- Demonstrated problem solving skills.
- Ability to initiate, compile, analyze and provide accurate reporting.
- Must be confident, approachable, and energetic with an eye for detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
- Work with confidential information.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
Competencies:
- Ownership – is eager to take ownership of responsibilities; can and does think independently to excel in role; takes ownership of challenges.
- Results Focus – exhibits commitment to goals and consistently delivers results; demonstrates personal initiative and independent motivation to achieve goals and objectives; takes risks when necessary; undaunted by obstacles.
- Communication – relates well to people; builds rapport along all dimensions of organization; resolves conflicts; provides clear directions and information.
- Customer Focus – understands and meets needs of customers and business partners; builds positive customer relationships.
- Problem Solving – breaks down problems and generates a range of solutions; thinks outside the box and uses ideas of others to help develop solutions; acts and evaluates results of actions.
Education and Experience:
- Diploma or degree in Electronics, Automation, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Rockwell Automation or equivalent PLC, VFD, HMI, and Servo System programming and troubleshooting expert.
- PLC programming utilizing RS Logix 5, 500, 5000, and FactoryTalk Studio software.
- Device Net and Ethernet I/P knowledge will be key for success.
- Remote communication and I/O systems experience.
- Experience in Virtual Network and Thin Clients.
- SQL Server Experience preferred.
- Licensed Industrial Electrician preferred.
- Experience in food processing, bottling and packaging preferred.
Working Conditions:
- Visual/Sensory – This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
- Work environment – Work and environment fasted paced, requiring ability to remain focused under pressure.
- Schedule – This role will primarily be Monday – Friday but must be flexible to work nights and/or weekends as needed to support the business.
Travel Requirements:
- Expected travel is a minimum of 50%.
Other Duties:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
A Career with Refresco
Refresco is passionate about empowering leaders who reflect our core values and live by our leadership behaviors. These behaviors encourage effective leadership within the business, and focus on leading courageously, empowering individuals, and driving company growth as one team. Joining our team as a people manager means you’ll be encouraged to evolve as a leader who prioritizes the success of both you and your team, to deliver results, whilst bringing your authentic self to work.
Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
- Short-term disability and long-term disability
- Pet Insurance
- Legal Benefits
- 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days
- Well-being Benefit
- Discount and Total Reward Programs
Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!
Any employment agency, person, or entity that submits a résumé to this career site or a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Refresco Beverages US, Inc. Refresco Beverages, US Inc., will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity.
Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages US, Inc., and have been engaged in a search shall submit a résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or, upon authorization, submit a résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees.
Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!
Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.
We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.
Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.
Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?
Position Description
Reporting to the Senior Manager of Controls Engineering, the Controls Engineer will lead continuous improvement initiatives and oversee infrastructure automation upgrades to modernize systems and address obsolescence. This role requires expertise in PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and servo system programming and troubleshooting, as well as proficiency in Ethernet network configuration, diagnostics, and SQL Server development. Additionally, the Controls Engineer will focus on enhancing the technical capabilities of Controls Technicians, Electricians, and Instrumentation Technicians by creating comprehensive training plans and delivering targeted, skill-building training.
Essential Job Functions:
- Utilizes expert knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, Ethernet Networks, I/O networks, to efficiently troubleshoot controls automation system issues, determine root cause, and implement timely, permanent solutions.
- Use condition monitoring tools to perform predictive maintenance (PdM) analysis on Production Equipment to identify pending maintenance issues, and issue PM work orders to take corrective action to prevent emergency breakdowns and to determine root cause of maintenance issues.
- Analyze performance trends and conducts root cause corrective action to drive improvements.
- Drive continuous improvement opportunities to improve plant performance and machine reliability.
- Promote infrastructure automation upgrades and establish automation disaster recovery strategy.
- Lead team of electricians and develop training plans to improve the team’s skillset.
- Develop improvement processes to reduce scrap and defects, enhance throughput, and implement SOPs and Best Practices using engineering techniques (e.g., Process Flow Design, FMEA, Time Study, Poke Yoke).
- Coordinate the installation of new equipment to optimize production efficiency and reliability.
- Act as a project engineer; research applicable codes, regulations and requirements for the assigned projects; develop and oversee the development of construction plans and specifications; oversee and prepare changes as conditions warrant.
- Maintain a knowledge base in the capacity of existing utilities and the current level of utilization.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards by maintaining current knowledge, preparing reports, and adhering to all applicable codes.
- Maintain constant awareness of progress on assigned projects to ensure compliance with designated time and cost schedules for project completion; supervise and participate in the inspection of construction projects; prepare change orders; review contractor’s estimates and prepare/review progress payments.
- Leads capital projects supporting new processes, bottling lines, utilities, and facility management to enhance operational efficiency across Refresco’s US facilities.
- Designs, implements and tunes processing, batching, thermal processing, refrigeration, bottling, CIP & utility control systems, evaluates alternatives, selects & sizes hardware, develops estimates, and ensures regulatory compliance.
- Collaborates with OEM vendors to implement control schemes optimizing line performance for various products and packaging formats.
- Develops P&IDs, PID loops, ladder diagrams, pin charts, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams; sizes equipment & components; prepares construction packages; manages construction; and controls schedule and cost within project timeline and budget.
- Maintains company drawings and technical records and provides clear and concise analysis and reporting.
- Initiates appropriation requests, purchase orders, and contracts as required.
- Identifies opportunities to improve plant performance, product quality, and employee welfare, while leading solution development and participating in capital planning.
- Provides technical support for the operation, maintenance and improvement of processing equipment, production lines, utilities, and buildings.
- Works in a team environment to support company objectives, initiatives and policies.
- Improves production line performance using Controls Automation and Continuous Improvement expertise.
Required Skills:
- Ability to establish, meet deadlines and prioritize work.
- Demonstrated problem solving skills.
- Ability to initiate, compile, analyze and provide accurate reporting.
- Must be confident, approachable, and energetic with an eye for detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
- Work with confidential information.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
Competencies:
- Ownership – is eager to take ownership of responsibilities; can and does think independently to excel in role; takes ownership of challenges.
- Results Focus – exhibits commitment to goals and consistently delivers results; demonstrates personal initiative and independent motivation to achieve goals and objectives; takes risks when necessary; undaunted by obstacles.
- Communication – relates well to people; builds rapport along all dimensions of organization; resolves conflicts; provides clear directions and information.
- Customer Focus – understands and meets needs of customers and business partners; builds positive customer relationships.
- Problem Solving – breaks down problems and generates a range of solutions; thinks outside the box and uses ideas of others to help develop solutions; acts and evaluates results of actions.
Education and Experience:
- Diploma or degree in Electronics, Automation, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Rockwell Automation or equivalent PLC, VFD, HMI, and Servo System programming and troubleshooting expert.
- PLC programming utilizing RS Logix 5, 500, 5000, and FactoryTalk Studio software.
- Device Net and Ethernet I/P knowledge will be key for success.
- Remote communication and I/O systems experience.
- Experience in Virtual Network and Thin Clients.
- SQL Server Experience preferred.
- Licensed Industrial Electrician preferred.
- Experience in food processing, bottling and packaging preferred.
Working Conditions:
- Visual/Sensory – This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time.
- Work environment – Work and environment fasted paced, requiring ability to remain focused under pressure.
- Schedule – This role will primarily be Monday – Friday but must be flexible to work nights and/or weekends as needed to support the business.
Travel Requirements:
- Expected travel is a minimum of 50%.
Other Duties:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
A Career with Refresco
Refresco is passionate about empowering leaders who reflect our core values and live by our leadership behaviors. These behaviors encourage effective leadership within the business, and focus on leading courageously, empowering individuals, and driving company growth as one team. Joining our team as a people manager means you’ll be encouraged to evolve as a leader who prioritizes the success of both you and your team, to deliver results, whilst bringing your authentic self to work.
Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
- Short-term disability and long-term disability
- Pet Insurance
- Legal Benefits
- 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days
- Well-being Benefit
- Discount and Total Reward Programs
Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!
Any employment agency, person, or entity that submits a résumé to this career site or a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Refresco Beverages US, Inc. Refresco Beverages, US Inc., will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity.
Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages US, Inc., and have been engaged in a search shall submit a résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or, upon authorization, submit a résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees.
Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
Controls Engineer Job Roles in Florida
See all 345+ Controls Engineer Jobs in Florida
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Controls Engineer Jobs in FloridaControls Engineer Jobs in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for controls engineers in Florida?
Aerospace and defense contractors are among the most active sponsors for controls engineers in Florida. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, and Raytheon Technologies have significant Florida operations and established HR infrastructure for H-1B sponsorship. Industrial automation firms, utilities, and manufacturing companies in the state also sponsor, though less consistently. Larger employers with dedicated immigration counsel are generally more experienced with the sponsorship process.
Which visa types are most common for controls engineer roles in Florida?
The H-1B is the most common visa for controls engineers in Florida, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering. Some employers also sponsor O-1 visas for engineers with exceptional records. Candidates from Australia may qualify for the E-3 visa, and Canadian or Mexican nationals may be eligible under the TN visa category, which covers certain engineering roles.
How to find controls engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Florida?
Migrate Mate filters controls engineer jobs specifically by visa sponsorship willingness and state, making it easier to identify Florida employers who have sponsored engineers before. Rather than sifting through general job postings, you can browse controls engineer roles in Florida where sponsorship is part of the employer's known hiring pattern. This is particularly useful for narrowing down aerospace, defense, and industrial automation openings across the Space Coast, Tampa Bay, and Jacksonville corridors.
Which cities in Florida have the most controls engineer sponsorship jobs?
The Space Coast region, particularly around Melbourne and Cape Canaveral, is Florida's most concentrated area for controls engineers due to its aerospace and defense sector. Tampa and Orlando also have active hiring markets, driven by manufacturing, defense, and automation industries. Jacksonville supports controls engineering roles tied to naval and logistics infrastructure. Miami sees demand in building systems and industrial automation, though aerospace concentration is lower there.
Are there any Florida-specific considerations for controls engineers pursuing visa sponsorship?
Many controls engineer positions tied to Florida's defense and aerospace sector require security clearances, which non-U.S. citizens are generally ineligible to obtain. This limits sponsorship opportunities at some of the state's largest employers. However, a meaningful portion of controls engineering work in industrial automation, manufacturing, and utilities does not require clearance. Florida also benefits from engineering pipelines out of the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida, which attract international graduate talent that some employers actively recruit and sponsor.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored controls engineer jobs in Florida?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
See which controls engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in Florida right now.
Search Controls Engineer Jobs in Florida