Automation Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Kentucky
Automation engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in Louisville's advanced manufacturing sector, with major employers like Toyota, Ford, and Lexmark operating large facilities across the state. Lexington and Bowling Green also have active hiring, particularly in automotive and logistics automation. Most roles require a background in controls, robotics, or industrial systems engineering.
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At Jabil (NYSE: JBL), we are proud to be a trusted partner for the world's top brands, offering comprehensive engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions. With 60 years of experience across industries and a vast network of over 100 sites worldwide, Jabil combines global reach with local expertise to deliver both scalable and customized solutions. Our commitment extends beyond business success as we strive to build sustainable processes that minimize environmental impact and foster vibrant and diverse communities around the globe.
JOB SUMMARY
The Automation Engineer I is responsible for supporting the design, development, integration, testing, installation, and maintenance of automation systems and manufacturing equipment used in industrial and manufacturing environments. This role works across multiple disciplines including controls engineering, robotics, motion control, machine vision, and system integration to deliver reliable and efficient automation solutions.
The position focuses on developing and supporting control systems, PLC/HMI programming, motion control applications, robotic integration, machine vision systems, and automation concept development. The Automation Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing processes, improve equipment performance, and support continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, develop, test, and support automation systems and machinery used in manufacturing environments.
- Develop and modify PLC, HMI, and motion control programs for automation equipment and manufacturing systems.
- Support integration of industrial robots, vision systems, servo systems, and peripheral automation equipment.
- Create and maintain electrical schematics, control system documentation, and automation design specifications.
- Assist in concept development and feasibility studies for new automation equipment and process improvements.
- Integrate and troubleshoot machine vision systems including Keyence, Cognex, and other industrial vision platforms.
- Support robotic integration, programming, and troubleshooting for systems such as FANUC and Universal Robots.
- Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, PROFINET, and related industrial protocols.
- Support implementation of motion control systems including servo drives, VFDs, and motor control systems.
- Participate in equipment commissioning, startup, validation, and production support activities.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and maintenance teams to ensure successful system integration.
- Support safety system integration including Safety PLCs and machine safety devices in compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
- Analyze manufacturing and equipment issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, equipment reliability, and process optimization.
- Work with suppliers, contractors, and internal teams to ensure equipment and systems meet technical and customer requirements.
- Assist with project planning, technical documentation, cost estimation, and project execution activities.
- Provide technical support to manufacturing, maintenance, and operations teams as needed.
- Maintain accurate engineering documentation including electrical drawings, PLC backups, network configurations, and operating procedures.
- May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of industrial automation systems, controls engineering, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience with PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial control systems.
- Understanding of motion control systems including servo motors, servo drives, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
- Knowledge of industrial robotics integration and programming concepts.
- Familiarity with industrial machine vision systems and inspection technologies.
- Understanding of industrial communication protocols and networks such as Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, PROFINET, and Modbus.
- Knowledge of electrical controls design, ladder logic programming, and troubleshooting techniques.
- Familiarity with machine safety systems and safety control integration.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in cross-functional team environments and support multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong communication and technical documentation skills.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related field.
- 1–2 years of experience in automation engineering, controls engineering, or manufacturing automation environments.
- Basic experience or exposure to PLC programming, HMI development, robotics, or industrial automation systems preferred.
BENEFITS WITH JABIL
Along with growth, stability, and the opportunity to be challenged, Jabil offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Insurance with HRA and HSA options
- 401K match
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Pet Insurance
- Adoption Assistance
- Annual Merit Increases
- Community Volunteer Opportunities
BE AWARE OF FRAUD: When applying for a job at Jabil you will be contacted via correspondence through our official job portal with a jabil.com e-mail address; direct phone call from a member of the Jabil team; or direct e-mail with a jabil.com e-mail address. Jabil does not request payments for interviews or at any other point during the hiring process. Jabil will not ask for your personal identifying information such as a social security number, birth certificate, financial institution, driver’s license number or passport information over the phone or via e-mail. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigations internet crime hotline (www.ic3.gov), the Federal Trade Commission identity theft hotline (www.identitytheft.gov) and/or your local police department. Any scam job listings should be reported to whatever website it was posted in.
Jabil, including its subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Accessibility Accommodation
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Jabil.com/Careers site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by sending an e-mail to Always_Accessible@Jabil.com or calling 727-803-7988 with the nature of your request and contact information. Please do not direct any other general employment related questions to this e-mail or phone number. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.
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Automation Engineer Job Roles in Kentucky
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Search Automation Engineer Jobs in KentuckyAutomation Engineer Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for automation engineers in Kentucky?
Toyota's Georgetown manufacturing plant, Ford's Louisville Assembly operations, and Lexmark International in Lexington have histories of sponsoring H-1B visas for engineering roles. Logistics and e-commerce automation has also brought Amazon fulfillment center engineering teams to the state. Smaller controls and systems integrators operating in Louisville's industrial corridor sponsor less frequently but do participate, particularly for specialized PLC and SCADA expertise.
Which visa types are most common for automation engineers in Kentucky?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for automation engineers in Kentucky, as roles in controls engineering, robotics, and industrial systems typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field. TN visas are available to Canadian and Mexican nationals with qualifying engineering credentials. Candidates already holding OPT or STEM OPT authorization are often attractive to Kentucky manufacturers because they can start work before an H-1B petition is filed.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most automation engineer sponsorship jobs?
Louisville is the primary hub, driven by its concentration of automotive assembly plants, logistics facilities, and manufacturing operations. Georgetown, home to Toyota's largest North American plant, generates consistent demand for controls and automation engineers. Lexington supports automation hiring through Lexmark and a growing base of medical device and technology manufacturers. Bowling Green sees demand tied to the Corvette assembly plant and its supplier network.
How to find automation engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, so you can search automation engineer roles in Kentucky without sorting through positions that won't support an international candidate. The platform surfaces openings from manufacturers, logistics operators, and engineering firms across Louisville, Georgetown, and Lexington. Filtering by sponsorship type lets you focus on H-1B or OPT-eligible roles relevant to your current status.
Are there any Kentucky-specific considerations for automation engineers seeking visa sponsorship?
Kentucky's manufacturing economy means most automation engineer openings are tied to production environments rather than software or tech companies, which affects the nature of the specialty occupation determination employers make. The state's university pipeline, particularly from the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville engineering programs, creates local talent competition but also means employers are familiar with sponsoring international graduate students transitioning from OPT. Prevailing wage requirements under H-1B rules apply based on the Louisville or Lexington metropolitan statistical areas, depending on the work location.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored automation engineer jobs in Kentucky?
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.