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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
SUMMARY
Bring automation to life on the manufacturing floor. The Automation Controls Technician plays a critical role in designing, programming, maintaining, and optimizing automated and robotic systems that keep operations running efficiently and reliably. This role partners closely with cross functional teams to troubleshoot and improve control processes, support new technology implementations, and enhance existing equipment capabilities. The Automation Controls Technician is a hands-on technical contributor who helps drive innovation, uptime, and continuous improvement across the plant.
SCHEDULE: 1st Shift: Rotating 2-2-3, 6:00am-6:30pm
PRINCIPAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, program, and implement automated control systems.
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical and mechanical issues in automated/robotic equipment.
- Troubleshoot and perform repairs on AC/DC/Servo Motor Control System and Instrumentation Control Systems.
- Conduct regular maintenance and inspections of control systems and equipment.
- Document maintenance activities, repairs, and system changes.
- Respond to emergency breakdowns and troubleshooting control system issues promptly.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to design and integrate automation/robotic solutions.
- Test and calibrate instrumentation and control devices.
- Contribute to the development of preventive maintenance schedules for automation equipment.
- Monitor and optimize control system performance.
- Install and configure/program industrial robots and robotic systems. Programming (PLCs and HMIs).
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards. Understand safety compliance and standards for robotic equipment.
- Provide training and support to operators on control system usage.
- Mentor and train other Maintenance Technicians.
Participate in continuous improvement.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High School Diploma or GED.
- 8+ Years experience in industrial automation, controls systems, PLC programming, and troubleshooting, preferably in a food manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding and practical application of PLCs, HMI systems, robotics, and industrial control systems.
- Industry certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Certified Control Systems Technician or related certifications are advantageous.
- In depth knowledge of electrical systems, control devices, instrumentation, and process control.
- Maintain Perdue Farms QEW Certification.
- Commitment to Continuous Learning to achieve increasing levels of expertise.
- Fanuc Certified Service Engineer (CSE) or Master Certified preferred.
- Pallet Tool/Pick Tool and Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
- Line Tracking Setup (Non-Vision) (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
- KAREL Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- 2-year Technical Degree in Mechatronics/Robotics or equivalent combination of experience and education.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead and/or at shoulder level, lifting (50 lbs.) and/or repetitive tasks throughout the day.
- Position requires occasional moving to other offices or buildings.
- Day travel to nearby locations is sometimes required.
- May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.
When in a plant environment:
- Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
- May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
- May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
- May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing plant.
Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
INTRODUCTION
Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
SUMMARY
Bring automation to life on the manufacturing floor. The Automation Controls Technician plays a critical role in designing, programming, maintaining, and optimizing automated and robotic systems that keep operations running efficiently and reliably. This role partners closely with cross functional teams to troubleshoot and improve control processes, support new technology implementations, and enhance existing equipment capabilities. The Automation Controls Technician is a hands-on technical contributor who helps drive innovation, uptime, and continuous improvement across the plant.
SCHEDULE: 1st Shift: Rotating 2-2-3, 6:00am-6:30pm
PRINCIPAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, program, and implement automated control systems.
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical and mechanical issues in automated/robotic equipment.
- Troubleshoot and perform repairs on AC/DC/Servo Motor Control System and Instrumentation Control Systems.
- Conduct regular maintenance and inspections of control systems and equipment.
- Document maintenance activities, repairs, and system changes.
- Respond to emergency breakdowns and troubleshooting control system issues promptly.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to design and integrate automation/robotic solutions.
- Test and calibrate instrumentation and control devices.
- Contribute to the development of preventive maintenance schedules for automation equipment.
- Monitor and optimize control system performance.
- Install and configure/program industrial robots and robotic systems. Programming (PLCs and HMIs).
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards. Understand safety compliance and standards for robotic equipment.
- Provide training and support to operators on control system usage.
- Mentor and train other Maintenance Technicians.
Participate in continuous improvement.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High School Diploma or GED.
- 8+ Years experience in industrial automation, controls systems, PLC programming, and troubleshooting, preferably in a food manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding and practical application of PLCs, HMI systems, robotics, and industrial control systems.
- Industry certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Certified Control Systems Technician or related certifications are advantageous.
- In depth knowledge of electrical systems, control devices, instrumentation, and process control.
- Maintain Perdue Farms QEW Certification.
- Commitment to Continuous Learning to achieve increasing levels of expertise.
- Fanuc Certified Service Engineer (CSE) or Master Certified preferred.
- Pallet Tool/Pick Tool and Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
- Line Tracking Setup (Non-Vision) (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
- KAREL Programming (Part of Fanuc Robotics).
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- 2-year Technical Degree in Mechatronics/Robotics or equivalent combination of experience and education.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead and/or at shoulder level, lifting (50 lbs.) and/or repetitive tasks throughout the day.
- Position requires occasional moving to other offices or buildings.
- Day travel to nearby locations is sometimes required.
- May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.
When in a plant environment:
- Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
- May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
- May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
- May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing plant.
Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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.