CPT Jobs in Kentucky
Kentucky's F-1 CPT sponsorship opportunities are concentrated in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, with the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville driving strong employer pipelines in Lexington and Louisville. Bourbon industry operations and Toyota's Georgetown plant add unique regional pathways for students in engineering and supply chain programs.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary:
The Controls and Commissioning Co-op is part of a cross-discipline project team, supporting the successful execution of conveyor system integration projects. Under the guidance of experienced controls engineers, the co-op will assist with electrical controls engineering, PLC programming, testing, documentation, and commissioning activities while gaining hands-on experience in industrial automation and material handling systems.
The Controls and Commissioning Co-op will aid in the testing, implementation, and commissioning of PLC programs used to control conveyor systems and related equipment within the Material Handling Industry. This includes participating in system testing, assisting with field commissioning activities, and helping ensure compliance with customer specifications and project requirements.
The position provides valuable exposure to PLCs, industrial networking, HMI systems, electrical design, troubleshooting, and field commissioning while working alongside experienced Controls Engineers.
Tasks
- Review electrical drawings, I/O lists, control narratives, and system documentation.
- Participate in system testing and validation efforts to ensure compliance with design requirements.
- Assist with completion of testing and commissioning documentation.
- Support field commissioning and startup activities for assigned projects.
- Aid in troubleshooting PLC programs, HMIs, industrial communication networks, and field devices.
- Travel to customer sites to support system testing, commissioning, and startup activities.
Skills
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what others are saying and asking questions when appropriate.
- Troubleshooting: Assisting in identifying causes of equipment and system issues.
- Critical Thinking: Applying logical analysis to technical problems and potential solutions.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
- Complex Problem Solving: Supporting engineers in analyzing and resolving technical challenges.
- Technical Aptitude: Interest in industrial automation, controls systems, and material handling equipment.
- Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
Attributes
- Strong desire to learn and develop technical skills.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Problem-solving mindset and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to adapt to changing project priorities and schedules.
- Willingness to travel and support field activities as required.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering field.
- Basic understanding of industrial automation, electrical controls, or PLC programming preferred.
- Familiarity with Rockwell Automation platforms, HMIs, or industrial communication networks is a plus but not required.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability to travel up to 80-90% during co-op assignments as project needs require.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc. When traveling the job environment shifts to a site-based, typically industrial. When traveling this role routinely uses appropriate PPE, electrical diagnostic tools, electrical implementation tools, laptops, and networking equipment.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to lift 25 pounds.
- Ability to climb ladders.
- Ability to navigate safely over and around warehouse automation equipment.
- Physical stamina may be required for prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and/or working in cramped quarters.
- Exposure to potentially dangerous tools and equipment amidst a variety of building materials is probable, as is occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
- The noise level in the work environment can vary from being relatively quiet, to moderate, to excessive.
Position Summary:
The Controls and Commissioning Co-op is part of a cross-discipline project team, supporting the successful execution of conveyor system integration projects. Under the guidance of experienced controls engineers, the co-op will assist with electrical controls engineering, PLC programming, testing, documentation, and commissioning activities while gaining hands-on experience in industrial automation and material handling systems.
The Controls and Commissioning Co-op will aid in the testing, implementation, and commissioning of PLC programs used to control conveyor systems and related equipment within the Material Handling Industry. This includes participating in system testing, assisting with field commissioning activities, and helping ensure compliance with customer specifications and project requirements.
The position provides valuable exposure to PLCs, industrial networking, HMI systems, electrical design, troubleshooting, and field commissioning while working alongside experienced Controls Engineers.
Tasks
- Review electrical drawings, I/O lists, control narratives, and system documentation.
- Participate in system testing and validation efforts to ensure compliance with design requirements.
- Assist with completion of testing and commissioning documentation.
- Support field commissioning and startup activities for assigned projects.
- Aid in troubleshooting PLC programs, HMIs, industrial communication networks, and field devices.
- Travel to customer sites to support system testing, commissioning, and startup activities.
Skills
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what others are saying and asking questions when appropriate.
- Troubleshooting: Assisting in identifying causes of equipment and system issues.
- Critical Thinking: Applying logical analysis to technical problems and potential solutions.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
- Complex Problem Solving: Supporting engineers in analyzing and resolving technical challenges.
- Technical Aptitude: Interest in industrial automation, controls systems, and material handling equipment.
- Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
Attributes
- Strong desire to learn and develop technical skills.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Problem-solving mindset and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to adapt to changing project priorities and schedules.
- Willingness to travel and support field activities as required.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering field.
- Basic understanding of industrial automation, electrical controls, or PLC programming preferred.
- Familiarity with Rockwell Automation platforms, HMIs, or industrial communication networks is a plus but not required.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability to travel up to 80-90% during co-op assignments as project needs require.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc. When traveling the job environment shifts to a site-based, typically industrial. When traveling this role routinely uses appropriate PPE, electrical diagnostic tools, electrical implementation tools, laptops, and networking equipment.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to lift 25 pounds.
- Ability to climb ladders.
- Ability to navigate safely over and around warehouse automation equipment.
- Physical stamina may be required for prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and/or working in cramped quarters.
- Exposure to potentially dangerous tools and equipment amidst a variety of building materials is probable, as is occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
- The noise level in the work environment can vary from being relatively quiet, to moderate, to excessive.
Search F-1 CPT Jobs by Industry in Kentucky
Tips for Finding CPT Jobs in Kentucky
Start with your university's OPT and CPT advisors early
Kentucky DSOs at UK, UofL, and Western Kentucky University can connect you with employers already familiar with CPT authorization. Many have employer partnership lists that never get posted publicly. Book an appointment before you start searching externally.
Target Louisville's healthcare and logistics corridors
Louisville anchors UPS's global hub and a dense healthcare cluster including Norton Healthcare and Humana's headquarters. Both sectors regularly bring on CPT students for operations, data, and clinical roles that align with STEM and business programs.
Look beyond Lexington and Louisville for manufacturing roles
Toyota's Georgetown plant, Lexmark in Lexington, and numerous automotive suppliers across Northern Kentucky actively recruit engineering and supply chain students. Smaller metro CPT competition is lower, and these employers often have established international student hiring workflows.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for CPT-eligible openings in Kentucky
General job boards don't filter by visa type, which wastes time. Migrate Mate lets you search specifically for F-1 CPT roles in Kentucky so you're spending time on employers already open to sponsoring, not cold-applying and waiting to hear back.
Align your CPT start date with employer hiring cycles
Kentucky's largest employers run structured internship intakes in January and May. Submit your CPT authorization request to your DSO at least four to six weeks before your intended start date so paperwork doesn't delay an accepted offer.
Network through Kentucky's industry associations and university career fairs
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky STEM education events, and university-specific career fairs in Lexington and Louisville regularly surface employers open to CPT. In-person introductions in a smaller job market carry more weight than a cold application.
See all 106+ F-1 CPT jobs in Kentucky
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 CPT Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Kentucky sponsor the most F-1 CPT visas?
Healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics sponsor the highest volume of F-1 CPT students in Kentucky. Humana and Norton Healthcare drive healthcare placements in Louisville, while Toyota's Georgetown plant and regional automotive suppliers absorb engineering CPT students. The bourbon and distilling industry adds a smaller but distinctive track for food science and operations students at Kentucky universities.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs?
Louisville and Lexington account for the majority of F-1 CPT placements in Kentucky. Louisville's combination of healthcare headquarters, UPS logistics operations, and a growing tech sector gives it the broadest range of CPT roles. Lexington benefits from the University of Kentucky's employer network and Lexmark's presence. Northern Kentucky, adjacent to Cincinnati, also has meaningful opportunities in manufacturing and finance.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 CPT sponsorship in Kentucky?
Roles that qualify for F-1 CPT must be directly related to your degree program and authorized by your DSO. In Kentucky, common qualifying roles include engineering internships at manufacturing facilities, data analytics and IT positions in healthcare companies, supply chain and logistics roles, and business or finance internships. The role must be integral to your curriculum, not just adjacent to your field of study.
How do I find F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Start with your university's career services office, since Kentucky schools often maintain direct employer relationships that favor their own students. For a broader search filtered specifically to F-1 CPT roles, Migrate Mate lets you search by visa type and state so you're not sorting through listings from employers unfamiliar with CPT authorization. Combining both approaches gives you the widest and most targeted reach in Kentucky's job market.
Are there any Kentucky-specific considerations for F-1 CPT sponsorship I should know?
Kentucky does not impose state-level restrictions on CPT employment beyond federal F-1 regulations, but the state's job market is more employer-relationship-driven than major coastal metros. Many Kentucky employers, particularly in manufacturing and healthcare, prefer candidates referred through university partnerships rather than cold applications. Getting your DSO and career office involved early gives you a meaningful advantage, since Kentucky employers are often less familiar with CPT logistics than employers in states with larger international student populations.