Manufacturing Jobs in Kentucky with F-1 CPT Sponsorship
Manufacturing F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs in Kentucky are concentrated around Louisville, Lexington, and the Golden Triangle corridor, where major employers like Toyota, Ford, and Humana's supply chain partners operate large facilities. International students in engineering, industrial technology, and operations management programs at University of Kentucky or University of Louisville often find CPT-eligible roles here.
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INTRODUCTION
FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.
At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Controls Engineer will be responsible for commissioning of controls for conveyor and sortation systems. This position is focused on implementing site-based controls for new equipment within new or existing customer systems. To support the project scope and schedule, this position will work with other members of the FORTNA Controls group to ensure drawings and software are completed, installed, commissioned, and documented as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Write and implement machine code, integrate subsystems, and assist in all on-site commissioning efforts.
- Utilize “Human Machine Interface” (HMI) using commercially available products such as Wonderware, RSView, Factory Talk view and Ignition.
- Implement PLC and HMI programs to satisfy current design and customer specifications under the supervision of Sr. Level Controls Engineers.
- Work with FORTNA employees, customer representatives and third-party vendors to ensure all aspects of a project are considered during both the design and commissioning phases.
- Review electrical designs and provide accurate as-builts drawings for approval.
- Individually or as a team commission complex automated systems, provide site engineering support, and complete system acceptance testing.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology.
- 2-4 years of experience within an industrial controls environment which includes:
- PLC programming (Rockwell Software preferred, Siemens software a plus)
- HMI Programming (Factory Talk View preferred, Ignition a plus)
- Input and output device design and implementation.
- Industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, Devicenet, Profinet, etc.)
- Low voltage electrical design and drawing creation.
- Equivalent work experience will also be considered as a substitute for education.
- Experience with VFDs preferred, networked a plus.
- Experience with Microsoft 365 - Office Apps.
SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Must be self-motivated, self-aware, detail-oriented, and results-focused.
- Understanding of VFDs, induction motors, programmable logic controllers and industrial networks.
- Ability to manage and execute basic system implementations, enhancements, and retrofits.
- Ability to collaborate and communicate with FORTNA team members, project managers and customers in a professional written and spoken manner.
- Ability to take direction from Sr. Level Controls Engineers to support the project and ensure all aspects of project goals are achieved.
- Ability to produce quality designs, drawings, programs, and documentation with minimal errors.
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.
TRAVEL:
Generally, this position requires up to 40-50 % travel to various sites.
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. This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor. This is a remote position. Please review this posting for information on travel requirements.
The base salary range for this role is $76,100 to $114,200. This base salary range represents the low and high end of the base salary range for this position. Actual base salary offered will vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and performance.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.
It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

INTRODUCTION
FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.
At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Controls Engineer will be responsible for commissioning of controls for conveyor and sortation systems. This position is focused on implementing site-based controls for new equipment within new or existing customer systems. To support the project scope and schedule, this position will work with other members of the FORTNA Controls group to ensure drawings and software are completed, installed, commissioned, and documented as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Write and implement machine code, integrate subsystems, and assist in all on-site commissioning efforts.
- Utilize “Human Machine Interface” (HMI) using commercially available products such as Wonderware, RSView, Factory Talk view and Ignition.
- Implement PLC and HMI programs to satisfy current design and customer specifications under the supervision of Sr. Level Controls Engineers.
- Work with FORTNA employees, customer representatives and third-party vendors to ensure all aspects of a project are considered during both the design and commissioning phases.
- Review electrical designs and provide accurate as-builts drawings for approval.
- Individually or as a team commission complex automated systems, provide site engineering support, and complete system acceptance testing.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology.
- 2-4 years of experience within an industrial controls environment which includes:
- PLC programming (Rockwell Software preferred, Siemens software a plus)
- HMI Programming (Factory Talk View preferred, Ignition a plus)
- Input and output device design and implementation.
- Industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, Devicenet, Profinet, etc.)
- Low voltage electrical design and drawing creation.
- Equivalent work experience will also be considered as a substitute for education.
- Experience with VFDs preferred, networked a plus.
- Experience with Microsoft 365 - Office Apps.
SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Must be self-motivated, self-aware, detail-oriented, and results-focused.
- Understanding of VFDs, induction motors, programmable logic controllers and industrial networks.
- Ability to manage and execute basic system implementations, enhancements, and retrofits.
- Ability to collaborate and communicate with FORTNA team members, project managers and customers in a professional written and spoken manner.
- Ability to take direction from Sr. Level Controls Engineers to support the project and ensure all aspects of project goals are achieved.
- Ability to produce quality designs, drawings, programs, and documentation with minimal errors.
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.
TRAVEL:
Generally, this position requires up to 40-50 % travel to various sites.
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. This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor. This is a remote position. Please review this posting for information on travel requirements.
The base salary range for this role is $76,100 to $114,200. This base salary range represents the low and high end of the base salary range for this position. Actual base salary offered will vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and performance.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.
It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Job Roles in Manufacturing in Kentucky
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies sponsor F-1 CPT visas in Kentucky?
Toyota's Georgetown assembly plant, Ford's Louisville operations, and GE Appliances are among the larger manufacturers in Kentucky that have historically offered structured internship programs compatible with F-1 CPT authorization. Mid-size suppliers in the automotive and aerospace sectors, including companies in the Toyota supply chain network around Elizabethtown and Bowling Green, also periodically offer CPT-eligible positions to international students enrolled in relevant degree programs.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most manufacturing F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs?
Louisville leads in volume, with concentrations in automotive assembly, appliance manufacturing, and food and beverage production. Lexington and Georgetown are strong for automotive-related roles given Toyota's significant presence. Bowling Green supports manufacturing jobs tied to General Motors' Corvette plant and its supplier network. Elizabethtown and Owensboro also have active industrial corridors worth targeting for CPT placements in mechanical and industrial engineering disciplines.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 CPT sponsorship in Kentucky?
Roles that align with a student's degree program are the qualifying standard for CPT, not the employer's job title alone. In Kentucky manufacturing, that commonly includes industrial engineering internships, quality assurance positions, supply chain and operations analyst roles, process engineering co-ops, and manufacturing technology internships. Students in mechanical engineering, industrial technology, operations management, or materials science programs tend to find the most direct degree-to-role alignment for CPT approval.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters jobs by visa type, so you can search manufacturing F-1 CPT opportunities in Kentucky without sorting through listings that don't apply to your status. Beyond the platform, Kentucky's large automotive manufacturing base means university career centers at UK and UofL often have direct employer relationships with Toyota, Ford, and GE Appliances for co-op and internship placements that qualify for CPT authorization.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 CPT sponsorship in Kentucky manufacturing?
Kentucky's manufacturing sector is heavily automotive-driven, which means co-op structures are common and well-established, particularly at employers aligned with Toyota and Ford. CPT must be authorized by your Designated School Official before you begin work, and the role must be an integral part of your curriculum. Students at universities with formal co-op programs, such as University of Kentucky's engineering college, may find CPT authorization more straightforward because the academic framework is already in place.
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