Automation Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Montana
Automation engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Montana are concentrated in Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls, where energy companies like NorthWestern Energy, manufacturing operations, and agricultural technology firms drive demand. The state's growing industrial automation sector and proximity to major energy infrastructure create consistent openings for engineers with controls, PLC, and SCADA expertise.
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Automation and Control System Developer
- (195616)
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
The Automation and Control Systems Applications Developer will have responsibility for programming, testing, implementing and commissioning the control system as designed. The Automation and Control Systems Applications Developer will be responsible for coordination of the control system with the Design team, construction team and Client.
The individual must have proven experience in PLC logic and HMI integration in any of the following PLCs (Allen Bradley, Modicon, GE, Siemens, etc.) and HMIs (FactoryTalk, Wonderware, iFix, Ignition, VTScada, etc.). Must be able to create and read logic and P&ID diagrams for program design, programming, simulation, testing and startup.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in programming as well as the ability to develop and implement standard engineering practices, as well as provide detailed documentation upon project completion. This person will be the project applications engineer and may be responsible for leading project task activities.
The primary duties for the Automation and Control Systems Applications Developer will include:
- Programming the project control system as defined by the project scope – SCADA, PLC, HMI, Historian, Communications hardware, etc.
- Manage project tasks within scope budget and schedule
- Coordinate with Design, Construction and Start-up team leader for project control system
- Download, test and document control system programs and communication systems as defined in scope
- Participate in field testing and commissioning of the control system
- Must be willing to travel as necessary. Duration of travel and frequency of travel will depend on project/HDR needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in process control system programming – Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s), Human Machine Interface (HMI), Operator Interface Terminals (OIT’s), Industrial communication networks set up and testing and assistance in start-up and commissioning
- Excellent communication, leadership and planning skills, and ability to thrive in a team environment. Position requires very strong skills in preparing client presentations, project memoranda and reports
- Attitude and commitment to being an active participant of employee-owned culture
- Preference given to local candidates
- Experience working in the water and wastewater facilities, Oil Gas industry, Power generation and Distribution, Mining and other industrial facilities
- Proven track record in programming leadership as well as the ability to develop and implement standard engineering practices and provide detailed documentation upon project completion.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's degree in engineering or related field of study or equivalent work experience
- A minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in the discipline to be supported
- Aptitude and demonstrated hands-on experience with computer applications specific to the discipline to be supported
- Knowledge of industry standards specific to the discipline being supported
- Proficient with Microsoft Office
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Montana: $66000- $94000
Primary Location:
United States-Montana-Missoula
Other Locations:
United States-Montana-Billings
United States-Montana-Butte
Industry:
Building Engineering
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Control Systems and OT Cybersecurity
Job Posting:
Aug 25, 2026
Automation Engineer Job Roles in Montana
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Search Automation Engineer Jobs in MontanaAutomation Engineer Jobs in Montana: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for automation engineers in Montana?
NorthWestern Energy, industrial manufacturing firms in Billings and Great Falls, and agricultural technology companies operating across the state have historically filed for work visas in engineering roles. Montana's energy sector, including oil and gas operations in the Bakken-adjacent eastern region, also generates automation engineering demand. Sponsorship availability varies by company size and project scope, so researching individual employer hiring histories is worthwhile.
Which visa types are most common for automation engineer roles in Montana?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa category for automation engineers in Montana, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering. Australians may qualify for the E-3 visa, and Canadians and Mexicans may qualify under TN visa status, which includes engineers on the eligible occupations list. Each category has distinct employer filing requirements.
Which cities in Montana have the most automation engineer sponsorship jobs?
Billings is Montana's largest city and its primary commercial and industrial hub, making it the most active market for automation engineering roles. Missoula and Great Falls follow, with manufacturing and utility operations generating openings. Helena, as the state capital, occasionally has automation roles tied to state infrastructure and technology contracts. Job volume across all Montana cities is lower than coastal markets, so flexibility on location within the state helps.
How to find automation engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Montana?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it straightforward to search for automation engineer roles in Montana without sorting through positions that don't support international candidates. The platform aggregates openings from employers willing to sponsor, covering PLC, SCADA, controls, and industrial automation titles common in Montana's energy and manufacturing sectors. Setting up role and location filters on Migrate Mate narrows results to relevant opportunities efficiently.
Are there state-specific factors that affect visa sponsorship for automation engineers in Montana?
Montana's relatively small labor market means fewer total sponsorship opportunities compared to industrial states, but it also means less competition for openings that do exist. Employers must pay the prevailing wage for automation engineers as determined by the Department of Labor for the Billings or Missoula metropolitan areas, which reflects regional cost structures. The University of Montana and Montana State University produce some engineering graduates locally, but demand for experienced automation specialists, particularly those with SCADA or controls backgrounds, regularly exceeds local supply.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored automation engineer jobs in Montana?
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.