Automation Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's automation sector spans advanced manufacturing in the Pittsburgh region, pharmaceutical and life sciences production around Philadelphia, and robotics-focused operations at companies like Siemens, Johnson Controls, and Rockwell Automation partners. Employers across the state regularly sponsor international engineers, controls specialists, and automation architects through H-1B visa and other work visa programs.
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Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is focused on making electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical. As a Power Systems Engineer, Automation projects focus on data collection of system IEDs, logic controls, and the presentation of data for the customer to monitor and control their power system. Utilizing real-time logic controllers and communication equipment, the SEL Automation engineer owns the planning, design, development, testing, and commissioning of the project. Projects often include, but are not limited to:
- Communication network equipment
- Configuration of real-time controllers to serve as RTUs
- Human Machine Interface (HMI) or server to an upstream SCADA client
- Configuration of real-time controllers to perform custom logic such as automatic system fault location, isolation, and restoration
- Configuration of workstations for power system analytic software
As an Automation Engineer, a typical day might include the following:
- Technical leading to assist Project Managers and Salesforce in planning applications for customers
- Joins customer meetings to provide SEL equipment expertise and recommendations for future and active projects
- Defines and oversees the execution of multiple objectives with minimal guidance and general high-level direction
- Research of SEL equipment, third-party equipment, and solutions
- Branching into OT network solutions (Layer 1, Layer 2 Architecture, and Applications Data Flow)
- Research of emerging technologies and trends within and beyond their focus area
- Reviews and certifies deliverables for quality standards prior to customer submittal
- Automation Design Specifications and drawings
- Product configurations
- Factory testing and procedures
- Field safety preparations and commissioning procedures
- Service reports
- Technical lead of the project engineering team that will define deliverables, schedule, and project execution from design through commissioning.
This position will consider candidates from an Associate or Engineering I level.
This job might be for you if:
- Understanding of project engineering scope in relation to project budget (labor and equipment)
- Ownership of schedule and a self-starter for research
- Professional communication skills to be the direct technical contact for customers and colleagues
- Designing of control logic schemes and network configurations
- Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC Schematics, and Bill of Materials
- Experience with industry standard communication protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus, etc.)
- Experience with server/client SCADA applications
- Experience with design/development suite of HMI applications
- Willing to travel at least 20% of the time domestically and abroad
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with phase I/O style project management
- Experience with SEL product configurations
- Experience with IEC-61131 programming
- Experience with Python programming
- Experience with IT/OT Network design
- Experience with IT/OT Network troubleshooting (Wireshark)
- Substation safety training
Multiple Locations:
King of Prussia, PA - This position is located in King of Prussia, PA. Located just twenty miles from Philadelphia, its close proximity allows residents to enjoy all that the big city has to offer. Enjoy easy access to trails along the river, or attend sporting events nearby. The diverse options make King of Prussia the perfect place to call home.
Hanover, MD - This position is located in Hanover, MD. Conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Hanover offers residents convenient commuting options, excellent shopping, hiking, and easy access to BWI Airport. With all these variety, it makes Hanover a desirable place to live.
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Salary Information
$90,000 - 120,000 per year. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the pay range may differ if filled at a different level. Our pay ranges are determined by job and responsibility. We base our starting pay offer and title and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
Job Description
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is focused on making electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical. As a Power Systems Engineer, Automation projects focus on data collection of system IEDs, logic controls, and the presentation of data for the customer to monitor and control their power system. Utilizing real-time logic controllers and communication equipment, the SEL Automation engineer owns the planning, design, development, testing, and commissioning of the project. Projects often include, but are not limited to:
- Communication network equipment
- Configuration of real-time controllers to serve as RTUs
- Human Machine Interface (HMI) or server to an upstream SCADA client
- Configuration of real-time controllers to perform custom logic such as automatic system fault location, isolation, and restoration
- Configuration of workstations for power system analytic software
As an Automation Engineer, a typical day might include the following:
- Technical leading to assist Project Managers and Salesforce in planning applications for customers
- Joins customer meetings to provide SEL equipment expertise and recommendations for future and active projects
- Defines and oversees the execution of multiple objectives with minimal guidance and general high-level direction
- Research of SEL equipment, third-party equipment, and solutions
- Branching into OT network solutions (Layer 1, Layer 2 Architecture, and Applications Data Flow)
- Research of emerging technologies and trends within and beyond their focus area
- Reviews and certifies deliverables for quality standards prior to customer submittal
- Automation Design Specifications and drawings
- Product configurations
- Factory testing and procedures
- Field safety preparations and commissioning procedures
- Service reports
- Technical lead of the project engineering team that will define deliverables, schedule, and project execution from design through commissioning.
This position will consider candidates from an Associate or Engineering I level.
This job might be for you if:
- Understanding of project engineering scope in relation to project budget (labor and equipment)
- Ownership of schedule and a self-starter for research
- Professional communication skills to be the direct technical contact for customers and colleagues
- Designing of control logic schemes and network configurations
- Ability to analyze electrical one-line drawings, DC/AC Schematics, and Bill of Materials
- Experience with industry standard communication protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus, etc.)
- Experience with server/client SCADA applications
- Experience with design/development suite of HMI applications
- Willing to travel at least 20% of the time domestically and abroad
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with phase I/O style project management
- Experience with SEL product configurations
- Experience with IEC-61131 programming
- Experience with Python programming
- Experience with IT/OT Network design
- Experience with IT/OT Network troubleshooting (Wireshark)
- Substation safety training
Multiple Locations:
King of Prussia, PA - This position is located in King of Prussia, PA. Located just twenty miles from Philadelphia, its close proximity allows residents to enjoy all that the big city has to offer. Enjoy easy access to trails along the river, or attend sporting events nearby. The diverse options make King of Prussia the perfect place to call home.
Hanover, MD - This position is located in Hanover, MD. Conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Hanover offers residents convenient commuting options, excellent shopping, hiking, and easy access to BWI Airport. With all these variety, it makes Hanover a desirable place to live.
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Salary Information
$90,000 - 120,000 per year. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the pay range may differ if filled at a different level. Our pay ranges are determined by job and responsibility. We base our starting pay offer and title and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
Automation Job Roles in Pennsylvania
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Search Automation Jobs in PennsylvaniaAutomation Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for automation roles in Pennsylvania?
Major sponsors include Siemens, Johnson Controls, Air Products, and pharmaceutical manufacturers like GSK and Merck, which maintain large Pennsylvania operations requiring automation engineers. Pittsburgh-area companies in advanced manufacturing and robotics, along with defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, have consistent histories of H-1B filings for controls, PLC programming, and systems integration roles. DOL LCA disclosure data is the most reliable source to verify a specific employer's sponsorship activity.
Which visa types are most common for automation roles in Pennsylvania?
The H-1B is the most common visa for automation engineers in Pennsylvania, as roles involving PLC programming, SCADA systems, or industrial controls typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring a relevant bachelor's degree. L-1B visas appear for intracompany transferees with specialized knowledge at multinationals like Siemens. Candidates with a master's degree may also explore EB-2 immigrant visa pathways if a sponsoring employer is willing to pursue permanent residence.
How to find automation visa sponsorship jobs in Pennsylvania?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it practical to search automation roles in Pennsylvania without sorting through positions that won't consider international candidates. You can narrow results by location, filtering for Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Allentown, and other Pennsylvania hubs where manufacturing and process automation hiring is concentrated. Checking employer LCA filings through the DOL OFLC database alongside Migrate Mate gives a fuller picture of which companies are actively sponsoring.
Which cities in Pennsylvania have the most automation sponsorship jobs?
Pittsburgh leads due to its advanced manufacturing base, Carnegie Mellon University's robotics pipeline, and a growing industrial tech ecosystem. Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs concentrate pharmaceutical and biotech automation roles, particularly in Montgomery and Chester counties where GSK, Merck, and contract manufacturers operate large facilities. Allentown and the Lehigh Valley also host significant industrial automation activity tied to logistics, packaging, and specialty manufacturing employers.
Are there state-specific considerations for automation visa sponsorship in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's concentration of pharmaceutical, defense, and heavy manufacturing employers creates strong demand for automation professionals with industry-specific certifications, such as Rockwell or Siemens PLC credentials, which strengthen H-1B specialty occupation arguments. The state's research university network, including Carnegie Mellon, Penn State, and Drexel, produces a pipeline that employers know well, so candidates with degrees from these institutions may find it easier to establish employer relationships. Prevailing wage requirements apply statewide and are determined by the specific metro area and job classification.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored automation jobs in Pennsylvania?
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.