Automation Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Texas
Automation engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Texas are concentrated in Houston's energy and petrochemical sector, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex's advanced manufacturing corridor, and Austin's growing semiconductor and electronics industry. Major employers include Emerson, Honeywell, and Texas Instruments. Texas's scale across energy, defense, and manufacturing makes it one of the more active states for automation engineering sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Prime
Introducing Prime Controls, L.P.
Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C Construction firm dedicated to meeting clients’ industrial automation and control requirements. As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size, expertise, and extensive experience. With a professional team of 1000+ employees, Prime Controls serves customers nationwide from our Dallas, Texas headquarters and offices throughout the United States. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality professional services while prioritizing our employees’ well-being and fostering an exceptional workplace environment.
Overview
What You Will Do
As an Automation Specialist I, you will be responsible for the design of control system details, startup and commissioning, instrumentation configuration, preparation for implementation, implementation, testing, documentation, and training.
A Typical Day at Prime Controls
- Collaborates with project managers and estimators to assess potential projects and submit proposals.
- Reads and interprets diagrams and documentation and communicates with customers to understand objectives and preferences.
- Develops the overall architecture and communication strategy between control system elements.
- Works with the customer and other stakeholders to define and document control system functionality.
- Develops BOMs, IO lists, and requirements for control panels.
- Serves as the technical lead for small projects. This includes building PLC and HMI templates for the project.
- Develops PLC programs in Ladder, Function Block, and other languages.
- Develops the human machine interface (HMI).
- Develops hardware and software test plans and writes simulation logic for the testing of the PLC and HMI system.
- Develops a training plan and materials to train operations and maintenance personnel.
- Communicates and coordinates with management of the installation team to ensure that technicians are executing per documented processes.
- Tests the installed system to observe system functionality and ensure that the programs function as designed.
- Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect drawings, changes in customer desires, inaccurate instrumentation specifications, or other technical issues. Diagnoses and resolves software and hardware interface issues.
- Trains customers on use and operation of client-specific system integration software.
- Interfaces with manufacturers and vendors of software and application products, especially with regard to problem diagnosis and resolution.
- Works with others to address design problems as necessary.
- May respond to service calls to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair programming and system failures.
- Mentor and train less experienced employees.
What You Will Bring
The Basic
- 4 years of experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related discipline
- 4 years of experience in any PLC programming
The Preferred
- Experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Experience in HVAC - Centrifugal and Air Cooled Chillers, Air Handler Units, VAVs
- Experience with ModBUS/BacNET Communication setup and troubleshooting
- Rockwell PLCS
- Ignition SCADA
Benefits
What We Offer:
Full-time employees enjoy a great benefits package including, but not limited to:
- Health, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Account(s)
- Generous PTO
- Numerous culture events
- ESOP
- 401k matching and more!
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Physical requirements and work environment expectations vary by position. Generally, roles at Prime Controls may involve moderate noise, occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and, depending on the role, work at heights or around airborne particles and electrical components. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as the use of hands, arms, and voice communication. Some roles may require lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements may include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. High travel early on for project in Haskell, TX.
EEO
Prime Controls is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Veteran/Disabled employer. As a federal contractor, Prime Controls is required to participate in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.
About Prime
Introducing Prime Controls, L.P.
Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C Construction firm dedicated to meeting clients’ industrial automation and control requirements. As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size, expertise, and extensive experience. With a professional team of 1000+ employees, Prime Controls serves customers nationwide from our Dallas, Texas headquarters and offices throughout the United States. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality professional services while prioritizing our employees’ well-being and fostering an exceptional workplace environment.
Overview
What You Will Do
As an Automation Specialist I, you will be responsible for the design of control system details, startup and commissioning, instrumentation configuration, preparation for implementation, implementation, testing, documentation, and training.
A Typical Day at Prime Controls
- Collaborates with project managers and estimators to assess potential projects and submit proposals.
- Reads and interprets diagrams and documentation and communicates with customers to understand objectives and preferences.
- Develops the overall architecture and communication strategy between control system elements.
- Works with the customer and other stakeholders to define and document control system functionality.
- Develops BOMs, IO lists, and requirements for control panels.
- Serves as the technical lead for small projects. This includes building PLC and HMI templates for the project.
- Develops PLC programs in Ladder, Function Block, and other languages.
- Develops the human machine interface (HMI).
- Develops hardware and software test plans and writes simulation logic for the testing of the PLC and HMI system.
- Develops a training plan and materials to train operations and maintenance personnel.
- Communicates and coordinates with management of the installation team to ensure that technicians are executing per documented processes.
- Tests the installed system to observe system functionality and ensure that the programs function as designed.
- Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect drawings, changes in customer desires, inaccurate instrumentation specifications, or other technical issues. Diagnoses and resolves software and hardware interface issues.
- Trains customers on use and operation of client-specific system integration software.
- Interfaces with manufacturers and vendors of software and application products, especially with regard to problem diagnosis and resolution.
- Works with others to address design problems as necessary.
- May respond to service calls to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair programming and system failures.
- Mentor and train less experienced employees.
What You Will Bring
The Basic
- 4 years of experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related discipline
- 4 years of experience in any PLC programming
The Preferred
- Experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Experience in HVAC - Centrifugal and Air Cooled Chillers, Air Handler Units, VAVs
- Experience with ModBUS/BacNET Communication setup and troubleshooting
- Rockwell PLCS
- Ignition SCADA
Benefits
What We Offer:
Full-time employees enjoy a great benefits package including, but not limited to:
- Health, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Account(s)
- Generous PTO
- Numerous culture events
- ESOP
- 401k matching and more!
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Physical requirements and work environment expectations vary by position. Generally, roles at Prime Controls may involve moderate noise, occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and, depending on the role, work at heights or around airborne particles and electrical components. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as the use of hands, arms, and voice communication. Some roles may require lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements may include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. High travel early on for project in Haskell, TX.
EEO
Prime Controls is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Veteran/Disabled employer. As a federal contractor, Prime Controls is required to participate in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.
Automation Engineer Job Roles in Texas
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Search Automation Engineer Jobs in TexasAutomation Engineer Jobs in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for automation engineers in Texas?
Emerson Electric, Honeywell, Texas Instruments, Schlumberger (SLB), and Lockheed Martin have consistent histories of sponsoring automation engineers in Texas, based on Department of Labor LCA filings. Large petrochemical operators like ExxonMobil and Chevron Phillips Chemical also file regularly for automation-related roles. Sponsorship activity is strongest among employers with continuous process operations that depend on instrumentation and control systems expertise.
Which visa types are most common for automation engineer roles in Texas?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for automation engineers in Texas, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering. The L-1B is also used when multinational companies transfer engineers with specialized knowledge of proprietary automation platforms. TN visas are available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineering categories under USMCA.
Which cities in Texas have the most automation engineer sponsorship jobs?
Houston leads due to its concentration of oil and gas, petrochemical, and energy companies that rely heavily on process automation and DCS/SCADA systems. Dallas-Fort Worth is strong in aerospace, defense, and semiconductor manufacturing, with employers like Lockheed Martin and Texas Instruments. Austin has grown significantly in semiconductor fabrication and electronics, driven by expansions from companies like Samsung and NXP Semiconductors.
How to find automation engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Texas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers looking for visa sponsorship roles in the U.S., including automation engineer positions in Texas. You can filter by state and role to see employers actively hiring with sponsorship. Because automation engineering spans energy, defense, and manufacturing in Texas, filtering by industry alongside role type helps narrow to the most relevant opportunities faster.
Are there any Texas-specific considerations for automation engineers pursuing visa sponsorship?
Texas has no state income tax, which affects the prevailing wage analysis employers must complete for H-1B petitions, since total compensation comparisons differ from high-tax states. Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Rice University produce significant numbers of engineering graduates, meaning employers often have established pipelines for converting OPT and STEM OPT workers into H-1B sponsorship. Roles in energy automation in Houston often require familiarity with specific industrial control platforms, which can strengthen a specialty occupation argument for H-1B purposes.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored automation engineer jobs in Texas?
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.