Automation Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
Virginia is a strong market for automation professionals, with major employers like Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, and Amazon Web Services actively hiring in the Northern Virginia and Arlington corridors. The state's concentration of defense contractors and technology firms creates consistent demand for automation engineers and specialists seeking visa sponsorship.
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Operations is at the heart of Amazon’s business. We are known for our speed, accuracy, and exceptional service. Our buildings deliver tens of thousands of products to hundreds of countries worldwide, every day. The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. We drive continuous improvement, and maintain all the robotics and material handling equipment (MHE) to ensure our customers are met with the Amazon smile. Come join us on our journey!
About the Role:
As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and technical support. Your expertise will be essential in troubleshooting complex control systems, analyzing performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You'll mentor junior engineers and lead cross-functional teams to optimize material handling equipment (MHE) systems, implement innovative projects, and develop system design improvements to enhance site throughput. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology, including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs. Through your technical leadership and design optimization efforts, you'll directly contribute to ensuring our customers receive their orders with Amazon's signature speed and accuracy while building team capabilities and driving operational excellence.
What Do We Offer?
Amazon offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive healthcare benefits starting on Day 1, matching 401(k) program, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave. But wait, there’s more: We provide lightweight fire-resistant daily wear and composite toe safety shoes for your safety!
A day in the life
Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- You will apply Subject Matter Expertise (SME) on troubleshooting and dive deeps for engineering issues, supporting automation engineers to investigate the root cause and planning actions to eliminate/mitigate the downtime of critical assets
- You will collaborate with building Operations, Operations Engineering teams, FC Start-up Team, AFT Software teams, ACES team, and Safety to support MHE systems optimization and project implementation
- You will understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
- You will monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance/operations to address system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations
- You will provide escalation support to automation engineers, during and after business hours, troubleshooting locally and remotely, to ensure that all hardware or controls software within the building is repaired on time
- You must be able to move up to 49lbs, stand and walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, climb ladders and gangways safely and without limitation, as well as perform regular bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching both below the waist and above the head
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 4+ years of PLC programming or automation engineering experience
- Work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays
- 4+ years of process or production environment related PLC-controlled automation and issue diagnosis experience
- 4+ years of robotics work cells and control systems experience
- 4+ years of Siemens, Allen-Bradley or Codesys Ladder Logic and structure programming experience
- 4+ years of electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent
- Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, or Master's degree
- Experience leading controls in manufacturing or complex industrial environments
- Experience identifying, maintaining, and troubleshooting Motor Controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, DC drives, and standard electrical components
- Experience interpreting and modifying mechanical and electrical drawings
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, VA, Fredericksburg
SALARY
114,000.00 - 148,200.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Operations is at the heart of Amazon’s business. We are known for our speed, accuracy, and exceptional service. Our buildings deliver tens of thousands of products to hundreds of countries worldwide, every day. The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. We drive continuous improvement, and maintain all the robotics and material handling equipment (MHE) to ensure our customers are met with the Amazon smile. Come join us on our journey!
About the Role:
As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and technical support. Your expertise will be essential in troubleshooting complex control systems, analyzing performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You'll mentor junior engineers and lead cross-functional teams to optimize material handling equipment (MHE) systems, implement innovative projects, and develop system design improvements to enhance site throughput. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology, including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs. Through your technical leadership and design optimization efforts, you'll directly contribute to ensuring our customers receive their orders with Amazon's signature speed and accuracy while building team capabilities and driving operational excellence.
What Do We Offer?
Amazon offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive healthcare benefits starting on Day 1, matching 401(k) program, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave. But wait, there’s more: We provide lightweight fire-resistant daily wear and composite toe safety shoes for your safety!
A day in the life
Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- You will apply Subject Matter Expertise (SME) on troubleshooting and dive deeps for engineering issues, supporting automation engineers to investigate the root cause and planning actions to eliminate/mitigate the downtime of critical assets
- You will collaborate with building Operations, Operations Engineering teams, FC Start-up Team, AFT Software teams, ACES team, and Safety to support MHE systems optimization and project implementation
- You will understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
- You will monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance/operations to address system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations
- You will provide escalation support to automation engineers, during and after business hours, troubleshooting locally and remotely, to ensure that all hardware or controls software within the building is repaired on time
- You must be able to move up to 49lbs, stand and walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, climb ladders and gangways safely and without limitation, as well as perform regular bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching both below the waist and above the head
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 4+ years of PLC programming or automation engineering experience
- Work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays
- 4+ years of process or production environment related PLC-controlled automation and issue diagnosis experience
- 4+ years of robotics work cells and control systems experience
- 4+ years of Siemens, Allen-Bradley or Codesys Ladder Logic and structure programming experience
- 4+ years of electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent
- Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, or Master's degree
- Experience leading controls in manufacturing or complex industrial environments
- Experience identifying, maintaining, and troubleshooting Motor Controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, DC drives, and standard electrical components
- Experience interpreting and modifying mechanical and electrical drawings
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, VA, Fredericksburg
SALARY
114,000.00 - 148,200.00 USD annually
Automation Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Automation Jobs in VirginiaAutomation Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for automation roles in Virginia?
Defense and technology contractors are the most active sponsors for automation roles in Virginia. Companies like Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics IT, and SAIC regularly file H-1B visa petitions for automation engineers. Large technology employers in Northern Virginia, including Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, also sponsor automation specialists. Consulting firms such as Deloitte and Accenture, which have significant Virginia operations, are consistent sponsors as well.
Which visa types are most common for automation roles in Virginia?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for automation professionals in Virginia, covering roles in software automation, robotic process automation, and industrial control systems. Candidates with extraordinary ability may qualify for the O-1A. Australians can consider the E-3 visa. Canadians and Mexicans may qualify under the TN visa for certain engineering roles. Each category has distinct eligibility requirements, and the right fit depends on your nationality, qualifications, and the specific role.
Which cities in Virginia have the most automation sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, particularly the Tysons Corner, Arlington, and Herndon corridor, concentrates the largest share of automation sponsorship activity in the state. This region hosts the headquarters or major offices of most defense contractors and federal IT firms that hire automation talent. Richmond has a growing technology and manufacturing presence with automation openings, and Virginia Beach supports automation roles tied to military and logistics operations in the Hampton Roads area.
How to find automation visa sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters automation roles in Virginia by visa sponsorship history, so you're not sorting through postings from employers who don't sponsor. Searching on Migrate Mate for automation jobs in Virginia will surface roles from defense contractors, cloud infrastructure firms, and manufacturing companies that have a track record of sponsoring H-1B and other work visa categories for this type of position.
Are there state-specific considerations for automation professionals seeking sponsorship in Virginia?
Virginia's high concentration of federal contractors means many automation roles require security clearances, which can affect the sponsorship process. Employers with clearance requirements may not sponsor candidates who are not yet clearance-eligible, and some clearance levels are only accessible to U.S. citizens. Automation roles outside the defense sector, particularly in cloud computing and manufacturing, generally have fewer clearance restrictions. Virginia Tech and George Mason University also supply a pipeline of automation talent that employers draw from, reflecting the engineering depth the state has built.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored automation jobs in Virginia?
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.