Automation Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
Virginia is one of the strongest states for automation engineer visa sponsorship, driven by a dense concentration of defense contractors, federal IT firms, and tech companies in Northern Virginia's corridor from Arlington to Reston. Major employers like Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics, and Amazon Web Services actively hire automation engineers and have established sponsorship track records.
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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 Engineer Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Automation Engineer Jobs in VirginiaAutomation Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for automation engineers in Virginia?
Several large employers in Virginia have consistent sponsorship histories for automation engineers. Defense and federal IT contractors, including Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics IT, and SAIC, regularly file H-1B visa petitions for automation roles. On the commercial tech side, Amazon Web Services in Arlington and Capital One in McLean have also appeared frequently in Department of Labor disclosure data for automation and software engineering positions.
Which visa types are most common for automation engineer roles in Virginia?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for automation engineers in Virginia, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Candidates with Canadian or Mexican citizenship may qualify for the TN visa under the USMCA. Professionals with exceptional records in the field may explore the O-1A, though it carries a higher evidentiary bar.
Which cities in Virginia have the most automation engineer sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia dominates, with Reston, McLean, Herndon, Arlington, and Tysons Corner concentrating the largest share of automation engineer sponsorship activity. This corridor benefits from proximity to federal agencies and major cloud infrastructure. Richmond is a secondary market, particularly for automation roles tied to financial services and manufacturing. Hampton Roads sees demand from defense contractors supporting naval and military operations in the region.
How to find automation engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search. You can filter by automation engineer roles and narrow results to Virginia, surfacing only positions where employers have indicated willingness to sponsor work visas. This saves significant time compared to manually reviewing job postings that rarely disclose sponsorship status upfront. Migrate Mate's data is drawn from employer filings and verified sponsorship signals, making it particularly useful for the Northern Virginia defense and tech market.
Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for automation engineers seeking visa sponsorship?
Virginia's heavy presence of federal contractors introduces one important factor: many positions require a U.S. security clearance, which is generally unavailable to non-citizens on temporary work visas. Candidates should prioritize roles outside cleared programs, particularly in commercial tech or cloud infrastructure. Virginia Tech and George Mason University also produce automation engineering graduates who pipeline into local employers, meaning early-career candidates benefit from targeting companies with established university recruiting relationships in the state.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored automation engineer 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.