Automation Visa Sponsorship Jobs in West Virginia
West Virginia's automation sector spans chemical manufacturing along the Kanawha Valley, power generation facilities operated by companies like Appalachian Power, and advanced manufacturing sites in the Northern Panhandle. Employers in Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown have sponsored workers in automation engineering and controls roles, with West Virginia University's engineering programs supplying a pipeline of technical talent.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Summary:
The Automation Engineer will be responsible for supporting, maintaining and developing automation control systems used throughout the rolling process. This role requires strong knowledge and experience in electrical and automation control systems such as PLC’s, HMI’s, drives, and VME controllers. The Automation Engineer will also participate in projects that require development, design and documentation of new or improved systems. The Automation Engineer must be highly motivated with excellent communication skills and be willing to provide technical assistance within a team environment.
Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot, design and improve automation control systems in aluminum manufacturing facility.
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and develop control system code relating to IEC 61131-3 (Ladder, Function Block, Structured Text, Instruction List, Sequential Function Charts)
- Setup, commission and debug hardware and field instrumentation relating to the control systems.
- Troubleshoot and support small to medium sized AC and DC drives.
- Create or maintain intuitive and user-friendly HMI screens to interface with automation control systems.
- Customize HMI applications to meet specific project requirements.
- Interface and collaborate with area engineers from same or different disciplines to help resolve any process issues.
- Setup, configure and maintain industrial communication networks (Profinet, Profibus, Modbus, OPC, Ethernet)
- Participate in team-oriented projects while providing expertise in automation, leading to successful on-time project completion.
- Participate in FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) for new developments and projects.
- Electronically document thorough detail on control system troubleshooting using change logs.
- Perform routine backups of PLC and drive projects.
- Interface 3rd party products to PLC’s and other control system hardware.
- Effectively communicate with other team members on technical issues needing resolved to maintain a fluent manufacturing process.
- Ensure any new automation control systems are designed to current industry and plant standards.
- Provide troubleshooting assistance and leadership to area electricians or other maintenance personnel.
- Demonstrate safe working practices.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation or a related field.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience supporting Level 1 control systems in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience programming, troubleshooting, and supporting PLC-based control systems utilizing IEC 61131-3 programming standards.
- Understanding of industrial control systems, PLC hardware, and automation principles; exposure to Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and/or Modicon platforms preferred.
- Working knowledge of electrical components and circuits, including relays, transformers, circuit breakers, contactors, and motor starters.
- Experience working with industrial communication networks and protocols such as Profinet, Profibus, Modbus, TCP/UDP.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex control system issues.
- Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and apply engineering principles in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five (5) or more years of experience supporting industrial automation and control systems in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
- Experience with machine safety systems, safety-rated controls, and Safety Integrity Level (SIL) standards.
- Experience with industrial networking and communications architecture.
- Experience leading or supporting automation improvement projects.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
Key Competencies
- Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across operations, maintenance, engineering, and IT teams.
- Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and safe work practices.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Willingness to provide occasional off-hours support through phone, VPN, and on-site troubleshooting as needed.
About Constellium
With over 1,200 employees, Constellium’s plant in Ravenswood, West Virginia, is one of the world’s largest rolled products facilities, offering customers the most powerful plate stretchers in the world, as well as one of the largest cold rolling mills. Built in 1957, the plant houses 62 acres (about 250,900 m²) of production facilities and is one of the top 50 businesses in West Virginia.
We produce plate, sheet, and coil products for aerospace, defense, transportation, marine, and industrial uses. As the global leader in aluminum aerospace technology, we specialize in high performance plates, sheets, extrusions, and precision castings that bring cost benefits to space programs and military and commercial aircraft. Our pre-machining and custom designed components can be found in products for Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Lockheed Martin, NASA, and others.
The Ravenswood facility is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, along the Ohio River. It is the largest employer in Jackson County, and one of the top 50 businesses in West Virginia.
A culture of family, community, and hard work runs deep in Jackson County. Located in the western region of West Virginia is one of the most productive regions in the state, with Ripley as its county seat and Ravenswood serving as its largest municipality. Ripley sits between the Parkersburg and Charleston metropolitan areas.
The region offers plenty of activities, both open-air and indoors, for a wide range of interests. These include parks, lakes, forests, Civil War trails, golf courses, historical landmarks (covered bridges, a heritage house, a castle), museums and galleries, conference centers, the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, the Charleston Light Opera Guild, and much more.
Constellium is an Equal Opportunity Employer:
Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Job Summary:
The Automation Engineer will be responsible for supporting, maintaining and developing automation control systems used throughout the rolling process. This role requires strong knowledge and experience in electrical and automation control systems such as PLC’s, HMI’s, drives, and VME controllers. The Automation Engineer will also participate in projects that require development, design and documentation of new or improved systems. The Automation Engineer must be highly motivated with excellent communication skills and be willing to provide technical assistance within a team environment.
Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot, design and improve automation control systems in aluminum manufacturing facility.
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and develop control system code relating to IEC 61131-3 (Ladder, Function Block, Structured Text, Instruction List, Sequential Function Charts)
- Setup, commission and debug hardware and field instrumentation relating to the control systems.
- Troubleshoot and support small to medium sized AC and DC drives.
- Create or maintain intuitive and user-friendly HMI screens to interface with automation control systems.
- Customize HMI applications to meet specific project requirements.
- Interface and collaborate with area engineers from same or different disciplines to help resolve any process issues.
- Setup, configure and maintain industrial communication networks (Profinet, Profibus, Modbus, OPC, Ethernet)
- Participate in team-oriented projects while providing expertise in automation, leading to successful on-time project completion.
- Participate in FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) for new developments and projects.
- Electronically document thorough detail on control system troubleshooting using change logs.
- Perform routine backups of PLC and drive projects.
- Interface 3rd party products to PLC’s and other control system hardware.
- Effectively communicate with other team members on technical issues needing resolved to maintain a fluent manufacturing process.
- Ensure any new automation control systems are designed to current industry and plant standards.
- Provide troubleshooting assistance and leadership to area electricians or other maintenance personnel.
- Demonstrate safe working practices.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation or a related field.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience supporting Level 1 control systems in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience programming, troubleshooting, and supporting PLC-based control systems utilizing IEC 61131-3 programming standards.
- Understanding of industrial control systems, PLC hardware, and automation principles; exposure to Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and/or Modicon platforms preferred.
- Working knowledge of electrical components and circuits, including relays, transformers, circuit breakers, contactors, and motor starters.
- Experience working with industrial communication networks and protocols such as Profinet, Profibus, Modbus, TCP/UDP.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex control system issues.
- Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and apply engineering principles in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five (5) or more years of experience supporting industrial automation and control systems in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
- Experience with machine safety systems, safety-rated controls, and Safety Integrity Level (SIL) standards.
- Experience with industrial networking and communications architecture.
- Experience leading or supporting automation improvement projects.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
Key Competencies
- Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across operations, maintenance, engineering, and IT teams.
- Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and safe work practices.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Willingness to provide occasional off-hours support through phone, VPN, and on-site troubleshooting as needed.
About Constellium
With over 1,200 employees, Constellium’s plant in Ravenswood, West Virginia, is one of the world’s largest rolled products facilities, offering customers the most powerful plate stretchers in the world, as well as one of the largest cold rolling mills. Built in 1957, the plant houses 62 acres (about 250,900 m²) of production facilities and is one of the top 50 businesses in West Virginia.
We produce plate, sheet, and coil products for aerospace, defense, transportation, marine, and industrial uses. As the global leader in aluminum aerospace technology, we specialize in high performance plates, sheets, extrusions, and precision castings that bring cost benefits to space programs and military and commercial aircraft. Our pre-machining and custom designed components can be found in products for Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Lockheed Martin, NASA, and others.
The Ravenswood facility is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, along the Ohio River. It is the largest employer in Jackson County, and one of the top 50 businesses in West Virginia.
A culture of family, community, and hard work runs deep in Jackson County. Located in the western region of West Virginia is one of the most productive regions in the state, with Ripley as its county seat and Ravenswood serving as its largest municipality. Ripley sits between the Parkersburg and Charleston metropolitan areas.
The region offers plenty of activities, both open-air and indoors, for a wide range of interests. These include parks, lakes, forests, Civil War trails, golf courses, historical landmarks (covered bridges, a heritage house, a castle), museums and galleries, conference centers, the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, the Charleston Light Opera Guild, and much more.
Constellium is an Equal Opportunity Employer:
Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Automation Job Roles in West Virginia
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Search Automation Jobs in West VirginiaAutomation Jobs in West Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for automation roles in West Virginia?
Chemical and energy companies operating along the Kanawha Valley, including Dow and Appalachian Power, have historically sponsored automation and controls engineers. Manufacturing facilities in the Northern Panhandle, such as those tied to steel and glass production, also file H-1B visa petitions for automation specialists. Sponsorship activity tends to concentrate among larger industrial employers rather than smaller regional contractors.
Which visa types are most common for automation roles in West Virginia?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for automation engineers and controls specialists in West Virginia, as roles requiring a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering typically qualify as specialty occupations. Candidates with Canadian or Mexican citizenship may also pursue TN visa status under the USMCA, which covers engineers without the H-1B lottery. L-1 visa transfers are possible for multinational manufacturers with West Virginia facilities.
Which cities in West Virginia have the most automation sponsorship jobs?
Charleston sees the most automation sponsorship activity due to the concentration of chemical and energy employers in the Kanawha Valley. Morgantown benefits from proximity to West Virginia University's engineering college, attracting research-adjacent automation roles. The Northern Panhandle cities of Weirton and Wheeling host manufacturing facilities where controls and PLC engineering positions have drawn sponsored workers.
How to find automation visa sponsorship jobs in West Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically to employers who sponsor work visas, making it easier to identify automation roles in West Virginia without manually researching each company's sponsorship history. You can search by state and job category to surface controls engineering, PLC programming, and industrial automation positions at chemical plants, manufacturers, and utilities that have active sponsorship programs in the state.
Are there state-specific considerations for automation workers seeking visa sponsorship in West Virginia?
West Virginia's automation job market is closely tied to extractive and heavy industries, meaning demand can fluctuate with energy and commodity cycles. The state's relatively lower cost of living affects prevailing wage calculations under the H-1B Labor Condition Application process, so offered wages must still meet Department of Labor wage level requirements for the specific occupation and metropolitan area, not just regional averages. West Virginia University's industrial automation research partnerships have also generated some university-affiliated sponsorship opportunities.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored automation jobs in West 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.