Automation Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Automation Specialists are in strong demand from H-1B and E-3 sponsors across manufacturing, tech, and logistics. Employers regularly file Labor Condition Applications for roles requiring a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field, making this a realistic path to U.S. work authorization. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Now Brewing – automation specialist! #tobeapartner
From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrates coffee and its rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing and supporting partners who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.
The Starbucks experience starts in our Roasting Plants where we have a dedicated team of professional roasters and supporting process teams including planning, warehouse management, packaging, roasting, maintenance, engineering, and logistics.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As an automation specialist, you will:
- Assist Engineering with updates, changes, and testing of new modifications.
- Contribute to new equipment implementations and projects.
- Perform periodic maintenance of automation control systems and hardware.
- Perform troubleshooting of electrical and instrumentation issues for the sites packaging and processing equipment, transfer system, ancillary facility equipment, and building automation systems.
- Contribute to continuous improvement projects.
- Demonstrate and understand safety as a core value and follow the key essentials to safety as set forth by our safety resolution; reinforces and coaches others to do the same.
- Understand and follow established safety guidelines, consistently comply with all safety procedures (e.g., PPE, Lock Out Tag Out).
- Support food safety, legality, and quality programs.
- Maintain product quality through adherence to good manufacturing practices, Food Safety Preventative Controls, product specifications, and quality procedures. Monitor and document quality measures using analytical tools.
- Perform other duties as needed in support of business objectives and Starbucks Mission & Values.
- Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
We’d love to hear from people with:
- Relevant experience in similar industry (3 Years)
- PLC Programming specific to Rockwell Automation software suite (3 Years)
- Electrical troubleshooting (3 Years)
- General industrial maintenance and electrical systems (3 Years)
- Interpreting mechanical and electrical drawings including original equipment manuals (1 Year)
- Knowledge of applicable electrical codes including NEC 70 and NFPA 70E (1 Year)
- High school diploma/GED, US military service, trade school, technical college
- Proficiency with one or more SCADA/HMI development software suites.
- Understanding of the use and interpretation of various test instruments in conjunction with properly interpreting schematics and technical drawings.
- Proficiency with industrial automation programming including but not limited to: PLC ladder logic modification, troubleshooting, and one or more Rockwell PLC programming languages.
- Knowledgeable with Rockwell Automation products such as PLC’s, VFD’s, Servo’s, and field instrumentation devices.
- Proficiency with common process control instruments such as motor drives, valves, relays and measurement transducers for pressure, temperature, and flow as well as other sensor devices required.
- Knowledgeable with industrial networking theory and hardware used to connect control system components and instrumentation including a wide variety of fiber, wired and wireless systems using industrial protocols (Control Net, Device Net, Ethernet I/P, ASI, Modbus, etc.).
- Familiar with physical and virtual server architecture.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Ability to work in accordance with safety, quality and sanitation standards, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to work variable shifts to support business needs.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work in a diverse team environment.
- Attention to detail.
- Basic math skills.
BENEFITS
As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.
If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other factor protected by law.
We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving customers throughout our global communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances. Starbucks Corporation is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at applicantaccommodation@starbucks.com.
INTRODUCTION
Now Brewing – automation specialist! #tobeapartner
From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrates coffee and its rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing and supporting partners who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.
The Starbucks experience starts in our Roasting Plants where we have a dedicated team of professional roasters and supporting process teams including planning, warehouse management, packaging, roasting, maintenance, engineering, and logistics.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As an automation specialist, you will:
- Assist Engineering with updates, changes, and testing of new modifications.
- Contribute to new equipment implementations and projects.
- Perform periodic maintenance of automation control systems and hardware.
- Perform troubleshooting of electrical and instrumentation issues for the sites packaging and processing equipment, transfer system, ancillary facility equipment, and building automation systems.
- Contribute to continuous improvement projects.
- Demonstrate and understand safety as a core value and follow the key essentials to safety as set forth by our safety resolution; reinforces and coaches others to do the same.
- Understand and follow established safety guidelines, consistently comply with all safety procedures (e.g., PPE, Lock Out Tag Out).
- Support food safety, legality, and quality programs.
- Maintain product quality through adherence to good manufacturing practices, Food Safety Preventative Controls, product specifications, and quality procedures. Monitor and document quality measures using analytical tools.
- Perform other duties as needed in support of business objectives and Starbucks Mission & Values.
- Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
We’d love to hear from people with:
- Relevant experience in similar industry (3 Years)
- PLC Programming specific to Rockwell Automation software suite (3 Years)
- Electrical troubleshooting (3 Years)
- General industrial maintenance and electrical systems (3 Years)
- Interpreting mechanical and electrical drawings including original equipment manuals (1 Year)
- Knowledge of applicable electrical codes including NEC 70 and NFPA 70E (1 Year)
- High school diploma/GED, US military service, trade school, technical college
- Proficiency with one or more SCADA/HMI development software suites.
- Understanding of the use and interpretation of various test instruments in conjunction with properly interpreting schematics and technical drawings.
- Proficiency with industrial automation programming including but not limited to: PLC ladder logic modification, troubleshooting, and one or more Rockwell PLC programming languages.
- Knowledgeable with Rockwell Automation products such as PLC’s, VFD’s, Servo’s, and field instrumentation devices.
- Proficiency with common process control instruments such as motor drives, valves, relays and measurement transducers for pressure, temperature, and flow as well as other sensor devices required.
- Knowledgeable with industrial networking theory and hardware used to connect control system components and instrumentation including a wide variety of fiber, wired and wireless systems using industrial protocols (Control Net, Device Net, Ethernet I/P, ASI, Modbus, etc.).
- Familiar with physical and virtual server architecture.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Ability to work in accordance with safety, quality and sanitation standards, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to work variable shifts to support business needs.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work in a diverse team environment.
- Attention to detail.
- Basic math skills.
BENEFITS
As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.
If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other factor protected by law.
We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving customers throughout our global communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances. Starbucks Corporation is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at applicantaccommodation@starbucks.com.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Automation Specialist
Highlight specific automation platforms you've worked with
Employers sponsoring visas want roles that clearly require specialized knowledge. Naming PLC systems, SCADA platforms, or robotics frameworks like ROS in your resume strengthens the specialty occupation argument and helps your petition survive a Request for Evidence.
Target industries with consistent sponsorship track records
Manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical production, and large-scale logistics operations file LCAs for Automation Specialists regularly. These industries have established sponsorship workflows, which means faster internal approvals and fewer obstacles during the petition process.
Understand the LCA before your interview
Your employer files a Labor Condition Application with the Department of Labor before your visa petition. Knowing this step exists, what it certifies, and that it must be approved before your I-129 shows sponsors you understand the process and won't create surprises.
Distinguish yourself with cross-functional experience
Automation roles that sit at the intersection of software, controls engineering, and process improvement are harder to fill domestically. Emphasizing that breadth makes the business necessity of sponsoring you more defensible to both hiring managers and USCIS adjudicators.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Not every company advertising an Automation Specialist role has experience with visa sponsorship. Migrate Mate filters for employers who have actively sponsored visas, so you spend your time on applications where sponsorship is a realistic outcome, not a hopeful assumption.
Automation Specialist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an Automation Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS looks for roles where a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field is the normal minimum requirement. Automation Specialist positions tied to controls engineering, robotics, or systems integration typically meet this standard, particularly when the job description specifies a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or mechatronics rather than accepting any discipline.
What visa options are available for Automation Specialists seeking U.S. sponsorship?
The H-1B is the most common path and requires employer sponsorship plus clearing the annual lottery. Australian citizens can apply for the E-3, which has no lottery and far less competition for available slots. Canadians and Mexicans may qualify for the TN visa under the USMCA. Applicants with extraordinary ability in automation or advanced manufacturing may also explore the O-1A, though that requires substantial documentation of recognition in the field.
Do I need a four-year degree, or does relevant work experience count?
A four-year bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or technical field is the cleanest path to H-1B approval. USCIS does accept a combination of education and experience under a three-for-one equivalency rule, where three years of specialized work experience substitutes for one year of formal education. However, experience-based petitions face more scrutiny and benefit from a detailed expert evaluation letter documenting the equivalency.
How often do H-1B petitions for Automation Specialists get approved?
USCIS doesn't publish approval rates broken down by job title, but engineering and technical roles with well-documented specialty occupation arguments generally see strong approval rates. The most common reason for denial or a Request for Evidence is a job description that doesn't clearly require a degree in a specific field. Petitions that include detailed position descriptions, organizational charts, and degree requirement justification perform significantly better.
Where can I find Automation Specialist jobs where sponsorship is genuinely available?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. It surfaces Automation Specialist roles from employers with verified sponsorship histories, so you're not guessing whether a company will actually go through the process. Filtering by visa type also helps you focus on roles compatible with your specific situation, whether that's H-1B, E-3, or another category.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Automation Specialist jobs?
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.
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