Automation Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Automation Specialists are in strong demand from H-1B visa and E-3 visa 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.
Find Automation Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 4,891+ Automation Specialist jobs
See all 4,891+ Automation Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Automation Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsSenior Manager, Automation Engineering
Facility: Digital & IT
Location: Clayton, NC, US
About the Department
You will be joining Fill & Finish Expansions (FFEx), which is responsible for all major expansion activities within aseptic production, solid dosage forms, finished products, fill & finish warehousing, and QC across all production areas in Product Supply. The area is anchored in Product Supply, Quality & IT, which globally employ approx. 20,000 of Novo Nordisk’s 50,000 employees.
FFEx is a newly established and growing area with the responsibility to design, plan, and build all new aseptic filling capacity across Novo Nordisk to serve the needs of millions of patients. We do it by rethinking our production facilities with the use of modern technology, as we are setting the standards for the aseptic production of the future. Facilities designed today which we will still be proud of 20 years from now. FF Expansions has a global approach, where you will be working with multiple sites and cultures across the world.
What we offer you:
Leading pay and annual performance bonus for all positions
All employees enjoy generous paid time off including 14 paid holidays
Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance – effective day one
Guaranteed 8% 401K contribution plus individual company match option
Family Focused Benefits including 14 weeks paid parental & 6 weeks paid family medical leave
Free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed pharmaceutical products
Tuition Assistance
Life & Disability Insurance
* Employee Referral Awards
At Novo Nordisk, you will find opportunities, resources, and mentorship to help grow and build your career. Are you ready to realize your potential? Join Team Novo Nordisk and help us make what matters.
The Position
Responsible for Automation department divided into two tracks: daily engineering system improvements & long-term project upgrades on automation systems. Provides leadership & coaching to Automation staff. Responsible for Automation system support overseeing subject matter experts within SCADA, PLC & Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) applications. Ensure processes, service level agreements are in place & people are trained sufficiently to meet the system uptime requirements. Responsible for developing strategic goals & objectives in alignment with all relevant NN business plans. Drive improvement projects & system upgrades.
Relationships
Reports to Director.
Essential Functions
Develop strategic direction for the company’s automation assets, monitor advancements in the industry & recommend & implement new technologies that help meet customer demands as well as production goals/agreements for the site
Collaborate with department leadership with oversight of training, development, coaching, performance management, recruitment & employee relations
Manage, lead & coach teams of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure a high performing collaborative team environment to include providing continuous feedback, structure & accountability to improve team performance
Drive technical discussions & problem solving
Create, develop, define & implement dynamic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for areas of responsibility
Actively involve & manage stakeholders at all levels across the organization, as well as in Denmark (DK)
Ensure automation systems & processes are available, capable & accessible to meet production & business requirements
Ensure department is operating in accordance with internal & external regulations & procedures
Follow all safety & environmental requirements in the performance of duties
Other accountabilities, as assigned
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in an open office environment with the possibility of frequent distraction. Ability to travel up to 10% of the time. (% can change on a case-by-case basis based on the role.)
Development of People
Supervisory. Ensure that reporting personnel have individual development plans (IDP), with annual goals and measurements that are consistent with the priorities of the business, and that interim reviews are held so that their work is focused on those priorities, and they understand their level of accountability for results and the measurement process. Ensure that the IDP forms include completed learning and aspiration plans and are in place for all reporting personnel to enable the achievement of goals and capability to assume increased levels of responsibility. Manage the application and communication of all Novo Nordisk policies, procedures, and Novo Nordisk Way.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a relevant field of study from an accredited university required
Master’s degree in Engineering or a relevant field of study from an accredited university preferred
Minimum of 7 years of IT or Automation experience in a GMP manufacturing environment required
Minimum of 4 years of people leadership experience, including demonstrated ability to lead/direct other people leaders (supervisors), ability to build a collaborative high performing team environment in a technical context & ability to inspire & motivate employees through continuous feedback required
BMS experience preferred
Windows Operating Systems experience preferred
Relational databases (MS SQL, Oracle & Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)) experience preferred
Automated control systems, related & supporting infrastructure & protocols experience preferred
Manufacturing information systems experience preferred
Six Sigma methodologies experience preferred
Lean manufacturing techniques & methodologies experience preferred
Proven Process analysis experience preferred
* System development life cycle experience preferred
We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.
At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.
Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.
If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Senior Manager, Automation Engineering
Facility: Digital & IT
Location: Clayton, NC, US
About the Department
You will be joining Fill & Finish Expansions (FFEx), which is responsible for all major expansion activities within aseptic production, solid dosage forms, finished products, fill & finish warehousing, and QC across all production areas in Product Supply. The area is anchored in Product Supply, Quality & IT, which globally employ approx. 20,000 of Novo Nordisk’s 50,000 employees.
FFEx is a newly established and growing area with the responsibility to design, plan, and build all new aseptic filling capacity across Novo Nordisk to serve the needs of millions of patients. We do it by rethinking our production facilities with the use of modern technology, as we are setting the standards for the aseptic production of the future. Facilities designed today which we will still be proud of 20 years from now. FF Expansions has a global approach, where you will be working with multiple sites and cultures across the world.
What we offer you:
Leading pay and annual performance bonus for all positions
All employees enjoy generous paid time off including 14 paid holidays
Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance – effective day one
Guaranteed 8% 401K contribution plus individual company match option
Family Focused Benefits including 14 weeks paid parental & 6 weeks paid family medical leave
Free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed pharmaceutical products
Tuition Assistance
Life & Disability Insurance
* Employee Referral Awards
At Novo Nordisk, you will find opportunities, resources, and mentorship to help grow and build your career. Are you ready to realize your potential? Join Team Novo Nordisk and help us make what matters.
The Position
Responsible for Automation department divided into two tracks: daily engineering system improvements & long-term project upgrades on automation systems. Provides leadership & coaching to Automation staff. Responsible for Automation system support overseeing subject matter experts within SCADA, PLC & Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) applications. Ensure processes, service level agreements are in place & people are trained sufficiently to meet the system uptime requirements. Responsible for developing strategic goals & objectives in alignment with all relevant NN business plans. Drive improvement projects & system upgrades.
Relationships
Reports to Director.
Essential Functions
Develop strategic direction for the company’s automation assets, monitor advancements in the industry & recommend & implement new technologies that help meet customer demands as well as production goals/agreements for the site
Collaborate with department leadership with oversight of training, development, coaching, performance management, recruitment & employee relations
Manage, lead & coach teams of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure a high performing collaborative team environment to include providing continuous feedback, structure & accountability to improve team performance
Drive technical discussions & problem solving
Create, develop, define & implement dynamic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for areas of responsibility
Actively involve & manage stakeholders at all levels across the organization, as well as in Denmark (DK)
Ensure automation systems & processes are available, capable & accessible to meet production & business requirements
Ensure department is operating in accordance with internal & external regulations & procedures
Follow all safety & environmental requirements in the performance of duties
Other accountabilities, as assigned
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in an open office environment with the possibility of frequent distraction. Ability to travel up to 10% of the time. (% can change on a case-by-case basis based on the role.)
Development of People
Supervisory. Ensure that reporting personnel have individual development plans (IDP), with annual goals and measurements that are consistent with the priorities of the business, and that interim reviews are held so that their work is focused on those priorities, and they understand their level of accountability for results and the measurement process. Ensure that the IDP forms include completed learning and aspiration plans and are in place for all reporting personnel to enable the achievement of goals and capability to assume increased levels of responsibility. Manage the application and communication of all Novo Nordisk policies, procedures, and Novo Nordisk Way.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a relevant field of study from an accredited university required
Master’s degree in Engineering or a relevant field of study from an accredited university preferred
Minimum of 7 years of IT or Automation experience in a GMP manufacturing environment required
Minimum of 4 years of people leadership experience, including demonstrated ability to lead/direct other people leaders (supervisors), ability to build a collaborative high performing team environment in a technical context & ability to inspire & motivate employees through continuous feedback required
BMS experience preferred
Windows Operating Systems experience preferred
Relational databases (MS SQL, Oracle & Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)) experience preferred
Automated control systems, related & supporting infrastructure & protocols experience preferred
Manufacturing information systems experience preferred
Six Sigma methodologies experience preferred
Lean manufacturing techniques & methodologies experience preferred
Proven Process analysis experience preferred
* System development life cycle experience preferred
We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.
At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.
Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.
If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
See all 4,891+ Automation Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Automation Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Automation Specialist
Lead with your engineering or CS degree
H-1B and E-3 sponsors need to prove your role qualifies as a specialty occupation. A degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or industrial engineering is the clearest signal your application will hold up under USCIS scrutiny.
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.
Frequently 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 visa is the most common path and requires employer sponsorship plus clearing the annual lottery. Australian citizens can apply for the E-3 visa, 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.