Controls Technician Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Controls technicians find the strongest sponsorship pathways at automation-heavy manufacturers, semiconductor fabs, and building automation companies where Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Johnson Controls, Intel, and Tesla sponsor for roles programming PLCs, configuring HMIs, and troubleshooting industrial control systems that require engineering technology or electrical engineering degrees. H-1B visa classification is viable when positions specify technical degrees and involve Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or FANUC programming, while EB-3 skilled worker green card sponsorship provides experienced controls technicians without bachelor's degrees a direct permanent residency pathway.
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INTRODUCTION
Ranked as one of the Best Employers in Nebraska and certified as a Lincoln Family-Friendly workplace, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success and satisfaction. By joining our team, you will be given opportunities to grow as an individual and contribute to the significant impact that we make within the University of Nebraska community and Nebraska’s economy each year.
We invest in our employees:
Vacation, sick, and holiday pay.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
No-cost life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Parental leave.
Retirement plans.
Tuition assistance for employees and dependents.
Exclusive employee discounts.
Professional development through training and education.
And many more!!
This position is part of a career ladder with pay commensurate with each level. Job duties are cumulative by level. Positions at higher levels are expected to perform the duties identified for that level as well as those established for preceding levels.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Controls Technician I, you will:
Assist with installation, maintenance, and repair of low voltage electrical systems and HVAC controls.
Assist with commissioning and balancing of HVAC control systems.
Assist with common electrical activities.
Learn to interpret and use schematics and blueprint drawings to complete the installation and troubleshooting of electrical conduit systems, wiring, and device termination.
* Complete work orders and utilize an electronic time keeping system daily.
As a Controls Technician II, you will:
Install, maintain, and repair of low voltage electrical systems and HVAC controls.
Use schematics to rough-in, wire, and terminate room controls, lab controls, and air handling and hydronic system controls.
* Perform room controls commissioning and room balancing (non-lab).
As a Controls Technician III, you will:
Perform common electrical activities.
Train, mentor, and verify work of other staff, students, temp, and/or on-call personnel in the installation and commissioning of HVAC room and system controls and service work.
Confirm scope, schedule, and budget requirements of work assignments and coordinate changes.
Test and diagnose circuits in low voltage electrical and building automation controls wiring, equipment, and fixtures utilizing testing devices to ensure compatibility and functionality of the system.
As a Controls Technician IV, you will:
Perform commissioning and balancing of room, hydronic and air handling control systems (non-lab).
Assist with project development and safety coordination.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Controls Technician I:
High school or equivalent experience.
Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions.
Thinking and reasoning skills.
Good communication skills.
Thoroughness and attention to detail.
Good time management and organizational skills.
Familiar with and able to operate tools and machinery.
Basic computer skills.
Controls Technician II:
1+ year of experience performing room balancing, commissioning, installing, and servicing HVAC controls.
Good analytical thinking and reasoning skills.
Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
Thoroughness and high attention to detail.
Understanding of building and construction principles.
Understanding of electrical systems, applicable codes, and supporting electrical systems.
Knowledge, experience, and ability to operate a variety of tools and machinery.
Basic computer skills.
Basic understanding of electrical theory.
Ability to research, read, interpret, and work with project blueprints and specifications.
Knowledgeable in balancing and commissioning HVAC systems.
Skilled in operating testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, and ammeters to test and diagnose circuits in low voltage electrical fire life safety equipment.
* Knowledgeable of and skilled in the processes, procedures, and codes required of the trade.
Controls Technician III:
2+ years of experience performing room balancing, commissioning, installing, and servicing HVAC controls.
Ability to comprehend and follow complex and technical information.
Strong analytical thinking, reasoning, and documentation skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong understanding of building and construction principles.
Strong understanding of electrical theory, electrical systems, applicable codes, and supporting electrical systems.
Knowledgeable of operational building, electrical, and fire codes.
Intermediate skills utilizing computers and an Energy Management System.
Basic understanding of NFPA 70/72 National Electrical Code.
Controls Technician IV:
4+ years of experience performing room balancing, commissioning, installing, and servicing HVAC controls.
2+ years of experience performing air and hydronic mechanical systems balancing and commissioning.
Strong understanding of advanced electrical theory and NFPA 70/72 National Electrical Code.
Knowledgeable of card access, fire alarm systems, lighting control, and HVAC controls including installation and troubleshooting.
This position requires the ability to lift 50 lbs., work from ladders and/or aerial equipment, be available by phone to assist with campus emergencies, and participate in regular rotations on the weekend and after-hours on-call schedule.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Controls Technician I, II, III, and IV:
Associate’s degree in electrical technology, other related field of study, participation or completion in an apprenticeship program, and/or equivalent experience.
Journeyman Electrician license.
* Type I, II, III or Universal EPA refrigeration license.
Controls Technician I:
6+ months experience performing room balancing and commissioning.
6+ months experience installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical and low voltage systems.
6+ months experience of Building Automation Systems front-end and/or back-end programming.
6+ months experience certifying and/or decontamination of biosafety cabinets.
Familiar with an CMMS or EMCS.
Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
* Knowledge of or experience with building, electrical, and fire codes.
Controls Technician II & III:
1+ years experience installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical and low voltage systems.
1+ years experience of Building Automation Systems front-end and/or back-end programming.
6+ months experience certifying and/or decontamination of biosafety cabinets.
Completion of all UNL and BSM required training courses.
* Proficient using an CMMS or EMCS, access controls, and/or fire alarm system interface programs.
Controls Technician IV:
2+ years experience installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical and low voltage systems.
4+ years experience of Building Automation Systems front-end and/or back-end programming.
Preferred qualifications are cumulative by level and are not required for consideration.
COMPENSATION
Salary commensurate with experience
HOW TO APPLY
Click on “Apply to this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Controls Technician
PLC Programming Expertise Is the Most Sponsorable Skill
Controls technicians programming Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Omron PLCs fill a specialized niche with severe domestic talent shortage across manufacturing, packaging, and process industries. Employers invest in sponsorship because training new PLC programmers takes 12 to 24 months.
Semiconductor Fab Controls Technicians Are in Acute Demand
Intel, TSMC, Samsung, Micron, and GlobalFoundries sponsor for controls technicians maintaining equipment automation, process control systems, and tool communication networks at fabs expanding under CHIPS Act. These roles pay $55,000 to $85,000 with cleanroom premiums.
Building Automation Controls Has Strong Employer Demand
Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell, Trane, and Schneider Electric sponsor for controls technicians programming BACnet, LON, and Tridium Niagara building management systems. Data center and commercial building construction growth sustains demand for BAS-trained technicians.
Target Controls Engineer Titles for Stronger H-1B Classification
Positions titled Controls Engineer or Automation Engineer at the same companies performing similar work carry degree requirements that support H-1B classification. Always pursue engineer titles over technician titles when your credentials qualify.
EB-3 Skilled Worker Provides a Green Card Without H-1B
Controls technicians with manufacturer certifications and two or more years of documented PLC programming experience qualify for EB-3 skilled worker sponsorship. Processing takes 2 to 4 years but leads directly to permanent residency without requiring a bachelor's degree.
FANUC and ABB Robotics Certifications Make You Irreplaceable
Factory certifications from FANUC, ABB, KUKA, or Yaskawa qualify you as an authorized robotics integrator and service technician. Employers sponsor certified robotics controls technicians because replacing them requires months of manufacturer training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can controls technicians get visa sponsorship?
Yes, through specific pathways. Technicians with engineering technology or electrical engineering degrees qualify for H-1B visa at automation companies and semiconductor fabs. EB-3 skilled worker green card sponsorship is available for experienced controls technicians through employers proving domestic recruitment failure.
What is the typical salary for Controls Technician roles?
Industrial controls technicians earn $50,000 to $75,000. Semiconductor fab controls technicians earn $58,000 to $88,000. Building automation technicians earn $48,000 to $72,000. Controls engineers with degrees performing similar work earn $70,000 to $105,000.
Which industries sponsor Controls Technicians most frequently?
Automotive and general manufacturing lead for PLC and robotics controls. Semiconductor fabs sponsor for equipment automation and process control. Building automation companies sponsor for BMS programming. Food and beverage, packaging, and pharmaceutical manufacturers also sponsor for controls roles.
What qualifications improve a Controls Technician's sponsorship prospects?
An electrical engineering technology or automation degree opens H-1B pathways for engineer-titled roles. Rockwell, Siemens, FANUC, and ABB certifications demonstrate platform expertise. For EB-3, documented PLC programming experience and trade credentials are required.
How to find Controls Technician jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Controls Technician jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on manufacturing companies, automation firms, and industrial facilities that commonly hire Controls Technicians on H-1B, TN visa, or other work visas. These employers often need specialized skills in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial automation that international candidates possess.
What is the career progression for a sponsored Controls Technician?
The path moves from controls technician to senior technician to controls engineer to automation engineering manager. Controls engineers earn $72,000 to $108,000. Automation managers earn $100,000 to $145,000. Some technicians transition into systems integration, robotics engineering, or commissioning management.