Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Electrical Controls Engineers design and program automation systems for manufacturing, requiring specialized technical knowledge that qualifies for H-1B visa and other work visa sponsorship. Manufacturing companies, system integrators, and automation firms regularly sponsor these roles due to the specific engineering expertise required for PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial control design. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are seeking an experienced Electrical & Controls Designer to support capital projects within industrial manufacturing and process facilities. Responsible for electrical and control system design deliverables from concept development through construction, startup, and commissioning. Working alongside multidisciplinary project teams to help deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions that support operational goals in Kingsport, TN.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and maintain electrical and controls design documentation, including:
- Loop drawings
- Wiring and connection diagrams
- Junction box and terminal block layouts
- Panel wiring diagrams
- Cable schedules
- Conduit and cable routing plans
- MCC single-line drawings
Perform electrical calculations and support the development of:
- Equipment layouts
- Electrical room layouts
- Grounding and bonding plans
- Control system interconnection diagrams
- Control panel layouts
- Analyzer specifications
Support projects throughout the entire lifecycle, including:
- Feasibility studies
- Scope development
- Cost estimating
- Procurement package development
- Construction support
- Startup and commissioning activities
Review vendor and fabrication drawings and help resolve field design issues.
Collaborate closely with engineering, construction, operations, and project management teams to deliver projects safely, on schedule, and within budget.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 5 years of industrial electrical and controls design experience supporting manufacturing, chemical, refining, or other industrial facilities.
- Strong knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and applicable ISA standards.
- Experience developing:
- MCC single-line diagrams
- Electrical room and equipment layouts
- Cable schedules
- Grounding and shielding plans
- Lighting and power distribution designs
- Control wiring and interconnection diagrams
- Ability to interpret and utilize:
- P&IDs
- I/O Lists
- Instrument Indexes
- Cause-and-Effect Diagrams
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, EPLAN, or similar electrical design software.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Technology, Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Technology, or related technical discipline
- Experience supporting capital projects in process manufacturing, chemical, or industrial environments.
Hargrove Culture
We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking an experienced Electrical & Controls Designer to support capital projects within industrial manufacturing and process facilities. Responsible for electrical and control system design deliverables from concept development through construction, startup, and commissioning. Working alongside multidisciplinary project teams to help deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions that support operational goals in Kingsport, TN.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and maintain electrical and controls design documentation, including:
- Loop drawings
- Wiring and connection diagrams
- Junction box and terminal block layouts
- Panel wiring diagrams
- Cable schedules
- Conduit and cable routing plans
- MCC single-line drawings
Perform electrical calculations and support the development of:
- Equipment layouts
- Electrical room layouts
- Grounding and bonding plans
- Control system interconnection diagrams
- Control panel layouts
- Analyzer specifications
Support projects throughout the entire lifecycle, including:
- Feasibility studies
- Scope development
- Cost estimating
- Procurement package development
- Construction support
- Startup and commissioning activities
Review vendor and fabrication drawings and help resolve field design issues.
Collaborate closely with engineering, construction, operations, and project management teams to deliver projects safely, on schedule, and within budget.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 5 years of industrial electrical and controls design experience supporting manufacturing, chemical, refining, or other industrial facilities.
- Strong knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and applicable ISA standards.
- Experience developing:
- MCC single-line diagrams
- Electrical room and equipment layouts
- Cable schedules
- Grounding and shielding plans
- Lighting and power distribution designs
- Control wiring and interconnection diagrams
- Ability to interpret and utilize:
- P&IDs
- I/O Lists
- Instrument Indexes
- Cause-and-Effect Diagrams
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, EPLAN, or similar electrical design software.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Technology, Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Technology, or related technical discipline
- Experience supporting capital projects in process manufacturing, chemical, or industrial environments.
Hargrove Culture
We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Electrical Controls Engineer
Target manufacturing and automation companies
Focus on manufacturers with complex automation needs, system integrators, and industrial equipment companies. These employers understand the specialized nature of controls engineering and regularly sponsor H-1B visas for technical roles.
Emphasize PLC and SCADA expertise
Highlight specific experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider Electric systems. Controls engineering requires specialized software knowledge that demonstrates the specialty occupation requirement for visa sponsorship approval.
Connect degree to automation requirements
Electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering degrees directly support visa applications. The technical nature of designing control systems clearly demonstrates why a specialized engineering education is required.
Research DOL LCA filings for controls roles
Check FLAG.dol.gov for recent Labor Condition Applications filed by automation companies. This reveals which employers actively sponsor visas and their prevailing wage determinations for controls positions.
Consider contract-to-hire opportunities
Many controls projects are contract-based initially. System integrators often convert successful contractors to permanent employees, providing a pathway to visa sponsorship after proving technical capabilities on projects.
Prepare technical portfolio documentation
Document specific automation projects, control system designs, and programming examples. Immigration attorneys need concrete evidence of specialized technical work to strengthen the visa petition for USCIS review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do electrical controls engineers qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, electrical controls engineers typically qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship since the role requires specialized engineering knowledge in automation systems, PLC programming, and industrial controls. The technical nature of designing control systems clearly meets the specialty occupation requirement, especially with an engineering degree in electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering.
How to find Electrical Controls Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Electrical Controls Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in visa-sponsored positions. Focus on manufacturing companies, automation firms, and industrial facilities that commonly hire international talent for these technical roles. H-1B and EB-2/EB-3 visas are typical pathways for electrical engineers. Target employers in automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors who frequently sponsor skilled engineers.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as a controls engineer?
An electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or controls/automation engineering bachelor's degree is typically required. Some employers accept computer engineering or related technical degrees if combined with relevant controls experience. The degree must directly relate to the technical requirements of designing and programming industrial automation systems.
Which industries sponsor controls engineers most frequently?
Manufacturing companies, system integrators, pharmaceutical plants, food processing facilities, and automotive manufacturers are the most active sponsors. These industries rely heavily on automated production systems and understand the specialized technical expertise required for controls engineering roles, making them more likely to invest in visa sponsorship.
How do contract positions affect visa sponsorship for controls engineers?
Many controls engineers start as contractors since projects are often temporary. However, H-1B sponsorship requires a direct employer-employee relationship, so you'll need conversion to permanent employment. Some system integrators sponsor visas directly, but staffing agencies typically cannot sponsor unless they meet specific requirements for the employer-employee relationship.
What technical skills strengthen a controls engineer's visa application?
Specific PLC platform experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric), SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial networking protocols demonstrate specialized knowledge. Certifications in specific automation platforms, experience with safety systems, and knowledge of industry standards like ISA-88 or ISA-95 further support the specialty occupation requirement for visa approval.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Electrical Controls Engineer 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.