OPT Automotive Technician Jobs
Automotive Technician roles on OPT require employers who can support your work authorization status. Most positions are with dealerships or fleet operators, where F-1 OPT students with ASE credentials or relevant degrees in automotive technology have the strongest footing. Your OPT clock starts the day you begin working.
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Get Access To All JobsTHIS IS AN END OF YEAR AND A PART-TIME POSITION - For all instructional positions with a start date AFTER November 4, 2026, the position will end as of June 11, 2027.
Summary: Under general direction of a principal, provides leadership in an educational environment that encourages and nurtures learning for all students. Provides supervision to students in a variety of school related settings, monitors and evaluates student outcomes, develops, selects or modifies lessons plans to ensure all student needs are met, and maintains appropriate records and follows all policies and procedures of NCDPI and CMS. Provides quality standards-based instruction in the area of automotive technology; assesses and encourages student progress, manages an effective learning environment to maximize student achievement.
Essential Duties: (These duties represent a sample and may vary by position.)
- Facilitates/coordinates a rigorous Automotive Service Technology curriculum with career-related instruction; assesses and provides for differentiation to assure student progress while managing the learning environment.
- Instructs and demonstrates proper safety practices, procedures and standards.
- Develops and implements instructional plans and activities in the automotive laboratory.
- Builds positive relationships with students by providing meaningful and current instruction and by individualizing programs.
- Creates and plans effective curriculum based projects and activities correlated with a specific concept in mind.
- Coordinate CTE Student Organization activities for local, regional, state and/or national competition.
- Attend District PLC meetings as scheduled.
- Collaborates in the identification, development, implementation and coordination of work study arrangements.
- Monitors and records student progress providing formative feedback and evaluations.
- Demonstrates techniques to students as a group and one-on-one, helping them to complete lessons, assignments, projects, activities and evaluations.
- Provides students with clear expectations, continual feedback, and logical consequences.
- Provides students with opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge base.
- Participates in field trips to post-secondary institutes, worksites, businesses and hands-on workshops.
- Performs routine maintenance of equipment and tools used in the program.
- Manages inventory control including purchasing materials, supplies, equipment and tools.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Licensure:
Residency License(s):
Required Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree
AND
24 credit hours in the Content area
OR
Passing the NC SBE Licensure Area Exam
AND
Completion of NCSBE Pre-service Requirements
AND
Enroll in EPP (Educational Preparation Program)
CTE Restricted License(s):
- Bachelor's Degree in a related area with 2 years within past 5 years of industry demonstrated experience in automotive repair and service field; or a minimum of three years of experience as a teacher in a vocational/technical automotive related training program.
OR
- Associate's Degree in related area (Automotive Systems Technology, Transportation Systems Technology, Automotive or Mechanical Engineering); and 4 years within the past 8 years of industry demonstrated experience in automotive repair and service field; or a minimum of three years of experience as a teacher in a vocational/technical automotive related training program.
OR
- High School Diploma with 6 years within the past 10 years of industry demonstrated experience in the automotive repair and service field; or a minimum of three years of experience as a teacher in a vocational/technical automotive related training program.
40 Hour Induction beginning Year One
Licensing/Certification Requirements/Required Credentials:
- Licensed or eligible to be licensed in Automotive Services License 74015.
- ASE certification in brakes, electrical, maintenance and light repair, suspension and steering prior to employment.
- Required Courses: 18 Semester Hours from: Curriculum, Instructional Planning, and Assessments; Instructional Methods; Literacy/Reading Methods; Meeting Special Learning Needs or Introduction to Exceptionalities or Diversity; Classroom Management or Learning Theory or Learning Styles or Motivation or How Adolescents Learn; Lab Management and Safety; Teachers must also attend SkillsUSA Advisor training.
Courses Eligible to Teach:
- Automotive Service Fundamentals
- Automotive Service I
- Automotive Service II
- Automotive Service III
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
- Proficiency in the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of the engine performance and fuels, brakes, steering and suspension, automatic and manual transmissions, heating and cooling, electrical/electronics.
- Knowledge of shop mathematics, including elementary geometry acquired through trades related training or experience.
- Knowledge of principles that apply to automotive technology; the use of shop and hand-tools; the properties of various materials and techniques used to diagnose and repair.
- Knowledge of instructional techniques and inventory control principles and practices.
- Knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health regulations and legislation, and regulations governing Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
- Ability to operate all typical diagnostic, service, and repair equipment found in a modern automotive service facility.
- Strong presentation skills with the ability to develop and deliver instructional material.
- Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to build and maintain rapport and trust with students.
- Strong leadership, mentoring and coaching skills.
- Strong planning, problem solving and analytical skills.
- Strong time management skills and the ability to manage conflicting priorities.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 40 lbs. Physical agility to perform work and demonstrations on all areas of an automobile including engine compartment, trunk, underneath, and under dashboard. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time in a shop environment (4+ hours). Ability to work in an automotive service/laboratory facility and to tolerate intermittent periods of cooler and warmer temperatures.
THIS IS AN END OF YEAR AND A PART-TIME POSITION - For all instructional positions with a start date AFTER November 4, 2026, the position will end as of June 11, 2027.
Summary: Under general direction of a principal, provides leadership in an educational environment that encourages and nurtures learning for all students. Provides supervision to students in a variety of school related settings, monitors and evaluates student outcomes, develops, selects or modifies lessons plans to ensure all student needs are met, and maintains appropriate records and follows all policies and procedures of NCDPI and CMS. Provides quality standards-based instruction in the area of automotive technology; assesses and encourages student progress, manages an effective learning environment to maximize student achievement.
Essential Duties: (These duties represent a sample and may vary by position.)
- Facilitates/coordinates a rigorous Automotive Service Technology curriculum with career-related instruction; assesses and provides for differentiation to assure student progress while managing the learning environment.
- Instructs and demonstrates proper safety practices, procedures and standards.
- Develops and implements instructional plans and activities in the automotive laboratory.
- Builds positive relationships with students by providing meaningful and current instruction and by individualizing programs.
- Creates and plans effective curriculum based projects and activities correlated with a specific concept in mind.
- Coordinate CTE Student Organization activities for local, regional, state and/or national competition.
- Attend District PLC meetings as scheduled.
- Collaborates in the identification, development, implementation and coordination of work study arrangements.
- Monitors and records student progress providing formative feedback and evaluations.
- Demonstrates techniques to students as a group and one-on-one, helping them to complete lessons, assignments, projects, activities and evaluations.
- Provides students with clear expectations, continual feedback, and logical consequences.
- Provides students with opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge base.
- Participates in field trips to post-secondary institutes, worksites, businesses and hands-on workshops.
- Performs routine maintenance of equipment and tools used in the program.
- Manages inventory control including purchasing materials, supplies, equipment and tools.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Licensure:
Residency License(s):
Required Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree
AND
24 credit hours in the Content area
OR
Passing the NC SBE Licensure Area Exam
AND
Completion of NCSBE Pre-service Requirements
AND
Enroll in EPP (Educational Preparation Program)
CTE Restricted License(s):
- Bachelor's Degree in a related area with 2 years within past 5 years of industry demonstrated experience in automotive repair and service field; or a minimum of three years of experience as a teacher in a vocational/technical automotive related training program.
OR
- Associate's Degree in related area (Automotive Systems Technology, Transportation Systems Technology, Automotive or Mechanical Engineering); and 4 years within the past 8 years of industry demonstrated experience in automotive repair and service field; or a minimum of three years of experience as a teacher in a vocational/technical automotive related training program.
OR
- High School Diploma with 6 years within the past 10 years of industry demonstrated experience in the automotive repair and service field; or a minimum of three years of experience as a teacher in a vocational/technical automotive related training program.
40 Hour Induction beginning Year One
Licensing/Certification Requirements/Required Credentials:
- Licensed or eligible to be licensed in Automotive Services License 74015.
- ASE certification in brakes, electrical, maintenance and light repair, suspension and steering prior to employment.
- Required Courses: 18 Semester Hours from: Curriculum, Instructional Planning, and Assessments; Instructional Methods; Literacy/Reading Methods; Meeting Special Learning Needs or Introduction to Exceptionalities or Diversity; Classroom Management or Learning Theory or Learning Styles or Motivation or How Adolescents Learn; Lab Management and Safety; Teachers must also attend SkillsUSA Advisor training.
Courses Eligible to Teach:
- Automotive Service Fundamentals
- Automotive Service I
- Automotive Service II
- Automotive Service III
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
- Proficiency in the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of the engine performance and fuels, brakes, steering and suspension, automatic and manual transmissions, heating and cooling, electrical/electronics.
- Knowledge of shop mathematics, including elementary geometry acquired through trades related training or experience.
- Knowledge of principles that apply to automotive technology; the use of shop and hand-tools; the properties of various materials and techniques used to diagnose and repair.
- Knowledge of instructional techniques and inventory control principles and practices.
- Knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health regulations and legislation, and regulations governing Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
- Ability to operate all typical diagnostic, service, and repair equipment found in a modern automotive service facility.
- Strong presentation skills with the ability to develop and deliver instructional material.
- Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to build and maintain rapport and trust with students.
- Strong leadership, mentoring and coaching skills.
- Strong planning, problem solving and analytical skills.
- Strong time management skills and the ability to manage conflicting priorities.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 40 lbs. Physical agility to perform work and demonstrations on all areas of an automobile including engine compartment, trunk, underneath, and under dashboard. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time in a shop environment (4+ hours). Ability to work in an automotive service/laboratory facility and to tolerate intermittent periods of cooler and warmer temperatures.
See all 69+ OPT Automotive Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Automotive Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Automotive Technician
Target dealership groups over independent shops
Large dealership networks like multi-rooftop groups have HR infrastructure to handle OPT paperwork. Independent shops often lack experience with work authorization documentation, making the onboarding process slower and more likely to fall through.
Get your ASE certifications before applying
ASE-certified technicians are prioritized for open roles and command stronger offers. Certifications signal competence to employers who may be unfamiliar with OPT, giving them more reason to work through the authorization process rather than move on.
Be upfront about your OPT status early
Disclose your OPT status in the first conversation, not after an offer. Employers who are not prepared to support F-1 students will self-select out early, saving you time and protecting your 90-day unemployment limit.
Emphasize your degree, not just your hands-on skills
OPT authorizes degree-related work, so your automotive technology or engineering degree is your legal foundation. Connect your coursework directly to the role when applying. Employers need to see the degree-to-job link clearly.
Understand your OPT employment requirements
Your job must be at least 20 hours per week and directly related to your field of study. Part-time roles at qualifying dealerships count, but gig-based or cash-in-hand work does not. Keep documentation of your employment terms.
Report job changes to your DSO within 10 days
If you change employers or roles during OPT, notify your Designated School Official immediately. Gaps between jobs count toward your 90-day unemployment limit, so reporting changes promptly keeps your status accurate and protected.
Automotive Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Automotive Technician on F-1 OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in automotive technology, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field and the role directly uses that training. The job must be at least 20 hours per week. Roles at certified dealerships or fleet maintenance operations are the most common qualifying positions for OPT students in this field.
Do Automotive Technician employers typically support OPT students?
It varies. Large dealership groups and OEM-certified service centers are more experienced with work authorization documentation than independent shops. The key is finding employers already familiar with I-983 reporting requirements for STEM OPT or standard OPT employer verification. Migrate Mate lists Automotive Technician roles filtered for employers open to OPT candidates, which saves significant time in your search.
Does Automotive Technician qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated with a STEM-designated degree such as mechanical engineering or automotive systems engineering, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization. A general automotive technology degree from a non-STEM CIP-coded program may not qualify. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your DSO.
What counts as unemployment on OPT for an Automotive Technician?
Any period where you are not employed for at least 20 hours per week counts toward your 90-day unemployment limit. This includes time between jobs, seasonal layoffs, or reduced hours that drop below 20 per week. Self-employment is allowed but must meet specific USCIS criteria. Exceeding 90 days of unemployment terminates your OPT authorization.
What documentation should I give an Automotive Technician employer for OPT?
Provide your Employment Authorization Document, Form I-20 endorsed for OPT, your F-1 visa, and your passport. For STEM OPT, your employer must also complete Form I-983 and have an E-Verify enrollment in place before you start. Keep copies of everything. Some employers may not be familiar with these forms, so walking them through the process proactively helps avoid delays.