Automotive Technician Jobs for OPT Students
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 JobsLocation: 7110 - International Mall - 1300 NW 98th Ct, Doral, Florida, 33172
CarMax is now hiring Automotive Technicians! Start loving what you do at CarMax.
Ensure every vehicle is one our customers can rely on
At CarMax, our Automotive Technicians repair and recondition cars to meet CarMax’s high standards. Automotive Technicians use their skills to diagnose, fix and prepare vehicles for our customers. From repairing engines to adjusting steering and suspension and checking brakes, our Automotive Technicians bring out the best in every vehicle. And we’ll help bring out the best in you too, being part of a skilled team, with a clean, modern, climate-controlled environment and production facilities for top-notch reconditioning.
You will also enjoy a generous range of company benefits including:
- Paid time off
- Medical / dental coverage
- 401k with company match
- Vehicle discount
- Tuition reimbursement
- and more!
What you will do – Essential responsibilities
- Automotive Technicians diagnose, recondition and repair vehicles to ensure CarMax customers can drive away feeling safe and at ease
- Work as part of a team to solve technical problems quickly and effectively
- Build experience as an automotive mechanic across a wide range of domestic and foreign vehicles
- Follow and promote our high standards of safety, cleanliness and organization
Be part of a team that cares about customers and their cars
CarMax Automotive Technicians work in a fast-paced environment where motivation is key. Working together with other Automotive Technicians you will solve problems, meet deadlines, and deliver great results. CarMax wants you to produce your best work, so we support our associates by providing the equipment you need to get the job done and the feedback that helps you get better every day. We also promote your interest in learning and development by supporting you with training to acquire new skillsets and accreditations.
Qualifications and requirements
- Experience in one or more of the following: engine repair, steering and suspension, brakes, heating and air conditioning
- Knowledge of health and safety compliance
- Manual dexterity and physical stamina, lift heavy objects, and walk and stand for extended periods of time
- Manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Good communication skills and attention to detail
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
- Where required by State/Local law, maintain ASE Certifications in Steering and Suspension (A4), Brakes (A5), Heating Air Conditioning (A7), Electrical (A6), Engine Repair (A1), Manual Drive Train and Axles (A3), Engine Performance (A8), and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (A2)
About CarMax
CarMax disrupted the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity experience customers want and deserve. This innovative thinking around the way cars are bought and sold has helped us become the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, with over 200 locations nationwide.
Our amazing team of more than 25,000 associates work together to deliver iconic customer experiences. Along the way, we help every associate grow their career and achieve their best, at work and in their community. We are recognized for our commitment to training and diversity and are one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®.
CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application.
Location: 7110 - International Mall - 1300 NW 98th Ct, Doral, Florida, 33172
CarMax is now hiring Automotive Technicians! Start loving what you do at CarMax.
Ensure every vehicle is one our customers can rely on
At CarMax, our Automotive Technicians repair and recondition cars to meet CarMax’s high standards. Automotive Technicians use their skills to diagnose, fix and prepare vehicles for our customers. From repairing engines to adjusting steering and suspension and checking brakes, our Automotive Technicians bring out the best in every vehicle. And we’ll help bring out the best in you too, being part of a skilled team, with a clean, modern, climate-controlled environment and production facilities for top-notch reconditioning.
You will also enjoy a generous range of company benefits including:
- Paid time off
- Medical / dental coverage
- 401k with company match
- Vehicle discount
- Tuition reimbursement
- and more!
What you will do – Essential responsibilities
- Automotive Technicians diagnose, recondition and repair vehicles to ensure CarMax customers can drive away feeling safe and at ease
- Work as part of a team to solve technical problems quickly and effectively
- Build experience as an automotive mechanic across a wide range of domestic and foreign vehicles
- Follow and promote our high standards of safety, cleanliness and organization
Be part of a team that cares about customers and their cars
CarMax Automotive Technicians work in a fast-paced environment where motivation is key. Working together with other Automotive Technicians you will solve problems, meet deadlines, and deliver great results. CarMax wants you to produce your best work, so we support our associates by providing the equipment you need to get the job done and the feedback that helps you get better every day. We also promote your interest in learning and development by supporting you with training to acquire new skillsets and accreditations.
Qualifications and requirements
- Experience in one or more of the following: engine repair, steering and suspension, brakes, heating and air conditioning
- Knowledge of health and safety compliance
- Manual dexterity and physical stamina, lift heavy objects, and walk and stand for extended periods of time
- Manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Good communication skills and attention to detail
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
- Where required by State/Local law, maintain ASE Certifications in Steering and Suspension (A4), Brakes (A5), Heating Air Conditioning (A7), Electrical (A6), Engine Repair (A1), Manual Drive Train and Axles (A3), Engine Performance (A8), and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (A2)
About CarMax
CarMax disrupted the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity experience customers want and deserve. This innovative thinking around the way cars are bought and sold has helped us become the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, with over 200 locations nationwide.
Our amazing team of more than 25,000 associates work together to deliver iconic customer experiences. Along the way, we help every associate grow their career and achieve their best, at work and in their community. We are recognized for our commitment to training and diversity and are one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®.
CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application.
How to Get Visa 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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