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 JobsCompany Overview
Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) is part of Bridgestone Americas and employs over 22,000 teammates in North America. BSRO operates more than 2,200 company-owned stores, including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus and Wheel Works locations. With locations across North America and more than $4.5 billion in tire and auto service sales, Bridgestone Retail Operations is the right place to build a career. Whatever role you fill, when you represent the Bridgestone name, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to Serve Society with Superior Quality. We start by offering each teammate more than just competitive pay. We provide formal training, performance incentives, paid vacation and holidays, competitive healthcare packages for full-time and part-time employees, and a 401k plan to help build towards your future. We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they are allowed to bring their whole self to work and know they are supported. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of. Show us the smart stuff, the tough stuff, the bold, beautiful and brave stuff. Because who you are is what we need.
Job Category
Retail
Position Summary
The Automotive Technician plays a pivotal role within our automotive service team. As a vital member, you learn and develop foundational skills in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles. Under the guidance of experienced technicians, this role involves hands-on learning to address various automotive systems and services. Automotive Technicians participate in routine inspections, contribute to vehicle assessments, and assist in repair procedures. Additionally, Automotive Technicians may interact with customers to explain repair procedures, answer inquiries, and provide exceptional service. Overall, this role demands a combination of mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality workmanship in a fast-paced environment. This role offers a unique opportunity for individuals to build a solid foundation in automotive repair while contributing to the overall success of our team.
Pay Range: $15.75 - $23.67
Our technicians enjoy a performance-based compensation model known as flat-rate pay. This system rewards our skilled professionals with a predetermined amount for each eligible task, fostering a culture of efficiency and swift task accomplishment, ensuring you're fairly rewarded for your expertise and dedication. These rates reflect average productivity by region.
Bridgestone is committed to fair and lawful compensation practices. All employees receive pay that meets or exceeds the applicable minimum wage requirements.
Responsibilities
- Change oil and perform other scheduled maintenance services.
- Perform inspections of steering, suspension, and brake systems.
- Install batteries and check electrical systems.
- Perform tire maintenance.
- Install parts.
- Road test vehicles.
- Obtain or maintain A.S.E. certifications in at least one of A1 – A8 within first two years of employment (Tests and registrations fees are paid for by company pass or fail. Technicians receive bonus for each test passed).
Minimum Qualifications
- Ability to learn basic mechanical tasks.
- Must have a valid automobile driver's license at all times and be able to drive customer and company vehicles.
- Basic understanding of general automotive maintenance & tire repair services including:
- Oil changes
- Basic inspections
- Repairing tires
- Reading, writing, and math skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2 years of automotive repair experience, completion of Vocational-Technical School program in a related field or demonstrated skills via third party certificates/assessment.
- A.S.E certification or equivalent external qualifications or training certifications.
OUR CREW KNOWS BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental and Vision – Starting day 1 for all our teammates
- Paid vacation and holidays
- On-the-job training and company-funded ASE certifications
- Flexible work schedule
- 401(k) match
- On demand pay (daily pay) program available
OUR VALUES GIVE BACK TO YOU
- Professional Development: No matter where you’re at in your career, we’ve got the resources to help you level up.
- Community Involvement: We pride ourselves on working with our local communities and giving back where we can.
- Integrity & Teamwork: Part of what makes our teams different is our drive to do things right, always, together.
At Bridgestone, you are Free to Be
We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they bring their whole self to work. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of, because who you are is what we need.
What we offer
At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality”, for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:
- A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
- The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
- Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
- A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
- Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
- A diverse and inclusive team.
Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Employment Eligibility
If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.
Company Overview
Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) is part of Bridgestone Americas and employs over 22,000 teammates in North America. BSRO operates more than 2,200 company-owned stores, including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus and Wheel Works locations. With locations across North America and more than $4.5 billion in tire and auto service sales, Bridgestone Retail Operations is the right place to build a career. Whatever role you fill, when you represent the Bridgestone name, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to Serve Society with Superior Quality. We start by offering each teammate more than just competitive pay. We provide formal training, performance incentives, paid vacation and holidays, competitive healthcare packages for full-time and part-time employees, and a 401k plan to help build towards your future. We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they are allowed to bring their whole self to work and know they are supported. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of. Show us the smart stuff, the tough stuff, the bold, beautiful and brave stuff. Because who you are is what we need.
Job Category
Retail
Position Summary
The Automotive Technician plays a pivotal role within our automotive service team. As a vital member, you learn and develop foundational skills in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles. Under the guidance of experienced technicians, this role involves hands-on learning to address various automotive systems and services. Automotive Technicians participate in routine inspections, contribute to vehicle assessments, and assist in repair procedures. Additionally, Automotive Technicians may interact with customers to explain repair procedures, answer inquiries, and provide exceptional service. Overall, this role demands a combination of mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality workmanship in a fast-paced environment. This role offers a unique opportunity for individuals to build a solid foundation in automotive repair while contributing to the overall success of our team.
Pay Range: $15.75 - $23.67
Our technicians enjoy a performance-based compensation model known as flat-rate pay. This system rewards our skilled professionals with a predetermined amount for each eligible task, fostering a culture of efficiency and swift task accomplishment, ensuring you're fairly rewarded for your expertise and dedication. These rates reflect average productivity by region.
Bridgestone is committed to fair and lawful compensation practices. All employees receive pay that meets or exceeds the applicable minimum wage requirements.
Responsibilities
- Change oil and perform other scheduled maintenance services.
- Perform inspections of steering, suspension, and brake systems.
- Install batteries and check electrical systems.
- Perform tire maintenance.
- Install parts.
- Road test vehicles.
- Obtain or maintain A.S.E. certifications in at least one of A1 – A8 within first two years of employment (Tests and registrations fees are paid for by company pass or fail. Technicians receive bonus for each test passed).
Minimum Qualifications
- Ability to learn basic mechanical tasks.
- Must have a valid automobile driver's license at all times and be able to drive customer and company vehicles.
- Basic understanding of general automotive maintenance & tire repair services including:
- Oil changes
- Basic inspections
- Repairing tires
- Reading, writing, and math skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2 years of automotive repair experience, completion of Vocational-Technical School program in a related field or demonstrated skills via third party certificates/assessment.
- A.S.E certification or equivalent external qualifications or training certifications.
OUR CREW KNOWS BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental and Vision – Starting day 1 for all our teammates
- Paid vacation and holidays
- On-the-job training and company-funded ASE certifications
- Flexible work schedule
- 401(k) match
- On demand pay (daily pay) program available
OUR VALUES GIVE BACK TO YOU
- Professional Development: No matter where you’re at in your career, we’ve got the resources to help you level up.
- Community Involvement: We pride ourselves on working with our local communities and giving back where we can.
- Integrity & Teamwork: Part of what makes our teams different is our drive to do things right, always, together.
At Bridgestone, you are Free to Be
We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they bring their whole self to work. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of, because who you are is what we need.
What we offer
At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality”, for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:
- A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
- The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
- Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
- A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
- Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
- A diverse and inclusive team.
Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Employment Eligibility
If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.
See all 328+ 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.