Diesel Mechanic Jobs for OPT Students
Diesel Mechanic jobs on OPT are available at trucking fleets, construction companies, and equipment dealers across the U.S. Most roles qualify as STEM-adjacent under mechanical engineering technology, supporting a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers typically need candidates with hands-on diagnostic experience and relevant technical credentials.
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Get Access To All JobsAre you someone who never rests on their laurels, always strives to go above and beyond, and is committed to keeping your PROMISES? Do you appreciate a company culture that is open, fosters work-life balance, and a dynamic team environment? Then Old Dominion is the home for you. We take pride in being the best in the industry, and from our humble beginnings we know that our People and our Family Spirit are the main ingredient in our secret sauce to success. At Old Dominion we are looking for individuals to join the OD Family that will provide innovative solutions and exceed expectations to keep OD the premier transportation solutions provider.
Old Dominion is looking for a dedicated individual who values safety, teamwork, and excellence to join the OD Family as a Maintenance Technician. In this role, you'll play a vital part in keeping our fleet running smoothly by performing preventative maintenance, diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues, and ensuring timely repairs. You'll ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations while upholding our commitment to top-tier service. If you're passionate about hands-on work, take pride in solving complex problems, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we want you to be part of our team.
Job Summary
Repair company equipment in a safe, timely, cost effective and practical manner including performing preventative maintenance, general repairs, troubleshooting and electronic diagnostics.
Primary Responsibilities
- Build, rebuild and repair all parts of company equipment as may be required in the department
- Diagnose any mechanical, electrical or other breakdown or failure to a motor truck or related equipment
- Read precision instruments such as micrometers, dial indicators, bore gauges, voltmeters, digital multi-meters, calibrators and other electronic diagnostic tools
- Troubleshoot and perform failure analysis of the component parts and systems on the truck or truck tractor; or the component parts and systems of the trailer or converter dolly (This requirement may not apply to body and frame specialists)
- When applicable use welding skills and knowledge of metals to complete truck repairs
- Individuals who work on converter dollies must be able to weld horizontally and vertically without air pockets in the bead
- Apply knowledge of DOT, EPA, ICC, and OSHA rules and regulations
- This is not an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities and duties. Employees are expected and must be able to perform all duties and tasks as assigned.
Job Qualifications
Education:
- High School degree or equivalent
Experience:
- Experience working as a maintenance technician or equivalent education
- Experience with truck repair, body and frame repair
- Must provide own tools to perform job duties
- Ability to complete required paperwork and records
- Must possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (when required)
- Working knowledge of most systems located on a truck/truck tractor, a semi-trailer or converter dolly
- Proficient at reading precision instruments such as micrometers, dial indicators, bore gauges, voltmeters, digital multi-meters, calibrators
- and other electronic diagnostic tools
- Ability to troubleshoot and do failure analysis of some of the component parts and systems on the truck or truck tractor; or the component parts and systems of the trailer or converter dolly (This requirement may not apply to body and frame specialists)
- Knowledge of DOT, EPA, ICC and OSHA rules and regulations
- Willingness to participate in training classes offered and/or requested by the company and willingness to attend when the class is offered which might require a shift change
- Willing to take written and/or oral tests to provide management with information to be used for management and classification
- Consistent with company policies, individuals are expected to maintain superior customer relations
- Willing to work on any piece of rolling stock and associated equipment as directed by the company
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- (Sitting) Must be able to sit 10% of time on stools, ground, and other potentially unforgiving surfaces.
- (Standing) Must be able to spend a significant amount of time, up to 8 or 10 hours/shift, 5-7 days per week, standing while performing work on the vehicles on non- forgiving surfaces such as concrete, wood and metal and sometimes on wet and slippery surfaces.
- (Moving/Walking) Must be able to walk up to 8 hours a day on non- forgiving surfaces such as concrete, wood and metal and sometimes on wet and slippery surfaces.
- (Bending/Stooping/Kneeling) Must be able to perform frequent bending, squatting, or kneeling to reach into tight spaces and to reach certain engine components.
- (Climbing) Must be able to get onto and off the truck cabins or forklifts during regular maintenance functions many times throughout the day.
- (Moving Materials) Must be able to load and unload trailers and or move materials in boxes from one area of the shop to another. Often carrying boxes and/or parts throughout the shop to and from equipment being worked on.
- (Lifting) Must be able to frequently lift and handle objects weighing up to 100 lbs. of varying sizes or shapes, using OSHA guidelines and lifting techniques, distances of 1 foot but usually no less than 100 feet.
- (Reaching) Must be able to spend time reaching into tight spaces to access engine components.
- (Hearing/Speaking) Must be able to hear the horns of forklifts, trucks, and shouted instructions and warnings.
- Must be able to use right, left or both hands to get in and out of trucks, tight spaces, forklift, wrapping and using pallet jack or hand truck, using the steering wheel, buttons on lift gates, etc.
- Must be able to grip with right, left or both hands to use all necessary tools, to get in and out of the forklift, holding tablet, using pallet jacks or hand trucks, controlling and pushing the buttons, holding the steering wheel, etc.
- Must have good dexterity in order to use hands tools with precision to tighten bolts, remove parts, perform repairs, etc. Must also be able to pinch fingers on the right, left or both hands to utilize clip boards, utilize tablets, etc.
- (Other) Must be able to work a variety of times and shifts in order to complete necessary maintenance of equipment so the company can meet customer pick-up and delivery schedules.
- Must be able to use cognitive skills for:
- paying attention to surroundings for loose items, tools, parts, and mechanical fixtures as a part of regular maintenance activities and safety.
- long-term and short-term memory for assessing the needs of a work order, recall for where tools and parts are located and for safety.
- logic and reasoning in reading tablets, work orders, instructions, box numbers, part numbers etc.
- Auditory and visual processing to inspect equipment, driving, reading, listening for horns or shouted instructions. Must be able to see and read work orders, boxes, part numbers, and other printed materials to complete work orders and maintenance. Must be able to see and scan areas of work for debris and defects.
- Must be able to read, write and speak English.
- Ability to work in extremely hot or cold climates, ability to work in an environment where noise and odors may be present.
- Attendance is a requirement.
Work Environment
The work environment described below represents those that an employee would encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.
While performing the duties of the job, the employees will be exposed to various work environments which may include working with or around others while performing maintenance, working in an enclosed vehicle while performing inspections or repairs, fixing surfaces in an enclosed trailer, exposure to all weather conditions, noise levels that vary from quiet to loud and with lighting conditions that could be extremely bright or low light.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.
Working Days:
Shift and hours to be determined.
Working shift:
Shift and hours to be determined.
Work Days and Shift are estimates and are subject to change, at any given time, based on job scheduling and/or business levels. Any information listed regarding Days and Shifts shall be considered a guideline of expectations for the specific position at the time of posting.
Compensation Range:
The referenced salary range is based on the Company's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level, and state/local wage requirements.
$34.85 - $38.80
Join the OD Family Today!
As a Full Time member of our Family, you and your family are eligible to receive:
- Great Health Benefits including a Zero premium medical plan for employee only coverage
- Vision & Dental
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Flex Spending Accounts
- 401k Retirement plan with company match and additional company annual discretionary match opportunity
- Life Insurance
- Wellness Program
- Tuition Reimbursement for Drivers and Technicians
- Training and growth opportunities to build a career
- We prioritize our OD family of employees
- Ability to advance through our promote from within philosophy
- National Career Opportunities Available at our 260+ service centers
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, and/or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military status, Vietnam Era and/or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law(s).
If you have questions regarding this posting or require assistance with the application process, please click here for contact information.
Are you someone who never rests on their laurels, always strives to go above and beyond, and is committed to keeping your PROMISES? Do you appreciate a company culture that is open, fosters work-life balance, and a dynamic team environment? Then Old Dominion is the home for you. We take pride in being the best in the industry, and from our humble beginnings we know that our People and our Family Spirit are the main ingredient in our secret sauce to success. At Old Dominion we are looking for individuals to join the OD Family that will provide innovative solutions and exceed expectations to keep OD the premier transportation solutions provider.
Old Dominion is looking for a dedicated individual who values safety, teamwork, and excellence to join the OD Family as a Maintenance Technician. In this role, you'll play a vital part in keeping our fleet running smoothly by performing preventative maintenance, diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues, and ensuring timely repairs. You'll ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations while upholding our commitment to top-tier service. If you're passionate about hands-on work, take pride in solving complex problems, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we want you to be part of our team.
Job Summary
Repair company equipment in a safe, timely, cost effective and practical manner including performing preventative maintenance, general repairs, troubleshooting and electronic diagnostics.
Primary Responsibilities
- Build, rebuild and repair all parts of company equipment as may be required in the department
- Diagnose any mechanical, electrical or other breakdown or failure to a motor truck or related equipment
- Read precision instruments such as micrometers, dial indicators, bore gauges, voltmeters, digital multi-meters, calibrators and other electronic diagnostic tools
- Troubleshoot and perform failure analysis of the component parts and systems on the truck or truck tractor; or the component parts and systems of the trailer or converter dolly (This requirement may not apply to body and frame specialists)
- When applicable use welding skills and knowledge of metals to complete truck repairs
- Individuals who work on converter dollies must be able to weld horizontally and vertically without air pockets in the bead
- Apply knowledge of DOT, EPA, ICC, and OSHA rules and regulations
- This is not an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities and duties. Employees are expected and must be able to perform all duties and tasks as assigned.
Job Qualifications
Education:
- High School degree or equivalent
Experience:
- Experience working as a maintenance technician or equivalent education
- Experience with truck repair, body and frame repair
- Must provide own tools to perform job duties
- Ability to complete required paperwork and records
- Must possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (when required)
- Working knowledge of most systems located on a truck/truck tractor, a semi-trailer or converter dolly
- Proficient at reading precision instruments such as micrometers, dial indicators, bore gauges, voltmeters, digital multi-meters, calibrators
- and other electronic diagnostic tools
- Ability to troubleshoot and do failure analysis of some of the component parts and systems on the truck or truck tractor; or the component parts and systems of the trailer or converter dolly (This requirement may not apply to body and frame specialists)
- Knowledge of DOT, EPA, ICC and OSHA rules and regulations
- Willingness to participate in training classes offered and/or requested by the company and willingness to attend when the class is offered which might require a shift change
- Willing to take written and/or oral tests to provide management with information to be used for management and classification
- Consistent with company policies, individuals are expected to maintain superior customer relations
- Willing to work on any piece of rolling stock and associated equipment as directed by the company
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- (Sitting) Must be able to sit 10% of time on stools, ground, and other potentially unforgiving surfaces.
- (Standing) Must be able to spend a significant amount of time, up to 8 or 10 hours/shift, 5-7 days per week, standing while performing work on the vehicles on non- forgiving surfaces such as concrete, wood and metal and sometimes on wet and slippery surfaces.
- (Moving/Walking) Must be able to walk up to 8 hours a day on non- forgiving surfaces such as concrete, wood and metal and sometimes on wet and slippery surfaces.
- (Bending/Stooping/Kneeling) Must be able to perform frequent bending, squatting, or kneeling to reach into tight spaces and to reach certain engine components.
- (Climbing) Must be able to get onto and off the truck cabins or forklifts during regular maintenance functions many times throughout the day.
- (Moving Materials) Must be able to load and unload trailers and or move materials in boxes from one area of the shop to another. Often carrying boxes and/or parts throughout the shop to and from equipment being worked on.
- (Lifting) Must be able to frequently lift and handle objects weighing up to 100 lbs. of varying sizes or shapes, using OSHA guidelines and lifting techniques, distances of 1 foot but usually no less than 100 feet.
- (Reaching) Must be able to spend time reaching into tight spaces to access engine components.
- (Hearing/Speaking) Must be able to hear the horns of forklifts, trucks, and shouted instructions and warnings.
- Must be able to use right, left or both hands to get in and out of trucks, tight spaces, forklift, wrapping and using pallet jack or hand truck, using the steering wheel, buttons on lift gates, etc.
- Must be able to grip with right, left or both hands to use all necessary tools, to get in and out of the forklift, holding tablet, using pallet jacks or hand trucks, controlling and pushing the buttons, holding the steering wheel, etc.
- Must have good dexterity in order to use hands tools with precision to tighten bolts, remove parts, perform repairs, etc. Must also be able to pinch fingers on the right, left or both hands to utilize clip boards, utilize tablets, etc.
- (Other) Must be able to work a variety of times and shifts in order to complete necessary maintenance of equipment so the company can meet customer pick-up and delivery schedules.
- Must be able to use cognitive skills for:
- paying attention to surroundings for loose items, tools, parts, and mechanical fixtures as a part of regular maintenance activities and safety.
- long-term and short-term memory for assessing the needs of a work order, recall for where tools and parts are located and for safety.
- logic and reasoning in reading tablets, work orders, instructions, box numbers, part numbers etc.
- Auditory and visual processing to inspect equipment, driving, reading, listening for horns or shouted instructions. Must be able to see and read work orders, boxes, part numbers, and other printed materials to complete work orders and maintenance. Must be able to see and scan areas of work for debris and defects.
- Must be able to read, write and speak English.
- Ability to work in extremely hot or cold climates, ability to work in an environment where noise and odors may be present.
- Attendance is a requirement.
Work Environment
The work environment described below represents those that an employee would encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.
While performing the duties of the job, the employees will be exposed to various work environments which may include working with or around others while performing maintenance, working in an enclosed vehicle while performing inspections or repairs, fixing surfaces in an enclosed trailer, exposure to all weather conditions, noise levels that vary from quiet to loud and with lighting conditions that could be extremely bright or low light.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.
Working Days:
Shift and hours to be determined.
Working shift:
Shift and hours to be determined.
Work Days and Shift are estimates and are subject to change, at any given time, based on job scheduling and/or business levels. Any information listed regarding Days and Shifts shall be considered a guideline of expectations for the specific position at the time of posting.
Compensation Range:
The referenced salary range is based on the Company's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level, and state/local wage requirements.
$34.85 - $38.80
Join the OD Family Today!
As a Full Time member of our Family, you and your family are eligible to receive:
- Great Health Benefits including a Zero premium medical plan for employee only coverage
- Vision & Dental
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Flex Spending Accounts
- 401k Retirement plan with company match and additional company annual discretionary match opportunity
- Life Insurance
- Wellness Program
- Tuition Reimbursement for Drivers and Technicians
- Training and growth opportunities to build a career
- We prioritize our OD family of employees
- Ability to advance through our promote from within philosophy
- National Career Opportunities Available at our 260+ service centers
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, and/or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military status, Vietnam Era and/or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law(s).
If you have questions regarding this posting or require assistance with the application process, please click here for contact information.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Diesel Mechanic
Confirm your degree supports OPT eligibility
Diesel Mechanic roles often qualify under STEM CIP codes tied to diesel technology or mechanical engineering technology programs. Verify your degree classification with your DSO before applying to ensure your OPT authorization aligns with the role.
Target employers with existing H-2B or H-1B filing history
Fleet operators and construction equipment companies that have previously sponsored foreign workers are more likely to support OPT employees. Employers comfortable with work authorization paperwork are far less likely to decline candidates based on visa status alone.
Lead with certifications, not visa status
ASE certifications and OEM-specific training credentials are the primary hiring signals for Diesel Mechanic roles. Present your technical qualifications prominently on your resume. Visa status belongs in a brief, factual note, not the headline.
Understand the STEM OPT extension timeline
If your degree qualifies, you can apply for a 24-month STEM extension before your initial OPT expires. File the I-765 at least 90 days early. This gives employers confidence they can retain you for a meaningful period without immediate sponsorship pressure.
Focus on fleet operators and large dealership networks
National trucking companies, heavy equipment rental firms, and large dealership groups have dedicated HR teams experienced with work authorization compliance. Smaller independent shops are less likely to navigate OPT paperwork, even when technically willing to hire.
Be precise about your authorized start date and work hours
Diesel Mechanic roles often involve shift work or overtime. Confirm your EAD card reflects the correct employment start date and clarify with your DSO whether your authorization covers full-time hours before accepting any offer letter.
Diesel Mechanic jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Diesel Mechanic on OPT?
Yes, F-1 students with a degree in diesel technology, mechanical engineering technology, or a related field can work as Diesel Mechanics during OPT. The job must be directly related to your major field of study. Your DSO can confirm whether your degree CIP code supports this connection before you accept an offer.
Does a Diesel Mechanic job qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. Programs classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, such as diesel mechanics technology or mechanical engineering technology, can qualify. If your program is on the STEM OPT designated degree program list, you may be eligible to extend your OPT by 24 months after your initial 12-month period ends.
Where can I find Diesel Mechanic jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching on Migrate Mate saves time because you're only seeing roles where employers have already indicated openness to candidates who need work authorization support, rather than screening yourself out of general job postings.
Do Diesel Mechanic employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
H-1B sponsorship for Diesel Mechanic roles is less common than in software or engineering fields because the role must qualify as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree. Some large fleet operators and OEM dealerships do sponsor, particularly for roles with supervisory or technical specialist responsibilities. It's worth discussing long-term sponsorship intentions before accepting an offer.
What happens if my Diesel Mechanic job ends while I'm on OPT?
F-1 OPT students are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT, or 150 days total if you've been approved for a STEM extension. If your employer terminates your position, notify your DSO promptly. Days without authorized employment count toward that limit, so beginning your next job search immediately is important.
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