OPT Diesel Technician Jobs
Diesel Technician jobs on OPT are available with trucking fleets, equipment dealers, and municipal agencies that regularly sponsor work visas. Your F-1 OPT gives you up to 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension possible if your degree qualifies. Hands-on diagnostic and repair experience strengthens your profile significantly.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
AutoZone is seeking a Distribution Center Diesel Mechanic to maintain and repair our private fleet of trucks and trailers. This role involves completing routine preventive maintenance and minor repairs on diesel engines, air conditioning systems, brakes, tires, and hydraulic lift gates. You will also ensure compliance with DOT regulations while maintaining inventory control for the parts room.
Starting pay $30.40.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Functional Competencies:
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of diesel engine diagnostics, repair techniques, and DOT compliance requirements.
Core Competencies:
- Customer Focus: Provides WOW! customer service, understands customer needs, and solves problems with urgency.
- Team Player: Reliable, supportive, values others' ideas, builds strong relationships, and resolves conflicts effectively.
- Effective Communication: Clear, respectful communication, effective listening, and timely information sharing.
- Results-Oriented: Accountable, takes ownership, prioritizes well, and executes with integrity and ethics.
- Development Focused: Embraces feedback, owns professional development, and helps develop others.
- Change Embracer: Open to change, seeks process improvements, and encourages innovative thinking.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
- Manual dexterity to operate various tools and equipment for diesel repairs.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and comply with safety-sensitive requirements.
Responsibilities
- Perform preventive maintenance on diesel engines, including air conditioning, brakes, and minor engine repairs.
- Conduct trailer maintenance and repairs, including brakes, tires, and lift gates.
- Maintain accurate records and complete all required AutoZone and DOT documentation.
- Manage and track inventory in the Parts Room.
- Ensure safety compliance by following best practices in diesel fleet maintenance.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
3-5 years of experience working with diesel engines (Detroit and Cummins preferred).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2-year technical degree in Diesel Mechanics or a related field.
- ASE Certification in diesel engine repair.
Since opening our first store in 1979, AutoZone has grown into a leading retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories across the Americas. Our customer-first mindset and commitment to Going the Extra Mile define who we are, for both our customers and AutoZoners. Working at AutoZone means being part of a team that values dedication, teamwork, and growth. Whether you're helping customers or building your career, we provide tools and support to help you succeed and drive your future.
BENEFITS AT AUTOZONE
AutoZone offers thoughtful benefits programs with one-on-one benefits guidance designed to improve AutoZoners’ physical, mental and financial well-being.
All AutoZoners (Full-Time and Part-Time):
- Competitive pay
- Unrivaled company culture
- Medical, dental and vision plans
- Exclusive discounts and perks, including an AutoZone in-store discount
- 401(k) with company match and Stock Purchase Plan
- AutoZoners Living Well Program for free mental health support
- Opportunities for career growth
Additional Benefits for Full-Time AutoZoners:
- Paid time off
- Life, and short- and long-term disability insurance options
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts with wellness rewards
- Tuition reimbursement
Minimum age requirements may apply. Eligibility and waiting period requirements may apply; benefits for AutoZoners in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may differ. Learn more about all that AutoZone has to offer at Careers.AutoZone.com.
We proudly support Veterans, Active-duty Service Members, Reservists, National Guard and Military Families. Your experience is highly valued, and we encourage you to apply to join our team.
FAIR CHANCE:
An applicant’s criminal record is not a disqualification from employment and will be considered individually based on factors such as the relationship between the position sought and the criminal offense, the nature of the offense, any documentation or information demonstrating the rehabilitation of the applicant, the time elapsed since the offense, and any other relevant information. This includes compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the New York City Fair Chance Act, the Philadelphia Fair Chance Hiring Act, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Fair Chance for Employment Act.
As permitted by state or local law, AutoZone may consider certain offenses to be relevant to positions responsible for conducting or overseeing financial transactions on behalf of AutoZone, driving company vehicles and/or supervision of minors.
ONLINE APPLICATION:
An online application is required. Click the Apply button to complete your application. For step-by-step instructions on how to apply visit careers.autozone.com/candidateresources.
AutoZone, and its subsidiary, ALLDATA are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other legally protected categories.
INTRODUCTION
AutoZone is seeking a Distribution Center Diesel Mechanic to maintain and repair our private fleet of trucks and trailers. This role involves completing routine preventive maintenance and minor repairs on diesel engines, air conditioning systems, brakes, tires, and hydraulic lift gates. You will also ensure compliance with DOT regulations while maintaining inventory control for the parts room.
Starting pay $30.40.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Functional Competencies:
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of diesel engine diagnostics, repair techniques, and DOT compliance requirements.
Core Competencies:
- Customer Focus: Provides WOW! customer service, understands customer needs, and solves problems with urgency.
- Team Player: Reliable, supportive, values others' ideas, builds strong relationships, and resolves conflicts effectively.
- Effective Communication: Clear, respectful communication, effective listening, and timely information sharing.
- Results-Oriented: Accountable, takes ownership, prioritizes well, and executes with integrity and ethics.
- Development Focused: Embraces feedback, owns professional development, and helps develop others.
- Change Embracer: Open to change, seeks process improvements, and encourages innovative thinking.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
- Manual dexterity to operate various tools and equipment for diesel repairs.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and comply with safety-sensitive requirements.
Responsibilities
- Perform preventive maintenance on diesel engines, including air conditioning, brakes, and minor engine repairs.
- Conduct trailer maintenance and repairs, including brakes, tires, and lift gates.
- Maintain accurate records and complete all required AutoZone and DOT documentation.
- Manage and track inventory in the Parts Room.
- Ensure safety compliance by following best practices in diesel fleet maintenance.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
3-5 years of experience working with diesel engines (Detroit and Cummins preferred).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2-year technical degree in Diesel Mechanics or a related field.
- ASE Certification in diesel engine repair.
Since opening our first store in 1979, AutoZone has grown into a leading retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories across the Americas. Our customer-first mindset and commitment to Going the Extra Mile define who we are, for both our customers and AutoZoners. Working at AutoZone means being part of a team that values dedication, teamwork, and growth. Whether you're helping customers or building your career, we provide tools and support to help you succeed and drive your future.
BENEFITS AT AUTOZONE
AutoZone offers thoughtful benefits programs with one-on-one benefits guidance designed to improve AutoZoners’ physical, mental and financial well-being.
All AutoZoners (Full-Time and Part-Time):
- Competitive pay
- Unrivaled company culture
- Medical, dental and vision plans
- Exclusive discounts and perks, including an AutoZone in-store discount
- 401(k) with company match and Stock Purchase Plan
- AutoZoners Living Well Program for free mental health support
- Opportunities for career growth
Additional Benefits for Full-Time AutoZoners:
- Paid time off
- Life, and short- and long-term disability insurance options
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts with wellness rewards
- Tuition reimbursement
Minimum age requirements may apply. Eligibility and waiting period requirements may apply; benefits for AutoZoners in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may differ. Learn more about all that AutoZone has to offer at Careers.AutoZone.com.
We proudly support Veterans, Active-duty Service Members, Reservists, National Guard and Military Families. Your experience is highly valued, and we encourage you to apply to join our team.
FAIR CHANCE:
An applicant’s criminal record is not a disqualification from employment and will be considered individually based on factors such as the relationship between the position sought and the criminal offense, the nature of the offense, any documentation or information demonstrating the rehabilitation of the applicant, the time elapsed since the offense, and any other relevant information. This includes compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the New York City Fair Chance Act, the Philadelphia Fair Chance Hiring Act, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Fair Chance for Employment Act.
As permitted by state or local law, AutoZone may consider certain offenses to be relevant to positions responsible for conducting or overseeing financial transactions on behalf of AutoZone, driving company vehicles and/or supervision of minors.
ONLINE APPLICATION:
An online application is required. Click the Apply button to complete your application. For step-by-step instructions on how to apply visit careers.autozone.com/candidateresources.
AutoZone, and its subsidiary, ALLDATA are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other legally protected categories.
See all OPT Diesel Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Diesel Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Diesel Technician
Target fleet operators and dealerships
Large trucking companies, heavy equipment dealers, and construction firms hire diesel technicians at scale and have established HR processes for visa sponsorship. Smaller independent shops rarely have the infrastructure to file H-1B visa petitions or navigate OPT documentation requirements.
Highlight manufacturer certifications
Certifications from Cummins, Detroit Diesel, or Caterpillar signal employer-specific training investment and make sponsorship easier to justify. Employers are more willing to sponsor technicians who hold credentials that take years to earn and are difficult to replace quickly.
Start your OPT job search early
USCIS processing for your EAD card can take several months. Apply for OPT authorization at least 90 days before your program end date so your card arrives before your start date. Late applications leave you unable to work legally even with an offer in hand.
Clarify your STEM extension eligibility
If your degree is in mechanical engineering, automotive technology, or a related STEM field, you may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO early, as this significantly extends the window employers have to pursue H-1B sponsorship for you.
Address sponsorship directly in interviews
Bring up your OPT status proactively rather than waiting for employers to ask. Explain your authorized work period, the STEM extension if applicable, and the H-1B timeline clearly. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume it is more complicated than it actually is.
Focus applications on OPT-friendly employers
Not every diesel shop has sponsored a visa before. Prioritize employers with a documented history of H-1B or OPT hiring. Browse Migrate Mate to find Diesel Technician roles filtered specifically for F-1 OPT students, saving time you would otherwise spend filtering manually.
Diesel Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Diesel Technician on F-1 OPT?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorizes you to work in a job directly related to your field of study. If you earned a degree in diesel technology, mechanical engineering, or automotive systems, a Diesel Technician role qualifies. Your EAD card is your proof of work authorization, and you must have it in hand before your first day.
Does a Diesel Technician job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not your job title. If your program falls under a qualifying STEM CIP code, such as mechanical engineering technology or engineering science, you may be eligible for the 24-month extension. Confirm your CIP code with your designated school official. The job itself does not determine STEM eligibility, your degree program does.
How do I find Diesel Technician employers who sponsor OPT students?
The most efficient approach is to search on Migrate Mate, which is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship history. Fleet operators, heavy equipment dealers, and municipal transit authorities are the most consistent sponsors in this field. Applying broadly to any shop without filtering for sponsorship willingness wastes significant time.
What happens to my OPT status if I get laid off as a Diesel Technician?
You enter a 60-day unemployment grace period during which you remain in valid F-1 status but are not authorized to work. You must find a new qualifying position within that window or risk falling out of status. Track your cumulative unemployment days carefully, as OPT allows no more than 90 days of total unemployment across the full authorization period.
Do Diesel Technician employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Some do, particularly large national fleet companies and equipment manufacturers with dedicated HR teams, but many smaller regional shops do not have established sponsorship processes. The H-1B requires the role to qualify as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree, which can be a genuine obstacle for technician roles. Discussing long-term sponsorship intent with the employer before accepting an offer is strongly advisable.