OPT Mechanic Jobs
Mechanic jobs on OPT are available across automotive dealerships, aerospace maintenance, and industrial equipment sectors. Your F-1 OPT work authorization lets you work full-time for any qualifying employer, but STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on whether your degree aligns with the specific mechanical role.
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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 85+ OPT Mechanic Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mechanic
Target STEM-aligned mechanic roles
Positions in aerospace, industrial, or electromechanical systems often qualify for STEM OPT extension if your degree is in engineering or a related field. Confirm SOC code alignment with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorized work period.
Prioritize employers with E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be registered with E-Verify. Ask HR directly during early conversations. Dealerships and large fleet operators are more likely to be enrolled than small independent auto shops.
Document that your role relates to your degree
Your DSO must confirm your mechanic job is directly related to your field of study. Keep a written job description on hand that connects your daily duties to your engineering or technology coursework for DSO review.
Address OPT proactively, not at the offer stage
Bring up your work authorization status before final interviews. Many employers in automotive and industrial maintenance are unfamiliar with OPT. A brief, confident explanation early prevents last-minute confusion that kills otherwise strong offers.
Pursue certifications that signal employer readiness
ASE certifications are widely recognized across automotive and equipment maintenance. Holding one reduces employer hesitation about hiring OPT candidates because it demonstrates job-readiness independent of visa status, making sponsorship conversations easier to initiate.
Track your OPT end date against hiring timelines
Mechanic hiring cycles at large fleet operators and aerospace MRO facilities can take 60 to 90 days. Start your job search early enough that an offer and start date land well within your authorized period, with buffer.
Mechanic OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a mechanic on F-1 OPT?
Yes, F-1 OPT authorizes you to work full-time as a mechanic as long as the role is directly related to your field of study. An automotive technology or mechanical engineering degree supports most mechanic roles. Your DSO confirms the connection between the job and your degree before you begin work.
Do mechanic jobs qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
Some do. Mechanic roles in aerospace maintenance, electromechanical systems, or industrial equipment can qualify if they fall under an eligible STEM SOC code and your degree is in engineering, engineering technology, or a related STEM field. Standard automotive technician roles at dealerships often do not qualify. Confirm your specific SOC code with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I find mechanic employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended place to find mechanic jobs from employers familiar with OPT and visa sponsorship. Larger employers such as aerospace MRO companies, public transit agencies, and national fleet operators are generally more OPT-friendly than independent shops, which rarely have HR infrastructure to navigate work authorization requirements.
What happens if my OPT expires before I find a mechanic job?
If your OPT period ends without active employment, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you cannot work. You must either change visa status, depart the U.S., or have begun a timely filed STEM OPT extension application. Applying for STEM OPT before your current EAD expires keeps your authorization continuous while USCIS processes the extension.
Does an employer need to sponsor me for a visa to hire me as a mechanic on OPT?
Not during your OPT period. OPT work authorization is tied to your F-1 status, so no employer sponsorship is required to hire you. Sponsorship only becomes relevant if you want to remain in the U.S. after OPT ends, typically through an H-1B visa petition. Discussing long-term sponsorship intent with employers early avoids misunderstandings later.