Automotive Jobs in California with F-1 CPT Sponsorship
California is one of the strongest states for automotive F-1 CPT roles, with established hiring at companies like Tesla, Rivian, and BorgWarner across engineering hubs in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Irvine. Programs in vehicle electrification, autonomous systems, and supply chain management actively bring on CPT students from universities including UC Davis, UCLA, and Stanford.
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INTRODUCTION
The Service Porter is responsible for performing a variety of duties as it relate to the maintenance and service of vehicles.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What are the day-to-day responsibilities?
- Assist with service write-ups and tagging of customer cars and trucks
- Remove vehicle protective coverings and ID tags prior to returning completed vehicle to customer
- Inspect vehicles for stains, debris and damages before returning the vehicle to the customer, and report any damage immediately
- Transport customers and dealership personnel as needed
- Perform deliveries as required
- Clean interior and exterior of new and used vehicles
- Keep vehicle lot neat and orderly, moving units as directed and in accordance with dealership display standards
- Return vehicle keys to the appropriate service consultant
- Pick up vehicles from and deliver vehicles to storage
- Pick up parts from the Parts Department
- Test batteries of customer vehicles in service drive
- Maintains building and ground as needed
- Assist with shop clean-up and deliveries when needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What are the requirements for this job?
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- 6-12 months of previous work experience (preferred)
- Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and information
- Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to handle machinery safely
- Ability to drive manual transmission vehicles
- Demonstrated customer service skills
- Must have a valid drivers license
- Ability to operate an automobile
This positions starting pay is $18 an hr
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Exciting Benefits and Perks Await You:
- Competitive compensation and 401k matching
- Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with insurance plans (health, dental, vision) and maternity benefits.
- Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear
- Access amazing deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from top providers and retailers
- Join our DRVPNK mission to raise and donate millions of dollars to cancer research and treatment, partnering with cancer charities nationwide
AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.
AutoNation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in our workplace and the services we provide. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help us foster a culture of belonging while contributing to our revolutionary work in the automotive industry. We value innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

INTRODUCTION
The Service Porter is responsible for performing a variety of duties as it relate to the maintenance and service of vehicles.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What are the day-to-day responsibilities?
- Assist with service write-ups and tagging of customer cars and trucks
- Remove vehicle protective coverings and ID tags prior to returning completed vehicle to customer
- Inspect vehicles for stains, debris and damages before returning the vehicle to the customer, and report any damage immediately
- Transport customers and dealership personnel as needed
- Perform deliveries as required
- Clean interior and exterior of new and used vehicles
- Keep vehicle lot neat and orderly, moving units as directed and in accordance with dealership display standards
- Return vehicle keys to the appropriate service consultant
- Pick up vehicles from and deliver vehicles to storage
- Pick up parts from the Parts Department
- Test batteries of customer vehicles in service drive
- Maintains building and ground as needed
- Assist with shop clean-up and deliveries when needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What are the requirements for this job?
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- 6-12 months of previous work experience (preferred)
- Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and information
- Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to handle machinery safely
- Ability to drive manual transmission vehicles
- Demonstrated customer service skills
- Must have a valid drivers license
- Ability to operate an automobile
This positions starting pay is $18 an hr
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Exciting Benefits and Perks Await You:
- Competitive compensation and 401k matching
- Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with insurance plans (health, dental, vision) and maternity benefits.
- Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear
- Access amazing deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from top providers and retailers
- Join our DRVPNK mission to raise and donate millions of dollars to cancer research and treatment, partnering with cancer charities nationwide
AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.
AutoNation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in our workplace and the services we provide. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help us foster a culture of belonging while contributing to our revolutionary work in the automotive industry. We value innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Job Roles in Automotive in California
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which automotive companies in California sponsor F-1 CPT visas?
Tesla (Fremont and Palo Alto), Rivian (Irvine), BorgWarner, Aptiv, and Bosch have California operations with documented histories of hiring F-1 students on CPT. Tier-1 suppliers and EV startups in the Bay Area and Southern California often engage CPT students for engineering and data roles, though sponsorship availability varies by team, project need, and the student's program authorization.
Which cities in California have the most automotive F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs?
The Bay Area leads, driven by Tesla's Fremont manufacturing plant and the concentration of EV and autonomous vehicle startups in San Jose and Palo Alto. Southern California, particularly Irvine, Los Angeles, and Torrance, is a secondary hub with Toyota's North American headquarters and Rivian's engineering center. Sacramento and San Diego also see periodic CPT postings tied to fleet and mobility research programs.
What types of automotive roles typically qualify for F-1 CPT sponsorship in California?
Roles that align directly with a student's degree field qualify for CPT. In California's automotive sector, this commonly includes mechanical engineering internships, electrical and embedded systems roles, battery technology research, autonomous vehicle software development, and supply chain analysis. The position must constitute an integral part of the student's curriculum, and the hiring employer must be willing to coordinate with the student's Designated School Official.
How do I find automotive F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists automotive jobs in California that are open to F-1 CPT candidates, letting you filter specifically by visa type and state rather than manually screening hundreds of postings. Because CPT eligibility depends on your program and DSO authorization, it helps to identify receptive employers first. Migrate Mate surfaces California automotive roles where sponsorship is part of the hiring criteria, narrowing your search to companies already familiar with CPT requirements.
Are there any California-specific considerations for F-1 CPT in the automotive industry?
California's prevailing wage and labor regulations apply to CPT students working in the state, so employers must comply with state minimum wage laws even for internship roles. Additionally, California's strong union presence at some manufacturing facilities can affect internship structures. Students at California universities should also confirm their CPT authorization covers the specific county or worksite, particularly if the employer operates across multiple locations.
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