Automotive OPT Jobs in California
California is one of the top states for automotive F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs, anchored by Tesla's Fremont manufacturing hub, Rivian's engineering presence, and dozens of Tier 1 suppliers and mobility startups across the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Silicon Valley. Engineering, software, and data roles in the automotive sector align well with OPT-eligible STEM degrees.
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Get Access To All JobsABOUT AST
Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) designs and manufactures forged, flow-formed, spun, and machined structural components for the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. With over 25 years of experience, AST has built a reputation for precision engineering, innovation, and high-quality manufacturing on parts where there is no margin for error.
Headquartered in Oxnard, California, and operating across multiple production facilities, AST employs approximately 200 skilled professionals in multi-shift operations. Our components fly on programs for customers including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Firefly, Impulse Space, and the U.S. Army — mission-critical hardware, built by people who take it personally.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We're looking for a Manufacturing Design Engineer who will spend the majority of their time in SolidWorks — modeling parts and tooling, generating drawings, and turning customer requirements into manufacturable designs. This is a design-focused, entry-level role for someone early in their career who wants to build real CAD and drafting skill on hardware that ships to real customers.
Alongside the design work, you'll get regular, structured time on the machine shop floor — enough to see how your designs actually get made and to design smarter because of it. If you're happiest at the CAD station but want your models grounded in how parts are actually built, this role is built for you.
- Develop 3D models and 2D technical drawings for new products and associated tooling using SolidWorks.
- Review customer drawings, specifications, and requirements to design process flows and tooling layouts that meet quality and performance standards.
- Initiate, issue, and revise engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications, and work instructions.
- Provide CAD and design support to manufacturing, sales, and customers to troubleshoot issues and optimize designs.
- Maintain accurate, organized engineering records, CAD files, and revision histories.
- Spend regular time on the shop floor alongside senior engineers to see how your designs translate into finished parts, and support tooling development and process improvement initiatives.
- Contribute ideas for cost reduction, quality improvement, and cycle-time reduction.
WHAT MAKES YOU A GREAT FIT
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field — recent grads and upcoming grads welcome to apply.
- Strong SolidWorks skills (or equivalent CAD, e.g. Fusion 360) developed through coursework, internships, or independent projects.
- 0–2 years of professional experience — we weigh substantial hands-on project experience (senior design, robotics or competition teams, research projects, personal builds) the same as an internship.
- A track record of taking ownership: leading a team, managing a project timeline, or seeing a build through from concept to finished product.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, manufacturable drawings and technical documentation.
- Genuine curiosity about how things are manufactured, not just how they're designed — familiarity with hand and shop tools (bandsaw, drill press, mill, etc.) is a plus, but not required.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift daily.
- Clear communicator, equally comfortable talking with engineers, machinists, and customers.
HOW YOU'LL GROW
This role is built as a development track, not a static job description.
- Structured mentorship from senior design and manufacturing engineers.
- Regular, guided exposure to the shop — seeing your own drawings become parts.
- Increasing ownership of projects and customer interfaces as you demonstrate capability.
- A clear path toward a Manufacturing/Design Engineer II role as your skills develop.
WHY JOIN AST?
We believe in fostering a work environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a competitive benefits package, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Savings Plan
- Company-Sponsored Life Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
ABOUT AST
Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) designs and manufactures forged, flow-formed, spun, and machined structural components for the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. With over 25 years of experience, AST has built a reputation for precision engineering, innovation, and high-quality manufacturing on parts where there is no margin for error.
Headquartered in Oxnard, California, and operating across multiple production facilities, AST employs approximately 200 skilled professionals in multi-shift operations. Our components fly on programs for customers including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Firefly, Impulse Space, and the U.S. Army — mission-critical hardware, built by people who take it personally.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We're looking for a Manufacturing Design Engineer who will spend the majority of their time in SolidWorks — modeling parts and tooling, generating drawings, and turning customer requirements into manufacturable designs. This is a design-focused, entry-level role for someone early in their career who wants to build real CAD and drafting skill on hardware that ships to real customers.
Alongside the design work, you'll get regular, structured time on the machine shop floor — enough to see how your designs actually get made and to design smarter because of it. If you're happiest at the CAD station but want your models grounded in how parts are actually built, this role is built for you.
- Develop 3D models and 2D technical drawings for new products and associated tooling using SolidWorks.
- Review customer drawings, specifications, and requirements to design process flows and tooling layouts that meet quality and performance standards.
- Initiate, issue, and revise engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications, and work instructions.
- Provide CAD and design support to manufacturing, sales, and customers to troubleshoot issues and optimize designs.
- Maintain accurate, organized engineering records, CAD files, and revision histories.
- Spend regular time on the shop floor alongside senior engineers to see how your designs translate into finished parts, and support tooling development and process improvement initiatives.
- Contribute ideas for cost reduction, quality improvement, and cycle-time reduction.
WHAT MAKES YOU A GREAT FIT
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field — recent grads and upcoming grads welcome to apply.
- Strong SolidWorks skills (or equivalent CAD, e.g. Fusion 360) developed through coursework, internships, or independent projects.
- 0–2 years of professional experience — we weigh substantial hands-on project experience (senior design, robotics or competition teams, research projects, personal builds) the same as an internship.
- A track record of taking ownership: leading a team, managing a project timeline, or seeing a build through from concept to finished product.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, manufacturable drawings and technical documentation.
- Genuine curiosity about how things are manufactured, not just how they're designed — familiarity with hand and shop tools (bandsaw, drill press, mill, etc.) is a plus, but not required.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift daily.
- Clear communicator, equally comfortable talking with engineers, machinists, and customers.
HOW YOU'LL GROW
This role is built as a development track, not a static job description.
- Structured mentorship from senior design and manufacturing engineers.
- Regular, guided exposure to the shop — seeing your own drawings become parts.
- Increasing ownership of projects and customer interfaces as you demonstrate capability.
- A clear path toward a Manufacturing/Design Engineer II role as your skills develop.
WHY JOIN AST?
We believe in fostering a work environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a competitive benefits package, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Savings Plan
- Company-Sponsored Life Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
OPT Automotive Job Roles in California
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Search Automotive Jobs in CaliforniaAutomotive OPT Sponsorship Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which automotive companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in California?
Tesla, Rivian, Lucid Motors, and Waymo are among the California-based automotive employers that have hired F-1 OPT workers. Tier 1 suppliers like Aptiv and Continental also maintain California engineering offices. Sponsorship patterns vary by role and business need, and not every open position at these companies includes OPT sponsorship, so confirming sponsorship eligibility per listing is important.
Which cities in California have the most automotive F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
The San Francisco Bay Area, including Fremont, Palo Alto, and San Jose, leads due to Tesla's Fremont factory and the concentration of autonomous vehicle and EV startups. Los Angeles and the Irvine corridor are also active, with Rivian's software operations and a strong cluster of mobility tech firms. Sacramento sees some manufacturing-adjacent roles as well.
What types of automotive roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, computer science, data science, or a related STEM field are most commonly OPT-eligible in the automotive sector. Common titles include software engineer, electrical engineer, systems engineer, data analyst, and autonomous systems researcher. These positions fall under STEM OPT, which allows eligible graduates to extend their work authorization to 24 months beyond the standard 12-month OPT period.
How do I find automotive F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and visa holders, with filters for visa type, state, and industry. Searching for automotive F-1 OPT jobs in California on Migrate Mate surfaces listings from employers that have indicated sponsorship willingness, saving significant time compared to manually screening general job boards. Checking listings regularly matters, as new automotive roles in California's EV and mobility sector are posted frequently.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in California's automotive industry?
California's strong STEM university pipeline, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego, means employers in the state are generally familiar with hiring F-1 OPT candidates. California also has no state-level barrier to OPT employment, but federal OPT rules still govern work authorization timing, employer registration with E-Verify for STEM OPT extensions, and the requirement that the role directly relate to your degree field.