Automotive Jobs in California with F-1 OPT Sponsorship
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 JobsINTRODUCTION
The Base technician possess a general mechanical knowledge of all basic systems of a vehicle and the ability to follow direction of supervisors and/or service publications to perform work satisfactorily. This compensation range for this position is $35.00 to $65.00 per flat rate hour which is a combination of hourly and bonus pay.
Join our team of passionate Automotive Service Technicians at Land Rover of South Bay, where your skills are not only valued, but also cultivated for long-term growth and success. We offer an state-of-the-art facility with tenured service technicians and advisors in our busy shop!
Keep America Moving. Drive your Technician Career with AutoNation.
At AutoNation, we don’t just service vehicles, we support the people who keep them running. As America’s most admired automotive retailer, we offer factory training, cutting-edge tools, and a clear path to advancement.
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Paid training and OEM certification support
- Opportunities to grow into Service, Sales, Management, Regional and Executive roles
- Career options coast to coast through our nationwide footprint of locations
What We’re Looking For:
- Valid driver’s license
- A passion for cars and customer service
Apply today and join a team that values your skills and invests in your future.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities?
- Stay current in the latest diagnostic methods and service techniques for the vehicles sold and serviced by the dealership
- Perform work as outlined on repair order with efficiency and accuracy, in accordance with dealership and factory standards
- Follow factory and dealership repair procedures when performing warranty work
- Participate in service technician training programs
- Become familiar with latest bulletins, service manuals and other service publications
- Participate in all in-dealership service training activities
- Attend manufacture sponsored service trainings
- Record cause of failure and a description of work done accurately and clearly on all repair orders
- Communicate regularly with service manager, service technician team leader and/or service consultant to confirm repair order information and diagnostic information
- Request parts from the parts department as necessary
- Communicate regularly with the service manager, service technician team leader and/or service consultant to confirm diagnosis, status of repair, road test results and completion of work
- Follow company safety procedures to avoid exposure to fumes, dirt and harsh chemicals
What are the requirements for this job?
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and information
- General mechanical skills
- Must have a valid driver's license
- Ability to drive manual transmission vehicles
- Manual dexterity, good judgment and ability to operate power and hand tools and other types of machinery safely
- Demonstrated customer service skills
- Knowledge of all aspects of automotive repair and maintenance
- Graduate of mechanical vocational trade school or equivalent experience
- Ability to operate an automobile
- Must have technical aptitude displayed by ASE certification or successful completion of pre-employment test Technical or trade school degree preferred
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 Base technician possess a general mechanical knowledge of all basic systems of a vehicle and the ability to follow direction of supervisors and/or service publications to perform work satisfactorily. This compensation range for this position is $35.00 to $65.00 per flat rate hour which is a combination of hourly and bonus pay.
Join our team of passionate Automotive Service Technicians at Land Rover of South Bay, where your skills are not only valued, but also cultivated for long-term growth and success. We offer an state-of-the-art facility with tenured service technicians and advisors in our busy shop!
Keep America Moving. Drive your Technician Career with AutoNation.
At AutoNation, we don’t just service vehicles, we support the people who keep them running. As America’s most admired automotive retailer, we offer factory training, cutting-edge tools, and a clear path to advancement.
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Paid training and OEM certification support
- Opportunities to grow into Service, Sales, Management, Regional and Executive roles
- Career options coast to coast through our nationwide footprint of locations
What We’re Looking For:
- Valid driver’s license
- A passion for cars and customer service
Apply today and join a team that values your skills and invests in your future.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities?
- Stay current in the latest diagnostic methods and service techniques for the vehicles sold and serviced by the dealership
- Perform work as outlined on repair order with efficiency and accuracy, in accordance with dealership and factory standards
- Follow factory and dealership repair procedures when performing warranty work
- Participate in service technician training programs
- Become familiar with latest bulletins, service manuals and other service publications
- Participate in all in-dealership service training activities
- Attend manufacture sponsored service trainings
- Record cause of failure and a description of work done accurately and clearly on all repair orders
- Communicate regularly with service manager, service technician team leader and/or service consultant to confirm repair order information and diagnostic information
- Request parts from the parts department as necessary
- Communicate regularly with the service manager, service technician team leader and/or service consultant to confirm diagnosis, status of repair, road test results and completion of work
- Follow company safety procedures to avoid exposure to fumes, dirt and harsh chemicals
What are the requirements for this job?
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and information
- General mechanical skills
- Must have a valid driver's license
- Ability to drive manual transmission vehicles
- Manual dexterity, good judgment and ability to operate power and hand tools and other types of machinery safely
- Demonstrated customer service skills
- Knowledge of all aspects of automotive repair and maintenance
- Graduate of mechanical vocational trade school or equivalent experience
- Ability to operate an automobile
- Must have technical aptitude displayed by ASE certification or successful completion of pre-employment test Technical or trade school degree preferred
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
See all 1,519+ Automotive California jobs
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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