Automotive Jobs in California with J-1 Sponsorship
California is one of the top states for J-1 automotive jobs, with sponsorship opportunities spanning Tesla's Fremont manufacturing plant, Toyota's Plano-linked California R&D teams, and dealership networks across Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego. Roles range from engineering internships to research trainee positions, drawing candidates from international automotive programs.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), we are committed to delivering world-class automotive technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our teams of highly skilled engineers and designers use cutting-edge software and technology to enhance the driving experience and reduce environmental impact.
We’re looking for a curious, driven UX/UI/Product Design and Prototype, AI Concept intern who is excited about emerging technologies across both software and hardware. You’ll help shape next-generation automotive experiences by reimagining how drivers interact with intelligent systems inside and outside the vehicle.
This goes far beyond visual polish. You’ll shape ideas at the concept level, experiment through rapid prototyping, and collaborate across disciplines to turn vision into tangible experiences. You’ll thrive in this role if you’re energized by ambiguity, excited by startup environments, and motivated to create meaningful impact.
Job Responsibilities:
- Design next-gen in-vehicle and cross-platform user experiences
- Research and explore emerging technologies (AI, spatial computing, connected ecosystems, smart hardware interfaces, etc.) to inform innovative concepts
- Translate ideas into UX flows, wireframes, high-fidelity UI designs, and interactive prototypes
- Collaborate closely with product, engineering, hardware, and research teams
- Present forward-looking concepts with strong narrative structure and design rationale in workshop and stakeholder meetings
- Contribute to rapid experimentation, prototyping, and iterative development cycles
- Participate in occasional meetings or workshops outside standard working hours to collaborate with overseas teams
- Utilize AI Coding platforms to program hardware for rapid prototyping
Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in Bachelor/Master/PhD program in Interaction Design, Computer Science, or related field
- Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Generative AI tools for image, video creation, and coding (i.e Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Passionate about emerging tech across software and hardware
- Deeply curious about the future of mobility and human-machine interaction
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment
- Strong systems thinker with an eye for detail
- Excellent communicator and visual storyteller
- Confident presenter who can clearly articulate design decisions
- Proactive, self-driven, and impact-oriented
- Collaborative and open to feedback
Benefits/Perks:
- PTO
- Sick Time
Additional Information:
The current hourly rate for this position is as follows and may be modified in the future: $28 (Undergraduate Students)/$32 (Graduate Students)
Why should you apply?
Here at MBRDNA, you create digital ecosystems around cars, you design a language between humans and machines, you make a car even more intelligent - you make the new reality for cars. MBRDNA was honored as one of the "Best Places to Work" by BuiltIn in January 2024, a testament to our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment. At each of our offices, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, ensuring every team member can thrive and innovate.
Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
- 401(k) with employer match
- Up to 15 company-paid holidays
- Paid time off (flexible time off for salaried employees), sick time, and parental leave
- Tuition assistance program
- Wellness/Fitness reimbursement programs
- Internships & Contractors excluded from Full-Time Employee benefits
MBRDNA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and strongly supports diversity in the workforce. MBRDNA only accepts resumes from approved agencies who have a valid Agency Agreement on file. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, MBRDNA employees, or send to any MBRDNA location. MBRDNA is not responsible for any fees or claims related to receipt of unsolicited resumes.
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, Inc.
PRIVACY NOTICE FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
https://mbrdna.com/california-employee-privacy-notice/
At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), we are committed to delivering world-class automotive technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our teams of highly skilled engineers and designers use cutting-edge software and technology to enhance the driving experience and reduce environmental impact.
We’re looking for a curious, driven UX/UI/Product Design and Prototype, AI Concept intern who is excited about emerging technologies across both software and hardware. You’ll help shape next-generation automotive experiences by reimagining how drivers interact with intelligent systems inside and outside the vehicle.
This goes far beyond visual polish. You’ll shape ideas at the concept level, experiment through rapid prototyping, and collaborate across disciplines to turn vision into tangible experiences. You’ll thrive in this role if you’re energized by ambiguity, excited by startup environments, and motivated to create meaningful impact.
Job Responsibilities:
- Design next-gen in-vehicle and cross-platform user experiences
- Research and explore emerging technologies (AI, spatial computing, connected ecosystems, smart hardware interfaces, etc.) to inform innovative concepts
- Translate ideas into UX flows, wireframes, high-fidelity UI designs, and interactive prototypes
- Collaborate closely with product, engineering, hardware, and research teams
- Present forward-looking concepts with strong narrative structure and design rationale in workshop and stakeholder meetings
- Contribute to rapid experimentation, prototyping, and iterative development cycles
- Participate in occasional meetings or workshops outside standard working hours to collaborate with overseas teams
- Utilize AI Coding platforms to program hardware for rapid prototyping
Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in Bachelor/Master/PhD program in Interaction Design, Computer Science, or related field
- Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Generative AI tools for image, video creation, and coding (i.e Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Passionate about emerging tech across software and hardware
- Deeply curious about the future of mobility and human-machine interaction
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment
- Strong systems thinker with an eye for detail
- Excellent communicator and visual storyteller
- Confident presenter who can clearly articulate design decisions
- Proactive, self-driven, and impact-oriented
- Collaborative and open to feedback
Benefits/Perks:
- PTO
- Sick Time
Additional Information:
The current hourly rate for this position is as follows and may be modified in the future: $28 (Undergraduate Students)/$32 (Graduate Students)
Why should you apply?
Here at MBRDNA, you create digital ecosystems around cars, you design a language between humans and machines, you make a car even more intelligent - you make the new reality for cars. MBRDNA was honored as one of the "Best Places to Work" by BuiltIn in January 2024, a testament to our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment. At each of our offices, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, ensuring every team member can thrive and innovate.
Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
- 401(k) with employer match
- Up to 15 company-paid holidays
- Paid time off (flexible time off for salaried employees), sick time, and parental leave
- Tuition assistance program
- Wellness/Fitness reimbursement programs
- Internships & Contractors excluded from Full-Time Employee benefits
MBRDNA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and strongly supports diversity in the workforce. MBRDNA only accepts resumes from approved agencies who have a valid Agency Agreement on file. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, MBRDNA employees, or send to any MBRDNA location. MBRDNA is not responsible for any fees or claims related to receipt of unsolicited resumes.
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, Inc.
PRIVACY NOTICE FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
https://mbrdna.com/california-employee-privacy-notice/
Job Roles in Automotive in California
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which automotive companies sponsor J-1 visas in California?
Tesla, with its main manufacturing facility in Fremont, is among the most active automotive employers in California and has hosted J-1 trainees and interns in engineering and production roles. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Honda all maintain technology or design centers in the state. Dealership groups and aftermarket suppliers operating across Los Angeles and the Bay Area also participate in J-1 programs, though sponsorship availability varies by company and program type.
Which cities in California have the most automotive J-1 sponsorship jobs?
The San Francisco Bay Area, particularly Fremont and San Jose, concentrates automotive engineering and EV technology roles tied to companies like Tesla. Los Angeles and its surrounding counties host vehicle design studios, aftermarket parts manufacturers, and large dealership networks. San Diego has a smaller but active base of automotive technology firms. For roles involving traditional manufacturing and assembly, the Inland Empire region also sees periodic J-1 program activity.
What types of automotive roles typically qualify for J-1 sponsorship?
J-1 sponsorship in the automotive sector most commonly covers internship and trainee program categories. Qualifying roles include mechanical engineering internships, automotive design trainee positions, quality assurance roles, electric vehicle battery research positions, and manufacturing process trainee programs. The role must align with the applicant's field of study or prior professional experience, and it must be structured as a formal training program through a designated J-1 sponsor organization rather than standard employment.
How do I find automotive J-1 sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international candidates seeking visa-sponsored roles in the U.S. You can filter by J-1 visa type, select California as your target state, and browse automotive industry listings in one place. This saves significant time compared to manually researching which employers participate in J-1 programs. Migrate Mate aggregates sponsorship-confirmed postings, so you are not applying to roles only to discover the employer does not support J-1 visa categories.
Are there any California-specific considerations for automotive J-1 sponsorship?
California's strict environmental and labor regulations mean automotive employers operating in the state tend to favor candidates with backgrounds in clean energy, emissions compliance, or EV technology, which can shape the type of J-1 trainee programs on offer. California also enforces its own employment protections that apply to J-1 participants. Additionally, the high concentration of EV startups and technology-adjacent automotive firms in the state means J-1 programs here often lean toward research and engineering rather than traditional manufacturing trainee tracks.
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