Automotive TN Sponsorship Jobs in California
California's automotive industry spans electric vehicle manufacturing, autonomous driving technology, and traditional auto parts production, creating demand for TN visa-eligible engineers, designers, and technicians. Major employers include Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid Motors, with hiring concentrated in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. Canadian and Mexican professionals in qualifying occupations can access these roles through TN sponsorship.
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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
TN Automotive Job Roles in California
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Search Automotive Jobs in CaliforniaAutomotive TN Sponsorship Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which automotive companies sponsor TN visas in California?
Tesla, Rivian, Lucid Motors, and Waymo are among California's most active automotive employers and have sponsored TN visas for engineers and technical professionals. Traditional suppliers like BorgWarner and Aptiv also operate in the state. Sponsorship willingness varies by hiring team and role, so confirming directly with recruiters during the application process is the most reliable approach.
Which cities in California have the most automotive TN sponsorship jobs?
The San Francisco Bay Area leads due to Tesla's Fremont factory and the concentration of autonomous vehicle companies in Silicon Valley. Los Angeles and the Inland Empire host significant auto parts manufacturing and design studios. Irvine and the broader Orange County area are home to Lucid Motors and several EV-related startups, making Southern California a strong secondary market.
What types of automotive roles typically qualify for TN sponsorship?
TN-eligible automotive roles generally fall within USMCA's defined occupation categories. Engineers, including mechanical, electrical, software, and industrial engineers working on vehicle systems or manufacturing, are the most commonly sponsored. Computer systems analysts supporting automotive software platforms also qualify. Roles without a degree requirement or that don't map to a specific USMCA occupation category, such as general assembly or production supervision, typically do not qualify.
How do I find automotive TN sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find automotive TN sponsorship jobs in California, as its job board filters specifically for TN-eligible roles and employers willing to sponsor. Searching by state and industry lets you target California automotive openings without sorting through positions that don't support TN status. Reviewing active job postings on Migrate Mate also gives a real-time sense of which employers are actively hiring TN candidates.
Are there any California-specific considerations for automotive TN sponsorship?
California's dominance in electric vehicles and autonomous driving means many automotive roles involve software, systems integration, and R&D, which can strengthen TN eligibility when the position requires a qualifying degree. California also has strict worker classification and employment laws, so employers are generally accustomed to structured sponsorship processes. However, California does not impose any state-level visa sponsorship requirements beyond standard federal USMCA and immigration rules.