Automotive OPT Jobs in Iowa
Automotive F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Iowa are concentrated around the state's manufacturing and agricultural equipment sectors, with employers like John Deere in Waterloo and Dubuque actively hiring engineers and technical specialists. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities area also host automotive suppliers and fleet operations that have supported OPT candidates in engineering, quality, and logistics roles.
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Get Access To All JobsJoin our Team as a Mechanical Engineer II!
The Role:
We’re looking for a Mechanical Engineer II who is passionate about innovation and thrives on solving complex challenges. In this role, you’ll design and develop frame, body, and cabin components for cutting-edge electric forklifts. You’ll collaborate with a talented, cross-functional team that values creativity, continuous improvement, and fresh ideas. If you enjoy working in a dynamic environment where your contributions truly make an impact, this is the place for you.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Lead the design, development, and release of product enhancements for existing forklift models and options
- Engineer a variety of parts, including welded steel assemblies, metal castings, plastics, rubbers, multi-part assemblies, and electrical components
- Create 3D models, drawings, and study files using CREO and manage files in PDM software
- Ensure drawing accuracy by considering design intent, materials, tolerances, and quality standards
- Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability, cost efficiency, and timely delivery
- Collaborate with testing teams to define test plans and evaluate prototypes
- Develop and maintain engineering documentation such as DFMEAs, BOMs, and change instructions
- Manage component development schedules to meet project milestones
What We're Looking For:
- BS in Mechanical Engineering
- 2 or more years of experience in Product Design/Development, preferably in new product development
- 3D CAD (CREO Preferred) and PDM system experience
What Sets You Apart:
- Experience in material handling, automotive, or heavy equipment design
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Excellent communication and documentation abilities
- Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural, collaborative teams
Where and When You’ll Work:
- On-site at our Muscatine, IA office—perfect for those who thrive in a hands-on, team-oriented environment
What Your Total Compensation & Benefits Package will look like:
Salary - $73,840.00 - $94,670.00 per year (Compensation is based on selected candidate’s education and experience).
Relocation: Assistance may be available
World Class Benefits:
- Competitive Salary
- Performance Bonus
- Generous Paid Time Off and 13 Paid Holidays
- Affordable Medical plans and no-cost Dental & Vision options
- 100% 401(k) match up to 6%
- Company-Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with access to mental health care, legal support, and financial guidance
- Recognition and Kaizen (continuous improvement) Reward Programs
- Meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development
- Best in class work culture!
Big Name | Big Opportunities | Life is Better at Toyota
Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), the industry leader in forklift sales, comprises two main brands: Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation. We believe investing in the best people, products, and processes will fuel our future success, and we will always be driven by our foundational principles of “respect for people” and “continuous improvement”. With opportunities across North America, we are confident you will find the right position within TMHNA that can help you build a long, fulfilling career.
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Join our Team as a Mechanical Engineer II!
The Role:
We’re looking for a Mechanical Engineer II who is passionate about innovation and thrives on solving complex challenges. In this role, you’ll design and develop frame, body, and cabin components for cutting-edge electric forklifts. You’ll collaborate with a talented, cross-functional team that values creativity, continuous improvement, and fresh ideas. If you enjoy working in a dynamic environment where your contributions truly make an impact, this is the place for you.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Lead the design, development, and release of product enhancements for existing forklift models and options
- Engineer a variety of parts, including welded steel assemblies, metal castings, plastics, rubbers, multi-part assemblies, and electrical components
- Create 3D models, drawings, and study files using CREO and manage files in PDM software
- Ensure drawing accuracy by considering design intent, materials, tolerances, and quality standards
- Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability, cost efficiency, and timely delivery
- Collaborate with testing teams to define test plans and evaluate prototypes
- Develop and maintain engineering documentation such as DFMEAs, BOMs, and change instructions
- Manage component development schedules to meet project milestones
What We're Looking For:
- BS in Mechanical Engineering
- 2 or more years of experience in Product Design/Development, preferably in new product development
- 3D CAD (CREO Preferred) and PDM system experience
What Sets You Apart:
- Experience in material handling, automotive, or heavy equipment design
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Excellent communication and documentation abilities
- Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural, collaborative teams
Where and When You’ll Work:
- On-site at our Muscatine, IA office—perfect for those who thrive in a hands-on, team-oriented environment
What Your Total Compensation & Benefits Package will look like:
Salary - $73,840.00 - $94,670.00 per year (Compensation is based on selected candidate’s education and experience).
Relocation: Assistance may be available
World Class Benefits:
- Competitive Salary
- Performance Bonus
- Generous Paid Time Off and 13 Paid Holidays
- Affordable Medical plans and no-cost Dental & Vision options
- 100% 401(k) match up to 6%
- Company-Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with access to mental health care, legal support, and financial guidance
- Recognition and Kaizen (continuous improvement) Reward Programs
- Meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development
- Best in class work culture!
Big Name | Big Opportunities | Life is Better at Toyota
Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), the industry leader in forklift sales, comprises two main brands: Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation. We believe investing in the best people, products, and processes will fuel our future success, and we will always be driven by our foundational principles of “respect for people” and “continuous improvement”. With opportunities across North America, we are confident you will find the right position within TMHNA that can help you build a long, fulfilling career.
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled
OPT Automotive Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Automotive Jobs in IowaAutomotive OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which automotive companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Iowa?
John Deere is Iowa's most prominent employer with a history of hiring international students in engineering and technical roles, with major facilities in Waterloo, Dubuque, and Ankeny. Automotive suppliers and fleet management companies operating in the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids areas have also supported OPT candidates. Sponsorship availability varies by role, year, and hiring cycle, so verifying directly with employers is essential.
Which cities in Iowa have the most automotive F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Waterloo and Dubuque are the strongest markets given John Deere's manufacturing and engineering presence there. Des Moines offers opportunities through corporate fleet operations and automotive service companies. The Quad Cities metro, which straddles Iowa and Illinois, adds additional options in manufacturing and supply chain. Cedar Rapids and Iowa City also see periodic openings, particularly for engineering graduates from nearby universities like the University of Iowa.
What types of automotive roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that align with STEM OPT extensions are the strongest fit, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain analytics. Software and embedded systems roles within automotive R&D also qualify under STEM OPT. General administrative or sales positions within automotive companies are less likely to qualify for STEM OPT extension, which limits the work authorization period to 12 months rather than 36.
How do I find automotive F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters jobs by visa type, so you can search automotive F-1 OPT positions in Iowa without sorting through listings that don't sponsor. Beyond job boards, attending University of Iowa and Iowa State University career fairs gives direct access to Iowa-based automotive and manufacturing employers who have recruited OPT students before. Connecting with international student offices at those universities can surface employer relationships not widely advertised.
Are there any Iowa-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in the automotive industry?
Iowa's automotive sector skews heavily toward heavy equipment and agricultural machinery rather than traditional passenger vehicle manufacturing, so targeting employers like John Deere or CNH Industrial rather than traditional auto OEMs is more practical. STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code qualifying as STEM, which most engineering programs at Iowa State University and the University of Iowa do. Confirm your program's classification with your Designated School Official before accepting a role.