Automotive F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Automotive F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Iowa draw candidates to manufacturers and suppliers concentrated in the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Quad Cities corridors. Companies like Pella, Vermeer, and John Deere-adjacent suppliers regularly hire engineers and data analysts. Iowa's advanced manufacturing base makes it a practical state for STEM OPT candidates targeting automotive and mobility-adjacent 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
Automotive Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Automotive Jobs in IowaAutomotive Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which automotive companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Iowa?
Iowa's automotive and advanced manufacturing sector includes suppliers and equipment manufacturers such as Vermeer Corporation, Pella Corporation, and various Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive component suppliers operating in the Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids areas. These employers have filed Labor Condition Applications for STEM-eligible roles in engineering and operations. Sponsorship availability varies by role, team, and fiscal year, so confirming directly with each employer's HR or talent acquisition team is advisable.
Which cities in Iowa have the most automotive F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and the broader Quad Cities metro area host the highest concentration of automotive and advanced manufacturing employers in Iowa. Davenport in particular sits within a regional manufacturing corridor that extends into Illinois, giving STEM OPT candidates access to cross-border employer networks. Smaller industrial hubs like Waterloo and Ottumwa also support manufacturing operations with occasional STEM-eligible openings.
What types of automotive roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT generally require a degree in a STEM field designated by DHS and must align with that field of study. In the automotive sector, qualifying positions typically include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, data analytics, and embedded systems development. Roles classified under Standard Occupational Classification codes that match DHS-approved STEM CIP codes are eligible. O*NET can help verify whether a specific occupation qualifies.
How do I find automotive F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters jobs by visa type, including F-1 STEM OPT, so you can search automotive roles in Iowa without sifting through postings from employers who don't sponsor. The platform surfaces employers with verified sponsorship history in Iowa's manufacturing and automotive sectors. You can filter by location and industry to target Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or the Quad Cities area specifically.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Iowa's automotive sector?
Iowa does not impose state-level visa sponsorship requirements beyond federal USCIS and DOL obligations, but employers in Iowa must participate in E-Verify as a condition of STEM OPT authorization. Iowa's manufacturing sector tends toward mid-size and family-owned suppliers rather than large OEMs, which can mean smaller dedicated HR teams handling immigration matters. Candidates should confirm E-Verify enrollment and confirm the employer's experience with STEM OPT before accepting an offer.