Automotive STEM OPT Jobs in Kentucky
F-1 STEM OPT automotive jobs in Kentucky put you close to major manufacturers and suppliers across the state. Toyota's Georgetown plant, Ford's Louisville operations, and a dense network of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in Bowling Green and Elizabethtown actively hire engineering, manufacturing, and data-focused roles that qualify for STEM OPT authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Make individual mobility more enjoyable and sustainable by advancing technology and people – As one of the top 100 automotive suppliers worldwide, Webasto actively shapes the transformation of the industry through expertise and forward-thinking solutions. Our goal is to make mobility a full sensory experience, working toward more comfort, wind in your hair, the perfect temperature in any season, and driving with a clear conscience – for a safe and sustainable future. We bring joy to mobility – are you in?
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
You can look forward to these exciting tasks:
- Serve as a process engineering resource for automated polyurethane encapsulation and related manufacturing processes, with a primary focus on Automatic Priming Application (APA) and Automatic Mold Release Application systems.
- Develop a deep understanding of process requirements, equipment functionality, operating parameters, and failure modes to support process stabilization, continuous improvement, and production performance.
- Analyze process and equipment data to identify recurring issues, determine root causes, establish Pareto priorities, and develop corrective action plans for the highest-impact process concerns.
- Lead and support troubleshooting activities related to molding, injection, chemical reaction, automation, vision systems, and associated manufacturing equipment, working closely with Maintenance, Controls, Production, and Engineering teams.
- Develop, maintain, and control process documentation, work instructions, operating standards, troubleshooting guides, and technical documentation related to assigned equipment and manufacturing processes.
- Drive implementation of corrective actions and process improvements on the manufacturing floor, monitoring results and adjusting solutions to improve quality, reliability, cycle performance, and overall process stability.
- Provide technical guidance and training to technicians and production personnel, helping build internal knowledge of process requirements, equipment operation, failure modes, and standardized troubleshooting practices.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
This is what you bring to us:
- 2–3+ years of hands-on experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, molding, injection molding, reaction injection molding, polyurethane processing, or a related manufacturing environment; approximately 3–5 years of relevant experience preferred.
- Practical knowledge of manufacturing process development, troubleshooting, process stabilization, root-cause analysis, failure-mode identification, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with injection molding, reaction injection molding, polyurethane processing, encapsulation, or another comparable molding or chemical-reaction-based manufacturing process strongly preferred.
- Experience working with automated manufacturing equipment, including controls, robotics, cameras, vision systems, sensors, or related process automation; advanced programming expertise is not required.
- Ability to collect and analyze production and process data, identify trends and recurring problems, prioritize improvement opportunities, and translate findings into actionable solutions.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience may be considered in place of a degree.
- Strong hands-on problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to learn specialized manufacturing processes from beginning to end; additional language skills such as Spanish or Portuguese are a plus.
Applications from qualified individuals with disabilities are expressly welcome.
LOCATION
Job Location: Lexington, 40511 2200 Innovation Dr, KY
CONTACT PERSON
Marisa Tavolacci, People & Organization Lexington, KY
Get to know us here and find out why we are passionate about attracting talent to Webasto. We look forward to receiving your online application!
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Webasto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status.
BENEFITS
Twelve Icons
Financial
Wellbeing
Vacation
& Time-Off
Career & Development
Health
& Wellness
Work Culture
& Environment
Competitive
Compensation
INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
Job area: Production & Operations
Entry Level: Professionals (3+ years)
Req Id: 36957
Production & Operations focuses on designing, managing, and improving production processes and business operations, as well as manufacturing technologies and supply chains. The role involves working with modern systems such as SAP and dashboards, some of which are self-programmed. This is a cross-functional and international environment that offers performance-driven, diverse challenges and exciting projects.
INTRODUCTION
Make individual mobility more enjoyable and sustainable by advancing technology and people – As one of the top 100 automotive suppliers worldwide, Webasto actively shapes the transformation of the industry through expertise and forward-thinking solutions. Our goal is to make mobility a full sensory experience, working toward more comfort, wind in your hair, the perfect temperature in any season, and driving with a clear conscience – for a safe and sustainable future. We bring joy to mobility – are you in?
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
You can look forward to these exciting tasks:
- Serve as a process engineering resource for automated polyurethane encapsulation and related manufacturing processes, with a primary focus on Automatic Priming Application (APA) and Automatic Mold Release Application systems.
- Develop a deep understanding of process requirements, equipment functionality, operating parameters, and failure modes to support process stabilization, continuous improvement, and production performance.
- Analyze process and equipment data to identify recurring issues, determine root causes, establish Pareto priorities, and develop corrective action plans for the highest-impact process concerns.
- Lead and support troubleshooting activities related to molding, injection, chemical reaction, automation, vision systems, and associated manufacturing equipment, working closely with Maintenance, Controls, Production, and Engineering teams.
- Develop, maintain, and control process documentation, work instructions, operating standards, troubleshooting guides, and technical documentation related to assigned equipment and manufacturing processes.
- Drive implementation of corrective actions and process improvements on the manufacturing floor, monitoring results and adjusting solutions to improve quality, reliability, cycle performance, and overall process stability.
- Provide technical guidance and training to technicians and production personnel, helping build internal knowledge of process requirements, equipment operation, failure modes, and standardized troubleshooting practices.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
This is what you bring to us:
- 2–3+ years of hands-on experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, molding, injection molding, reaction injection molding, polyurethane processing, or a related manufacturing environment; approximately 3–5 years of relevant experience preferred.
- Practical knowledge of manufacturing process development, troubleshooting, process stabilization, root-cause analysis, failure-mode identification, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with injection molding, reaction injection molding, polyurethane processing, encapsulation, or another comparable molding or chemical-reaction-based manufacturing process strongly preferred.
- Experience working with automated manufacturing equipment, including controls, robotics, cameras, vision systems, sensors, or related process automation; advanced programming expertise is not required.
- Ability to collect and analyze production and process data, identify trends and recurring problems, prioritize improvement opportunities, and translate findings into actionable solutions.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience may be considered in place of a degree.
- Strong hands-on problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to learn specialized manufacturing processes from beginning to end; additional language skills such as Spanish or Portuguese are a plus.
Applications from qualified individuals with disabilities are expressly welcome.
LOCATION
Job Location: Lexington, 40511 2200 Innovation Dr, KY
CONTACT PERSON
Marisa Tavolacci, People & Organization Lexington, KY
Get to know us here and find out why we are passionate about attracting talent to Webasto. We look forward to receiving your online application!
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Webasto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status.
BENEFITS
Twelve Icons
Financial
Wellbeing
Vacation
& Time-Off
Career & Development
Health
& Wellness
Work Culture
& Environment
Competitive
Compensation
INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
Job area: Production & Operations
Entry Level: Professionals (3+ years)
Req Id: 36957
Production & Operations focuses on designing, managing, and improving production processes and business operations, as well as manufacturing technologies and supply chains. The role involves working with modern systems such as SAP and dashboards, some of which are self-programmed. This is a cross-functional and international environment that offers performance-driven, diverse challenges and exciting projects.
STEM OPT Automotive Job Roles in Kentucky
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Search Automotive Jobs in KentuckyAutomotive STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
Which automotive companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Kentucky?
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown, Ford Motor Company in Louisville, and Corvette manufacturer GM in Bowling Green are among the larger automotive employers in the state with histories of hiring international talent in technical roles. Tier 1 suppliers such as Toyota Boshoku, Denso, and Aisin also operate Kentucky facilities and have filed Labor Condition Applications for STEM-aligned positions. STEM OPT authorization depends on the role meeting STEM degree requirements, not solely the employer's brand.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most automotive F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Georgetown leads due to Toyota's flagship North American assembly plant, which anchors a cluster of engineering and manufacturing roles. Louisville supports Ford's truck and SUV production with supplier networks nearby. Bowling Green hosts GM's Corvette plant and related suppliers. Elizabethtown and Shelbyville also have notable concentrations of automotive parts manufacturers. These corridors collectively represent the strongest hiring activity for STEM-qualified F-1 candidates in Kentucky's automotive sector.
What types of automotive roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT are those directly tied to a STEM-designated degree field, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security's STEM degree program list. In automotive, this commonly includes mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering positions, quality assurance engineering, production systems analysis, robotics and automation, embedded software development, and data analytics supporting manufacturing operations. Job titles vary by employer, so confirming the position aligns with your specific degree field is essential before applying.
How do I find automotive F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, showing automotive roles in Kentucky where employers have demonstrated sponsorship activity. You can search by location, role type, and visa category to surface positions at Georgetown, Louisville, and Bowling Green facilities. Migrate Mate also surfaces DOL Labor Condition Application filing history by employer, which helps you assess which Kentucky automotive companies have sponsored international candidates in comparable roles previously.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT in Kentucky's automotive sector?
Kentucky's automotive industry is heavily manufacturing-focused, meaning many roles involve on-site work at assembly or supplier plants rather than office-based settings. STEM OPT requires a formal training plan between you and your employer, signed by a company representative, which manufacturing environments can accommodate but may require coordination with HR teams less familiar with the process. Kentucky has no state-specific immigration rules, but employers tied to federal contracts must comply with E-Verify requirements, which can affect onboarding timelines.