Automotive STEM OPT Jobs in Minnesota
Automotive F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Minnesota are concentrated around the Twin Cities metro, where companies like 3M, Cummins, and Polaris Industries hire engineering and data science talent. Minnesota's manufacturing base and growing EV and powertrain research activity make it a practical state for STEM OPT holders pursuing automotive careers without switching to H-1B visa immediately.
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INTRODUCTION
Become our next FutureStarter
Are you ready to make an impact? ZF is looking for talented individuals to join our team. As a FutureStarter, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of mobility. Join us and be part of something extraordinary!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Manufacturing Engineer
Country/Region: US
Location:
North Mankato, MN, US, 56003
Req ID 90945 | North Mankato, MN, United States ZF Off-Highway Solutions Minnesota Inc.
We are hiring 2 Manufacturing Engineers!
One Manufacturing Engineer will focus on supporting the CNC Machining area of Production. One Manufacturing Engineer will focus on supporting the Assembly area of Production.
About the team:
The Manufacturing Engineering team plays a pivotal role at ZF Off Highway Solutions by constantly driving technical advancements and cutting-edge solutions. The department's commitment to continuous improvement and hands-on problem-solving reflects our proactive and adaptive approach, making us a key contributor to the overall success of the company.
What you can look forward to as Manufacturing Engineer:
- Foster collaboration with product engineering teams, ensuring the manufacturability of assembly and test specifications
- Provide assistance in resolving issues related to the interpretation of drawings, product design, manufacturing methods, and product performance.
- Collaborate with new product and process development teams to establish new bills of resources, develop routings, determine labor and machinery production cycle times, and contribute input data for product cost calculations.
- Develop end of line test processes and program PLCs using LabView software AND/OR Develop CNC machining processes and program CNC equipment using Mastercam software
- Hands on work and design of test apparatuses including flow meters, pressure transducers, electrical components etc.
- Take a lead role in developing a business case for capital investment in production processes and associated equipment, aiming to enhance overall operational efficiency.
- Participate in root cause analysis using 8D, lean 6 sigma, 5 why analysis, etc.
YOUR PROFILE AS MANUFACTURING ENGINEER
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering or related field preferred
- OR five to seven years in a technical position related to a precision manufacturing environment in lieu of BS degree
- Proficiency in Mastercam software
- 1+ years of relevant experience
- Experience working with CNC machines (Machining)
- Preferred experience in hydraulic systems (Machining)
- Preferred experience in LabView software (Assembly)
- Preferred experience in hydraulic systems (Assembly)
- Proven experience in manufacturing technology, or a related field
- Excellent written communication ability
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
The expected base compensation for this role is $68,000 - $95,000 annually. Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
WHAT WE OFFER AT ZF IN NORTH MANKATO, MN:
- Annual Incentive Plan
- Paid time off
- 401k Plan
- Health Care Benefits
- Paid Holidays
- A supportive collaborative team environment
- Tuition reimbursement for educational advancement
- A strong diverse culture
- Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities
ABOUT NORTH MANKATO:
North Mankato combines small-town charm with modern amenities, a strong economy, vibrant arts scene, and recreational options. Located near Minneapolis/St. Paul, it offers excellent livability and quality of life.
Be part of our ZF team as Manufacturing Engineer and apply now!
CONTACT
Hannah Cline
+7 34 855 2922
DIVERSITY COMMITMENT:
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice.
With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility.
Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran
STEM OPT Automotive Job Roles in Minnesota
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Search Automotive Jobs in MinnesotaAutomotive STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which automotive companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Minnesota?
Minnesota employers with documented STEM OPT hiring in automotive-adjacent roles include Polaris Industries, Cummins, and 3M's transportation materials division. Larger manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers operating in the Twin Cities metro tend to have established OPT onboarding processes, though sponsorship availability varies by role, team, and hiring cycle. Checking DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data can help verify which employers have filed for STEM-eligible positions.
Which cities in Minnesota have the most automotive F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Twin Cities metro, particularly Minneapolis and Saint Paul, concentrates the largest share of automotive engineering and manufacturing roles in Minnesota. Medina, Osceola, and Mankato also host manufacturing and R&D facilities tied to powertrain, recreational vehicle, and heavy equipment production. For STEM OPT holders, proximity to these hubs matters because E-Verify enrollment, which is required for STEM OPT extensions, is handled at the individual employer location level.
How do I find automotive F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Minnesota?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters automotive roles in Minnesota by STEM OPT eligibility and employer sponsorship history, so you're not sorting through listings that don't apply to you. Searching by STEM degree classification for automotive engineering and manufacturing occupations helps narrow results to roles that qualify under STEM OPT's designated degree field requirements. Cross-referencing DOL LCA filings for Minnesota employers adds another layer of verification.
What types of automotive roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Minnesota?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT generally require a degree in a STEM-designated field and involve work directly related to that field. In automotive, this typically covers mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials science, and data analytics positions. Minnesota employers in powertrain development, autonomous systems, and vehicle component manufacturing frequently hire into these categories. O*NET occupation profiles can help confirm whether a specific job title maps to a qualifying STEM STEM degree classification.
Are there any Minnesota-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT automotive sponsorship?
Minnesota does not impose state-level immigration requirements beyond federal rules, but STEM OPT employers in the state must be E-Verify enrolled and provide a formal training plan under a signed I-983. Minnesota's automotive sector includes both large OEMs and smaller Tier 2 suppliers, and smaller companies may not always have E-Verify enrollment in place. Confirming E-Verify status before accepting an offer is important because employment at a non-enrolled employer invalidates the STEM OPT extension.