Automotive OPT Jobs in South Carolina
South Carolina's automotive sector is one of the most active in the Southeast, anchored by BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, Volvo Cars in Berkeley County, and a dense network of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. F-1 OPT candidates in engineering, quality, and manufacturing roles will find meaningful sponsorship opportunities across the Upstate and Lowcountry regions.
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Auria is a leading global supplier of highly-engineered systems for automotive flooring, acoustical, thermal, aerodynamic and other fiber-based solutions for gas and electric vehicles. With U.S.-based operational headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, Auria operates 16 manufacturing, 9 technical and 5 JV locations across 10 countries and employs approximately 3,900 people worldwide.
We are currently searching for Robot Programmer to join our team at our Spartanburg Plant in Spartanburg, SC.
What you will do:
- Load robot programs and configure I/O
- Ability to write, test and modify programs
- Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and modify current programs (ABB, Fanuc, YASKAWA)
- Strong ability to troubleshoot equipment issues and perform subsequent repairs necessary to return the equipment back to operational status
- Ability to perform calibrations and troubleshoot mechanical issues, such as changing components (wiring, motors, boards, drives)
- Reassemble, adjust, and test repaired equipment to ensure a quality part is being produced
- Ability to communicate and coordinate repairs with off-site OEM Phone Support
- Perform preventive maintenance tasks as required by the plant preventive maintenance program, entering preventive maintenance data into the plant P.M. system software
- Perform the duties of a robotics programmer in a safe, responsible manner, obeying all plant safety rules while on the job
- Practice good housekeeping in all areas
- Other duties and responsibilities as required by the supervisor to maintain and operate a safe, efficient, and quality conscious operation
What you will gain as a part of the Auria Team:
- An opportunity to enroll in full medical, dental and vision plan, as well as voluntary benefits
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Growth opportunities
What you will bring:
- Associates Degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school
- Preferred 2-3 years plant maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment, utilizing basic PLC, Robotic Programming (ABB, Fanuc, Motoman)
- Experience with PLC’s is desirable (Allen Bradley and/or Siemens)
- Must have skills in reading electrical and mechanical prints
- Must be available to work 12 hour shift
- Must be available to work off shift
- Must be available to work overtime and holidays
Travel Requirements: As needed for training or support of other facilities
Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:
- Perform each essential job duty satisfactorily
- PLC Programming Logic
- Computer Logic
- Pneumatic Circuitry / Application Skills
- Mechanical Skills
- Pride in Workmanship
- Self-motivating
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Good organizing and planning skills
- Good mathematical skills
- Proficient computer skills (MS Office - Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
- Ability to safely operate forklift or standup lift
- Ability to safely lift and/or pull 40 lbs without restriction
- Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time
- Ability to work weekends, overtime and off-shift as needed
When applying to Auria positions, you will be taken to our career site to apply directly with us even through external job boards. Auria utilizes an in-depth interview process and will extend offers to successful candidates only at the completion of our process.
Auria reminds all candidates that we will never ask for sensitive financial information throughout our process. We remind all candidates to take caution with any position that they are applying or when engaging with recruiters.
Description
Auria is a leading global supplier of highly-engineered systems for automotive flooring, acoustical, thermal, aerodynamic and other fiber-based solutions for gas and electric vehicles. With U.S.-based operational headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, Auria operates 16 manufacturing, 9 technical and 5 JV locations across 10 countries and employs approximately 3,900 people worldwide.
We are currently searching for Robot Programmer to join our team at our Spartanburg Plant in Spartanburg, SC.
What you will do:
- Load robot programs and configure I/O
- Ability to write, test and modify programs
- Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and modify current programs (ABB, Fanuc, YASKAWA)
- Strong ability to troubleshoot equipment issues and perform subsequent repairs necessary to return the equipment back to operational status
- Ability to perform calibrations and troubleshoot mechanical issues, such as changing components (wiring, motors, boards, drives)
- Reassemble, adjust, and test repaired equipment to ensure a quality part is being produced
- Ability to communicate and coordinate repairs with off-site OEM Phone Support
- Perform preventive maintenance tasks as required by the plant preventive maintenance program, entering preventive maintenance data into the plant P.M. system software
- Perform the duties of a robotics programmer in a safe, responsible manner, obeying all plant safety rules while on the job
- Practice good housekeeping in all areas
- Other duties and responsibilities as required by the supervisor to maintain and operate a safe, efficient, and quality conscious operation
What you will gain as a part of the Auria Team:
- An opportunity to enroll in full medical, dental and vision plan, as well as voluntary benefits
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Growth opportunities
What you will bring:
- Associates Degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school
- Preferred 2-3 years plant maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment, utilizing basic PLC, Robotic Programming (ABB, Fanuc, Motoman)
- Experience with PLC’s is desirable (Allen Bradley and/or Siemens)
- Must have skills in reading electrical and mechanical prints
- Must be available to work 12 hour shift
- Must be available to work off shift
- Must be available to work overtime and holidays
Travel Requirements: As needed for training or support of other facilities
Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:
- Perform each essential job duty satisfactorily
- PLC Programming Logic
- Computer Logic
- Pneumatic Circuitry / Application Skills
- Mechanical Skills
- Pride in Workmanship
- Self-motivating
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Good organizing and planning skills
- Good mathematical skills
- Proficient computer skills (MS Office - Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
- Ability to safely operate forklift or standup lift
- Ability to safely lift and/or pull 40 lbs without restriction
- Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time
- Ability to work weekends, overtime and off-shift as needed
When applying to Auria positions, you will be taken to our career site to apply directly with us even through external job boards. Auria utilizes an in-depth interview process and will extend offers to successful candidates only at the completion of our process.
Auria reminds all candidates that we will never ask for sensitive financial information throughout our process. We remind all candidates to take caution with any position that they are applying or when engaging with recruiters.
OPT Automotive Job Roles in South Carolina
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Search Automotive Jobs in South CarolinaAutomotive OPT Sponsorship Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which automotive companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in South Carolina?
BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg and Volvo Cars in Berkeley County are the two largest original equipment manufacturers with established international hiring programs. Beyond OEMs, suppliers such as Michelin North America (headquartered in Greenville), ZF, and Bosch have significant South Carolina operations and have historically supported OPT employees in engineering and technical roles. Sponsorship practices vary by role, department, and annual hiring cycles, so confirming directly with recruiters is essential.
Which cities in South Carolina have the most automotive F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Spartanburg and the broader Upstate region, including Greenville and Anderson, concentrate the highest density of automotive employers due to BMW's plant and its surrounding supplier ecosystem. Berkeley County near Charleston has grown significantly with the Volvo Cars facility. Columbia occasionally sees automotive-adjacent roles tied to logistics and corporate functions. For F-1 OPT candidates, the Spartanburg-Greenville corridor represents the strongest starting point.
What types of automotive roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that align with F-1 OPT STEM extension eligibility tend to attract the most sponsorship interest. These include manufacturing engineering, quality assurance engineering, supply chain and logistics analysis, process engineering, and vehicle systems testing. Software-defined vehicle and electrification roles are increasingly common at South Carolina plants. Positions requiring a direct degree-to-role connection, particularly in mechanical, electrical, industrial, or computer engineering, are most consistently supported by OPT work authorization.
How do I find automotive F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in South Carolina?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 OPT, and by industry. Searching automotive roles in South Carolina on Migrate Mate surfaces positions from employers with documented sponsorship activity, saving significant research time. Beyond the platform, attending career fairs hosted by Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, both of which have strong ties to the Upstate automotive cluster, can also surface unadvertised opportunities.
Are there any South Carolina-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in the automotive industry?
South Carolina's automotive employers operate under significant production schedules and often hire on project-specific timelines, which can affect how quickly OPT authorization needs to be in place. F-1 students using standard OPT have 12 months of work authorization, while STEM OPT extension applicants must be employed by an E-Verify enrolled employer. Most major manufacturers and large Tier 1 suppliers in the state are E-Verify enrolled, but confirming this with any prospective employer before accepting an offer is advisable.