Automotive STEM OPT Jobs in Tennessee
F-1 STEM OPT automotive jobs in Tennessee put you inside one of the country's most concentrated auto manufacturing corridors. Nissan's Smyrna assembly plant, Volkswagen in Chattanooga, and a dense network of Tier 1 suppliers across Middle Tennessee actively hire engineers, data analysts, and manufacturing technologists, roles that routinely qualify for STEM OPT authorization.
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in Yanfeng. As one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, we are creating the future of mobility as a collaborative, global team. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, as well as a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are a company with an established history and a bright future.
In North America, Yanfeng is focused on enhancing the mobility experience through the design, development, and manufacturing of automotive interiors, seating, electronics, and passive safety systems. Founded in Shanghai in 1936, Yanfeng’s history of innovation and craftsmanship have since expanded the business globally. Currently, Yanfeng has more than 240 locations and approximately 55,000 employees worldwide.
Become a part of something more. Join our team as we grow and create the future of mobility, together.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Carry out process improvements, problem resolution, project management and help with employee training.
- Improve manufacturing processes and methods for cost-reduction, quality improvement and efficiency.
- Prepare and present plans for above and coordinate deployment.
- Perform research, design and development of manufacturing processes including production flow, assembly methods and production equipment.
- Coordinate the manufacturing launch of new/revised products including establishing goals and evaluating results.
- Participate in analysis of designs to determine areas of improvement.
- Maintain plant documentation for designated product lines to include but not limited to PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams and ODS forms.
- Establish/maintain lineside racking in manufacturing areas.
- Understand automation interfaces with robotics and vision systems that are used for manufacturing and Poke-Yoke Systems.
- Attend and participate in SDT Meetings working with Program and Launch Managers to go over open issues lists and upcoming changes to assigned programs.
- Prepare/maintain electronic floor layout drawings for current/future business and Continuous Improvement projects.
- Lead equipment installation and relocation projects within the facility, including but not limited to air, power and floor space requirements.
- Ability to work in a team environment and mentor other engineers in the department.
- Perform process and material flow analysis. Develop manufacturing process techniques, and equipment to improve productivity.
- Improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout.
- Keep equipment operational by establishing and coordinating preventive maintenance and repair services.
- Work closely with maintenance, engineering and operations team to identify and stock critical equipment spares.
- Understand TAKT, equipment utilization and OEE; partners with Operations and Process Engineering to identify detractors and improve OEE.
- Execute Capital Appropriation Requests with payback assessments for equipment.
- Participate in design and build reviews for new equipment and drive improvement to machine design using lessons learned from previous launches.
- Provide and support engineering assistance in quality problem solving activities.
- Maintain reliable and safe manufacturing systems while improving production rates, efficiencies, yields, costs and changeover times.
- Any and all other duties assigned by manager.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Essential Common Requirements for all Employees:
- International Operating System (IOS): Understand, apply, and meet all function related IOS requirements.
- Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS): Understand, apply, and meet all function related EHS requirements.
- Product Safety: Understand, apply, and meet all function-related Product Safety requirements.
- Compliance: Understand, apply, and meet all function-related Compliance requirements.
- Information Security: Understand, apply, and meet all function-related IT / Information Security and confidentiality of YFAI information requirements.
- Must comply with all company policies and procedures.
- Employee must have the ability to work additional hours and / or overtime as needed or assigned to complete job duties on time.
- Ability to multitask, interact politely and professionally with customers, suppliers and vendors, and work cooperatively with employees at all levels.
- Ability to maintain predictable and regular attendance, arrive to designated location on time, or be at assigned location ready to work for assignment (plant, corporate office, or remote).
Required Education Level
Bachelor's Level Degree
Area of Study: Science Engineer; Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing or similar.
*Equivalent work experience may also be considered for certain positions.
2-5 Minimum Years of Experience working in the field.
3 Minimum Years of Experience within the automotive industry.
Must be able and willing to travel and work at customer sites, including industrial manufacturing plants which might require climbing, lifting, or working in confined spaces.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Yanfeng is committed to developing our employees through opportunities like development programs, continuous learning, mentorship, and volunteerism. Our industry-leading team is looking to recruit highly motivated and engaged talent. Upon joining Yanfeng, new employees will get a detailed introduction through our comprehensive onboarding process. Advance your career with personal and professional growth as a part of our global team!
STEM OPT Automotive Job Roles in Tennessee
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Search Automotive Jobs in TennesseeAutomotive STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which automotive companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Tennessee?
Tennessee's major automotive employers with documented F-1 STEM OPT hiring histories include Nissan North America in Smyrna, Volkswagen Group of America in Chattanooga, and a wide range of Tier 1 suppliers such as Bridgestone Americas and Denso Manufacturing. These companies regularly hire STEM graduates for engineering, quality assurance, and manufacturing systems roles that fall within STEM-designated fields.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most automotive F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Smyrna and Murfreesboro in Rutherford County anchor Middle Tennessee's auto manufacturing hub, with Nissan's largest North American assembly plant located there. Chattanooga is a growing center anchored by Volkswagen and its supplier network. Nashville attracts automotive corporate and technology functions. Cookeville and Spring Hill also host significant Tier 1 supplier operations with engineering and technical staff needs.
How do I find automotive F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate filters automotive job listings specifically by visa sponsorship type, including F-1 STEM OPT, so you can target Tennessee openings without sorting through roles that won't support your status. Search by state and industry to surface positions at OEM plants and Tier 1 suppliers across Smyrna, Chattanooga, and Nashville. Confirm each employer's STEM OPT eligibility by checking their E-Verify enrollment, which is required for STEM OPT extensions.
What types of automotive roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles qualifying for STEM OPT must fall within a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs code tied to the graduate's degree. In automotive, this commonly covers mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, supply chain analytics, vehicle systems software, and quality engineering positions. Purely operational or non-technical roles generally do not qualify. O*NET occupation profiles can help confirm whether a specific job title aligns with a STEM-designated field.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Tennessee's automotive industry?
Tennessee does not impose state-level visa sponsorship requirements beyond federal USCIS rules, but the density of manufacturing operations here means employers are accustomed to shift-based and plant-floor roles. STEM OPT candidates should confirm that a proposed role involves a formal training plan under a qualifying STEM degree, as required by USCIS. Tennessee's automotive suppliers often operate as subsidiaries of international parent companies, which can affect the E-Verify enrollment status you'll need to verify.