Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Tennessee
Manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Tennessee are concentrated around Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis, where employers like Nissan, Volkswagen, and Bridgestone operate large facilities. Tennessee's advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors regularly hire engineers, process technicians, and quality specialists whose roles qualify under STEM-designated degree categories for OPT extension eligibility.
Find Manufacturing JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 50+ Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Tennessee
See all 50+ Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Tennessee
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Tennessee.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are seeking an entry level engineer who has a desire to learn and grow in the exciting field of HVAC Controls and Building Automation Systems (BAS) to join our Federal Systems team supporting the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Y-12 National Security Complex on a full-time basis. The role will start as a Field Controls Technician to learn the equipment and systems in the field. ORNL offers an environment with many unique systems that primarily integrate into our Metasys control system. ORNL is home to some of the world's fastest supercomputers and our Metasys system is responsible for cooling the computers, as well as central chiller plants and boiler plants that feed utilities site wide. Y-12 has more than 100 buildings on site ranging from chiller plants to general office spaces. This is an ever-changing position that can provide a growth path for each team member to develop new talents and advance within the company.
At Johnson Controls, we support our nation’s most critical facilities, the people who occupy them, and the missions they enable. Johnson Controls Federal Systems (JCFS) is a specialized team serving as a trusted partner to the federal government. We help modernize U.S. military installations, Department of Defense and other federal agency facilities to be smarter, more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and secure.
Pay range: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour.
Negotiable based on experience.
Company Vehicle: Yes.
Shift: Day shift, Monday-Friday
Benefits: Eligible for benefits on first day of employment
Vacation: 3 weeks of paid vacation, 5 sick days, 3 floating holidays, and 10 standard holidays per calendar year
Travel: Limited. Primary work will all be at Oak Ridge National Lab and Y-12
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As an Entry Level Engineer / Field Controls Technician, you will:
- Conduct self-study and instructor led training to improve technical proficiency in company's product lines and systems; completes certifications as required
- Perform preventive maintenance, repair, installation, commissioning, point-to-point checkouts, troubleshooting and/or replacement of HVAC controls systems (BAS systems) and related light commercial mechanical equipment; most work will involve Johnson Controls Metasys and Distech controls
- Diagnose and repair a variety of electronic and digital control system malfunctions
- Test and perform modifications to systems software when needed
- Assist with sketching and documenting field changes and discrepancies for engineering corrections and drawings
- Provide training and associated manuals and documentation to customers on electronic control systems operations
- Help mechanical staff troubleshoot issues and may help with minor mechanical maintenance
- Ensure work performed complies with company, federal regulations, industry standards and guidelines, and customer requirements
- Compile project documentation, such as certificate of completion, customer training forms, training certificates and punch lists
- Read and properly interpret blueprints, diagrams, submittals, specifications, software/systems programs, schematics and operational product manuals
- Adhere to Johnson Controls and customer safety standards, provide safety awareness leadership and instruction to technicians and subcontractors on Johnson Controls work sites
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, preferably in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, HVAC, or Industrial Engineering fields
- U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances and/or badges as required to perform site duties. (This involves a background/character, criminal history, employment, and credit check.)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with HVAC mechanical equipment or HVAC Controls (Direct Digital Controls), VAV's, VRF's, or other related systems and equipment
- Knowledge of electronic or digital controls systems, HVAC controls systems, facilities management systems, site preparation, peripheral equipment installation and servicing techniques
- Technical knowledge and experience working with Johnson Controls Metasys, Tridium Niagara, or Distech Direct Digital Control (DDC) system
- Programming and/or troubleshooting various brands of HVAC controls products is highly desired (Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Siemens, Delta, Distech, Carrier, ALC, Andover)
- Experience with BAS communication protocols including at least one of the following: BACnet MSTP, BACnet IP, N2, P1, Modbus, and/or LON
- Experience using SMP, SCT, and/or CCT
WHO WE ARE
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we are One Team working collaboratively to create purposeful solutions that make a difference in the world. We are a Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees worldwide offering the world’s largest portfolio of building technology products, solutions and services. As a member of our Federal Systems team, your work matters. We value and recognize your contributions and want to help you succeed. We invest in our employees, provide opportunities for growth and advancement, and foster a culture of inclusion and respect.
To learn more about who we are and what we do, please check out our Take a Journey video.
Recently, Johnson Controls has been recognized by several organizations for leadership in Environment, Sustainability and Governance, as well as innovations in smart building platforms:
- Named to FORTUNE’s “Most Admired Companies” List
- Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World
- Named to Forbes Net Zero Leaders list
- CDP 2023 Climate Change 'A List'
- Ranked 67 on the Drucker Institute’s list of best-managed companies in America
- Forbes Best Employers for Diversity
- Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity
- Ethisphere 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies list for the 17th time
- Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2024
- Named to Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Veterans 2024 / 2025 listing
- Named to Forbes America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2024
- Named one of the top military friendly employers by military.com.
Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/careers
LOCATION
Division: JCFS (Johnson Controls Federal Systems)
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking an entry level engineer who has a desire to learn and grow in the exciting field of HVAC Controls and Building Automation Systems (BAS) to join our Federal Systems team supporting the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Y-12 National Security Complex on a full-time basis. The role will start as a Field Controls Technician to learn the equipment and systems in the field. ORNL offers an environment with many unique systems that primarily integrate into our Metasys control system. ORNL is home to some of the world's fastest supercomputers and our Metasys system is responsible for cooling the computers, as well as central chiller plants and boiler plants that feed utilities site wide. Y-12 has more than 100 buildings on site ranging from chiller plants to general office spaces. This is an ever-changing position that can provide a growth path for each team member to develop new talents and advance within the company.
At Johnson Controls, we support our nation’s most critical facilities, the people who occupy them, and the missions they enable. Johnson Controls Federal Systems (JCFS) is a specialized team serving as a trusted partner to the federal government. We help modernize U.S. military installations, Department of Defense and other federal agency facilities to be smarter, more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and secure.
Pay range: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour.
Negotiable based on experience.
Company Vehicle: Yes.
Shift: Day shift, Monday-Friday
Benefits: Eligible for benefits on first day of employment
Vacation: 3 weeks of paid vacation, 5 sick days, 3 floating holidays, and 10 standard holidays per calendar year
Travel: Limited. Primary work will all be at Oak Ridge National Lab and Y-12
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As an Entry Level Engineer / Field Controls Technician, you will:
- Conduct self-study and instructor led training to improve technical proficiency in company's product lines and systems; completes certifications as required
- Perform preventive maintenance, repair, installation, commissioning, point-to-point checkouts, troubleshooting and/or replacement of HVAC controls systems (BAS systems) and related light commercial mechanical equipment; most work will involve Johnson Controls Metasys and Distech controls
- Diagnose and repair a variety of electronic and digital control system malfunctions
- Test and perform modifications to systems software when needed
- Assist with sketching and documenting field changes and discrepancies for engineering corrections and drawings
- Provide training and associated manuals and documentation to customers on electronic control systems operations
- Help mechanical staff troubleshoot issues and may help with minor mechanical maintenance
- Ensure work performed complies with company, federal regulations, industry standards and guidelines, and customer requirements
- Compile project documentation, such as certificate of completion, customer training forms, training certificates and punch lists
- Read and properly interpret blueprints, diagrams, submittals, specifications, software/systems programs, schematics and operational product manuals
- Adhere to Johnson Controls and customer safety standards, provide safety awareness leadership and instruction to technicians and subcontractors on Johnson Controls work sites
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, preferably in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, HVAC, or Industrial Engineering fields
- U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances and/or badges as required to perform site duties. (This involves a background/character, criminal history, employment, and credit check.)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with HVAC mechanical equipment or HVAC Controls (Direct Digital Controls), VAV's, VRF's, or other related systems and equipment
- Knowledge of electronic or digital controls systems, HVAC controls systems, facilities management systems, site preparation, peripheral equipment installation and servicing techniques
- Technical knowledge and experience working with Johnson Controls Metasys, Tridium Niagara, or Distech Direct Digital Control (DDC) system
- Programming and/or troubleshooting various brands of HVAC controls products is highly desired (Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Siemens, Delta, Distech, Carrier, ALC, Andover)
- Experience with BAS communication protocols including at least one of the following: BACnet MSTP, BACnet IP, N2, P1, Modbus, and/or LON
- Experience using SMP, SCT, and/or CCT
WHO WE ARE
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we are One Team working collaboratively to create purposeful solutions that make a difference in the world. We are a Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees worldwide offering the world’s largest portfolio of building technology products, solutions and services. As a member of our Federal Systems team, your work matters. We value and recognize your contributions and want to help you succeed. We invest in our employees, provide opportunities for growth and advancement, and foster a culture of inclusion and respect.
To learn more about who we are and what we do, please check out our Take a Journey video.
Recently, Johnson Controls has been recognized by several organizations for leadership in Environment, Sustainability and Governance, as well as innovations in smart building platforms:
- Named to FORTUNE’s “Most Admired Companies” List
- Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World
- Named to Forbes Net Zero Leaders list
- CDP 2023 Climate Change 'A List'
- Ranked 67 on the Drucker Institute’s list of best-managed companies in America
- Forbes Best Employers for Diversity
- Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity
- Ethisphere 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies list for the 17th time
- Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2024
- Named to Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Veterans 2024 / 2025 listing
- Named to Forbes America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2024
- Named one of the top military friendly employers by military.com.
Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/careers
LOCATION
Division: JCFS (Johnson Controls Federal Systems)
STEM OPT Manufacturing Job Roles in Tennessee
See all 50+ Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Tennessee
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Manufacturing Jobs in TennesseeManufacturing STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies in Tennessee sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Several large Tennessee manufacturers have documented histories of hiring F-1 STEM OPT workers. Nissan's Smyrna assembly plant, Volkswagen's Chattanooga facility, and Bridgestone's Nashville headquarters are among the largest. Chemical manufacturers like Eastman Chemical in Kingsport and medical device companies in the Nashville corridor also appear regularly in DOL Labor Condition Application filings for STEM-related roles.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Chattanooga and Smyrna lead for automotive manufacturing sponsorship, driven by Volkswagen and Nissan respectively. Nashville and its surrounding counties offer the broadest range of advanced manufacturing and life sciences roles. Kingsport and Johnson City in northeast Tennessee have strong chemical and materials manufacturing presence through Eastman Chemical. Memphis supports distribution-side manufacturing and logistics operations along its industrial corridors.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Tennessee?
Roles that qualify must require a degree in a STEM-designated field. In Tennessee manufacturing, this typically includes industrial engineers, quality assurance engineers, manufacturing process engineers, materials scientists, automation and controls engineers, and supply chain analysts with quantitative degree backgrounds. Roles in production supervision or general operations management that do not require a specific technical degree are less likely to qualify for STEM OPT extension.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search, letting you filter manufacturing jobs in Tennessee by F-1 STEM OPT eligibility and employer sponsorship history. Because sponsorship willingness isn't always stated in job postings, Migrate Mate uses DOL filing data to surface employers with verified track records of sponsoring STEM OPT workers in manufacturing roles across Chattanooga, Nashville, Smyrna, and Kingsport.
Are there any Tennessee-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in manufacturing?
Tennessee has no state income tax, which can affect total compensation comparisons when evaluating offers. Employers in Tennessee's automotive and chemical sectors often require E-Verify enrollment as a condition of federal contracting, which aligns with STEM OPT employer obligations. Tennessee's manufacturing growth in electric vehicle production, particularly around Chattanooga and the new Ford BlueOval City in Stanton, is expanding the pool of employers with active STEM hiring programs.