Manufacturing Green Card Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee
Tennessee's manufacturing sector spans automotive, chemical, and food production, with major employers like Volkswagen, Bridgestone, and Eastman Chemical regularly sponsoring Green Card petitions for skilled workers. From Chattanooga's auto plants to Memphis's logistics-linked factories and Kingsport's chemical facilities, the state offers meaningful pathways for international workers seeking permanent residence through manufacturing roles.
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Get Access To All JobsElectrical Controls Lead
Department: Maintenance
Reports to: Maintenance Leader
FLSA Status: Exempt; Hourly
Revised Date: 4/2026
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Electrical Controls Lead is responsible for the technical leadership, reliability, and continuous improvement of electrical and automation systems within a high‑technology manufacturing facility. This role serves as the subject‑matter expert for PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, robotics, and process control systems, while leading and developing a team of electrical and controls technicians. The position partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Technical/Quality, Engineering, IT/OT, and Safety to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Leadership & Systems Ownership
- Serve as the site technical authority for electrical power distribution, PLCs, HMIs, motion control, robotics, vision systems, and industrial networks.
- Own standards for controls architecture, programming, documentation, and change management.
- Lead troubleshooting of complex electrical and controls failures to minimize downtime and prevent recurrence.
- Support new equipment installations, commissioning, and acceptance testing.
- Ensure compliance with electrical codes, safety standards, and company engineering guidelines.
Reliability & Continuous Improvement
- Drive reliability improvements through root cause analysis (RCA), failure mode analysis, and preventive/predictive maintenance strategies.
- Identify and implement control strategies.
- Support and lead kaizen events, 5S activities, and lean manufacturing initiatives across the plant.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance equipment performance, reliability, and maintainability.
- Ensure all control systems operate reliably, effectively, and in alignment with plant safety and quality standards.
- Support TPM, continuous improvement, and digital manufacturing initiatives.
- Maintain accurate electrical schematics, PLC programs, backups, and asset documentation.
Team Leadership & Development
- Provide technical directions and coaching to electrical and controls technicians.
- Support training and skill development in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and automation technologies.
- Participate in staffing assessments, succession planning, and performance feedback.
- Act as escalation support for shift maintenance teams during critical events.
Collaboration & Project Support
- Partner with Operations and Engineering to optimize equipment performance and process control.
- Coordinate with IT/OT resources on network security, system integration, and data reliability.
- Support capital projects, automation expansions, and technology roadmaps.
- Communicate effectively across shifts and departments to ensure alignment and execution.
Safety & Compliance
- Champion electrical safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc‑flash mitigation, and safe work practices.
- Ensure controls modifications follow proper management of change (MOC) processes.
- Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership and accountability.
Job Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Associates Degree in technical field required
- 5 years of experience in electrical/controls maintenance within a manufacturing environment
- Experience in high‑technology, automated, or continuous‑process manufacturing.
- Robotics, vision systems, or advanced motion control experience.
- Familiarity with OT cybersecurity and networked control systems.
- Project leadership or capital project support experience.
- CMMS, TPM, or reliability‑centered maintenance experience.
- High level of competency with Allen-Bradley PLC (Control Logix), HMI.
- Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Technical depth and structured problem solving
- Leadership and coaching capability
- On‑call or off‑shift support as required for critical issues or project execution
- Strong communication across technical and non‑technical teams
- Bias for safety, reliability, and continuous improvement
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Planning and organizational skills
- Basic computer skills
- Knowledge of SAP system
- Analyze and interpret the area’s Top Losses
- Adhere to 5S Standard
- Identify abnormalities and write Red/Blue tags
- Create and train on OPL (One-point lessons)
- Adhere to CI Standard
- Identify HTA’s and SOC’s
- Identify safety hazards in work area as part of Step 0
- Understand Problem-Solving/5 Whys
- Understand TPM methodology
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Wear required PPE equipment (safety glasses, bump cap, steel toe boots, ear protection, heat/cut resistant gloves, long sleeve shirt, and face mask)
- Climb and descend stairs
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to industrial equipment and electrical systems
- Lift, push, and pull 50lbs as needed
- Repetitive hand, arm, leg movements
COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE COMPETENCIES
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite
- SAP experience is a plus
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Complete all annual safety and role specific training, as required by the nature of this position
- Must pass all required assessments
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
Electrical Controls Lead
Department: Maintenance
Reports to: Maintenance Leader
FLSA Status: Exempt; Hourly
Revised Date: 4/2026
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Electrical Controls Lead is responsible for the technical leadership, reliability, and continuous improvement of electrical and automation systems within a high‑technology manufacturing facility. This role serves as the subject‑matter expert for PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, robotics, and process control systems, while leading and developing a team of electrical and controls technicians. The position partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Technical/Quality, Engineering, IT/OT, and Safety to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Leadership & Systems Ownership
- Serve as the site technical authority for electrical power distribution, PLCs, HMIs, motion control, robotics, vision systems, and industrial networks.
- Own standards for controls architecture, programming, documentation, and change management.
- Lead troubleshooting of complex electrical and controls failures to minimize downtime and prevent recurrence.
- Support new equipment installations, commissioning, and acceptance testing.
- Ensure compliance with electrical codes, safety standards, and company engineering guidelines.
Reliability & Continuous Improvement
- Drive reliability improvements through root cause analysis (RCA), failure mode analysis, and preventive/predictive maintenance strategies.
- Identify and implement control strategies.
- Support and lead kaizen events, 5S activities, and lean manufacturing initiatives across the plant.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance equipment performance, reliability, and maintainability.
- Ensure all control systems operate reliably, effectively, and in alignment with plant safety and quality standards.
- Support TPM, continuous improvement, and digital manufacturing initiatives.
- Maintain accurate electrical schematics, PLC programs, backups, and asset documentation.
Team Leadership & Development
- Provide technical directions and coaching to electrical and controls technicians.
- Support training and skill development in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and automation technologies.
- Participate in staffing assessments, succession planning, and performance feedback.
- Act as escalation support for shift maintenance teams during critical events.
Collaboration & Project Support
- Partner with Operations and Engineering to optimize equipment performance and process control.
- Coordinate with IT/OT resources on network security, system integration, and data reliability.
- Support capital projects, automation expansions, and technology roadmaps.
- Communicate effectively across shifts and departments to ensure alignment and execution.
Safety & Compliance
- Champion electrical safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc‑flash mitigation, and safe work practices.
- Ensure controls modifications follow proper management of change (MOC) processes.
- Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership and accountability.
Job Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Associates Degree in technical field required
- 5 years of experience in electrical/controls maintenance within a manufacturing environment
- Experience in high‑technology, automated, or continuous‑process manufacturing.
- Robotics, vision systems, or advanced motion control experience.
- Familiarity with OT cybersecurity and networked control systems.
- Project leadership or capital project support experience.
- CMMS, TPM, or reliability‑centered maintenance experience.
- High level of competency with Allen-Bradley PLC (Control Logix), HMI.
- Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Technical depth and structured problem solving
- Leadership and coaching capability
- On‑call or off‑shift support as required for critical issues or project execution
- Strong communication across technical and non‑technical teams
- Bias for safety, reliability, and continuous improvement
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Planning and organizational skills
- Basic computer skills
- Knowledge of SAP system
- Analyze and interpret the area’s Top Losses
- Adhere to 5S Standard
- Identify abnormalities and write Red/Blue tags
- Create and train on OPL (One-point lessons)
- Adhere to CI Standard
- Identify HTA’s and SOC’s
- Identify safety hazards in work area as part of Step 0
- Understand Problem-Solving/5 Whys
- Understand TPM methodology
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Wear required PPE equipment (safety glasses, bump cap, steel toe boots, ear protection, heat/cut resistant gloves, long sleeve shirt, and face mask)
- Climb and descend stairs
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to industrial equipment and electrical systems
- Lift, push, and pull 50lbs as needed
- Repetitive hand, arm, leg movements
COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE COMPETENCIES
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite
- SAP experience is a plus
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Complete all annual safety and role specific training, as required by the nature of this position
- Must pass all required assessments
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
Green Card Manufacturing Job Roles in Tennessee
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Search Manufacturing Jobs in TennesseeManufacturing Green Card Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies sponsor Green Card visas in Tennessee?
Several large manufacturers in Tennessee have a documented history of sponsoring employment-based Green Cards. Volkswagen Group of America in Chattanooga, Bridgestone Americas in Nashville, Eastman Chemical in Kingsport, and Denso Manufacturing in Maryville have all filed PERM labor certification applications for skilled manufacturing and engineering roles. Sponsorship decisions are always employer-specific and role-specific, so direct engagement with HR departments is the most reliable way to confirm a company's current policies.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most manufacturing Green Card sponsorship jobs?
Chattanooga, Nashville, and Kingsport are the strongest concentrations. Chattanooga's automotive corridor, anchored by Volkswagen and numerous Tier 1 suppliers, generates steady demand for skilled technicians and engineers. Nashville and its surrounding counties host pharmaceutical and consumer goods manufacturers. Kingsport and Johnson City in Northeast Tennessee are home to chemical and advanced materials producers like Eastman Chemical, which have historically sponsored foreign national employees through employment-based Green Card categories.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for Green Card sponsorship?
Green Card sponsorship through PERM labor certification most commonly applies to roles requiring specialized education or experience that the employer cannot fill with available U.S. workers. In Tennessee manufacturing, that typically includes process engineers, chemical engineers, quality engineers, industrial engineers, automation specialists, and production managers with advanced degrees. Skilled technician roles can qualify under EB-3, but they require the employer to complete a full prevailing wage determination and recruitment process before filing.
How do I find manufacturing Green Card sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate is a job board built specifically for international workers seeking visa sponsorship in the U.S., including manufacturing Green Card roles in Tennessee. Filtering by state and visa type surfaces employers who have indicated sponsorship availability for permanent residence pathways. Because PERM-based sponsorship requires a long-term employment relationship, prioritizing established manufacturers in Chattanooga, Nashville, and Kingsport with a history of sponsoring foreign nationals improves your chances significantly.
Are there any Tennessee-specific considerations for Green Card sponsorship in manufacturing?
Tennessee is a right-to-work state with a relatively low cost of doing business, which has attracted significant foreign direct investment in manufacturing, particularly from German and Japanese automakers and chemical companies. This international employer presence correlates with greater familiarity with employment-based immigration processes. However, Tennessee has no state-level immigration programs or incentives that accelerate or simplify the federal Green Card process. All PERM filings and I-140 petitions follow standard federal procedures regardless of where the employer operates.
What is the prevailing wage for Green Card manufacturing jobs in Tennessee?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.