Manufacturing H-1B Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee
Tennessee's manufacturing sector spans automotive, chemical, and advanced electronics production, with major employers like Volkswagen, Bridgestone, and Eastman Chemical regularly filing H-1B visa petitions for engineering, process, and quality roles. Sponsorship activity is concentrated in Chattanooga, Nashville, and Kingsport, making Tennessee one of the more active H-1B manufacturing states in the South.
Find Manufacturing JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 462+ Manufacturing H-1B Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 462+ Manufacturing H-1B Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Manufacturing H-1B Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Operational Excellence Manager at our manufacturing site in Chattanooga, Tennessee, plays a critical role in driving Astec Industries' Lean Systems throughout the organization. This leader is responsible for advancing strategy deployment, implementing lean methodologies, and aligning plant-level initiatives with corporate strategic goals. The role also serves as a liaison between the General Manager and the Astec corporate team to ensure cohesion in strategy and execution.
LOCATION: This is an onsite position at our Roadtec-Manufacturers Road facility in Chattanooga, TN.
KEY ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Lead the deployment of the Hoshin Kanri strategy framework at the plant and Asphalt business unit level to ensure alignment with corporate goals and initiatives.
-
Plan and facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events that drive measurable improvements across manufacturing, sales, and support functions.
-
Implement core Lean Systems and tools such as 5S, standard work, visual management, value stream mapping, TPM, and continuous flow to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
-
Champion and oversee the deployment of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), including the implementation of pillars like autonomous maintenance, planned maintenance, quality maintenance, and early equipment management.
-
Design and deliver structured Lean and TPM training programs that teach tools, principles, and cultural behaviors across all organizational levels, ensuring understanding and practical application.
-
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across both shop floor and office operations, supporting functional leaders in achieving performance targets.
-
Coach and mentor employees and leaders in structured problem-solving methods such as A3 thinking to build capability and foster ownership.
-
Act as a hands-on liaison between the site and corporate teams, ensuring strategic alignment and effective communication across all improvement initiatives.
-
Support capital investment planning by conducting ROI analysis and evaluating the operational impact of proposed projects.
-
Develop and maintain True North Boards and PQVC (People, Quality, Velocity, Cost) dashboards to ensure performance visibility and alignment with business objectives.
-
Integrate Lean thinking into onboarding and leadership development programs to reinforce a culture of continuous improvement from day one.
-
Build internal problem-solving capability by coaching teams to sustain gains and independently lead improvement efforts.
-
Facilitate cross-functional alignment sessions to identify priorities, remove barriers, and foster collaboration across departments.
-
Collaborate with corporate leadership to align operational improvements with business growth strategies, including capacity expansion and new product introductions.
TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE, YOUR EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES ARE:
-
Extensive experience in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement, with a demonstrated ability to implement and sustain long-term improvements across various business functions.
-
A proven track record of leading and facilitating Kaizen events that deliver measurable results in manufacturing, engineering, sales, service, and administrative processes.
-
Experience with the Hoshin Kanri strategy framework is highly preferred.
-
Strategic thinking and business acumen to align day-to-day actions with long-term organizational goals and growth plans.
-
Exceptional coaching, teaching, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage, educate, and empower employees at all levels—from shop floor operators to executive leadership.
-
Hands-on knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and its key pillars, as well as experience applying PQVC metrics, True North Boards, A3 problem-solving, and X-Matrix frameworks.
-
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building trust and alignment across cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
-
Analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities, with proficiency in performance measurement and root cause analysis.
-
Self-motivation and initiative, with the ability to work independently while collaborating with teams across functions and levels.
-
A continuous improvement mindset, consistently seeking ways to improve processes, culture, and results while modeling Astec Industries, Inc.’s core values.
SUPERVISOR AND LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS
-
Report to the General Manager, with a functional relationship to the Director of Operational Excellence.
-
Act as a trusted partner and strategic advisor on lean transformation efforts.
-
Lead by example on the shop floor and in office settings.
-
Deliver periodic updates to corporate leadership regarding initiative progress, risks, and opportunities.
Our Culture and Values
Employees that become part of Astec Industries, Inc. embody the values below throughout their work.
-
Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
-
Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
-
Respect for all individuals
-
Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
-
Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Manufacturing Environment
Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec Industries, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.
INTRODUCTION
Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Operational Excellence Manager at our manufacturing site in Chattanooga, Tennessee, plays a critical role in driving Astec Industries' Lean Systems throughout the organization. This leader is responsible for advancing strategy deployment, implementing lean methodologies, and aligning plant-level initiatives with corporate strategic goals. The role also serves as a liaison between the General Manager and the Astec corporate team to ensure cohesion in strategy and execution.
LOCATION: This is an onsite position at our Roadtec-Manufacturers Road facility in Chattanooga, TN.
KEY ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Lead the deployment of the Hoshin Kanri strategy framework at the plant and Asphalt business unit level to ensure alignment with corporate goals and initiatives.
-
Plan and facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events that drive measurable improvements across manufacturing, sales, and support functions.
-
Implement core Lean Systems and tools such as 5S, standard work, visual management, value stream mapping, TPM, and continuous flow to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
-
Champion and oversee the deployment of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), including the implementation of pillars like autonomous maintenance, planned maintenance, quality maintenance, and early equipment management.
-
Design and deliver structured Lean and TPM training programs that teach tools, principles, and cultural behaviors across all organizational levels, ensuring understanding and practical application.
-
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across both shop floor and office operations, supporting functional leaders in achieving performance targets.
-
Coach and mentor employees and leaders in structured problem-solving methods such as A3 thinking to build capability and foster ownership.
-
Act as a hands-on liaison between the site and corporate teams, ensuring strategic alignment and effective communication across all improvement initiatives.
-
Support capital investment planning by conducting ROI analysis and evaluating the operational impact of proposed projects.
-
Develop and maintain True North Boards and PQVC (People, Quality, Velocity, Cost) dashboards to ensure performance visibility and alignment with business objectives.
-
Integrate Lean thinking into onboarding and leadership development programs to reinforce a culture of continuous improvement from day one.
-
Build internal problem-solving capability by coaching teams to sustain gains and independently lead improvement efforts.
-
Facilitate cross-functional alignment sessions to identify priorities, remove barriers, and foster collaboration across departments.
-
Collaborate with corporate leadership to align operational improvements with business growth strategies, including capacity expansion and new product introductions.
TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE, YOUR EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES ARE:
-
Extensive experience in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement, with a demonstrated ability to implement and sustain long-term improvements across various business functions.
-
A proven track record of leading and facilitating Kaizen events that deliver measurable results in manufacturing, engineering, sales, service, and administrative processes.
-
Experience with the Hoshin Kanri strategy framework is highly preferred.
-
Strategic thinking and business acumen to align day-to-day actions with long-term organizational goals and growth plans.
-
Exceptional coaching, teaching, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage, educate, and empower employees at all levels—from shop floor operators to executive leadership.
-
Hands-on knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and its key pillars, as well as experience applying PQVC metrics, True North Boards, A3 problem-solving, and X-Matrix frameworks.
-
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building trust and alignment across cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
-
Analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities, with proficiency in performance measurement and root cause analysis.
-
Self-motivation and initiative, with the ability to work independently while collaborating with teams across functions and levels.
-
A continuous improvement mindset, consistently seeking ways to improve processes, culture, and results while modeling Astec Industries, Inc.’s core values.
SUPERVISOR AND LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS
-
Report to the General Manager, with a functional relationship to the Director of Operational Excellence.
-
Act as a trusted partner and strategic advisor on lean transformation efforts.
-
Lead by example on the shop floor and in office settings.
-
Deliver periodic updates to corporate leadership regarding initiative progress, risks, and opportunities.
Our Culture and Values
Employees that become part of Astec Industries, Inc. embody the values below throughout their work.
-
Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
-
Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
-
Respect for all individuals
-
Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
-
Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Manufacturing Environment
Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec Industries, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.
H-1B Manufacturing Job Roles in Tennessee
See all 462+ Manufacturing H-1B 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 H-1B Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies in Tennessee sponsor H-1B visas?
Several large manufacturers with Tennessee operations have documented H-1B visa filing histories, including Volkswagen Group of America in Chattanooga, Bridgestone Americas in Nashville, Eastman Chemical in Kingsport, and Wacker Polysilicon in Charleston. Nissan's Smyrna assembly plant and various automotive supplier operations in the state also appear in Department of Labor LCA disclosure data as H-1B petitioners.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most manufacturing H-1B sponsorship jobs?
Chattanooga leads in automotive manufacturing H-1B activity, anchored by the Volkswagen assembly plant and its supplier network. Nashville and its surrounding metro attract sponsorship roles in industrial operations, engineering, and corporate manufacturing functions. Kingsport and Johnson City in Northeast Tennessee see consistent H-1B filings from chemical and specialty materials manufacturers, particularly within the Eastman Chemical ecosystem.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship in Tennessee?
H-1B sponsorship in manufacturing is generally limited to specialty occupation roles requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field. In Tennessee's manufacturing sector, this typically includes mechanical, chemical, and industrial engineers, process and quality engineers, materials scientists, automation and controls engineers, and manufacturing IT or systems roles. General production, assembly, and operator positions do not meet the specialty occupation standard.
How do I find manufacturing H-1B sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search. You can filter by visa type, state, and industry to see manufacturing H-1B sponsorship jobs in Tennessee from employers with documented sponsorship histories. Because Migrate Mate focuses on international job seekers, the listings surface roles where sponsorship is a genuine consideration rather than requiring you to screen through thousands of postings that don't apply to your situation.
Are there any Tennessee-specific considerations for H-1B sponsorship in manufacturing?
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, which affects total compensation comparisons but has no bearing on H-1B eligibility or the employer's sponsorship obligations. The state's concentration of foreign-owned manufacturers, including German and Japanese automotive companies, means some employers have established international hiring programs and prior H-1B filing experience. However, sponsorship decisions are made at the company level, and prior filings do not guarantee current openings will offer sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage for H-1B 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.