Manufacturing Operator Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee
Tennessee's manufacturing sector spans automotive assembly, chemical production, and food processing, with major employers like Volkswagen, Nissan, and Bridgestone operating large facilities across Chattanooga, Smyrna, and Nashville. International candidates with production experience can find visa-sponsored manufacturing operator roles throughout the state's established industrial corridors.
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Job Title: Manufacturing Operator
Department: Manufacturing Team
Direct Report: Manufacturing Group Leader
Type: Non-Exempt; Full-time
Shift: We offer a range of scheduling options, and the specific shift will be assigned upon hiring, based on our production needs and your preference where possible. Successful candidates will be assessed for placement into a specific operator track upon hiring, which includes required dedicated training for 0-4 weeks on a non-standard work schedule possibly 8am-430pm but is dependent on position placement. This allows for comprehensive instruction and safety certification before transitioning to your final assigned shift. You must have the ability to work this temporary shift to be eligible for any of our operator positions. All positions are eligible for a competitive hourly rate. Assignments on a dedicated Night Shift includes a Shift Differential Premium.
- Primary Schedule (Most Positions): 12-Hour Shift (e.g., 545 AM to 6 PM, or 545 PM to 6 AM) following a 2-2-3 pattern (work 2 days, off 2 days, work 3 days, off 2 days, work 2 days, off 3 days, etc., repeating). This schedule ensures you have every other weekend off.
- Alternative Schedules (Limited Positions): Standard 8-Hour Shifts (e.g., 6 AM to 230 PM, 2 PM to 1030 PM, 10 PM to 630 AM), typically Monday through Friday.
About the Manufacturing Operator position
Pre-Employment Requirements
Hankook Tire is committed to maintaining a safe, productive, and drug-free workplace. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of our pre-employment screening process.
This process includes, but is not limited to:
- Passing a post-offer drug screening with a negative result;
- Successfully meeting company background check guidelines, consistent with applicable laws;
- Completion of a post-offer physical or fitness-for-duty assessment related to the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation; and
- Providing proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, as required by federal and Tennessee law.
Your duties will include ensuring the interminable running of production, maintaining the level of efficiency and quality, and collaborating with co-workers to help your team achieve high level of productivity. We are seeking flexible and cross-trained operators to join our team. This role serves as a pipeline for several distinct operator positions across different production lines, including Manufacturing, Quality Assurance & Control, Warehouse, and Technology Teams. While specific assignments will vary based on plant needs, candidate experience, and skill set, the core responsibilities remain consistent.
You should be reliable and able to work with attention to detail and safety standards, as well as willingness to learn and improve. We also expect you to be a good team player.
Manufacturing Operator responsibilities are:
- Operate a machine in order to produce quality materials
- Operating, monitoring, and tending to various production machinery/equipment (e.g., automated assembly, material handling systems)
- Performing routine quality checks and inspections on materials and finished products
- Observe 5S in order to improve the workplace and avoid errors
- Conducting basic preventative maintenance and troubleshooting minor equipment issues
- Manage base materials using the FIFO (first in, first out) method
- Enter and locate data on a computer
- Read and interpret specifications and measuring devices
- Separate defective products; report to the immediate superior if any product or process nonconformity is detected
- Prepare machines to start a production cycle, performing calibration, cleaning and other activities
- Monitor and properly adjust machine settings
- Supply raw material or parts to semi-automated machines
- Check parts with precision, using appropriate measuring tools
- Conduct tests to check the operation of machines, on a regular basis
- Assisting with setup and changeovers of production lines as needed
- Troubleshoot issues that might occur during the shift
- Verify output to detect any machine-related mistakes or flaws
- Create and manage records of approved and defective units or final products
- Maintaining accurate production records and logs
- Adhere to health and safety regulations
- Following all safety protocols and quality standards (e.g., OSHA, GMP)
Manufacturing Operator requirements are:
Education:
- (Preferred) high school diploma or combination of experience and education
Experience:
- (Preferred) at least 1 year manufacturing experience
Language:
- (Required) good command of written and spoken English
Skills & Knowledge:
- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance
- Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly
- Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
- Critical Thinking Skills - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents
Physical Demands:
- While performing the duties of this job, employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; to reach with hands and arms; and to talk and hear
- Must be capable of climbing up and down a ladder/stairs several times per shift
- Must be capable of standing for long periods of time
- Mobility throughout the facility
- Employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, walk, or crouch
- Employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds unassisted on occasion
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus
Benefits:
- 401(k), 401(k) matching
- Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
Hankook Tire is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job Title: Manufacturing Operator
Department: Manufacturing Team
Direct Report: Manufacturing Group Leader
Type: Non-Exempt; Full-time
Shift: We offer a range of scheduling options, and the specific shift will be assigned upon hiring, based on our production needs and your preference where possible. Successful candidates will be assessed for placement into a specific operator track upon hiring, which includes required dedicated training for 0-4 weeks on a non-standard work schedule possibly 8am-430pm but is dependent on position placement. This allows for comprehensive instruction and safety certification before transitioning to your final assigned shift. You must have the ability to work this temporary shift to be eligible for any of our operator positions. All positions are eligible for a competitive hourly rate. Assignments on a dedicated Night Shift includes a Shift Differential Premium.
- Primary Schedule (Most Positions): 12-Hour Shift (e.g., 545 AM to 6 PM, or 545 PM to 6 AM) following a 2-2-3 pattern (work 2 days, off 2 days, work 3 days, off 2 days, work 2 days, off 3 days, etc., repeating). This schedule ensures you have every other weekend off.
- Alternative Schedules (Limited Positions): Standard 8-Hour Shifts (e.g., 6 AM to 230 PM, 2 PM to 1030 PM, 10 PM to 630 AM), typically Monday through Friday.
About the Manufacturing Operator position
Pre-Employment Requirements
Hankook Tire is committed to maintaining a safe, productive, and drug-free workplace. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of our pre-employment screening process.
This process includes, but is not limited to:
- Passing a post-offer drug screening with a negative result;
- Successfully meeting company background check guidelines, consistent with applicable laws;
- Completion of a post-offer physical or fitness-for-duty assessment related to the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation; and
- Providing proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, as required by federal and Tennessee law.
Your duties will include ensuring the interminable running of production, maintaining the level of efficiency and quality, and collaborating with co-workers to help your team achieve high level of productivity. We are seeking flexible and cross-trained operators to join our team. This role serves as a pipeline for several distinct operator positions across different production lines, including Manufacturing, Quality Assurance & Control, Warehouse, and Technology Teams. While specific assignments will vary based on plant needs, candidate experience, and skill set, the core responsibilities remain consistent.
You should be reliable and able to work with attention to detail and safety standards, as well as willingness to learn and improve. We also expect you to be a good team player.
Manufacturing Operator responsibilities are:
- Operate a machine in order to produce quality materials
- Operating, monitoring, and tending to various production machinery/equipment (e.g., automated assembly, material handling systems)
- Performing routine quality checks and inspections on materials and finished products
- Observe 5S in order to improve the workplace and avoid errors
- Conducting basic preventative maintenance and troubleshooting minor equipment issues
- Manage base materials using the FIFO (first in, first out) method
- Enter and locate data on a computer
- Read and interpret specifications and measuring devices
- Separate defective products; report to the immediate superior if any product or process nonconformity is detected
- Prepare machines to start a production cycle, performing calibration, cleaning and other activities
- Monitor and properly adjust machine settings
- Supply raw material or parts to semi-automated machines
- Check parts with precision, using appropriate measuring tools
- Conduct tests to check the operation of machines, on a regular basis
- Assisting with setup and changeovers of production lines as needed
- Troubleshoot issues that might occur during the shift
- Verify output to detect any machine-related mistakes or flaws
- Create and manage records of approved and defective units or final products
- Maintaining accurate production records and logs
- Adhere to health and safety regulations
- Following all safety protocols and quality standards (e.g., OSHA, GMP)
Manufacturing Operator requirements are:
Education:
- (Preferred) high school diploma or combination of experience and education
Experience:
- (Preferred) at least 1 year manufacturing experience
Language:
- (Required) good command of written and spoken English
Skills & Knowledge:
- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance
- Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly
- Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
- Critical Thinking Skills - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents
Physical Demands:
- While performing the duties of this job, employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; to reach with hands and arms; and to talk and hear
- Must be capable of climbing up and down a ladder/stairs several times per shift
- Must be capable of standing for long periods of time
- Mobility throughout the facility
- Employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, walk, or crouch
- Employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds unassisted on occasion
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus
Benefits:
- 401(k), 401(k) matching
- Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
Hankook Tire is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Manufacturing Operator Job Roles in Tennessee
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Search Manufacturing Operator Jobs in TennesseeManufacturing Operator Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for manufacturing operators in Tennessee?
Volkswagen's Chattanooga assembly plant, Nissan's Smyrna facility, Bridgestone Americas, and Eastman Chemical in Kingsport have all demonstrated histories of sponsoring international workers. Larger manufacturers with established HR departments and global parent companies are generally more equipped to manage H-1B or other work visa sponsorship processes than smaller regional operations.
Which visa types are most common for manufacturing operator roles in Tennessee?
Manufacturing operator roles most commonly involve H-1B visas when the position qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as industrial engineering or process engineering. Some production roles may also be filled through TN visas for Canadian and Mexican nationals, or EB-3 immigrant visas for skilled workers sponsored through PERM labor certification.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most manufacturing operator sponsorship jobs?
Chattanooga, Smyrna, and Nashville concentrate the highest volume of manufacturing operator activity in Tennessee. Chattanooga anchors automotive and advanced manufacturing, while Smyrna hosts Nissan's major assembly operation. Kingsport and Johnson City in the Tri-Cities region are significant for chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and Memphis supports food processing and logistics-connected production roles.
How to find manufacturing operator visa sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international candidates seeking visa-sponsored roles, so filtering by Tennessee and manufacturing operator positions surfaces employers actively open to sponsorship. Because sponsorship willingness isn't always listed in standard job postings, using a platform like Migrate Mate that screens for this saves significant time compared to applying broadly and asking employer by employer.
Are there state-specific considerations for manufacturing operator visa sponsorship in Tennessee?
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, which is worth noting when evaluating total compensation. The state's manufacturing sector is heavily concentrated around automotive, chemical, and defense production, so candidates with backgrounds in those verticals tend to be strongest fits. Tennessee also benefits from proximity to major research universities like Vanderbilt and UT Knoxville, which occasionally feed engineering talent pipelines into operator-adjacent roles at sponsoring manufacturers.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored manufacturing operator 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.
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