Manufacturing Technician Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee
Tennessee's manufacturing sector spans automotive, aerospace, and advanced production, with major employers like Volkswagen, Bridgestone, and Eastman Chemical operating large facilities across the state. Cities like Chattanooga, Nashville, and Kingsport concentrate manufacturing technician roles that have historically supported visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At Astec, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of building long-lasting relationships with our employees, customers and the communities we call home. With a team more than 4,000 strong, our employees are our #1 advantage. We invest in skills training and provide opportunities for career development to help you grow along with the business. We offer programs that support physical safety, as well as benefits and resources to enhance total health and wellbeing, so you can be your best at work and at home.
Our equipment is used to build the roads and infrastructure that connects us to each other and to the goods and services we use. We are an industry leader known for delivering innovative solutions that create value for our customers. As our industry evolves, we are using new technology and data like never before.
We’re looking for creative problem solvers to build the future with us. Connect with us today and build your career at Astec.
LOCATION: Chattanooga, Tennessee
ABOUT THE POSITION
Primary Process Owner focused on identifying waste, improving safety, quality, productivity, and cost through structured lean methodologies. The role partners closely with manufacturing, engineering, quality, OpEx, PMO and safety teams to develop efficient, repeatable, and reliable manufacturing processes. The Manufacturing Engineer also drives DFM and VAVE initiatives, leads capital projects, and develops solutions that enhance operational performance and long-term competitiveness.
Deliverables & Responsibilities
- Identify and implement safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvement opportunities using lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, process and value-stream mapping, and time studies.
- Lead cross-functional events to eliminate waste, improve material flow, and optimize workforce utilization, space, and equipment usage.
- Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, and visual controls to ensure sustainable process improvements.
- Drive continuous improvement activities aligned with plant KPIs and operational priorities.
- Collaborate with design engineering and manufacturing to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) improvements.
- Support new product introductions through process planning and production readiness.
- Lead capital equipment projects, including scope definition, vendor evaluation, budgeting, and timeline management.
- Prepare and present business cases with ROI, payback, and risk assessments.
- Lead project execution from kickoff through installation and operational handoff.
- Develop equipment concepts, specifications, and vendor RFQs.
- Lead FAT/SAT, installation, validation, and integration.
- Work with manufacturing to analyze and plan work force utilization, space requirements, material routing and handling methods, manufacturing processes and methods, machine and tool design applications, workflow and new technology and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency, safety and quality.
- Estimate production times, capacity requirements and related costs to provide information for management decisions and to meet completion dates and technical specifications.
- Apply statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential.
- Support the transition of new product introductions from engineering to manufacturing, including capacity analysis, process robustness and process validations.
- Develop and maintain the manufacturing process work instructions and assembly tooling that are initiated by product design or method improvement changes.
- Specify new equipment and design required fixtures, jigs and tooling needed to meet production and quality requirements.
- Prepare and make presentations to individuals and groups using Microsoft Office applications.
- Follow company policies and procedures at all times.
- Follow proper safety rules and procedures at all times.
- Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical engineering or related field required.
- Minimum of three (3) years related work experience in a manufacturing environment required with a demonstrated understanding of heavy machinery manufacturing processes.
- Experience leading automation and robotics projects preferred.
- Knowledge of LEAN methods used in manufacturing processes required.
- Knowledge of all types of metal-cutting processes, to include punch, plasma, and flame cutting preferred.
- Knowledge of engineering/manufacturing system of symbols, legends, shading and lines required and skill reading engineering drawings required.
- Knowledge and understanding of nesting software for material optimization preferred.
- Must be able to collaborate and facilitate cross functional teams to influence and manage change in a heavy manufacturing, multi-shift work environment.
- Must be able to meet regular attendance requirements.
OUR CULTURE AND VALUES
Employees that become part of Astec 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
Travel Requirements: 10% of travel, regional, international
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 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
At Astec, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of building long-lasting relationships with our employees, customers and the communities we call home. With a team more than 4,000 strong, our employees are our #1 advantage. We invest in skills training and provide opportunities for career development to help you grow along with the business. We offer programs that support physical safety, as well as benefits and resources to enhance total health and wellbeing, so you can be your best at work and at home.
Our equipment is used to build the roads and infrastructure that connects us to each other and to the goods and services we use. We are an industry leader known for delivering innovative solutions that create value for our customers. As our industry evolves, we are using new technology and data like never before.
We’re looking for creative problem solvers to build the future with us. Connect with us today and build your career at Astec.
LOCATION: Chattanooga, Tennessee
ABOUT THE POSITION
Primary Process Owner focused on identifying waste, improving safety, quality, productivity, and cost through structured lean methodologies. The role partners closely with manufacturing, engineering, quality, OpEx, PMO and safety teams to develop efficient, repeatable, and reliable manufacturing processes. The Manufacturing Engineer also drives DFM and VAVE initiatives, leads capital projects, and develops solutions that enhance operational performance and long-term competitiveness.
Deliverables & Responsibilities
- Identify and implement safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvement opportunities using lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, process and value-stream mapping, and time studies.
- Lead cross-functional events to eliminate waste, improve material flow, and optimize workforce utilization, space, and equipment usage.
- Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, and visual controls to ensure sustainable process improvements.
- Drive continuous improvement activities aligned with plant KPIs and operational priorities.
- Collaborate with design engineering and manufacturing to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) improvements.
- Support new product introductions through process planning and production readiness.
- Lead capital equipment projects, including scope definition, vendor evaluation, budgeting, and timeline management.
- Prepare and present business cases with ROI, payback, and risk assessments.
- Lead project execution from kickoff through installation and operational handoff.
- Develop equipment concepts, specifications, and vendor RFQs.
- Lead FAT/SAT, installation, validation, and integration.
- Work with manufacturing to analyze and plan work force utilization, space requirements, material routing and handling methods, manufacturing processes and methods, machine and tool design applications, workflow and new technology and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency, safety and quality.
- Estimate production times, capacity requirements and related costs to provide information for management decisions and to meet completion dates and technical specifications.
- Apply statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential.
- Support the transition of new product introductions from engineering to manufacturing, including capacity analysis, process robustness and process validations.
- Develop and maintain the manufacturing process work instructions and assembly tooling that are initiated by product design or method improvement changes.
- Specify new equipment and design required fixtures, jigs and tooling needed to meet production and quality requirements.
- Prepare and make presentations to individuals and groups using Microsoft Office applications.
- Follow company policies and procedures at all times.
- Follow proper safety rules and procedures at all times.
- Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical engineering or related field required.
- Minimum of three (3) years related work experience in a manufacturing environment required with a demonstrated understanding of heavy machinery manufacturing processes.
- Experience leading automation and robotics projects preferred.
- Knowledge of LEAN methods used in manufacturing processes required.
- Knowledge of all types of metal-cutting processes, to include punch, plasma, and flame cutting preferred.
- Knowledge of engineering/manufacturing system of symbols, legends, shading and lines required and skill reading engineering drawings required.
- Knowledge and understanding of nesting software for material optimization preferred.
- Must be able to collaborate and facilitate cross functional teams to influence and manage change in a heavy manufacturing, multi-shift work environment.
- Must be able to meet regular attendance requirements.
OUR CULTURE AND VALUES
Employees that become part of Astec 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
Travel Requirements: 10% of travel, regional, international
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 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.
Manufacturing Technician Job Roles in Tennessee
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Search Manufacturing Technician Jobs in TennesseeManufacturing Technician Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for manufacturing technicians in Tennessee?
Several large manufacturers in Tennessee have a documented history of sponsoring work visas, including Volkswagen at its Chattanooga assembly plant, Bridgestone Americas in Nashville, Eastman Chemical in Kingsport, and Nissan in Smyrna. These employers operate at a scale that supports dedicated immigration processes. Smaller suppliers and contract manufacturers sponsor less frequently, making large, established facilities the most reliable targets for international applicants.
Which visa types are most common for manufacturing technician roles in Tennessee?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for manufacturing technicians whose roles require a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field, such as industrial or mechanical engineering. Roles that don't meet the specialty occupation threshold may be filled through the H-2B visa for temporary needs or, for eligible nationals, the TN visa for Canadians and Mexicans in qualifying technical occupations. EB-3 immigrant visas are also used by employers sponsoring technicians for permanent positions.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most manufacturing technician sponsorship jobs?
Chattanooga leads due to the Volkswagen plant and its surrounding automotive supplier network. Nashville and its suburbs, including Smyrna and Murfreesboro, concentrate automotive and general manufacturing roles tied to Nissan and Bridgestone. Kingsport and Johnson City in the Tri-Cities region support chemical and advanced materials manufacturing through Eastman Chemical. Memphis also has industrial and logistics-adjacent manufacturing operations with occasional sponsorship activity.
How to find manufacturing technician visa sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate is a job board built specifically for international candidates seeking visa sponsorship in the U.S. You can filter for manufacturing technician roles in Tennessee to see positions from employers who have sponsored visas before. Because Migrate Mate focuses on sponsorship-verified listings, it removes the guesswork of identifying which Tennessee manufacturers are open to international hires, which is one of the harder parts of this job search.
Are there any Tennessee-specific factors that affect visa sponsorship for manufacturing technicians?
Tennessee's concentration of automotive OEMs and their Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers creates a hiring environment where technical credentials are prioritized. Many large plants operate on production schedules that favor direct hires over contract staffing, which affects how sponsorship is structured. The state has no income tax on wages, which can make compensation offers appear different from other states when comparing offers. Tennessee also has technical college pipelines, but international applicants typically come through four-year engineering programs.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored manufacturing technician 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.