Mechanical Engineering Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee
Tennessee's mechanical engineering jobs span automotive manufacturing in Nashville and Chattanooga, defense and aerospace contractors near Huntsville's border corridor, and energy sector work tied to the Tennessee Valley Authority. Major employers including Volkswagen, Wacker Chemie, and Eastman Chemical have active engineering teams and documented visa sponsorship histories for qualified international candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. Lincoln Electric’s innovative solutions enable higher quality and productivity across a variety of processes including welding, cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in their operations. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric is the essential ‘Linc’ that keeps the economy running. The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves customers in over 160 countries.
LOCATION
Location: Chattanooga
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employment Status: Salary Full-Time
FUNCTION
Function: Engineering
PAY RANGE
Pay Range: ($77,065.30 - $110,093.29)
TARGET BONUS
Target Bonus: 8%
REQ ID
Req ID: 30413
SUMMARY
Lincoln Electric Automation is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to design custom automation equipment, tooling, and robotic welding systems. This role supports projects from concept through installation, ensuring solutions meet customer requirements, project schedules, quality standards, and budget objectives.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design automated tooling, fixtures, and welding systems.
- Lead mechanical design efforts for standard automation cells and tooling projects.
- Develop and maintain 3D models, detailed drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs).
- Ensure designs meet customer specifications, internal standards, budget, and schedule requirements.
- Conduct concept, internal, and customer design reviews.
- Verify designs for functionality, ergonomics, maintainability, weld access, error-proofing (poka-yoke), and serviceability.
- Review and release drawings, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Support equipment build, integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities.
- Coordinate component procurement and support project execution through completion.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support the Company's RISE Strategy.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 3+ years of mechanical design experience.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and 2D detailing. SolidWorks is highly desired. We do some work in Creo.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Knowledge of limits and fits, machine design principles, and manufacturing processes.
- Familiarity with automated equipment, tooling, or industrial machinery.
- Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to travel up to 25%; however travel is usually minimal for this role.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Automated manufacturing, robotics, or welding automation systems experience preferred.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY (EH&S)
- Understand the Company’s EHS Policy and how it relates to this job.
- Be aware of OSHA & EPA laws and regulations as well as the Company’s Plant Rules and Regulations that pertain to this job.
- Work in a safe and environmentally friendly manner and observe all company EHS procedures.
- Immediately notify the Supervisor if there is any safety hazard, any equipment not operating correctly, or if there are any questions regarding EHS procedures.
- Attend required EHS training.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is required frequently to work from ladders and scaffolds. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
-
Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and high voltages. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
ISO-14001
Complies with ISO 14001, and other relevant standards. Support, implement and understand the intent of the EMS policy. Participates with ISO-14001 as required.
Lincoln Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
INTRODUCTION
Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. Lincoln Electric’s innovative solutions enable higher quality and productivity across a variety of processes including welding, cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in their operations. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric is the essential ‘Linc’ that keeps the economy running. The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves customers in over 160 countries.
LOCATION
Location: Chattanooga
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employment Status: Salary Full-Time
FUNCTION
Function: Engineering
PAY RANGE
Pay Range: ($77,065.30 - $110,093.29)
TARGET BONUS
Target Bonus: 8%
REQ ID
Req ID: 30413
SUMMARY
Lincoln Electric Automation is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to design custom automation equipment, tooling, and robotic welding systems. This role supports projects from concept through installation, ensuring solutions meet customer requirements, project schedules, quality standards, and budget objectives.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design automated tooling, fixtures, and welding systems.
- Lead mechanical design efforts for standard automation cells and tooling projects.
- Develop and maintain 3D models, detailed drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs).
- Ensure designs meet customer specifications, internal standards, budget, and schedule requirements.
- Conduct concept, internal, and customer design reviews.
- Verify designs for functionality, ergonomics, maintainability, weld access, error-proofing (poka-yoke), and serviceability.
- Review and release drawings, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Support equipment build, integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities.
- Coordinate component procurement and support project execution through completion.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support the Company's RISE Strategy.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 3+ years of mechanical design experience.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and 2D detailing. SolidWorks is highly desired. We do some work in Creo.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Knowledge of limits and fits, machine design principles, and manufacturing processes.
- Familiarity with automated equipment, tooling, or industrial machinery.
- Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to travel up to 25%; however travel is usually minimal for this role.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Automated manufacturing, robotics, or welding automation systems experience preferred.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY (EH&S)
- Understand the Company’s EHS Policy and how it relates to this job.
- Be aware of OSHA & EPA laws and regulations as well as the Company’s Plant Rules and Regulations that pertain to this job.
- Work in a safe and environmentally friendly manner and observe all company EHS procedures.
- Immediately notify the Supervisor if there is any safety hazard, any equipment not operating correctly, or if there are any questions regarding EHS procedures.
- Attend required EHS training.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is required frequently to work from ladders and scaffolds. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
-
Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and high voltages. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
ISO-14001
Complies with ISO 14001, and other relevant standards. Support, implement and understand the intent of the EMS policy. Participates with ISO-14001 as required.
Lincoln Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
Mechanical Engineering Job Roles in Tennessee
See all 38+ Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Tennessee
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Search Mechanical Engineering Jobs in TennesseeMechanical Engineering Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies in Tennessee sponsor visas for mechanical engineers?
Volkswagen's Chattanooga assembly plant, Eastman Chemical in Kingsport, Wacker Chemie in Cleveland, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory are among Tennessee employers with documented mechanical engineering sponsorship activity. Defense contractors near the Tennessee-Alabama corridor, including those supporting Redstone Arsenal operations, also file for engineering roles. Large manufacturers and national laboratories tend to have established immigration processes and dedicated HR support for sponsored candidates.
What visa types realistically fit mechanical engineering roles in Tennessee?
Mechanical engineering qualifies as a specialty occupation, making H-1B visa the most common path for international engineers. It requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field, and the employer files a Labor Condition Application and I-129 petition. H-1B1 visa applies to Chilean and Singaporean nationals. E-3 visa covers Australian citizens. TN visa status is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals holding an engineering degree, with no annual cap or lottery. EB-2 and EB-3 green card categories apply for permanent sponsorship.
How to find mechanical engineering visa sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate lists Tennessee mechanical engineering roles from employers with verified visa sponsorship histories, so you can search specifically for companies that have filed for engineering positions in this state. Filtering by Tennessee surfaces opportunities across Chattanooga's automotive cluster, Kingsport's chemical and manufacturing sector, and the Oak Ridge research corridor, helping you focus your applications on employers already familiar with the sponsorship process.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most mechanical engineering sponsorship jobs?
Chattanooga leads due to Volkswagen's manufacturing presence and its growing advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Kingsport and the Tri-Cities region offer opportunities through Eastman Chemical and related industrial employers. Nashville has a broader engineering market tied to healthcare technology and infrastructure firms. Oak Ridge, home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex, is a concentrated source of research and defense-related mechanical engineering roles with sponsorship activity.
Are there state-specific factors that affect mechanical engineering sponsorship in Tennessee?
Tennessee's engineering hiring is heavily tied to its manufacturing base, particularly automotive and chemical processing, which creates consistent demand for mechanical engineers with hands-on production or process experience. The state has no personal income tax, which some employers cite when competing for talent. University of Tennessee and Tennessee Tech produce strong local pipelines, so international candidates benefit from clearly demonstrating specialized skills or experience that complements rather than duplicates local graduate supply.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored mechanical engineering 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.