Assembly Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Assembly Specialist roles in U.S. manufacturing can qualify for H-2B visa temporary worker visas or employer-sponsored green cards through PERM labor certification. Employers in automotive, electronics, and industrial sectors have filed sponsorship paperwork for these positions, making it a viable path for skilled candidates with documented production experience.
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Operations
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Caterpillar | Decatur, IL
Pay: Starting at $23.22/hour + $1.00/hour shift premium
Shift: 2nd Shift (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Job Type: Full-Time, Regular
Industry: Manufacturing / Heavy Equipment
Benefits: Effective Day 1
Job Description Summary
Caterpillar is hiring Production Assemblers for our Assembly & Test operations on 2nd shift at our Decatur, Illinois facility. In this full-time, regular role, you will assemble, test, and prepare heavy equipment components in a safety-focused manufacturing environment. This position offers stable hours, competitive pay, and full Caterpillar benefits starting on your first day of employment. Successful candidates bring hands-on manufacturing experience, strong teamwork skills, and a commitment to quality and safety.
Join a global manufacturing leader and help build the equipment that powers industries around the world.
Key Responsibilities
- Assemble, test, rework, and repair heavy machinery components and assemblies
- Disassemble and reassemble complex components to repair or replace parts
- Operate test equipment and remote-controlled cranes to position materials
- Prepare completed products and attachments for shipment
- Use hand tools and pneumatic (air) tools to complete assembly tasks
- Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and 2D/3D schematics
- Maintain a clean and organized work area following 5S standards
- Follow all safety, quality, and operational procedures
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or assembly environment
- Recent experience working in a manufacturing environment with regular shifts and defined operational expectations
- Ability to work at heights of up to 20 feet using ladders or lifts, in accordance with safety requirements
- Ability to safely use hand tools and pneumatic (air) tools
- Intermediate computer skills, including data entry and basic system navigation
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills in a production or industrial setting
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and 2D/3D schematics
- Working knowledge of 5S workplace organization principles or similar lean practices
- Demonstrated ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team in a production environment
- Strong communication skills
- Demonstrated commitment to safety
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with heavy equipment or large-scale industrial assemblies
- Familiarity with standard and metric measurement systems
- Overhead crane operation experience
- Forklift certification
Compensation & Benefits
- Starting Pay: $23.22/hour + $1.00/hour shift premium
- Schedule: 40 hours per week with overtime paid at 1.5x for hours over 40
- Benefits Starting Day One:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid lunch period
- Automatic wage increases every 26 weeks (or sooner based on performance)
- Annual market-based pay adjustments
Summary Pay Range:
$0.00 - $0.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
- 401(k) savings plans*
- Health Savings Account (HSA)*
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
- Health Lifestyle Programs*
- Employee Assistance Program*
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
- Career Development*
- Incentive bonus*
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
*These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Career Area:
Operations
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Caterpillar | Decatur, IL
Pay: Starting at $23.22/hour + $1.00/hour shift premium
Shift: 2nd Shift (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Job Type: Full-Time, Regular
Industry: Manufacturing / Heavy Equipment
Benefits: Effective Day 1
Job Description Summary
Caterpillar is hiring Production Assemblers for our Assembly & Test operations on 2nd shift at our Decatur, Illinois facility. In this full-time, regular role, you will assemble, test, and prepare heavy equipment components in a safety-focused manufacturing environment. This position offers stable hours, competitive pay, and full Caterpillar benefits starting on your first day of employment. Successful candidates bring hands-on manufacturing experience, strong teamwork skills, and a commitment to quality and safety.
Join a global manufacturing leader and help build the equipment that powers industries around the world.
Key Responsibilities
- Assemble, test, rework, and repair heavy machinery components and assemblies
- Disassemble and reassemble complex components to repair or replace parts
- Operate test equipment and remote-controlled cranes to position materials
- Prepare completed products and attachments for shipment
- Use hand tools and pneumatic (air) tools to complete assembly tasks
- Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and 2D/3D schematics
- Maintain a clean and organized work area following 5S standards
- Follow all safety, quality, and operational procedures
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or assembly environment
- Recent experience working in a manufacturing environment with regular shifts and defined operational expectations
- Ability to work at heights of up to 20 feet using ladders or lifts, in accordance with safety requirements
- Ability to safely use hand tools and pneumatic (air) tools
- Intermediate computer skills, including data entry and basic system navigation
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills in a production or industrial setting
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and 2D/3D schematics
- Working knowledge of 5S workplace organization principles or similar lean practices
- Demonstrated ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team in a production environment
- Strong communication skills
- Demonstrated commitment to safety
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with heavy equipment or large-scale industrial assemblies
- Familiarity with standard and metric measurement systems
- Overhead crane operation experience
- Forklift certification
Compensation & Benefits
- Starting Pay: $23.22/hour + $1.00/hour shift premium
- Schedule: 40 hours per week with overtime paid at 1.5x for hours over 40
- Benefits Starting Day One:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid lunch period
- Automatic wage increases every 26 weeks (or sooner based on performance)
- Annual market-based pay adjustments
Summary Pay Range:
$0.00 - $0.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
- 401(k) savings plans*
- Health Savings Account (HSA)*
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
- Health Lifestyle Programs*
- Employee Assistance Program*
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
- Career Development*
- Incentive bonus*
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
*These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Assembly Specialist
Document your production line certifications
Gather certifications for equipment you've operated, quality control processes you've followed, and any lean manufacturing or Six Sigma training. USCIS and DOL reviewers look for documented proof of specialized skills that justify sponsorship over hiring locally.
Target manufacturers with active H-2B history
Seasonal and project-based assembly work often qualifies under H-2B, which covers temporary non-agricultural roles. Search Migrate Mate's database of verified sponsoring employers to identify manufacturers who have filed H-2B temporary labor certifications for assembly positions.
Verify prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Your employer must pay the DOL-certified prevailing wage for your geographic area and job level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up wages for assembly roles in your target metro before you negotiate, so you can confirm any offer meets the legal minimum.
Distinguish temporary versus permanent sponsorship routes
H-2B covers short-term assembly needs up to one year, while an EB-3 green card through PERM labor certification suits permanent roles. Ask hiring managers directly whether the position is projected as ongoing or tied to a specific production contract.
Get your skills verified through O*NET before applying
Review the O*NET occupation profile for Assembly Specialists to match your resume language to the task descriptions DOL uses during PERM audits. Mismatches between your stated duties and the standard occupation definition can trigger a denial or audit.
Push for employer filing within your authorized period
If you're on OPT or another time-limited status, your employer needs to file sponsorship paperwork before your authorization expires. Build a written timeline into your offer discussions so PERM or H-2B labor certification doesn't stall past your work-authorized window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which visas can sponsor an Assembly Specialist for U.S. work?
Assembly Specialist roles most commonly qualify under H-2B for temporary or seasonal production needs, or EB-3 for permanent skilled-worker positions through PERM labor certification. H-1B visa does not apply because the role doesn't require a bachelor's degree in a specific specialty field. Eligibility depends on whether the position is temporary or ongoing and whether the employer can demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available.
Does an Assembly Specialist need a degree to get sponsored?
No. EB-3 skilled worker classification requires at least two years of training or experience, not a bachelor's degree. For H-2B, formal education is rarely the deciding factor. What matters is documented hands-on experience with production equipment, quality control procedures, or specific manufacturing processes relevant to the employer's operations.
How does PERM labor certification work for assembly roles?
Your employer files a PERM application with DOL to prove no qualified U.S. workers applied for the position after a good-faith recruitment effort. DOL then certifies the job for sponsorship, which the employer uses to file an I-140 immigrant petition with USCIS. The process typically takes many months, so early planning with your employer is essential.
Where can I find employers who sponsor Assembly Specialist roles?
Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified sponsorship history for assembly and manufacturing roles, so you can focus your applications on companies that have already committed to filing for candidates in this occupation. This saves time compared to applying broadly and asking about sponsorship late in the process.
Can I switch assembly employers while my green card is being processed?
Switching employers restarts the PERM process unless your I-140 has been approved for at least 180 days, in which case AC21 portability rules may allow you to transfer the priority date to a similar position. Assembly roles must be in the same or similar occupational classification for portability to apply, so confirm with your employer before making any move.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Assembly Specialist jobs?
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.