Fabrication Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Fabrication Manager roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field. Employers in aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing have active LCA filing histories, making this a viable path for international candidates with hands-on production leadership experience.
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The USF School of Art and Art History features an internationally recognized, three-year interdisciplinary MFA program, along with degrees in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art History. With more than 600 majors and over 30 full-time faculty across the Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses, the School is the visual arts hub for a diverse region of more than 3 million residents. Close partnerships with the USF Contemporary Art Museum and the world-renowned Graphicstudio make it one of the most connected art programs in the Southeast.
Founded in 1986, the USF School of Architecture and Community Design was Florida’s first public school of architecture located in a fast-growing and dynamic major metropolitan center. SACD offers an accredited Master of Architecture and a preprofessional Bachelor of Design in Architecture degrees. The school’s research arm, the Florida Center for Community Design and Research, pursues work in resiliency, community planning and design, and housing and related interests. With approximately 400 students and 13 full-time faculty, the school benefits from close ties to a robust professional community in Tampa Bay and a collaborative, mentorship-focused culture.
About the Positions
The successful candidates will be hands-on makers and educators who enjoy helping students bring their ideas to life. Each will lead a teaching shop, train students in safe and skillful use of analog and digital tools, support a wide range of student projects, and teach a fabrication course. The art position will support sculptural and three-dimensional fabrication across many materials, including wood and metal. The architecture position will place greater emphasis on digital fabrication and model making. These positions require a strong commitment to safety, collaboration with faculty, and the ability to supervise and mentor student employees. Crossover work and shared resources between the two positions, schools and college is anticipated.
Teaching and Student Support
- Teach a fabrication course, such as wood, metal fabrication or digital fabrication.
- Lead demonstrations and workshops that support studio courses, in consultation with faculty.
- Advise students on materials and fabrication methods for sculpture, architectural models, prototypes, and other projects.
Lab Management and Safety
- Develop and enforce lab safety protocols and manage compliance with USF-mandated safety training.
- Keep equipment maintained, calibrated, and in safe operating condition.
- Serve as liaison with USF Environmental Health and Safety, Physical Plant, and other campus units.
Supervisors and Operations
- Hire, train, and supervise lab support staff and student employees.
- Manage the lab budget, inventory, and supply orders.
- Plan and carry out equipment and facility upgrades.
- Lead start- and end-of-semester shop preparation and support school events.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field, or equivalent qualifications based on professional experience.
- Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of analog woodworking equipment.
- Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of metal fabrication and/or digital fabrication equipment, such as CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers.
- Demonstrated leadership in team or supervisory settings.
- A strong commitment to supporting a community of students, artists, and designers.
- Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.
Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a related field, such as art, architecture, design, theatre, or the built environment.
- Experience supporting sculptural fabrication, architectural model making, or both.
- Teaching experience in a studio, shop, or fabrication setting.
- Experience managing a shop, lab, or makerspace, including budgets, inventory, and safety programs.
To Apply
Applicants must provide the following documents when completing the application:
- Letter of interest describing your fabrication and teaching experience and indicating whether you prefer the art or architecture position or are open to either.
- Curriculum vitae or resume documenting education, professional, and teaching experience.
- A list of three references.
To ensure full consideration, please apply by January 5th, 2027; however, applications will be received until the position is filled.
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
About the Schools
The USF School of Art and Art History features an internationally recognized, three-year interdisciplinary MFA program, along with degrees in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art History. With more than 600 majors and over 30 full-time faculty across the Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses, the School is the visual arts hub for a diverse region of more than 3 million residents. Close partnerships with the USF Contemporary Art Museum and the world-renowned Graphicstudio make it one of the most connected art programs in the Southeast.
Founded in 1986, the USF School of Architecture and Community Design was Florida’s first public school of architecture located in a fast-growing and dynamic major metropolitan center. SACD offers an accredited Master of Architecture and a preprofessional Bachelor of Design in Architecture degrees. The school’s research arm, the Florida Center for Community Design and Research, pursues work in resiliency, community planning and design, and housing and related interests. With approximately 400 students and 13 full-time faculty, the school benefits from close ties to a robust professional community in Tampa Bay and a collaborative, mentorship-focused culture.
About the Positions
The successful candidates will be hands-on makers and educators who enjoy helping students bring their ideas to life. Each will lead a teaching shop, train students in safe and skillful use of analog and digital tools, support a wide range of student projects, and teach a fabrication course. The art position will support sculptural and three-dimensional fabrication across many materials, including wood and metal. The architecture position will place greater emphasis on digital fabrication and model making. These positions require a strong commitment to safety, collaboration with faculty, and the ability to supervise and mentor student employees. Crossover work and shared resources between the two positions, schools and college is anticipated.
Teaching and Student Support
- Teach a fabrication course, such as wood, metal fabrication or digital fabrication.
- Lead demonstrations and workshops that support studio courses, in consultation with faculty.
- Advise students on materials and fabrication methods for sculpture, architectural models, prototypes, and other projects.
Lab Management and Safety
- Develop and enforce lab safety protocols and manage compliance with USF-mandated safety training.
- Keep equipment maintained, calibrated, and in safe operating condition.
- Serve as liaison with USF Environmental Health and Safety, Physical Plant, and other campus units.
Supervisors and Operations
- Hire, train, and supervise lab support staff and student employees.
- Manage the lab budget, inventory, and supply orders.
- Plan and carry out equipment and facility upgrades.
- Lead start- and end-of-semester shop preparation and support school events.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field, or equivalent qualifications based on professional experience.
- Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of analog woodworking equipment.
- Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of metal fabrication and/or digital fabrication equipment, such as CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers.
- Demonstrated leadership in team or supervisory settings.
- A strong commitment to supporting a community of students, artists, and designers.
- Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.
Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a related field, such as art, architecture, design, theatre, or the built environment.
- Experience supporting sculptural fabrication, architectural model making, or both.
- Teaching experience in a studio, shop, or fabrication setting.
- Experience managing a shop, lab, or makerspace, including budgets, inventory, and safety programs.
To Apply
Applicants must provide the following documents when completing the application:
- Letter of interest describing your fabrication and teaching experience and indicating whether you prefer the art or architecture position or are open to either.
- Curriculum vitae or resume documenting education, professional, and teaching experience.
- A list of three references.
To ensure full consideration, please apply by January 5th, 2027; however, applications will be received until the position is filled.
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
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Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Fabrication Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Fabrication Manager
Align your degree to production engineering
Fabrication Manager roles require a specialty occupation tie between your degree and the job. A manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or industrial engineering degree maps cleanly. A general business degree won't satisfy H-1B specialty occupation requirements, even with years of shop-floor experience.
Target defense and aerospace fabrication employers
Defense contractors and aerospace manufacturers file LCAs for Fabrication Manager roles consistently because domestic talent pipelines are thin for specialized processes like CNC, sheet metal, and composite fabrication. These employers also have established immigration counsel, which speeds the LCA and I-129 filing process.
Verify prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Your employer must pay the higher of the actual wage or the prevailing wage under the LCA. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the wage level for your specific job zone and metro area before negotiations, so you're not caught short after the petition is filed.
Search Migrate Mate for verified sponsoring employers
Filter Migrate Mate's job board by Fabrication Manager roles to find employers with verified LCA filing history. This removes the guesswork of cold-applying to companies that have never sponsored, saving you weeks of outreach to HR teams unfamiliar with work visa filings.
Get your credentials evaluated before the offer stage
If your engineering degree is from outside the U.S., get a credential evaluation completed before you're in active offer negotiations. USCIS accepts foreign equivalencies, but the evaluation must come from a recognized agency, and delays here can push back your LCA filing timeline by weeks.
Clarify PERM implications for EB-3 sponsorship
Some manufacturers combine H-1B sponsorship with a simultaneous EB-3 green card process. If your employer offers this, confirm they're prepared to run a full PERM labor certification through DOL, which requires documented recruitment and can add 12 to 18 months before an I-140 is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Fabrication Manager role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
It depends on how the employer defines the position. If the job description requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific engineering or manufacturing discipline, it qualifies. Roles described as requiring general management experience without a degree in a directly related field are more likely to receive an RFE from USCIS. The job posting and internal job description need to match the degree requirement precisely.
Which visa types realistically cover Fabrication Manager roles?
H-1B is the primary path for Fabrication Managers when the role requires an engineering degree. TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals if the role fits a qualifying USMCA profession. EB-3 is a green card route that requires PERM labor certification through DOL. Candidates on F-1 OPT can work in this role if it aligns with their engineering degree field, with STEM OPT extending that authorization by 24 months.
What degree do I need to sponsor a Fabrication Manager visa?
USCIS looks for a bachelor's degree in a field directly related to the job, typically mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or materials science. A degree in an unrelated field, even combined with extensive experience, may not satisfy the specialty occupation requirement without additional supporting documentation from the employer explaining why the specific degree is required for the role.
How do I find Fabrication Manager jobs with real visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lists Fabrication Manager roles from employers with verified LCA filing history, so you can target companies that have already demonstrated a willingness to sponsor. This is more reliable than applying broadly and hoping HR knows how to initiate the process.
Can a Fabrication Manager on H-1B pursue a green card at the same time?
Yes. H-1B status allows dual intent, meaning you can pursue an EB-2 or EB-3 green card while maintaining valid H-1B status without it being treated as evidence of immigrant intent. Your employer would need to file a PERM labor certification through DOL, then an I-140 petition with USCIS. This process can run concurrently with H-1B renewals and extensions.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Fabrication Manager 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.