Machine Builder Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Machine builders design, assemble, and test automated manufacturing equipment, qualifying for H-1B visa sponsorship when roles require specialized engineering knowledge. Most positions demand mechanical, electrical, or manufacturing engineering degrees, with employers successfully arguing the technical complexity justifies specialty occupation status. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Formtek Inc.
Machine Builder - First Shift Job description
JOB SUMMARY
Machine builders assemble machinery based on blueprints and schematics with the use of hand and power tools. The first shift hours are 6:45 am to 3:15 pm. Overtime is based on business needs and is paid for any time worked over 40 hours per week. Payroll is paid weekly each Friday. The rate of pay is based on prior work experience and schooling. Some limited travel may be expected to service or setup the machines we produce.
Full benefits package offered through our parent company, Mestek, Inc.
Essential Functions
- Read blueprints and schematics to be able to identify the proper parts.
- Stand, sit, and climb in and around the machine to assemble the machine.
- Cut and prepare belts, chains, and hydraulic hoses for use.
- Identify correct parts to be used in or under the frame, pumps, valves, manifolds, fittings whether air or hydraulic, measuring, making, and installing hoses.
- Identify and assemble drive components consisting of mounting motors and couplings to gearboxes and mounting in a frame.
- During the process of assembling all of the components of the finished goods, you will have to climb in and out or under a frame, a dozen or more times bending and stooping always.
- Assemble the installation of rolls, gears, electrical panels and associated parts, dragging, threading, breaking, and connecting all items to the stands.
- Completely assemble, troubleshoot, and test machines.
- Provide service, setup and other startup functions at customers job sites.
- Some limited travel may be expected. A shift differential for any service travel is calculated at 15% and includes all portal-to-portal hours and paid expenses.
Qualifications
- Job involves lifting a maximum of 25 pounds.
- Ability to read blueprints.
- Use and read tape measures, torque wrenches, and measuring instruments.
- Ability to operate a fork truck and overhead crane.
- Ability to adapt methods and ideas to attain continuous improvement.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Have a valid driver’s license and background that will allow service travel domestically, but also possibly to occasionally include Canada and Mexico.
Education and Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent.
Physical Demands
The individual will regularly be required to stand. The individual will frequently be required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The individual will occasionally be required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this role include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individuals encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
This position requires the ability to pass a pre-employment drug test, and background check.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Machine Builder Jobs
Target automation-focused manufacturers
Companies building packaging, automotive assembly, or food processing equipment regularly sponsor machine builders. These employers understand the specialized engineering skills required for custom automation solutions.
Emphasize programming and controls expertise
Machine builders who program PLCs, configure HMIs, or integrate robotic systems strengthen H-1B cases. Highlight experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or other industrial automation platforms.
Document custom design experience
USCIS favors roles requiring original engineering work over assembly-only positions. Showcase projects where you designed mechanical systems, created CAD drawings, or solved unique automation challenges.
Consider manufacturing engineering roles
Job titles like Manufacturing Engineer or Automation Engineer may have stronger H-1B approval odds than Machine Builder. Same skills, potentially better regulatory positioning for specialty occupation requirements.
Highlight multidisciplinary requirements
Machine building combines mechanical design, electrical integration, and software programming. Emphasize how your role requires this breadth of specialized engineering knowledge across multiple technical domains.
Target medical device or aerospace sectors
These industries demand higher precision and regulatory compliance, strengthening the specialty occupation argument. Machine builders in FDA-regulated or defense-related manufacturing face stronger approval prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do machine builders qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, machine builders can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the role requires specialized engineering knowledge. USCIS typically approves petitions for positions involving custom automation design, PLC programming, or complex mechanical system integration. Assembly-only roles may face more scrutiny.
How to find Machine Builder jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Machine Builder jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on manufacturing companies, automation firms, and industrial equipment manufacturers that commonly hire Machine Builders on H-1B, TN visa, or O-1 visas. These employers often need skilled technicians for assembly line construction, CNC machine setup, and automated manufacturing systems development.
What degree do I need as a machine builder for visa sponsorship?
Most sponsored machine builder positions require a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or manufacturing engineering. Some employers accept industrial technology or mechatronics degrees if combined with relevant automation experience. The degree field must relate to the job's technical requirements.
Which industries sponsor machine builders most often?
Packaging machinery, automotive manufacturing, medical device, and food processing equipment manufacturers sponsor machine builders regularly. These industries rely on custom automation solutions that require specialized engineering expertise, making the H-1B specialty occupation case stronger than general manufacturing roles.
How do machine builders prove specialty occupation status?
Machine builders demonstrate specialty occupation status by highlighting engineering tasks like CAD design, PLC programming, system integration, and troubleshooting complex automation problems. USCIS looks for roles requiring theoretical and practical application of specialized engineering principles, not just assembly work.
Can machine builders transition to other engineering roles?
Yes, machine builders often transition to manufacturing engineer, automation engineer, or controls engineer roles. These positions may have stronger H-1B approval prospects while utilizing similar skills. The broader engineering job title can help address any USCIS concerns about specialty occupation requirements.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Machine Builder 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.