Mechanical Designer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Mechanical Designer roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation, requiring a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. Employers file a Labor Condition Application before you can start, and many also support EB-2 or EB-3 green card pathways for long-term candidates. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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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.
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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.
See all 4,105+ Mechanical Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Mechanical Designer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Mechanical Designer
Verify your degree field matches
Mechanical Designer roles require a directly related degree for H-1B specialty occupation status. A degree in industrial design or general engineering technology may draw an RFE from USCIS, so confirm your transcript shows a qualifying engineering discipline before applying.
Use OFLC Wage Search before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify wages at or above the prevailing wage for your location and role. Pull the current figures from OFLC Wage Search so you enter salary negotiations knowing the floor your employer is legally required to meet.
Target manufacturers with CAD-heavy teams
Aerospace, automotive, and industrial equipment manufacturers file LCAs for Mechanical Designer roles far more consistently than general engineering consultancies. Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA sponsorship history so you can focus on companies that have actually filed for this role.
Get your portfolio into LCA-ready language
Employers hesitate to sponsor when they can't quickly justify specialty occupation status. Frame your portfolio around specific CAD systems, tolerancing standards like GD&T, and deliverables tied to a recognized engineering discipline rather than general design work.
Clarify PERM timing before accepting an offer
If the role includes a green card pathway, ask whether the employer plans to file PERM labor certification. EB-3 Skilled Worker requires the employer to recruit and demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available, a process that can take a year or more to complete.
Account for the H-1B cap and selection process
H-1B is subject to an annual cap and selection process, and the rules have changed recently. If you're not selected, ask your employer whether the role qualifies for a TN visa if you're a Canadian or Mexican national, as Mechanical Engineer is a listed USMCA profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Mechanical Designer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B?
Yes, if the position genuinely requires a bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. The key is that the degree requirement must be specific, not just preferred. Roles where any engineering degree or equivalent experience suffices are more likely to receive a Request for Evidence from USCIS challenging specialty occupation status.
Can a Canadian or Mexican Mechanical Designer use a TN visa instead of H-1B?
Yes. Mechanical Engineer is a recognized profession on the USMCA list, and most Mechanical Designer roles map closely enough to qualify. Canadians can apply directly at a port of entry with an employer offer letter, while Mexican nationals apply at a U.S. consulate. TN visa has no cap and no lottery, making it a faster path than H-1B.
How do I find employers who sponsor visas for Mechanical Designer roles?
Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified LCA sponsorship history for mechanical and engineering roles, searchable by city and job type. This lets you focus on companies that have already committed to sponsoring this category rather than cold-applying and discovering sponsorship limitations later in the process.
Will an associate degree or engineering technology diploma support H-1B sponsorship for this role?
Generally no. H-1B specialty occupation requires a full bachelor's degree in a directly related field. An associate degree in engineering technology typically does not meet the threshold on its own. Some candidates combine a two-year degree with substantial work experience, but USCIS evaluates these cases under a three-to-one equivalency rule, and outcomes vary significantly by the specific role and employer documentation.
What happens to my H-1B status if my Mechanical Designer role is eliminated?
You enter a 60-day grace period during which you can transfer to a new H-1B employer, change to another valid nonimmigrant status, or depart the U.S. Your new employer must file an H-1B transfer petition before the grace period expires. Portability applies once the new petition is filed, meaning you can start work without waiting for USCIS approval, provided you're already in valid H-1B status.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Mechanical Designer 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.