Mechanical Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Mechanical engineering roles are regularly sponsored under H-1B visa as specialty occupations, with demand across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors. A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field is typically required, and STEM degree holders benefit from extended OPT eligibility. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Entry-level Mechanical Engineer
The RMH Group, a Salas O’Brien Company, has been making a difference in the world and our environment through engineering for 65 years with our headquarters located in Lakewood, Colorado and a branch office in Phoenix, Arizona. Our team is growing and looking to add an entry level new graduate, ideally with one summer internship in the consulting engineering industry. Our culture of learning and development will lead to continued growth as we place an emphasis on properly prioritizing work-life harmony while working on challenging engineering projects. We view each project as an opportunity to form a lasting partnership and we pride ourselves on our company culture.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
About us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary
As an Entry-level Mechanical Engineer at our consulting engineering firm, you support experienced engineers to design and analyze mechanical systems for commercial and industrial buildings. Typical responsibilities include preparing drawings and specifications, performing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) calculations, assisting with site visits and field investigations, and supporting project documentation. This role also offers exposure to plumbing, fire protection, and energy systems.
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, strong analytical and communication skills, and a willingness to learn within a team-oriented environment.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET accredited four-year college or university.
- Prefer one internship in the consulting engineering industry. Recent graduates without an industry specific internship are also encouraged to apply.
- EIT preferred.
Skills Required:
- Good time management and organizational skills
- Basic understanding of AEC industry terminology and procedures
- Ability to effectively coordinate projects by communicating with remote team members
- Good communication skills, both written and oral
- Promotes positive attitude and image
- Fosters team cohesion
- Inspired by collaboration in a diverse environment
- Takes initiative
Location: Lakewood, CO
Travel: N/A
Compensation & Benefits:
The expected base salary range for this role is $75,000 - $80,000 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including experience, professional registrations, skills, and abilities.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
- Professional development support
For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Experience
Prefer one internship in the consulting engineering industry. Recent graduates without an industry specific internship are also encouraged to apply.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Mechanical Engineer
Use the TN visa if you're a Canadian or Mexican citizen
Mechanical engineers qualify under the USMCA Engineer category for TN status. There's no annual cap, no lottery, and Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border - making it one of the fastest paths to U.S. work authorization.
Target automotive and aerospace employers with active sponsorship
Ford, GM, Tesla, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and RTX regularly sponsor mechanical engineers on H-1B visas. Focus on companies with large engineering workforces where sponsorship is part of standard hiring practice.
Specialize in FEA, CFD, or advanced CAD tools
Expertise in finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), or advanced CAD platforms like CATIA and ANSYS sets you apart from general mechanical engineers. These specializations are harder to fill domestically and strengthen the case for sponsorship.
Focus on commercial roles to avoid security clearance barriers
Many defense and aerospace positions require U.S. security clearance, which is only available to citizens and permanent residents. Prioritize commercial divisions at companies like SpaceX, Rivian, and GE Aerospace where clearance is not required.
Leverage STEM OPT for up to 3 years of work authorization
Mechanical engineering is STEM-eligible, giving you 12 months of OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension. Use this time to earn your Professional Engineer (PE) license, which further strengthens any future visa petition.
Consider the growing EV and clean energy sector
Electric vehicle and renewable energy companies are expanding U.S. operations rapidly. Tesla, Rivian, Lucid Motors, and battery manufacturers like Panasonic and LG Energy Solution are hiring mechanical engineers and sponsoring visas to meet demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to get sponsored as a mechanical engineer?
A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline is the standard requirement. H-1B visa sponsorship for mechanical engineering roles is well-established since the role clearly qualifies as a specialty occupation. Having an ABET-accredited equivalent degree or a U.S. master's degree strengthens both your H-1B petition and lottery odds.
How to find Mechanical Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Mechanical Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international engineers with sponsoring employers. Focus on manufacturing companies, aerospace firms, automotive manufacturers, and engineering consultancies that commonly offer H-1B, TN visa, or other work visas. These industries frequently need mechanical engineers and have established sponsorship programs for qualified international candidates.
Which industries sponsor the most mechanical engineers?
Aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, manufacturing, and medical device companies are the most active sponsors for mechanical engineers. Large firms with global operations (e.g., Boeing, Lockheed Martin, GE, Tesla, Caterpillar) tend to have the most established sponsorship programs.
Do I need a PE license to get a mechanical engineering job with visa sponsorship?
Not for most entry-level or mid-level positions. A Professional Engineer (PE) license is typically required for roles where you're signing off on designs for public safety, but many sponsored engineering positions don't require one. Having a PE or FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) credential can be a differentiator but isn't a sponsorship prerequisite.
Can STEM OPT help me get a mechanical engineering job before H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. If you graduated from a U.S. university with a mechanical engineering degree, you're eligible for 12 months of OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension, giving you up to 3 years to work and find an employer willing to file an H-1B petition. Many employers use this window to evaluate candidates before committing to sponsorship.
Are mechanical engineering roles affected by export control restrictions?
Some are. Roles in aerospace, defense, and certain manufacturing sectors may require ITAR or EAR compliance, which can restrict employment to U.S. citizens or permanent residents only. Job postings will typically specify these restrictions. This is an important filter when searching - not all mechanical engineering roles are available to visa holders, even with sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Mechanical Engineer jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage", the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level. For example, a mechanical engineer in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search Page.