Mechanical Engineers
SOC Code: 17-2141
Explore H1B visa sponsorship data for Mechanical Engineers positions. View salary ranges, top employers, and geographic distribution from 11,801 H1B filings (FY2022-2025).
Occupation Statistics
Top States for Mechanical Engineers
All Mechanical Engineers H1B Sponsors
| Employer | Location | Role Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Rivian Automotive | Livonia, MI | 325 |
| Tesla | Irvine, CA | 324 |
| Cummins | Nashville, TN | 324 |
| General Motors | Detroit, MI | 220 |
| Ford Motor | Dearborn, MI | 183 |
| Lucid USA | Newark, CA | 172 |
| L&T Technology Services | Edison, NJ | 168 |
| HCL America | Sunnyvale, CA | 156 |
| Apple | Cupertino, CA | 155 |
| FCA US | Auburn Hills, MI | 116 |
| ASML US | Wilton, CT | 97 |
| Intellectt | Iselin, NJ | 86 |
| Goken America | Dublin, OH | 84 |
| Caterpillar | Peoria, IL | 81 |
| Tech Mahindra (Americas) | Richardson, TX | 75 |
| Engineering Technology Associates | Troy, MI | 72 |
| Cyient | East Hartford, CT | 71 |
| ASM America | Phoenix, AZ | 61 |
| Veenus Infotech | Copley, OH | 56 |
| Ler Techforce | Columbus, IN | 53 |
| Tata Consultancy Services | Rockville, MD | 50 |
| TSMC Arizona | Phoenix, AZ | 48 |
| Alten Technology USA | Bellevue, WA | 47 |
| HCL America Solutions | Sunnyvale, CA | 46 |
| CareSoft Global Technologies | Livonia, MI | 46 |
| Altair Productdesign | Troy, MI | 44 |
| Epitec | Southfield, MI | 44 |
| Applied Materials | Santa Clara, CA | 43 |
| Honda Development & Manufacturing of America | Marysville, OH | 42 |
| KLA | Milpitas, CA | 40 |
| Zoox | Menlo Park, CA | 39 |
| Satyam-Venture Engineering Services | Troy, MI | 38 |
| PACCAR | Bellevue, WA | 37 |
| Aptiv | Troy, MI | 36 |
| Lam Research | Fremont, CA | 36 |
| Canoo Technologies | Torrance, CA | 36 |
| Microsoft | Redmond, WA | 33 |
| Samsung Austin Semiconductor | Austin, TX | 31 |
| Solize USA | Livonia, MI | 31 |
| Siemens Industry Software | Orlando, FL | 30 |
| Nikola | Phoenix, AZ | 30 |
| Tata Technologies | Novi, MI | 30 |
| Siemens Energy | Wendell, NC | 30 |
| Technosoft Engineering | Brookfield, WI | 29 |
| Joby Aero | Santa Cruz, CA | 29 |
| Mountain View, CA | 29 | |
| FEV North America | Auburn Hills, MI | 29 |
| Micron Technology | Boise, ID | 28 |
| Quest Global Services-NA | East Hartford, CT | 27 |
| Onward Technologies | Rosemont, IL | 27 |
Related Occupations in Architecture & Engineering
About Mechanical Engineers H1B Sponsorship
Mechanical engineering remains a powerhouse in the U.S. labor market, especially for foreign talent seeking H1B sponsorship. With a staggering 68,083 total H1B filings and a robust network of 10,825 sponsoring employers, this field offers immense opportunities for international professionals. The recent 7.4% year-over-year growth in filings from FY2024 to FY2025 highlights a resilient and expanding demand for specialized engineering talent across various industrial sectors. This upward trend suggests that U.S. companies are increasingly relying on the H1B visa program to bridge the gap in technical expertise. Geographically, the demand is concentrated in states with high manufacturing and technology outputs. Michigan, California, Texas, Illinois, and Ohio lead the nation in H1B filings for Mechanical Engineers. These regions offer diverse environments, from the automotive hubs of the Midwest to the aerospace and tech corridors of the West Coast. For job seekers, the sheer volume of employers—over ten thousand—means that opportunities exist not just in massive corporations, but also in mid-sized firms looking for specific technical skills to drive innovation and production efficiency.
Salary Insights
When considering an H1B visa, understanding the financial landscape is crucial for successful negotiations. The median H1B salary for Mechanical Engineers currently stands at $77,355, providing a solid baseline for professionals entering the U.S. market. However, compensation is highly variable based on experience and location, with the salary range spanning from $60,320 at the 10th percentile to $109,100 at the 90th percentile. This wide range reflects the difference between entry-level roles and senior specialized positions in high-cost-of-living areas like California or specialized industrial hubs in Michigan. Factors influencing the H1B salary for Mechanical Engineers include advanced degrees, specific industry certifications, and mastery of niche technologies. For instance, engineers working in Silicon Valley or for major automotive manufacturers in the Midwest often command salaries at the higher end of the spectrum to remain competitive. Candidates should research prevailing wage requirements for their specific metropolitan area, as this impacts the H1B sponsorship process and ensures that the compensation offered meets the Department of Labor's standards for foreign workers.
Top Employers Sponsoring This Role
Identifying the right employer is half the battle for international candidates seeking H1B sponsorship. The data shows a diverse mix of direct manufacturers and engineering service firms leading the way. Cummins stands out as a top sponsor, frequently recruiting Mechanical Engineers for power systems and engine design. For those interested in consulting and product development, firms like Altair Productdesign and Cyient provide specialized engineering services to a variety of clients, making them frequent sponsors for talented foreign engineers who can handle diverse project requirements. Technology service giants also play a massive role in the H1B landscape for this occupation. Tech Mahindra (Americas) and HCL America are among the top five sponsors, often placing Mechanical Engineers in roles that intersect with digital manufacturing, PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), and industrial automation. These companies are well-versed in the H1B visa process, making them excellent targets for candidates who need a clear path toward legal work authorization. By targeting these high-volume sponsors, applicants can increase their chances of finding an employer with an established immigration pipeline.
Skills & Qualifications
To secure H1B sponsorship, Mechanical Engineers must demonstrate specialized knowledge that qualifies the role as a 'specialty occupation.' Employers typically look for a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, though many top sponsors prefer candidates with a Master’s degree or specific research experience. Proficiency in advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, finite element analysis (FEA), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is often a prerequisite. As the industry moves toward Industry 4.0, skills in robotics, automation, and mechatronics are becoming increasingly valuable for H1B candidates. Beyond technical prowess, employers value professionals who can bridge the gap between traditional engineering and modern software integration. Knowledge of Python, MATLAB, or C++ for system modeling can set a candidate apart in the H1B pool. Furthermore, experience with specific industry standards and regulatory compliance is highly sought after by firms like Cummins and Altair. Demonstrating a portfolio of complex projects or patented innovations can significantly strengthen an H1B petition by proving that the candidate possesses 'extraordinary' or specialized skills that are difficult to find in the local labor market.
Tips for Getting H1B Sponsorship
For those pursuing H1B sponsorship for Mechanical Engineers, strategic positioning is key. Focus your job search on the top-performing states like Michigan, Texas, and California, where the concentration of sponsoring employers is highest. Tailor your resume to highlight experience that aligns with the needs of major sponsors like Cummins or Tech Mahindra. Since the year-over-year trend is growing by 7.4%, it is an ideal time to network with hiring managers in the automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy sectors, which are currently driving this increased demand for engineering talent. Additionally, international students should utilize their OPT (Optional Practical Training) period to prove their value to an employer before the H1B lottery begins. Gaining hands-on experience in a U.S.-based internship can make you a much more attractive candidate for long-term H1B sponsorship. Always stay informed about the latest H1B visa regulations and salary benchmarks to ensure you are a competitive applicant. By combining high-demand technical skills with a targeted search strategy focused on high-volume sponsoring companies, you can successfully navigate the path to a rewarding engineering career in the United States.