Hello everyone
I am an automotive engineer and going to a language school for a year and a half. Is it possible to find an engineering job after language school or is it unlikely for foreigners to land a job like that straight out of school?
I am pretty sure I will reach N2 in the worst case scenario in the end of language school.
I work as a PMO so I can't really say I have engineering experience in more operational areas.
I read that in order to get a worker visa as an engineer, one must find a similar job like engineering, engineering assistance or technician. So that is actually what bothers me. I can manage my life with other jobs until I get back on track but I can't do that without a visa to begin with.
Friends told me there are agencies that could find a job but they also have not experienced Japan.
Comments
by Fun-Two-3914 on Feb 26, 2026
Hi mate
Without being fluent in japanese you won't get a proper engineer job but there are tons of jobs that are related to your field which will sponsor you a visa.
It's borderline legal but it's full of asian people on engineer visa. They will be called kensa kanri, seisan kanri, or they will be cnc operator.
In reality they are factory workers but it's hard to justify to which degree you are doing labor or actual engineering so immigration let it go. Company desperately need workers they ll sponsor you.
It's a good entry point, being on a working visa will open you new gates for changing later
by DesperateLet2613 on Feb 27, 2026
Thanks mate.
I trust in my ability to endure and work hard. And I am not picky about conditions of my job as long as it puts food on the table. I just don't want any paperwork to get on my way. I'll be back on track as long as I have some time to settle things.
Your answer really helped. I will focus on language than worry about jobs.
by Fun-Two-3914 on Feb 27, 2026
Good luck then !
For information I am just like you, holding mechanical engineer degree, but barely had n3 level at the end of my language school so I got a job in a factory (paid like 20-25man net depending of zangyou)
And it went with 5 years engineer visa
by Crazy_Particular_743 on Feb 26, 2026
Do you have an engineering degree? If not, expect low pay
by DesperateLet2613 on Feb 27, 2026
Thank you for reply. Yes I do have automation engineering degree. My experience mostly about system quality and management so I am guessing that experience won't do me any favor in Japan. I am not expecting to get top pay in my situation.
