Mechanical Engineer Jobs at The University of Texas at Austin with Visa Sponsorship
Mechanical Engineer jobs at The University of Texas at Austin span research labs, facilities operations, and engineering support across a large public research institution. UT Austin has a consistent track record of sponsoring international engineers, covering a range of work visa categories for qualified candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting Title:
R&D Hardware Mechanical Engineering Scientist Associate
Hiring Department:
Applied Research Laboratories
Position Open To:
All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
Location:
PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS
Job Details:
Purpose:
Contribute to research and development tasks and experimental sea-tests within the Environmental Sciences Laboratory (ESL) at Applied Research Laboratories (ARL).
Responsibilities:
- Design support of new and existing underwater acoustic systems and sensors. This includes scheduling, execution, calibration, characterization, testing, and data analysis.
- Deploy/recover subsea systems in field from offshore vessels / work boats and trouble shoot and repair equipment, as necessary.
- Assist with hardware procurement.
- Assist with fabrication facilities management, warehouse and shop organization, and coordinate maintenance and inventory of shop tools.
- Other related functions, as required.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Ocean Engineering.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software (e.g., Creo, Solidworks) for 3D modeling and assembly.
- Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) concepts and experience using common software packages (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) for basic linear static analysis.
- Experience generating detailed engineering drawings in accordance with industry standards (e.g, ASME Y14.5).
- Strong understanding of Engineering Mechanics, including statics, strength of materials, and the selection/application of common engineering materials (metals, polymers).
- Fundamental knowledge of mechanical components and systems (e.g., shafts, bearings, fasteners, gears, seals).
- Familiarity with programming engineering computation software such as MATLAB.
Applicant must be highly organized, have excellent attention to detail, and possess sound scientific judgment. The position will require effective management of their own time with the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously. Regular and punctual attendance in the workplace is required.
US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in mechanical or ocean engineering and 3 years of experience.
- Three years of experience with the design, fabrication, and testing of prototype hardware in a commercial, research, or advanced academic setting. Proven ability to apply principles of structural integrity, materials science, and system performance to hardware design.
- Demonstrated experience or high aptitude in designing, building, or deploying oceanographic instrumentation or similar remote sensing/harsh-environment equipment.
- Practical field-testing experience with mechanical hardware.
- Demonstrated knowledge of various manufacturing and fabrication processes (e.g., machining, welding, 3D printing) and their impact on design.
- Experience with data processing, such as acoustic signal processing using software like MATLAB.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 with 3.2 in core engineering courses.
General Notes:
An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.
Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.
UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
- Retirement contributions
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Paid holidays
Salary Range:
$88,500-$120,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications
Working Conditions:
- Standard office conditions
- Periodic offshore work on ships
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- Use of manual dexterity
- Some weekend, evening and holiday work
- Intrastate/interstate/international travel
- Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Will work outdoors, indoors and over water
Required Materials:
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
- Unofficial college transcripts
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
- E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.
Job Posting Title:
R&D Hardware Mechanical Engineering Scientist Associate
Hiring Department:
Applied Research Laboratories
Position Open To:
All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
Location:
PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS
Job Details:
Purpose:
Contribute to research and development tasks and experimental sea-tests within the Environmental Sciences Laboratory (ESL) at Applied Research Laboratories (ARL).
Responsibilities:
- Design support of new and existing underwater acoustic systems and sensors. This includes scheduling, execution, calibration, characterization, testing, and data analysis.
- Deploy/recover subsea systems in field from offshore vessels / work boats and trouble shoot and repair equipment, as necessary.
- Assist with hardware procurement.
- Assist with fabrication facilities management, warehouse and shop organization, and coordinate maintenance and inventory of shop tools.
- Other related functions, as required.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Ocean Engineering.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software (e.g., Creo, Solidworks) for 3D modeling and assembly.
- Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) concepts and experience using common software packages (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) for basic linear static analysis.
- Experience generating detailed engineering drawings in accordance with industry standards (e.g, ASME Y14.5).
- Strong understanding of Engineering Mechanics, including statics, strength of materials, and the selection/application of common engineering materials (metals, polymers).
- Fundamental knowledge of mechanical components and systems (e.g., shafts, bearings, fasteners, gears, seals).
- Familiarity with programming engineering computation software such as MATLAB.
Applicant must be highly organized, have excellent attention to detail, and possess sound scientific judgment. The position will require effective management of their own time with the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously. Regular and punctual attendance in the workplace is required.
US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in mechanical or ocean engineering and 3 years of experience.
- Three years of experience with the design, fabrication, and testing of prototype hardware in a commercial, research, or advanced academic setting. Proven ability to apply principles of structural integrity, materials science, and system performance to hardware design.
- Demonstrated experience or high aptitude in designing, building, or deploying oceanographic instrumentation or similar remote sensing/harsh-environment equipment.
- Practical field-testing experience with mechanical hardware.
- Demonstrated knowledge of various manufacturing and fabrication processes (e.g., machining, welding, 3D printing) and their impact on design.
- Experience with data processing, such as acoustic signal processing using software like MATLAB.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 with 3.2 in core engineering courses.
General Notes:
An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.
Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.
UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
- Retirement contributions
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Paid holidays
Salary Range:
$88,500-$120,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications
Working Conditions:
- Standard office conditions
- Periodic offshore work on ships
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- Use of manual dexterity
- Some weekend, evening and holiday work
- Intrastate/interstate/international travel
- Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Will work outdoors, indoors and over water
Required Materials:
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
- Unofficial college transcripts
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
- E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.
Tips for Finding Mechanical Engineer Jobs at The University of Texas at Austin
Frame your credentials for academic engineering roles
University engineering positions often prioritize research experience, publications, or lab management over purely industry credentials. Organize your CV to highlight any academic or research engineering work, as UT Austin hiring managers respond to that context.
Target departments with active research funding
UT Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering runs federally funded research programs that generate steady mechanical engineering hiring. Applying directly to postings tied to specific labs or grants puts you in front of hiring managers with real budget authority.
Confirm H-1B sponsorship intent before the offer stage
UT Austin sponsors H-1B visas, but sponsorship decisions sit with departmental budget holders, not HR alone. Ask during the interview whether the specific department has sponsored H-1B workers before and whether funding is in place for the filing fees.
Understand how TN status applies to your situation
If you're a Canadian or Mexican citizen, TN status covers engineers and can be obtained at the border without USCIS processing times. Confirm the role lists engineering as the qualifying occupation category before assuming TN eligibility.
Time OPT or CPT applications around semester hiring cycles
UT Austin tends to open engineering roles aligned with academic calendar timelines. If you're on F-1 OPT, submit applications in early spring or late summer when new lab and facilities roles are most likely to be posted and reviewed.
Use Migrate Mate to filter open roles by visa type
Mechanical Engineer openings at UT Austin get posted across multiple channels, making it hard to filter by sponsorship eligibility. Use Migrate Mate to browse current UT Austin mechanical engineering roles filtered specifically by the visa types they support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The University of Texas at Austin sponsor H-1B visas for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, The University of Texas at Austin sponsors H-1B visas for Mechanical Engineer roles. As a large public research university, UT Austin has an established process for international sponsorship, typically handled through its International Office. Sponsorship availability can vary by department and funding source, so confirming with the hiring department during the interview process is the right move.
How do I apply for Mechanical Engineer jobs at The University of Texas at Austin?
Applications go through UT Austin's official jobs portal at utexas.edu/jobs. For research-focused roles, it's also worth reaching out to principal investigators in the Cockrell School of Engineering directly, since lab-based positions sometimes get filled before they're widely advertised. Migrate Mate also lists open Mechanical Engineer roles at UT Austin filtered by visa sponsorship eligibility, which simplifies the search.
Which visa types does The University of Texas at Austin commonly use for Mechanical Engineer positions?
UT Austin sponsors H-1B and E-3 visas for ongoing employment, along with TN visa status for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineering roles. F-1 OPT and CPT are supported for students and recent graduates, and the university has sponsored Green Card pathways including EB-2 and EB-3 for longer-term engineering staff. The right category depends on your nationality and the specific role.
What qualifications does The University of Texas at Austin expect for Mechanical Engineer roles?
Most Mechanical Engineer positions at UT Austin require at least a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. Research-oriented or senior roles typically expect a master's degree or Ph.D., along with demonstrated lab or project experience. For H-1B eligibility, USCIS requires the role to qualify as a specialty occupation, which a degree-required mechanical engineering position at a research university almost always satisfies.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a Mechanical Engineer at The University of Texas at Austin?
H-1B sponsorship at UT Austin follows the standard USCIS timeline: the cap-subject lottery runs in March each year with employment starting October 1 at the earliest, or sooner if a cap-exempt pathway applies. Cap-exempt H-1B filings, which universities can use, skip the lottery and have USCIS processing times of roughly three to six months without premium processing. Planning your job search and offer timeline around those windows matters.