H-1B Visa Applied AI Engineer Jobs
Applied AI Engineer roles sit squarely within H-1B visa specialty occupation requirements, with employers filing Labor Condition Applications under SOC codes tied to software development and machine learning engineering. The cap-subject lottery applies unless your employer holds cap-exempt status, so timing your job search around the April registration window matters.
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Get Access To All JobsMAIN JOB RESPONSIBILITIES / COMPETENCIES
The Director, Enterprise Artificial Intelligence is responsible for leading the Company's enterprise Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy and driving business transformation through the adoption of AI-enabled capabilities across the organization. This role partners closely with Executive Leadership, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Commercial Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, and Information Technology to identify, prioritize, and implement Artificial Intelligence solutions that improve operational efficiency, decision making, customer experience, innovation, and long-term competitive advantage.
This position provides strategic leadership for enterprise AI governance, Responsible AI, Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, Intelligent Automation, and enterprise knowledge management while ensuring AI initiatives deliver measurable business value, align with corporate objectives, and support secure, scalable, and sustainable business transformation.
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Lead and execute the Company's enterprise Artificial Intelligence strategy aligned with corporate objectives, digital transformation initiatives, and measurable business outcomes.
-
Establish and operationalize an Enterprise AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) responsible for governance, standards, reusable AI capabilities, and enterprise adoption.
-
Drive enterprise business transformation through the application of Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, and Intelligent Automation.
-
Partner with executive leadership and business stakeholders to identify and prioritize AI initiatives that improve operational efficiency, product quality, customer experience, revenue growth, and employee productivity.
-
Develop enterprise AI roadmaps, investment strategies, business cases, and value realization plans.
-
Establish Responsible AI governance, AI policies, model lifecycle management, and AI risk management practices.
-
Lead implementation of RAG, semantic search, vector databases, AI assistants, and enterprise knowledge management.
-
Integrate AI with Oracle Fusion ERP, OCI, OIC, Salesforce, MES, PLM, enterprise data platforms, and cloud-native applications.
-
Establish KPIs and executive dashboards measuring AI adoption and business value.
-
Lead organizational change management and enterprise AI adoption.
-
Recruit and mentor a team of AI/Business Engineers, Data Engineer/architects and AI Product Owner.
-
Evaluate emerging AI technologies and strategic technology partnerships.
-
Foster innovation, continuous improvement, and responsible AI adoption.
-
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related discipline required or equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Professional certifications in AI, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Architecture, Cybersecurity, Project Management, or Data Analytics are highly desirable.
Experience
- 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in enterprise technology, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, enterprise architecture, software engineering, or related disciplines.
- 3+ years leading enterprise digital AI transformation organizations.
- Demonstrated success developing enterprise AI strategies delivering measurable business transformation.
- Experience with Generative AI, LLMs, Agentic AI, RAG, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, and Intelligent Automation.
- Experience in integrating AI with ERP, CRM, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, HR, and enterprise platforms.
- Experience presenting AI strategies and business outcomes to executive leadership and Boards.
- Enterprise AI governance, organizational change management, and global business transformation.
- FDA-regulated medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other regulated industries preferred.
SKILLS
- Strong knowledge of enterprise Artificial Intelligence strategy, governance, operating models, enterprise architecture, and business transformation methodologies, including the development of AI roadmaps, investment strategies, Centers of Excellence, and enterprise adoption frameworks.
- Deep understanding of Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), prompt engineering, AI orchestration frameworks, semantic search, vector databases, AI assistants, autonomous agents, and intelligent automation technologies.
- Strong understanding of Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, AI model lifecycle management, model evaluation, MLOps, LLMOps, and enterprise AI platform operations.
- Strong knowledge of enterprise cloud platforms including Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), cloud-native architectures, APIs, microservices, enterprise integration, event-driven architectures, and hybrid cloud environments.
- Deep understanding of enterprise data architecture, data governance, master data management, metadata management, data quality, knowledge management, vector storage, and enterprise information management principles supporting AI-enabled decision making.
- Strong understanding of Responsible AI principles, AI governance, cybersecurity, privacy, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, model transparency, explainability, AI ethics, enterprise risk management, and secure AI deployment practices.
- Demonstrated ability to align Artificial Intelligence investments with corporate strategy by developing business cases, value realization frameworks, key performance indicators (KPIs), executive dashboards, and measurable financial and operational outcomes.
- Ability to partner effectively with Executive Leadership, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Finance, Human Resources, Cybersecurity, Legal, and external technology partners to deliver enterprise-wide AI capabilities.
- Excellent analytical, strategic planning, organizational, communication, executive presentation, negotiation, financial management, vendor management, stakeholder engagement, and organizational change management skills.
- Demonstrated leadership building, mentoring, and scaling high-performing multidisciplinary teams consisting of AI Engineers, Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, AI Solution Architects, Enterprise Architects, Product Managers, and business technology professionals.
- Proven ability to lead enterprise modernization initiatives, drive innovation, establish AI governance, manage organizational change, and deliver measurable business transformation while maintaining secure, scalable, and responsible AI practices.
Pay range: $200K - $300K - Final compensation/salary will depend on experience.
STAAR Surgical is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
LOCATION
Lake Forest, CA, US
Job Code: 2214
of Openings: 1
MAIN JOB RESPONSIBILITIES / COMPETENCIES
The Director, Enterprise Artificial Intelligence is responsible for leading the Company's enterprise Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy and driving business transformation through the adoption of AI-enabled capabilities across the organization. This role partners closely with Executive Leadership, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Commercial Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, and Information Technology to identify, prioritize, and implement Artificial Intelligence solutions that improve operational efficiency, decision making, customer experience, innovation, and long-term competitive advantage.
This position provides strategic leadership for enterprise AI governance, Responsible AI, Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, Intelligent Automation, and enterprise knowledge management while ensuring AI initiatives deliver measurable business value, align with corporate objectives, and support secure, scalable, and sustainable business transformation.
-
Lead and execute the Company's enterprise Artificial Intelligence strategy aligned with corporate objectives, digital transformation initiatives, and measurable business outcomes.
-
Establish and operationalize an Enterprise AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) responsible for governance, standards, reusable AI capabilities, and enterprise adoption.
-
Drive enterprise business transformation through the application of Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, and Intelligent Automation.
-
Partner with executive leadership and business stakeholders to identify and prioritize AI initiatives that improve operational efficiency, product quality, customer experience, revenue growth, and employee productivity.
-
Develop enterprise AI roadmaps, investment strategies, business cases, and value realization plans.
-
Establish Responsible AI governance, AI policies, model lifecycle management, and AI risk management practices.
-
Lead implementation of RAG, semantic search, vector databases, AI assistants, and enterprise knowledge management.
-
Integrate AI with Oracle Fusion ERP, OCI, OIC, Salesforce, MES, PLM, enterprise data platforms, and cloud-native applications.
-
Establish KPIs and executive dashboards measuring AI adoption and business value.
-
Lead organizational change management and enterprise AI adoption.
-
Recruit and mentor a team of AI/Business Engineers, Data Engineer/architects and AI Product Owner.
-
Evaluate emerging AI technologies and strategic technology partnerships.
-
Foster innovation, continuous improvement, and responsible AI adoption.
-
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related discipline required or equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Professional certifications in AI, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Architecture, Cybersecurity, Project Management, or Data Analytics are highly desirable.
Experience
- 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in enterprise technology, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, enterprise architecture, software engineering, or related disciplines.
- 3+ years leading enterprise digital AI transformation organizations.
- Demonstrated success developing enterprise AI strategies delivering measurable business transformation.
- Experience with Generative AI, LLMs, Agentic AI, RAG, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, and Intelligent Automation.
- Experience in integrating AI with ERP, CRM, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, HR, and enterprise platforms.
- Experience presenting AI strategies and business outcomes to executive leadership and Boards.
- Enterprise AI governance, organizational change management, and global business transformation.
- FDA-regulated medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other regulated industries preferred.
SKILLS
- Strong knowledge of enterprise Artificial Intelligence strategy, governance, operating models, enterprise architecture, and business transformation methodologies, including the development of AI roadmaps, investment strategies, Centers of Excellence, and enterprise adoption frameworks.
- Deep understanding of Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), prompt engineering, AI orchestration frameworks, semantic search, vector databases, AI assistants, autonomous agents, and intelligent automation technologies.
- Strong understanding of Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, AI model lifecycle management, model evaluation, MLOps, LLMOps, and enterprise AI platform operations.
- Strong knowledge of enterprise cloud platforms including Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), cloud-native architectures, APIs, microservices, enterprise integration, event-driven architectures, and hybrid cloud environments.
- Deep understanding of enterprise data architecture, data governance, master data management, metadata management, data quality, knowledge management, vector storage, and enterprise information management principles supporting AI-enabled decision making.
- Strong understanding of Responsible AI principles, AI governance, cybersecurity, privacy, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, model transparency, explainability, AI ethics, enterprise risk management, and secure AI deployment practices.
- Demonstrated ability to align Artificial Intelligence investments with corporate strategy by developing business cases, value realization frameworks, key performance indicators (KPIs), executive dashboards, and measurable financial and operational outcomes.
- Ability to partner effectively with Executive Leadership, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Finance, Human Resources, Cybersecurity, Legal, and external technology partners to deliver enterprise-wide AI capabilities.
- Excellent analytical, strategic planning, organizational, communication, executive presentation, negotiation, financial management, vendor management, stakeholder engagement, and organizational change management skills.
- Demonstrated leadership building, mentoring, and scaling high-performing multidisciplinary teams consisting of AI Engineers, Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, AI Solution Architects, Enterprise Architects, Product Managers, and business technology professionals.
- Proven ability to lead enterprise modernization initiatives, drive innovation, establish AI governance, manage organizational change, and deliver measurable business transformation while maintaining secure, scalable, and responsible AI practices.
Pay range: $200K - $300K - Final compensation/salary will depend on experience.
STAAR Surgical is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
LOCATION
Lake Forest, CA, US
Job Code: 2214
of Openings: 1
See all 2,306+ H-1B Visa Applied AI Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Applied AI Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as an Applied AI Engineer
Map your degree to AI engineering SOC codes
USCIS evaluates whether your specific degree field directly relates to the Applied AI Engineer role. Pull the O*NET profile for your target SOC code and confirm your transcript language aligns before your employer files the I-129.
Use Migrate Mate to filter verified sponsors
Search Applied AI Engineer roles on Migrate Mate to surface employers with active LCA filing history for AI and ML positions, so you're targeting companies that have already cleared DOL prevailing-wage certification for this role type.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Run your target job title, location, and Level I through IV wage tier through the OFLC Wage Search before your offer call. Your employer must pay at or above the prevailing wage on the certified LCA or your H-1B petition is defective from day one.
Verify your employer's E-Verify enrollment early
AI roles at early-stage startups frequently lack E-Verify enrollment, which blocks STEM OPT extensions and complicates future H-1B transfers. Confirm enrollment status during the interview stage, not after you've signed an offer letter.
Request premium processing if your OPT cap-gap is tight
If your OPT expires before October 1 and your employer filed after April 1, your authorized stay depends on an approved H-1B before status lapses. Premium processing cuts USCIS adjudication to 15 business days and removes that gap risk.
Document your AI project scope for specialty occupation evidence
Applied AI Engineer petitions increasingly face RFEs questioning whether the role truly requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Prepare job-duty narratives that name specific ML frameworks, model architectures, and research methodologies tied directly to your degree discipline.
H-1B Visa Applied AI Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Applied AI Engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, provided the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field such as computer science, machine learning, mathematics, or a closely aligned engineering discipline. Employers strengthen the case by tying specific job duties, like fine-tuning large language models or designing inference pipelines, to degree-level theoretical knowledge. Generic software engineering duties without AI-specific requirements can weaken the specialty occupation argument at adjudication.
Which SOC codes do employers typically use when filing H-1B LCAs for Applied AI Engineer positions?
Most employers file under SOC 15-2051 (Data Scientists), 15-1252 (Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers), or 15-1299 (Computer and Information Technology Occupations, All Other). The SOC code determines which prevailing wage level USCIS and DOL apply to the petition, so confirming the code your employer intends to use before the LCA is certified protects your offer terms.
How do I find Applied AI Engineer employers that actively sponsor H-1B visas?
Search on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with verified LCA filing history for AI and machine learning roles. This lets you focus your applications on companies that have already navigated DOL prevailing-wage certification for this role type rather than spending time on employers who have no H-1B sponsorship track record.
Can an Applied AI Engineer role at a startup or small company support an H-1B petition?
Yes, employer size doesn't determine H-1B eligibility, but smaller AI companies introduce specific risks. Startups may lack E-Verify enrollment, may struggle to document that the role genuinely requires a specialty-degree holder, or may not have the financial stability USCIS expects when assessing ability to pay. Asking for audited financials or a signed offer with defined salary terms before the petition is filed is reasonable due diligence.
What happens to my H-1B if my employer pivots away from AI projects after I'm sponsored?
Your H-1B is tied to the job duties and SOC code certified on the original LCA. If your duties shift materially away from the AI engineering work described in the petition, your employer should amend the H-1B with USCIS before the change takes effect. Working in a materially different role without an amended petition creates status compliance risk, and USCIS can issue an RFE or denial on extension if duties no longer match.