H-1B Visa Ic Design Engineer Jobs
IC design engineers work in a specialty occupation that qualifies for H-1B visa sponsorship, with employers required to file a Labor Condition Application before petitioning USCIS. Semiconductor and fabless chip companies sponsor consistently, and the annual 85,000-slot cap makes timing your job search to the April filing window critical.
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Get Access To All JobsPrimary Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership & Technical Strategy
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of driver developers, embedded firmware engineers, and test automation engineers.
- Define and communicate roadmap for embedded driver development, automation architecture, DSP-based test workflows, and system integration.
- Provide architectural oversight of test software, firmware platforms, and high-speed transceiver evaluation frameworks.
- Partner cross-functionally with hardware design, systems engineering, and global manufacturing teams to ensure alignment of technical direction and deliverables.
Hands-On Technical Responsibilities (Individual Contributor)
- Design and develop embedded firmware and low-level software drivers for STM32-based and custom Coherent test platforms using C/C++, C#, and VB.NET.
- Develop automated test solutions for high-speed transceiver modules, including waveform analysis, DSP-driven measurements, and ML-enabled optimization.
- Integrate new test boards into the existing software architecture and ensure seamless deployment across engineering and manufacturing.
- Support U.S. contract manufacturers with test implementation, system bring-up, debugging, troubleshooting, and sustaining support.
- Perform advanced statistical analysis (SPC, GR&R, correlation studies) to qualify automated testers and validate system performance.
- Collaborate with hardware engineering on debugging, functional validation, and release of new instruments and boards into production.
- Work hands-on with laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, DMMs, logic analyzers, and high-speed signal analyzers.
Education & Experience
- BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in embedded systems, driver development, or test automation, with at least 3–5 years in leadership, technical management, or team-lead capacity.
- Proven experience developing firmware and low-level drivers in C, C++, C#, and VB.NET, with strong preference for STM32 microcontroller experience.
- Strong understanding of high-speed digital signaling, transceiver testing (NRZ, PAM4), and DSP concepts.
- Experience building and deploying automation frameworks and factory-level test systems.
- Proficiency in instrument communication protocols: GPIB, SCPI, I²C, UART.
- Experience with Python, .NET platforms, MATLAB, or ML-based test optimization is a strong plus.
Skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Excellent project-management skills with a track record of driving complex cross-functional initiatives.
- Strong communication, presentation, and documentation skills.
- Able to collaborate effectively with contract manufacturers to support test deployment and continuous improvement.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of balancing strategic leadership with hands-on technical execution.
Working Conditions
- This position is predominantly onsite.
- May require occasional off-site meetings or travel.
- Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
- Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job.
- May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs.
Physical Requirements
- Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
- Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
- Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
- Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust
C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership & Technical Strategy
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of driver developers, embedded firmware engineers, and test automation engineers.
- Define and communicate roadmap for embedded driver development, automation architecture, DSP-based test workflows, and system integration.
- Provide architectural oversight of test software, firmware platforms, and high-speed transceiver evaluation frameworks.
- Partner cross-functionally with hardware design, systems engineering, and global manufacturing teams to ensure alignment of technical direction and deliverables.
Hands-On Technical Responsibilities (Individual Contributor)
- Design and develop embedded firmware and low-level software drivers for STM32-based and custom Coherent test platforms using C/C++, C#, and VB.NET.
- Develop automated test solutions for high-speed transceiver modules, including waveform analysis, DSP-driven measurements, and ML-enabled optimization.
- Integrate new test boards into the existing software architecture and ensure seamless deployment across engineering and manufacturing.
- Support U.S. contract manufacturers with test implementation, system bring-up, debugging, troubleshooting, and sustaining support.
- Perform advanced statistical analysis (SPC, GR&R, correlation studies) to qualify automated testers and validate system performance.
- Collaborate with hardware engineering on debugging, functional validation, and release of new instruments and boards into production.
- Work hands-on with laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, DMMs, logic analyzers, and high-speed signal analyzers.
Education & Experience
- BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in embedded systems, driver development, or test automation, with at least 3–5 years in leadership, technical management, or team-lead capacity.
- Proven experience developing firmware and low-level drivers in C, C++, C#, and VB.NET, with strong preference for STM32 microcontroller experience.
- Strong understanding of high-speed digital signaling, transceiver testing (NRZ, PAM4), and DSP concepts.
- Experience building and deploying automation frameworks and factory-level test systems.
- Proficiency in instrument communication protocols: GPIB, SCPI, I²C, UART.
- Experience with Python, .NET platforms, MATLAB, or ML-based test optimization is a strong plus.
Skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Excellent project-management skills with a track record of driving complex cross-functional initiatives.
- Strong communication, presentation, and documentation skills.
- Able to collaborate effectively with contract manufacturers to support test deployment and continuous improvement.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of balancing strategic leadership with hands-on technical execution.
Working Conditions
- This position is predominantly onsite.
- May require occasional off-site meetings or travel.
- Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
- Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job.
- May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs.
Physical Requirements
- Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
- Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
- Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
- Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust
C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
See all 53+ H-1B Visa Ic Design Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as an Ic Design Engineer
Document your IC design specialization early
Gather transcripts, project portfolios, and any tapeout records that tie your degree directly to your IC design role. USCIS scrutinizes specialty occupation for engineering positions, so a clear degree-to-job match strengthens your petition from day one.
Use OFLC Wage Search before negotiating offers
Look up the prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location before you negotiate. Your employer's LCA must certify at least that wage level, so knowing it in advance prevents offers that can't clear DOL certification.
Target fabless semiconductor companies with E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify, and many fabless chip companies already are. Filtering for E-Verify-enrolled employers early narrows your list to companies equipped to sponsor and extend your authorization through the H-1B transition.
Find H-1B sponsors using Migrate Mate's LCA data
Search IC design engineer roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employer H-1B Labor Condition Application filing history by occupation. You can see which semiconductor and EDA companies have sponsored this role before, skipping cold outreach to employers with no sponsorship track record.
Request premium processing if your OPT expires near October
Standard H-1B adjudication can stretch past the October 1 start date. If your OPT end date leaves little buffer, ask your employer to file with premium processing through USCIS so you receive a decision within 15 business days and avoid an unauthorized work gap.
Align your role description to O*NET job zone standards
IC design engineer maps to a high job zone in O*NET, requiring a directly related bachelor's degree or higher. Make sure your offer letter job duties match O*NET task descriptions so your employer's I-129 specialty occupation argument holds up under USCIS review.
H-1B Visa Ic Design Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does IC design engineering qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. IC design engineering requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field, which satisfies the specialty occupation definition USCIS applies. Roles covering RTL design, analog layout, or mixed-signal verification all carry a clear degree-to-duty relationship. If your job description includes tasks that generalists without that background could perform, your employer should tighten the duty language before filing.
Which types of employers most commonly sponsor H-1B visas for IC design engineers?
Fabless semiconductor companies, integrated device manufacturers, and EDA software firms are the most active H-1B sponsors for IC design roles. Defense contractors with chip design divisions and large hyperscalers with custom silicon teams also file regularly. Migrate Mate shows LCA filing history by employer and occupation, so you can identify which companies have sponsored IC design engineers specifically rather than relying on general engineering hiring patterns.
Can I switch IC design engineering employers after my H-1B is approved?
Yes, under H-1B portability rules established by AC21. If you've had your H-1B approved for at least 180 days and your new employer files an H-1B transfer petition before your current one expires, you can start the new role as soon as the transfer is received by USCIS. The new employer must file a fresh LCA certifying the prevailing wage for your new work location and role, which matters if you're moving between metro areas with different wage levels.
What happens to my H-1B if my IC design project ends and I'm placed on the bench?
Your employer must continue paying your LCA-certified wage during any nonproductive period caused by the employer's lack of work, not by your own choice. Benching without pay violates the H-1B wage obligation and can trigger a DOL investigation. If a layoff is coming, you have a 60-day grace period after your employment ends to find a new sponsor, change status, or depart the country.
Does a master's degree in electrical engineering improve my H-1B chances as an IC design engineer?
It directly improves your lottery odds. USCIS runs a separate advanced degree exemption drawing for applicants with a U.S. master's or higher before the general cap lottery, giving those candidates two chances at selection rather than one. For IC design roles, a master's in electrical engineering or computer engineering also strengthens the specialty occupation argument because the degree-to-role alignment is unambiguous to adjudicators reviewing mixed-signal or digital design petitions.