H-1B Visa Research And Development Engineer Jobs
Research and Development Engineer roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field. With a 65,000-cap annual lottery and a 20,000-slot exemption for U.S. advanced-degree holders, R&D roles at universities and nonprofit research institutions may qualify for cap-exempt filing.
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Get Access To All JobsBACKGROUND:
From storms that disrupt daily life to flash floods that threaten homes and infrastructure, the impacts of heavy rainfall are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. Rebuild by Design’s Rainproof NYC is a city-wide initiative to fill the gaps and lead NYC to learn to live with increasingly heavy rainfall. Since 2021, Rebuild has been combining research, global inspiration, and convening hands-on collaboration across agencies, nonprofits, communities, and experts to chart a path to systematically transform our city into a sponge.
THE ROLE:
Rebuild by Design and its partners will soon launch Rainproof University – a multi-sector climate leadership program focused on understanding and responding to New York City’s rapidly increasing heavy rainfall and designing community-based initiatives to save lives and livelihoods. Rebuild by Design is seeking to hire a part-time researcher to help with program development of Rainproof University, as well as other Rainproof NYC projects and Rebuild by Design initiatives. The Program Researcher will work directly with the Rainproof NYC Project Manager and other team members, and will be expected to participate in team meetings, Rainproof University planning meetings, and Rainproof University Sessions. Candidates must be available to work evening and weekend events as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Support research to inform the structure of Rainproof University, including, but not limited to: innovative university models; landscape analysis of what already exists; gaps the University can uniquely fill; agency alignment; and professional value, such as ongoing professional accreditation.
- Develop research briefs, background reports, literature reviews, presentations, and other materials to inform Rainproof University's curriculum, sessions, and participant projects.
- Identify and document best practices, emerging approaches, and lessons learned from communities, practitioners, researchers, and public agencies.
- Translate complex research into accessible content for a range of audiences, including community partners, public agencies, and the broader Rainproof NYC network.
- Lead the development and ongoing research for Rainproof University's digital public library, organizing research, case studies, resources, and relevant data.
- Drive Rainproof University’s program development and implementation forward through research, coordinating timelines, tracking deadlines and action items, and ensuring program logistics and deliverables stay on schedule.
- Research and develop general curriculum templates for modules/sessions.
- Support Rainproof University recruitment by researching organizations, groups, mailing lists, etc. to build out an outreach list. Recruit Rainproof University participants by building bridges to new community partners and sectors. Support current Rainproof NYC relationships to strengthen the Rainproof network.
- Draft and edit content to communicate research, such as website, social media, newsletter, and events.
- Support tracking and evaluating the program’s outcome data. Research best practices for program evaluation.
- Provide general project and administrative support across Rainproof NYC and other Rebuild by Design initiatives, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and notes, maintaining project trackers and shared documents, and supporting event administration.
- Help with additional tasks to support Rebuild by Design as needed.
This position will require approximately 15-20 hours per week for 6 months with possible renewal. Scheduling is flexible in coordination with the Rebuild team.
ABOUT REBUILD BY DESIGN:
As the world faces rising populations, mass migration, climate change, social injustices, and economic challenges, communities can’t afford to wait until after the next crisis to plan for the future. Through regional competitions, local engagements, research, and policy, Rebuild by Design is reimagining the way communities find solutions for today’s large-scale, complex problems by creating collaborations across communities and governments. Rebuild convenes global expertise, regional leadership, and community stakeholders to gain a better understanding of how overlapping environmental and human-made vulnerabilities leave communities at risk. Rebuild’s core belief is that through collaboration, our communities can grow stronger and better prepared to stand up to whatever challenges tomorrow brings.
Rebuild achieves its mission through a four-pronged approach: regional competitions, place-based engagements, research & policy, and education. We are a small team with a passion for social justice and equity in all our work. We recognize that championing true equity and inclusion begins in our own office. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals. If this position speaks to your interest and experiences, we strongly encourage you to apply. If you need any accommodations in the application process, please contact info@rebuildbydesign.org.
COMPENSATION:
- $35 an hour, 15-20 hours a week for six months with possibilities for extension.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have:
- Bachelor of Art, Masters Preferred
- A strong interest in urban planning, architecture, environmental studies, government, ecology, or other relevant fields and a competent understanding of environmental issues, climate adaptation practices, and policies.
- A strong passion for helping communities adapt to growing challenges.
- Knowledge of NYC, its communities, and its climate challenges
- 2-3 years of research experience in a professional setting.
- Highly organized with excellent written and communication skills.
- Project management experience.
- Able to move ideas into action.
- Ability to work independently and meet quick deadlines.
- Experience with logistics, event planning, and coordination of partners
- Experience with designing graphics and other communications collateral to translate research into action, including familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or other design programs
- Strong time management and prioritization of tasks.
- Public speaking experience is preferred.
- Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Interested applicants should submit the following through interfolio. No applications will be reviewed through email.
- Cover Letter demonstrating why you are qualified for this specific role, and why you want to work with Rebuild by Design on this project.
- Resume demonstrating relevant experience. Resumes must be saved as FirstName.LastName.Researcher2026.
NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.
SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT:
NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/sustainability.
BACKGROUND:
From storms that disrupt daily life to flash floods that threaten homes and infrastructure, the impacts of heavy rainfall are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. Rebuild by Design’s Rainproof NYC is a city-wide initiative to fill the gaps and lead NYC to learn to live with increasingly heavy rainfall. Since 2021, Rebuild has been combining research, global inspiration, and convening hands-on collaboration across agencies, nonprofits, communities, and experts to chart a path to systematically transform our city into a sponge.
THE ROLE:
Rebuild by Design and its partners will soon launch Rainproof University – a multi-sector climate leadership program focused on understanding and responding to New York City’s rapidly increasing heavy rainfall and designing community-based initiatives to save lives and livelihoods. Rebuild by Design is seeking to hire a part-time researcher to help with program development of Rainproof University, as well as other Rainproof NYC projects and Rebuild by Design initiatives. The Program Researcher will work directly with the Rainproof NYC Project Manager and other team members, and will be expected to participate in team meetings, Rainproof University planning meetings, and Rainproof University Sessions. Candidates must be available to work evening and weekend events as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Support research to inform the structure of Rainproof University, including, but not limited to: innovative university models; landscape analysis of what already exists; gaps the University can uniquely fill; agency alignment; and professional value, such as ongoing professional accreditation.
- Develop research briefs, background reports, literature reviews, presentations, and other materials to inform Rainproof University's curriculum, sessions, and participant projects.
- Identify and document best practices, emerging approaches, and lessons learned from communities, practitioners, researchers, and public agencies.
- Translate complex research into accessible content for a range of audiences, including community partners, public agencies, and the broader Rainproof NYC network.
- Lead the development and ongoing research for Rainproof University's digital public library, organizing research, case studies, resources, and relevant data.
- Drive Rainproof University’s program development and implementation forward through research, coordinating timelines, tracking deadlines and action items, and ensuring program logistics and deliverables stay on schedule.
- Research and develop general curriculum templates for modules/sessions.
- Support Rainproof University recruitment by researching organizations, groups, mailing lists, etc. to build out an outreach list. Recruit Rainproof University participants by building bridges to new community partners and sectors. Support current Rainproof NYC relationships to strengthen the Rainproof network.
- Draft and edit content to communicate research, such as website, social media, newsletter, and events.
- Support tracking and evaluating the program’s outcome data. Research best practices for program evaluation.
- Provide general project and administrative support across Rainproof NYC and other Rebuild by Design initiatives, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and notes, maintaining project trackers and shared documents, and supporting event administration.
- Help with additional tasks to support Rebuild by Design as needed.
This position will require approximately 15-20 hours per week for 6 months with possible renewal. Scheduling is flexible in coordination with the Rebuild team.
ABOUT REBUILD BY DESIGN:
As the world faces rising populations, mass migration, climate change, social injustices, and economic challenges, communities can’t afford to wait until after the next crisis to plan for the future. Through regional competitions, local engagements, research, and policy, Rebuild by Design is reimagining the way communities find solutions for today’s large-scale, complex problems by creating collaborations across communities and governments. Rebuild convenes global expertise, regional leadership, and community stakeholders to gain a better understanding of how overlapping environmental and human-made vulnerabilities leave communities at risk. Rebuild’s core belief is that through collaboration, our communities can grow stronger and better prepared to stand up to whatever challenges tomorrow brings.
Rebuild achieves its mission through a four-pronged approach: regional competitions, place-based engagements, research & policy, and education. We are a small team with a passion for social justice and equity in all our work. We recognize that championing true equity and inclusion begins in our own office. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals. If this position speaks to your interest and experiences, we strongly encourage you to apply. If you need any accommodations in the application process, please contact info@rebuildbydesign.org.
COMPENSATION:
- $35 an hour, 15-20 hours a week for six months with possibilities for extension.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have:
- Bachelor of Art, Masters Preferred
- A strong interest in urban planning, architecture, environmental studies, government, ecology, or other relevant fields and a competent understanding of environmental issues, climate adaptation practices, and policies.
- A strong passion for helping communities adapt to growing challenges.
- Knowledge of NYC, its communities, and its climate challenges
- 2-3 years of research experience in a professional setting.
- Highly organized with excellent written and communication skills.
- Project management experience.
- Able to move ideas into action.
- Ability to work independently and meet quick deadlines.
- Experience with logistics, event planning, and coordination of partners
- Experience with designing graphics and other communications collateral to translate research into action, including familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or other design programs
- Strong time management and prioritization of tasks.
- Public speaking experience is preferred.
- Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Interested applicants should submit the following through interfolio. No applications will be reviewed through email.
- Cover Letter demonstrating why you are qualified for this specific role, and why you want to work with Rebuild by Design on this project.
- Resume demonstrating relevant experience. Resumes must be saved as FirstName.LastName.Researcher2026.
NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.
SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT:
NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/sustainability.
See all 1,155+ H-1B Visa Research And Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Research And Development Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Research And Development Engineer
Verify your degree aligns with R&D specialization
USCIS requires your degree field to directly relate to your R&D role. A mechanical engineering degree supports a product R&D position, but a general business degree won't. Pull the O*NET profile for your specific SOC code to document the degree-to-role connection before petitions are filed.
Target cap-exempt employers for faster filing
Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government-affiliated labs can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery. R&D engineers are well-positioned for these roles. Confirming cap-exempt status before accepting an offer removes lottery risk entirely from your timeline.
Search H-1B sponsors by LCA filing history on Migrate Mate
Filter by Research and Development Engineer job titles on Migrate Mate to see which employers have active LCA filings for this role. This shows real sponsorship history, not just a careers-page claim, so you can prioritize outreach to proven sponsors.
Request premium processing for tight project start dates
Standard H-1B adjudication can run several months. If your R&D role has a lab start date tied to a funded project or grant cycle, ask your employer to file Form I-907 for premium processing, which targets a 15-business-day decision from USCIS.
Confirm prevailing wage tier matches your R&D level
DOL sets four wage levels for each SOC code. R&D engineers in senior or lead roles often fall at Level III or IV. Use the OFLC Wage Search to verify your offered wage meets the correct level before signing an offer, since the LCA locks in that wage floor.
Document patent filings and publications before interviews
Specialty occupation RFEs for R&D roles often question whether the position genuinely requires a degree. Compiling your published research, patent contributions, and technical project scope before your employer files strengthens the petition and reduces back-and-forth with USCIS.
H-1B Visa Research And Development Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research and Development Engineer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. R&D engineering roles qualify when the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, applied sciences, or a directly related technical field. USCIS evaluates both the job duties and the degree requirement. Roles involving experimental design, prototype development, or technical research typically satisfy the specialty occupation standard without significant challenge.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for Research and Development Engineers?
Aerospace and defense contractors, semiconductor manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and government-affiliated research labs are among the most active H-1B sponsors for R&D engineers. Universities and federally funded research centers also sponsor frequently and may qualify as cap-exempt, bypassing the annual lottery. Use Migrate Mate to browse verified H-1B sponsors with LCA filing history for this specific role.
What happens to my H-1B if my R&D project loses funding mid-petition?
If your employer withdraws the petition before approval, your H-1B process stops. If you're already in valid H-1B status and lose the role due to funding cuts, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsoring employer and file for a transfer. Portability under AC21 lets you move to a new employer once your I-129 has been pending for 180 days.
Can my employer sponsor my H-1B for a remote R&D position?
Yes, but the LCA must cover every location where you'll perform work. For R&D engineers working remotely, the employer files the LCA under the worksite location, which is typically your home address. If you move states or work from a lab in a different city, the employer may need to file an amended LCA with DOL before you begin work at the new location.
Does holding a master's or PhD in engineering improve my H-1B lottery odds?
Yes. USCIS runs a separate lottery pool for petitions filed on behalf of applicants with a U.S. master's degree or higher. R&D engineers with a U.S. advanced degree enter that pool first, and any unselected petitions carry over into the general 65,000-cap lottery. This gives you two selection chances instead of one, which improves overall selection probability.