H-1B1 Chile Visa Controls Engineer Jobs
Controls Engineer jobs with H-1B1 Chile visa sponsorship are a direct path to U.S. employment for Chilean nationals with degrees in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering. No lottery, no USCIS petition required, and the 1,400-visa annual cap leaves room for qualified candidates who move quickly through the consulate process.
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INTRODUCTION
It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.
We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.
The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.
If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary Function of Position
Systems Analysts (Robotic Algorithms and Controls Engineers) at Intuitive Surgical strive to create the safest and highest quality robotic system for minimally invasive surgery through rigorous and robust technical analysis. This position is responsible for robotic algorithms and controls required to support the development and production of new instruments for the da Vinci Surgical System. Required skills include knowledge of control systems, robot kinematics, and a solid understanding of mechanical systems.
Essential Job Duties
- Develop and own the tele-operated motion performance of robotic surgical instruments.
- Ensuring motion fidelity will involve:
- Working closely with the clinical development team to understand performance requirements;
- Working closely with the mechanical design team to optimize the mechanism for motion fidelity;
- Using analysis and experimentation to develop a deep understanding of the behavior and limitations of the instrument mechanism;
- Modifying and tuning the algorithms to optimize motion fidelity and ensure consistent performance in the clinical environment.
- Implement features and algorithms to support new instrument development, including collaboration with the design team to iterate through prototypes, analyze performance, and assess feasibility.
- Perform risk analysis and implement safety algorithms. This includes documentation of risks, requirements, and test protocols to support requests for approval by regulatory agencies such as the FDA.
- Analyze field data to continuously improve the performance and stability of the surgical instrument.
- Collaborate with the manufacturing team to develop automated fixtures for calibrating, testing, and aiding assembly of the instrument. Additionally, determine manufacturing test specifications that will ensure instrument performance.
- Lead by having a breadth of technical knowledge that enables a top-level view of the entire project. Using this perspective, you will act as an interface between various technical specialties. Take ownership of issues that cross disciplinary boundaries and use your broad skillset to ensure the success of the project.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Skills and Experience
- Knowledge of classical and modern servo control systems
- Knowledge of serial-arm robot kinematics
- C/C++, MATLAB programming skills
- Hardware, software, and mechanism integration skills
- Intuitive understanding of mechanical phenomena with ability to do rigorous analysis.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to work independently and the determination to solve challenging problems
Required Education and Training
Minimum PhD (preferred) or MS in robotics-related field
3 years of experience in a robotics-related field preferred
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Knowledge of Python and basic SQL
- Knowledge of statistics and probabilistic reasoning
- Knowledge of electrical, software, and mechanical design principles and CAD tools
- Experience conducting research with human subjects
- Experience launching real-world, commercially successful products
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
Mandatory Notices
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.
Base Compensation Range Region 1: $153,300 USD - $220,700 USD
Base Compensation Range Region 2: $130,300 USD - $187,600 USD
Shift: Day
Workplace Type: Set Schedule - This job will be onsite weekly, the percentage of onsite work will be defined by the leader.
LOCATION
- Sunnyvale, CA, United States
- Not Remote
- Engineering
- JOB215888
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Controls Engineer
Align your degree to SOC codes
Controls Engineer roles map to SOC code 17-2112 (Industrial Engineers) or 17-3024 (Electro-Mechanical Technologists). Confirm your Chilean engineering degree covers the same core competencies listed in the O*NET profile before you apply so employers don't raise qualification concerns.
Verify the prevailing wage before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage meeting DOL's prevailing wage for your metro area and experience level. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your target city before accepting any offer so you can confirm the role will pass DOL certification.
Target employers with active LCA filings
Search Migrate Mate to find employers who have filed LCAs for Controls Engineer roles under the H-1B1 Chile category. Prioritize companies with recent filings in automation, manufacturing, and energy sectors, where PLC and SCADA expertise drives consistent sponsorship demand.
Request a written sponsorship commitment early
Unlike H-1B visa, the H-1B1 Chile process starts at the consulate rather than with a USCIS petition, so employers sometimes underestimate what they owe you in writing. Get explicit confirmation that your offer letter covers the LCA filing and the DS-160 fee before you give notice at your current role.
Prepare your credential documentation in advance
Chilean engineering degrees from institutions recognized by Chile's CNA accreditation body are generally accepted, but your consular officer may request a credential evaluation. Have a NACES-member evaluation ready before your appointment to avoid administrative delays at the Santiago consulate.
Account for the annual H-1B1 Chile renewal cycle
H-1B1 Chile status is granted in one-year increments and must be renewed annually, unlike the two-year H-1B. Confirm with your employer that they'll support each renewal filing before you accept, since recurring LCA certifications require DOL re-attestation every cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Controls Engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B1 Chile?
Yes. Controls Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field, which meets the specialty occupation standard the H-1B1 Chile visa requires. Roles involving PLC programming, SCADA systems, or process automation consistently satisfy the degree-to-job correlation that consular officers evaluate.
How does the H-1B1 Chile visa compare to H-1B for Controls Engineer roles?
H-1B1 Chile skips the lottery entirely and is processed at the U.S. consulate in Santiago rather than through USCIS, which typically means a faster path to work authorization. The tradeoff is that H-1B1 Chile status runs one year at a time and doesn't carry dual intent protections, so green card planning requires more coordination with your employer.
Where can I find employers sponsoring Controls Engineer roles through H-1B1 Chile?
Migrate Mate lets you filter job listings by visa type and shows employers with verified H-1B1 Chile and LCA filing history for engineering roles. Manufacturers, utilities, and defense contractors in industrial states like Texas, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania file the most Controls Engineer LCAs and are your strongest targets.
What documentation does my employer need to file before my consulate appointment?
Your employer must file and receive a certified LCA from DOL before you can apply for the H-1B1 Chile visa at the consulate. The LCA certifies the offered wage meets the prevailing wage for your occupation and work location. You'll need the certified LCA, your offer letter, and DS-160 confirmation at your appointment.
Can I switch Controls Engineer employers after arriving on H-1B1 Chile status?
Yes, but the process restarts with the new employer. Unlike H-1B portability rules under AC21, H-1B1 Chile doesn't allow you to begin working for a new employer while the new LCA is pending. Your new employer must file and receive a certified LCA before you change jobs, so plan transitions carefully to avoid gaps in authorized status.