J-1 Visa Area Director Jobs
Area Director roles in the United States are available to international professionals through the J-1 Trainee or Specialist program category, depending on your career stage and field. Securing a host employer willing to support your application is the first step toward obtaining sponsorship through a State Department-designated organization that issues your DS-2019.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Enterprise ML team works on the front lines of the AI revolution, partnering deeply with customers to identify high-impact business problems and build cutting-edge AI systems using Scale’s proprietary research, data, and infrastructure—unlocking domain expertise through high-quality data and expert feedback. As Director of Enterprise ML, you will lead a world-class team of research scientists and engineers, define the research roadmap, and drive execution from early prototyping to deployment. You’ll thrive in a fast-moving environment, balancing deep technical leadership with people management, vision setting, and delivery. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in ambiguity, understands both frontier GenAI capabilities and their limitations, and is motivated by turning research into durable, production-ready systems.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What You’ll Do
- Lead, mentor and grow a team of research scientists and engineers working on GenAI research initiatives (e.g., evaluation, post-training, agents, RL environments).
- Define and drive a multi-year research roadmap: identify key scientific questions, set milestones, allocate resources, and ensure rigorous execution.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, client-facing teams and external academic or industry partners to translate research into components, insights, and actionable outcomes.
- Communicate compellingly: publish research, present at conferences, engage in open-source contributions, and represent the team externally.
- Drive an inclusive, high-performing culture: help your team through technical challenges, provide growth opportunities, and attract top talent.
- Stay deeply connected to the research community, understanding major trends, and helping set them.
- Thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced startup environment and are ready to dedicate the time and effort needed to drive impactful results.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What We’re Looking For
- 8+ years of hands-on research experience (PhD or equivalent preferred) in machine learning, deep learning, generative models, agent/rl systems or related domains.
- A strong track record of research excellence, including publications in top-tier ML/AI venues (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL, etc.).
- Experience and track of recording in landing major research impacts in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience leading or managing research teams. You’re excited to mentor, coach and develop talent.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. You are able to articulate research ideas and outcomes to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence executives, customers, and cross-functional partners.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Nice to Have
- Hands-on experience building and deploying agent-based, tool-augmented, or workflow-driven LLM systems in enterprise environments.
- Prior ownership of enterprise AI platforms, internal ML products, or customer-facing AI services at scale.
- Proven track record of partnering directly with enterprises to identify high-impact use cases and deliver measurable business outcomes.
COMPENSATION
Compensation packages at Scale for eligible roles include base salary, equity, and benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position, determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, interview performance, and relevant education or training. Scale employees in eligible roles are also granted equity based compensation, subject to Board of Director approval. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process, and confirm whether the hired role will be eligible for equity grant. You’ll also receive benefits including, but not limited to: Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, a learning and development stipend, and generous PTO. Additionally, this role may be eligible for additional benefits such as a commuter stipend.
LOCATION
Please reference the job posting's subtitle for where this position will be located. For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full-time position in the locations of San Francisco, New York, Seattle is: $289,800—$362,250 USD.
PLEASE NOTE:
Our policy requires a 90-day waiting period before reconsidering candidates for the same role. This allows us to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of all applicants.
About us:
At Scale, our mission is to develop reliable AI systems for the world's most important decisions. Our products provide the high-quality data and full-stack technologies that power the world's leading models, and help enterprises and governments build, deploy, and oversee AI applications that deliver real impact. We work closely with industry leaders like Meta, Cisco, DLA Piper, Mayo Clinic, Time Inc., the Government of Qatar, and U.S. government agencies including the Army and Air Force. We are expanding our team to accelerate the development of AI applications.
We believe that everyone should be able to bring their whole selves to work, which is why we are proud to be an inclusive and equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability status, gender identity or Veteran status.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation in the application or recruiting process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@scale.com. Please see the United States Department of Labor's Know Your Rights poster for additional information.
We comply with the United States Department of Labor's Pay Transparency provision.
PLEASE NOTE:
We collect, retain and use personal data for our professional business purposes, including notifying you of job opportunities that may be of interest and sharing with our affiliates. We limit the personal data we collect to that which we believe is appropriate and necessary to manage applicants’ needs, provide our services, and comply with applicable laws. Any information we collect in connection with your application will be treated in accordance with our internal policies and programs designed to protect personal data. Please see our privacy policy for additional information.
INTRODUCTION
The Enterprise ML team works on the front lines of the AI revolution, partnering deeply with customers to identify high-impact business problems and build cutting-edge AI systems using Scale’s proprietary research, data, and infrastructure—unlocking domain expertise through high-quality data and expert feedback. As Director of Enterprise ML, you will lead a world-class team of research scientists and engineers, define the research roadmap, and drive execution from early prototyping to deployment. You’ll thrive in a fast-moving environment, balancing deep technical leadership with people management, vision setting, and delivery. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in ambiguity, understands both frontier GenAI capabilities and their limitations, and is motivated by turning research into durable, production-ready systems.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What You’ll Do
- Lead, mentor and grow a team of research scientists and engineers working on GenAI research initiatives (e.g., evaluation, post-training, agents, RL environments).
- Define and drive a multi-year research roadmap: identify key scientific questions, set milestones, allocate resources, and ensure rigorous execution.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, client-facing teams and external academic or industry partners to translate research into components, insights, and actionable outcomes.
- Communicate compellingly: publish research, present at conferences, engage in open-source contributions, and represent the team externally.
- Drive an inclusive, high-performing culture: help your team through technical challenges, provide growth opportunities, and attract top talent.
- Stay deeply connected to the research community, understanding major trends, and helping set them.
- Thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced startup environment and are ready to dedicate the time and effort needed to drive impactful results.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What We’re Looking For
- 8+ years of hands-on research experience (PhD or equivalent preferred) in machine learning, deep learning, generative models, agent/rl systems or related domains.
- A strong track record of research excellence, including publications in top-tier ML/AI venues (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL, etc.).
- Experience and track of recording in landing major research impacts in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience leading or managing research teams. You’re excited to mentor, coach and develop talent.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. You are able to articulate research ideas and outcomes to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence executives, customers, and cross-functional partners.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Nice to Have
- Hands-on experience building and deploying agent-based, tool-augmented, or workflow-driven LLM systems in enterprise environments.
- Prior ownership of enterprise AI platforms, internal ML products, or customer-facing AI services at scale.
- Proven track record of partnering directly with enterprises to identify high-impact use cases and deliver measurable business outcomes.
COMPENSATION
Compensation packages at Scale for eligible roles include base salary, equity, and benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position, determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, interview performance, and relevant education or training. Scale employees in eligible roles are also granted equity based compensation, subject to Board of Director approval. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process, and confirm whether the hired role will be eligible for equity grant. You’ll also receive benefits including, but not limited to: Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, a learning and development stipend, and generous PTO. Additionally, this role may be eligible for additional benefits such as a commuter stipend.
LOCATION
Please reference the job posting's subtitle for where this position will be located. For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full-time position in the locations of San Francisco, New York, Seattle is: $289,800—$362,250 USD.
PLEASE NOTE:
Our policy requires a 90-day waiting period before reconsidering candidates for the same role. This allows us to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of all applicants.
About us:
At Scale, our mission is to develop reliable AI systems for the world's most important decisions. Our products provide the high-quality data and full-stack technologies that power the world's leading models, and help enterprises and governments build, deploy, and oversee AI applications that deliver real impact. We work closely with industry leaders like Meta, Cisco, DLA Piper, Mayo Clinic, Time Inc., the Government of Qatar, and U.S. government agencies including the Army and Air Force. We are expanding our team to accelerate the development of AI applications.
We believe that everyone should be able to bring their whole selves to work, which is why we are proud to be an inclusive and equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability status, gender identity or Veteran status.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation in the application or recruiting process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@scale.com. Please see the United States Department of Labor's Know Your Rights poster for additional information.
We comply with the United States Department of Labor's Pay Transparency provision.
PLEASE NOTE:
We collect, retain and use personal data for our professional business purposes, including notifying you of job opportunities that may be of interest and sharing with our affiliates. We limit the personal data we collect to that which we believe is appropriate and necessary to manage applicants’ needs, provide our services, and comply with applicable laws. Any information we collect in connection with your application will be treated in accordance with our internal policies and programs designed to protect personal data. Please see our privacy policy for additional information.
See all 5+ Area Director jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Area Director
Document your management experience precisely
DS-2019 training plans for Trainee and Specialist categories require demonstrating a clear connection between your prior work and the Area Director role. Gather performance reviews, org charts showing your reporting lines, and letters from supervisors that quantify the scope of operations you've managed.
Target host employers with existing J-1 relationships
Not every employer knows how to act as a J-1 host organization. Search Migrate Mate to find Area Director openings at companies that have previously hosted J-1 exchange visitors, which shortens the compliance learning curve on their side and yours.
Confirm the Specialist category fits your seniority
The J-1 Specialist category suits mid-to-senior Area Director candidates with specialized expertise unavailable in the U.S. workforce. Your designated sponsor will assess whether your background clears this bar, so align your application materials to that standard before outreach.
Negotiate the training plan before accepting an offer
The DS-2019 requires a detailed training or exchange plan outlining objectives, methods, and evaluation criteria. Raise this document with the hiring manager before signing an offer letter so the host organization and your designated sponsor can co-develop it without delaying your start date.
Verify whether a two-year home residency requirement applies
Certain J-1 participants, particularly those funded by their home government or subject to skills-shortage designations, must return home for two years after their exchange ends before obtaining an H-1B or green card. Ask your designated sponsor to review your DS-2019 exchange code before you accept the role.
Understand your host employer's E-Verify obligation
J-1 host employers are not always E-Verify enrolled, but some federal contractors and state-mandated employers must be. Confirm your prospective host's E-Verify status during the offer stage, since a mismatch between their enrollment status and their legal obligations can stall your DS-2019 issuance.
Area Director jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Area Director JobsArea Director J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits an Area Director role?
Most Area Director candidates qualify under the J-1 Trainee category if they have fewer than five years of post-degree professional experience, or the Specialist category if they bring specialized skills not readily available in the U.S. labor market. Your State Department-designated sponsor organization issues the DS-2019 and makes the final category determination based on your background and the host employer's training plan.
Who actually sponsors a J-1 visa for an Area Director position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations such as Cultural Vistas and CIEE administer the exchange program, issue the DS-2019 form, and monitor compliance with program regulations. The employer acts as the host organization, providing the work placement, but legal sponsorship responsibility rests with the designated sponsor.
How do I find U.S. employers willing to host a J-1 Area Director?
Use Migrate Mate to search for Area Director openings at employers that have hosted J-1 exchange visitors before. Prior hosting experience matters because the employer must co-develop a training plan with your designated sponsor and agree to oversight requirements. Employers unfamiliar with the J-1 host role sometimes withdraw when they learn about the compliance obligations.
Does the J-1 two-year home residency requirement apply to Area Directors?
It depends on your funding source and your home country's skills-shortage list. If your government or an international organization funds your exchange, or if your occupation appears on your country's skills-shortage schedule, you'll be subject to the requirement. Your designated sponsor can review your DS-2019 country code and program funding before you commit to the position, so raise this question early in the process.
Can an Area Director on J-1 status eventually transition to an H-1B or green card?
Yes, but the two-year home residency requirement can block that path unless you obtain a waiver. Waivers are available through a state agency no-objection request, a hardship claim, a Interested Government Agency recommendation, or a Conrad 30 waiver for physicians. Area Directors without a residency requirement can transition to H-1B status after their J-1 period ends if they secure an employer willing to file the H-1B petition.
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