J-1 Visa Automation Engineer Jobs
Automation Engineer roles in the U.S. are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa under the Trainee or Intern program category, depending on your career stage. Designated sponsor organizations issue your DS-2019 and coordinate sponsorship with your host employer, covering structured training in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics, and systems integration.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Healthesystems offers workplace flexibility with our Work-From-Home model, and a competitive compensation and benefits package including healthcare coverage, PTO, paid holidays, 401(k), company-provided life insurance/disability coverage, wellness options, and more.
Note: we are unable to hire in every state.
SUMMARY
The Quality Assurance & Test Automation Intern supports testing and quality initiatives by assisting with test execution, automation efforts, and documentation to improve software reliability and release confidence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
“To simplify complexities for each customer.”
- Execute manual test cases and document results.
- Assist with test automation activities using tools such as GitHub Copilot.
- Support regression and user acceptance testing efforts.
- Identify and document defects and usability issues.
- Maintain test documentation and reporting artifacts.
- Collaborate with developers and QA team members.
- Perform additional testing support tasks as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS
Currently enrolled in, at a Senior-Year level, (or recently completed) a Bachelor's degree program at a four-year college or university, preferably in a Computer Science, Information Systems, or related program. Highly prefer someone who has already completed at least one prior related internship and/or can present a prior capstone or research project directly related to java and/or SQL.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Must have strong java technical knowledge. Highly prefer SQL knowledge as well.
- Must possess an interest in software quality and testing processes.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to follow structured procedures and document outcomes.
ROLE-BASED COMPETENCIES
- Show Drive & Initiative
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Delivers Quality Results Timely
- Communicates Effectively
- Job Knowledge & Skills
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
Duties are performed primarily in a home office setting utilizing computer equipment. Travel to attend meetings and visit locations throughout the country may be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Job descriptions will be reviewed and are subject to changes of business necessity. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, geographical cost of labor, etc. In addition to base pay, Healthesystems offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, wellness resources, recognition programs, 401k contribution, and PTO & Holiday pay (all subject to eligibility requirements). Applicable statutory benefits also provided, including the Colorado HFWA.
ANTICIPATED STARTING PAY RANGE
$16—$17 USD
To facilitate working from home, and as a requirement for this role, candidates must provide their own reliable, high speed internet access with sufficient bandwidth to execute all job functions. Company laptop will be provided.
Healthesystems California Prospective Employee Privacy Notice
INTRODUCTION
Healthesystems offers workplace flexibility with our Work-From-Home model, and a competitive compensation and benefits package including healthcare coverage, PTO, paid holidays, 401(k), company-provided life insurance/disability coverage, wellness options, and more.
Note: we are unable to hire in every state.
SUMMARY
The Quality Assurance & Test Automation Intern supports testing and quality initiatives by assisting with test execution, automation efforts, and documentation to improve software reliability and release confidence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
“To simplify complexities for each customer.”
- Execute manual test cases and document results.
- Assist with test automation activities using tools such as GitHub Copilot.
- Support regression and user acceptance testing efforts.
- Identify and document defects and usability issues.
- Maintain test documentation and reporting artifacts.
- Collaborate with developers and QA team members.
- Perform additional testing support tasks as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS
Currently enrolled in, at a Senior-Year level, (or recently completed) a Bachelor's degree program at a four-year college or university, preferably in a Computer Science, Information Systems, or related program. Highly prefer someone who has already completed at least one prior related internship and/or can present a prior capstone or research project directly related to java and/or SQL.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Must have strong java technical knowledge. Highly prefer SQL knowledge as well.
- Must possess an interest in software quality and testing processes.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to follow structured procedures and document outcomes.
ROLE-BASED COMPETENCIES
- Show Drive & Initiative
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Delivers Quality Results Timely
- Communicates Effectively
- Job Knowledge & Skills
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
Duties are performed primarily in a home office setting utilizing computer equipment. Travel to attend meetings and visit locations throughout the country may be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Job descriptions will be reviewed and are subject to changes of business necessity. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, geographical cost of labor, etc. In addition to base pay, Healthesystems offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, wellness resources, recognition programs, 401k contribution, and PTO & Holiday pay (all subject to eligibility requirements). Applicable statutory benefits also provided, including the Colorado HFWA.
ANTICIPATED STARTING PAY RANGE
$16—$17 USD
To facilitate working from home, and as a requirement for this role, candidates must provide their own reliable, high speed internet access with sufficient bandwidth to execute all job functions. Company laptop will be provided.
Healthesystems California Prospective Employee Privacy Notice
See all J-1 Visa Automation Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as an Automation Engineer
Align your training plan to automation competencies
Your DS-2019 requires a detailed training plan listing specific skills you'll develop. Map it to measurable automation competencies like SCADA configuration, PLC ladder logic, or HMI design so the designated sponsor can approve it without revisions.
Distinguish Intern from Trainee eligibility early
Intern status applies if you're currently enrolled in a degree program. Trainee status requires at least one year of post-degree work experience in automation or a related engineering field. Applying under the wrong category delays your DS-2019 issuance.
Search for host employers using Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter for Automation Engineer roles at U.S. employers that have hosted J-1 visa exchange visitors before. Targeting companies with established host relationships shortens the sponsor approval timeline significantly.
Verify the host employer's DOL compliance posture
Your designated sponsor will confirm that the host employer meets DOL workplace standards before issuing your DS-2019. Ask the employer upfront whether they've hosted J-1 Trainees before and whether their safety and compensation practices are documented.
Request a specialty occupation letter from your degree institution
Designated sponsors often require official documentation linking your engineering degree to the automation role. A letter from your university confirming your field of study and relevant coursework strengthens your training plan approval, especially for Intern applicants.
Negotiate the offer before the DS-2019 is finalized
Once a designated sponsor begins processing your DS-2019, changing the job title, responsibilities, or training duration requires restarting the approval process. Confirm the role scope, start date, and host site address with your employer before submission.
Automation Engineer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits an Automation Engineer role?
The Trainee category applies to Automation Engineers who have completed a degree in engineering or a related field and have at least one year of relevant professional experience. If you're still enrolled in a degree program, the Intern category applies instead. Both require a formal training plan covering specific automation skills and a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor to issue your DS-2019.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as an Automation Engineer?
Your J-1 sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations like Cultural Vistas or AIPT issue your DS-2019, review your training plan, and monitor your program compliance. The manufacturing or engineering company where you work is the host employer. That company does not hold sponsorship authority and cannot issue the DS-2019 on its own.
Does the J-1 Trainee category carry a two-year home residency requirement for Automation Engineers?
It depends on your country of origin and whether your training is funded by a government or international organization. Many J-1 Trainees from countries on the Exchange Visitor Skills List are subject to the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e), which restricts your ability to change to H-1B visa or permanent resident status until you return home or obtain a waiver.
How do I find U.S. employers open to hosting a J-1 Automation Engineer?
Use Migrate Mate to search for Automation Engineer positions at companies that have experience hosting J-1 exchange visitors. Not every employer understands the host relationship, training plan requirements, or designated sponsor process, so targeting companies with prior J-1 host experience reduces friction and speeds up DS-2019 approval.
What does the training plan need to include for an Automation Engineer J-1 application?
Your training plan must outline specific technical objectives organized by phase, the supervision structure, and the automation competencies you'll gain, such as PLC programming, robotics integration, or SCADA systems. The designated sponsor reviews this plan before issuing your DS-2019, and it must reflect actual hands-on training rather than routine production work. Generic engineer job descriptions typically fail sponsor review.