J-1 Visa Cybersecurity Lead Jobs
Cybersecurity Lead roles in the United States are accessible to qualified international professionals through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Trainee or Specialist program category. Host employers in technology, finance, and critical infrastructure work with State Department-designated sponsors to issue your DS-2019 and structure a compliant training plan around your security expertise.
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INTRODUCTION
Johnson Controls invites you to apply for an internship with our Cybersecurity Engineering team in Huntsville, AL supporting U.S. military and federal government sites around the United States (no travel required). Our cyber security team is on the forefront of the industry, servicing multiple military branches with their Industrial Control Systems (ICS) needs, primarily related to energy management and electronic security solutions while protecting some of the nation’s most critical networks. This internship is designed to provide you with a positive work/training experience and challenging objectives.
At Johnson Controls, we support our nation’s most critical facilities, the people who occupy them, and the missions they enable. Johnson Controls Federal Systems (JCFS) is a specialized team serving as a trusted partner to the federal government. We help modernize U.S. military installations, Department of Defense and other federal agency facilities to be smarter, more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and secure.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Timeframe: This internship is primarily targeted for the summer session. Timeframes are flexible but will likely be around 12 weeks.
Hours: Must be able to work at least 20 hours a week; 40 hours a week is preferred.
Location: Huntsville, AL. Must be able to work on-site out of this office for the duration of the internship.
As a Cybersecurity Intern, you will:
- Support development of applicable policies and processes for U.S. Government and DoD/DISA Information Assurance (IA) requirements, DoD network environments, industry computer/security standards, best practices, and DoD cyber security initiatives.
- Support more experienced cyber security engineers to achieve information assurance, certifications, and accreditations for Building Automation Systems (BAS) primarily using Metasys and Tridium Niagara, Electronic Security Systems (ESS), and other Industrial Control Systems (ICS). Uses knowledge of ISSE, RMF, NIST, IA Program, Governance Policy & Directives, and Instructions to complete projects.
- Assist in the planning and execution of the defense-in-depth security engineering, relevant technology and process development, implementations of security testing, certification and accreditation processes, intrusion detection policy development, security baseline management as well as IA focused software development.
- Coordinate and create necessary IA documentation and artifacts for submittals and accreditation at times.
- Perform security scans and risk assessment on secured systems.
- Perform vulnerability management while keeping control systems functional.
- Adhere to safety standards. A high degree of regard for employee safety.
- Keep management and customers informed of job progress and issues.
Other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited U.S. college or university.
- Pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or above.
- This position services U.S. Government contracts and requires handling of export controlled and other sensitive government data which requires full U.S. citizenship (dual citizenship and green card holders will not meet this requirement).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Security+ certification.
- Education or experience working with Industrial Control Systems (ICS).
WHO WE ARE
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we are One Team working collaboratively to create purposeful solutions that make a difference in the world. We are a Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees worldwide offering the world’s largest portfolio of building technology products, solutions and services. As a member of our Federal Systems team, your work matters. We value and recognize your contributions and want to help you succeed. We invest in our employees, provide opportunities for growth and advancement, and foster a culture of inclusion and respect.
To learn more about who we are and what we do, please check out our Take a Journey video.
Recently, Johnson Controls has been recognized by several organizations for leadership in Environment, Sustainability and Governance, as well as innovations in smart building platforms along with other awards:
- Named to FORTUNE’s “Most Admired Companies” List.
- Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World.
- Named to Forbes Net Zero Leaders list.
- CDP 2023 Climate Change 'A List'.
- Ranked 67 on the Drucker Institute’s list of best-managed companies in America.
- Forbes Best Employers for Diversity.
- Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity.
- Ethisphere 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies list for the 17th time.
- Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2024.
- Named to Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Veterans 2024 / 2025 listing.
- Named to Forbes America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2024.
- Named one of the top military friendly employers by military.com.
Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/careers.
Division: JCFS (Johnson Controls Federal Systems)
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Cybersecurity Lead
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
Gather documentation proving your cybersecurity expertise before approaching host employers. Transcripts, certifications like CISSP or CISM, and a portfolio of security incidents you led all strengthen your Trainee or Specialist program application and the training plan your designated sponsor must approve.
Target host employers with existing security operations teams
Focus your search on organizations with dedicated Security Operations Centers or threat intelligence functions. These employers already understand structured training requirements and are far more likely to coordinate with a designated sponsor to issue your DS-2019 than companies hiring their first security professional.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned cybersecurity roles
Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers posting Cybersecurity Lead roles that align with J-1 exchange visitor programs. Filtering by visa type saves significant time compared to researching each employer's sponsorship history individually.
Clarify the two-year home residency requirement early
Certain J-1 Trainee and Specialist participants are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement after their program ends. Check your DS-2019 and country of residence status before accepting an offer, since this affects any future H-1B or green card plans.
Request a written training plan before your DS-2019 is issued
Your designated sponsor requires a detailed training plan outlining the security skills, tools, and responsibilities you will develop at the host employer. Negotiate this document before the program starts, since it defines both your role scope and your legal program objectives.
Confirm the host employer's E-Verify enrollment before signing
J-1 exchange visitors must be authorized to work in the United States, and many federal contractors require E-Verify enrollment. Cybersecurity roles at defense-adjacent or government contractor host sites often carry additional compliance layers, so verify enrollment status before your program officially begins.
Cybersecurity Lead jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Cybersecurity Lead JobsCybersecurity Lead J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Cybersecurity Lead role?
The Trainee category applies if you have a degree in computer science, information security, or a related field and at least one year of professional experience outside the United States. The Specialist category applies if you have significant expertise in cybersecurity but your background is primarily practical rather than degree-based. Both categories require a host employer and a State Department-designated sponsor to issue your DS-2019 and oversee your training plan.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa, my employer or a separate organization?
Your host employer does not sponsor your J-1 visa directly. A U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or IIE, acts as the official sponsor. That organization issues your DS-2019, signs your training plan, and monitors your program compliance. Your employer is the host site where you carry out your cybersecurity work, but it has no authority to issue J-1 documentation independently.
How do I find host employers open to J-1 exchange visitors in cybersecurity?
Search Migrate Mate to find U.S. employers posting Cybersecurity Lead and related security roles that align with J-1 exchange visitor programs. Many employers in technology, finance, and critical infrastructure are familiar with the Trainee and Specialist categories, but not all advertise J-1 compatibility openly. Filtering by visa type on a platform built for international job seekers reduces the research burden significantly.
Does the two-year home residency requirement apply to cybersecurity J-1 participants?
It depends on your country of origin and the funding source for your program. If your home country government or a U.S. government agency funds your exchange, or if your country of origin is on the State Department's skills list, you will likely be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement. This requirement bars you from applying for H-1B status or permanent residence until it is satisfied or formally waived.
Can I transition from a J-1 Trainee program to an H-1B while staying with the same employer?
Yes, but timing and the two-year home residency requirement are the main obstacles. If you are not subject to the home residency requirement, your host employer can file an H-1B petition on your behalf through USCIS when you are eligible. If the requirement applies, you must either complete the two-year residency abroad or obtain a formal waiver before changing status. Coordinate this transition planning well before your J-1 program end date.
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