J-1 Visa Energy Jobs
Energy roles in the United States are available to J-1 visa exchange visitors through the Intern, Trainee, and Research Scholar program categories, depending on your stage of study or career. Designated sponsors issue your DS-2019, and your host employer handles day-to-day work. Find roles with J-1 sponsorship pathways here.
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Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar, Energy Systems within the Building and Industrial Energy Systems division. In this role, you will develop, implement, and evaluate software tools for the design and control of thermal energy systems, particularly HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants, and/or data center cooling systems. These tools will be developed using Modelica, Python, and AI-based tools. You will also participate in laboratory and/or field demonstrations to validate and evaluate the developed technologies. Successful candidates will have a strong background in thermo-fluid systems and software development, deployment, and distribution. You will work under the guidance of scientists and collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, including researchers and industry partners within and outside LBNL.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
- 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
- Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
- Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
- A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop Python- and/or Modelica-based software for design and control of HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants and/or data centers.
- Investigate cutting edge algorithms and tools in the fields of AI, machine learning and optimization.
- Deploy, implement and evaluate software tools at laboratory environments and field sites.
- Publish research results in journals, present findings at national and international conferences, and work with industry on testing and deploying the research.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science or related fields.
- Strong knowledge of HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants and/or data center cooling systems.
- Demonstrated experience in applying modern AI technologies, computational methods, and data analysis tools
- Strong knowledge of modeling and simulation of thermo-fluid systems
- Hands-on experience with thermo-fluid systems, including experimental testing, system design, and operation.
- Strong analytical and communications skills, both oral and written, and able to communicate clearly the goals, parameters, objectives and outcomes of their research.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge in testing standards of thermal systems
- Capable of working on multiple tasks and projects
APPLICATION MATERIALS
For consideration, please apply with the following application materials:
- Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 30, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
- Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
- Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $8,266 / mo - $8,921.00 / mo and is expected to start at $8,266 / mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
- Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
- Work modality: This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
- Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information.
INTRODUCTION
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar, Energy Systems within the Building and Industrial Energy Systems division. In this role, you will develop, implement, and evaluate software tools for the design and control of thermal energy systems, particularly HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants, and/or data center cooling systems. These tools will be developed using Modelica, Python, and AI-based tools. You will also participate in laboratory and/or field demonstrations to validate and evaluate the developed technologies. Successful candidates will have a strong background in thermo-fluid systems and software development, deployment, and distribution. You will work under the guidance of scientists and collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, including researchers and industry partners within and outside LBNL.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
- 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
- Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
- Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
- A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop Python- and/or Modelica-based software for design and control of HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants and/or data centers.
- Investigate cutting edge algorithms and tools in the fields of AI, machine learning and optimization.
- Deploy, implement and evaluate software tools at laboratory environments and field sites.
- Publish research results in journals, present findings at national and international conferences, and work with industry on testing and deploying the research.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science or related fields.
- Strong knowledge of HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants and/or data center cooling systems.
- Demonstrated experience in applying modern AI technologies, computational methods, and data analysis tools
- Strong knowledge of modeling and simulation of thermo-fluid systems
- Hands-on experience with thermo-fluid systems, including experimental testing, system design, and operation.
- Strong analytical and communications skills, both oral and written, and able to communicate clearly the goals, parameters, objectives and outcomes of their research.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge in testing standards of thermal systems
- Capable of working on multiple tasks and projects
APPLICATION MATERIALS
For consideration, please apply with the following application materials:
- Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 30, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
- Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
- Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $8,266 / mo - $8,921.00 / mo and is expected to start at $8,266 / mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
- Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
- Work modality: This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
- Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Energy
Align your credentials to J-1 categories
Energy roles span internships for enrolled students and Trainee placements for professionals with a degree plus one year of experience. Confirm which category fits your profile before applying, because the DS-2019 category locks your eligibility during the placement.
Flag the two-year home residency requirement early
Many energy Research Scholar and Government Visitor placements trigger the two-year home residency requirement under INA 212(e), particularly if government funding is involved. Confirm your funding source with your designated sponsor before accepting an offer.
Search host employers on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter energy roles by companies that have hosted J-1 exchange visitors, so you're targeting employers already familiar with the DS-2019 process rather than educating hiring managers from scratch.
Verify the host employer can support a training plan
Trainee and Intern categories require a Form DS-7002 training plan co-signed by the host employer and designated sponsor. Confirm early that your prospective energy employer has the supervisory structure to document your learning objectives by discipline.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Some energy J-1 placements require wage compliance documentation. Run your job title and location through the OFLC Wage Search to confirm your offered compensation meets the applicable wage level before your training plan is submitted.
Time your DS-2019 request against your start date
Designated sponsors typically need four to six weeks to issue the DS-2019 after receiving a completed training plan. Build that window into your offer negotiation so your visa interview and SEVIS activation line up with your host employer's intended start date.
Energy J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category covers Energy roles?
It depends on your career stage. Currently enrolled students pursuing energy internships typically use the Intern category. Professionals who have graduated within the past 12 months and have relevant experience qualify as Trainees. Academic researchers in fields like renewable energy or grid systems typically enter under the Research Scholar or Short-Term Scholar category, depending on program length.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for an energy position?
Your J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your host employer. Organizations like CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or IIE issue the DS-2019 and monitor your exchange program compliance. Your host energy company is the worksite employer but does not hold the legal sponsoring role. Conflating the two during interviews or applications causes confusion that can delay your placement.
Does my energy role trigger the two-year home residency requirement?
It may. The two-year home residency requirement under INA 212(e) applies when your exchange is funded by your home government, the U.S. government, or if your home country has designated your field as in short supply. Energy engineering and research positions frequently involve government-linked funding. Confirm your funding source with your designated sponsor before signing an offer, since this requirement affects your ability to extend status or change to H-1B visa later.
How do I find energy employers that already understand the J-1 process?
Use Migrate Mate to search for energy roles at employers who have previously hosted J-1 exchange visitors. Targeting companies with prior J-1 experience saves significant time because their HR and legal teams already know what a DS-2019 is, what a Form DS-7002 training plan requires, and how to coordinate with a designated sponsor for program compliance.
What does the DS-7002 training plan require for energy positions?
The DS-7002 documents specific learning objectives tied to your energy discipline, such as power systems engineering, petroleum geology, or energy policy analysis. It must outline the phases of your training, the supervision structure, and how each phase advances your professional development. Both your host employer and your designated sponsor must sign it before your DS-2019 is issued. Vague or generic training plans are a common reason sponsors delay or decline to issue the DS-2019.