J-1 Visa Hardware Engineer Jobs
Hardware Engineer roles in the United States are accessible to exchange visitors through the J-1 visa Trainee or Research Scholar program categories, depending on your experience level. Securing J-1 sponsorship means partnering with a State Department-designated sponsor organization that issues your DS-2019 and oversees your training plan.
Find J-1 Visa Hardware Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 5+ Hardware Engineer jobs
See all Hardware Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Hardware Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsAbout us
With electric vehicles expected to be nearly 30% of new vehicle sales by 2025 and more than 50% by 2040, electric mobility is becoming a reality. ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT) is at the center of this revolution, powering one of the world’s leading EV charging networks and a comprehensive set of hardware, software and mobile solutions for every charging need across North America and Europe. We bring together drivers, businesses, automakers, policymakers, utilities and other stakeholders to make e-mobility a global reality.
Since our founding in 2007, ChargePoint has focused solely on making the transition to electric easy for businesses, fleets and drivers. ChargePoint offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an all-electric future and a trillion-dollar market.
At ChargePoint, we foster a positive and productive work environment by committing to live our values of Be Courageous, Charge Together, Love our Customers, Operate with Openness, and Relentlessly Pursue Awesome. These values guide how we show up every day, align, and work together to build a brighter future for all of us.
Join the team that is building the EV charging industry and make your mark on how people and goods will get everywhere they need to go, in any context, for generations to come.
REPORTS TO
Principal Hardware Engineer
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
We are seeking a highly motivated and technically curious Hardware/Firmware Engineering Intern to support board bring‑up, low‑voltage hardware development, and firmware validation activities for upcoming hardware platforms. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with members of the Hardware Engineering team to assist in the validation of new designs, characterization of low‑voltage subsystems, interface verification, system‑level troubleshooting, and integration of hardware and firmware components.
This internship is ideal for a final‑year engineering student looking for hands‑on experience with real board‑level hardware, embedded platforms, and low‑level firmware development.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO CHARGEPOINT
- Support board bring‑up and hardware validation for early‑stage prototypes and next‑generation platforms.
- Perform characterization and functional testing of low‑voltage subsystems, power rails, sensors, and mixed‑signal circuits.
- Conduct interface verification for embedded peripherals, including I²C, SPI, UART, GPIO, ADC, and DAC.
- Assist with system‑level debugging and troubleshooting using standard test and measurement equipment.
- Collaborate with firmware engineers to validate basic firmware functionality on embedded platforms.
- Provide support for system integration efforts.
- Review hardware documentation, schematics, PCB layouts, and datasheets.
- Document test procedures, results, and observations.
REQUIREMENTS
- Final‑year student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of electronic circuits, microcontrollers, and embedded systems.
- Familiarity with oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, and logic analyzers.
- Basic proficiency in C/C++ or embedded programming.
- Ability to interpret schematics and datasheets.
- Strong analytical and communication skills.
- Experience with microcontroller development boards preferred.
- Coursework or experience with mixed‑signal circuits or firmware preferred.
- Prior hands‑on hardware project experience preferred.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
- Hands‑on board‑level hardware experience
- Exposure to power systems, sensor interfaces, and embedded debugging
- Practical knowledge of hardware validation methodologies
- Mentorship from experienced engineers
- Insight into the full hardware development lifecycle
LOCATION
Campbell, CA
We are committed to an inclusive and diverse team. ChargePoint is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status or any legally protected status.
If there is a match between your experiences/skills and the Company needs, we will contact you directly.
ChargePoint is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes and supports all qualified individuals. In alignment with this commitment, we ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations throughout the employment process.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to access any other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us at accommodations@chargepoint.com.
ChargePoint is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants only - Recruiting agencies do not contact.
About us
With electric vehicles expected to be nearly 30% of new vehicle sales by 2025 and more than 50% by 2040, electric mobility is becoming a reality. ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT) is at the center of this revolution, powering one of the world’s leading EV charging networks and a comprehensive set of hardware, software and mobile solutions for every charging need across North America and Europe. We bring together drivers, businesses, automakers, policymakers, utilities and other stakeholders to make e-mobility a global reality.
Since our founding in 2007, ChargePoint has focused solely on making the transition to electric easy for businesses, fleets and drivers. ChargePoint offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an all-electric future and a trillion-dollar market.
At ChargePoint, we foster a positive and productive work environment by committing to live our values of Be Courageous, Charge Together, Love our Customers, Operate with Openness, and Relentlessly Pursue Awesome. These values guide how we show up every day, align, and work together to build a brighter future for all of us.
Join the team that is building the EV charging industry and make your mark on how people and goods will get everywhere they need to go, in any context, for generations to come.
REPORTS TO
Principal Hardware Engineer
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
We are seeking a highly motivated and technically curious Hardware/Firmware Engineering Intern to support board bring‑up, low‑voltage hardware development, and firmware validation activities for upcoming hardware platforms. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with members of the Hardware Engineering team to assist in the validation of new designs, characterization of low‑voltage subsystems, interface verification, system‑level troubleshooting, and integration of hardware and firmware components.
This internship is ideal for a final‑year engineering student looking for hands‑on experience with real board‑level hardware, embedded platforms, and low‑level firmware development.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO CHARGEPOINT
- Support board bring‑up and hardware validation for early‑stage prototypes and next‑generation platforms.
- Perform characterization and functional testing of low‑voltage subsystems, power rails, sensors, and mixed‑signal circuits.
- Conduct interface verification for embedded peripherals, including I²C, SPI, UART, GPIO, ADC, and DAC.
- Assist with system‑level debugging and troubleshooting using standard test and measurement equipment.
- Collaborate with firmware engineers to validate basic firmware functionality on embedded platforms.
- Provide support for system integration efforts.
- Review hardware documentation, schematics, PCB layouts, and datasheets.
- Document test procedures, results, and observations.
REQUIREMENTS
- Final‑year student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of electronic circuits, microcontrollers, and embedded systems.
- Familiarity with oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, and logic analyzers.
- Basic proficiency in C/C++ or embedded programming.
- Ability to interpret schematics and datasheets.
- Strong analytical and communication skills.
- Experience with microcontroller development boards preferred.
- Coursework or experience with mixed‑signal circuits or firmware preferred.
- Prior hands‑on hardware project experience preferred.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
- Hands‑on board‑level hardware experience
- Exposure to power systems, sensor interfaces, and embedded debugging
- Practical knowledge of hardware validation methodologies
- Mentorship from experienced engineers
- Insight into the full hardware development lifecycle
LOCATION
Campbell, CA
We are committed to an inclusive and diverse team. ChargePoint is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status or any legally protected status.
If there is a match between your experiences/skills and the Company needs, we will contact you directly.
ChargePoint is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes and supports all qualified individuals. In alignment with this commitment, we ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations throughout the employment process.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to access any other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us at accommodations@chargepoint.com.
ChargePoint is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants only - Recruiting agencies do not contact.
See all J-1 Visa Hardware Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Hardware Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Hardware Engineer
Align your degree to specialty occupation standards
Hardware engineering roles typically require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field. Document your coursework and any specializations in VLSI, embedded systems, or PCB design before approaching host employers.
Build a training plan before your interview
J-1 Trainee sponsorship requires a detailed training plan outlining specific skills you'll develop in the U.S. Draft this plan around concrete hardware engineering competencies like circuit design, FPGA programming, or signal integrity testing to satisfy your designated sponsor's requirements.
Target host employers with existing J-1 host agreements
Semiconductor firms, defense contractors, and research-heavy hardware companies are most likely to have existing host organization agreements with State Department-designated sponsors. Search for roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers aligned with J-1 sponsorship structures.
Verify prevailing wage compliance before accepting an offer
Your host employer must pay the prevailing wage for your hardware engineering role and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to confirm the applicable wage level before signing any offer letter, so your designated sponsor can validate your compensation during DS-2019 issuance.
Confirm whether the 2-year home residency requirement applies
If your J-1 exchange is government-funded or you're coming from a country on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, you may face a 2-year home residency requirement before changing to an H-1B visa or other work visa. Clarify this with your designated sponsor before accepting the role.
Ask specifically about hardware project scope during offer negotiation
J-1 Trainee and Research Scholar programs require your actual U.S. work to match your stated training objectives. Confirm with the host employer that your day-to-day hardware engineering work, breadboarding, firmware integration, lab testing, directly aligns with the competencies listed in your DS-2019 training plan.
Hardware Engineer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Hardware Engineer role?
It depends on where you are in your career. Current students or recent graduates pursuing hands-on hardware work typically qualify under the J-1 Intern category. Professionals with at least one year of relevant hardware engineering experience outside the U.S. generally qualify under the J-1 Trainee category. Researchers working on hardware-adjacent academic projects at a university or institute may qualify under Research Scholar.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as a Hardware Engineer?
Your J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization, not your employer. Organizations like AIPT, Cultural Vistas, and IIE issue the DS-2019 form that authorizes your exchange visit. Your employer is the host organization. They provide the hardware engineering role and sign off on your training plan, but they are not the visa sponsor.
How do I find U.S. employers that support J-1 hardware engineering placements?
The most efficient approach is to search roles on Migrate Mate, which lets you filter for positions aligned with J-1 sponsorship structures. Semiconductor companies, defense contractors, and university-affiliated research labs are the most common host employers for hardware engineering exchange visitors. Target roles where the job description references a training component or mentorship structure, since those are the clearest signals of J-1 compatibility.
Can a Hardware Engineer on J-1 Trainee status change employers mid-program?
No. Your J-1 Trainee program is tied to a specific host employer and a specific training plan approved by your designated sponsor. If your host employer changes, you would need to end your current program, work with a designated sponsor to issue a new DS-2019 for the new host, and restart your training plan. The new program must still fall within the Trainee category's maximum 18-month duration.
Does my hardware engineering experience abroad count toward J-1 Trainee eligibility?
Yes, but it must be documented carefully. The J-1 Trainee category requires at least one year of work experience or training outside the United States in your field prior to the exchange program. For hardware engineers, this means roles involving circuit design, embedded development, hardware testing, or related disciplines. Generic engineering experience in an unrelated field is unlikely to satisfy the designated sponsor's review.