J-1 Visa Mechanical Engineer Jobs
Mechanical Engineer roles in the U.S. qualify for J-1 visa sponsorship under the Trainee or Research Scholar category, depending on your career stage. A U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019, while your host employer provides the engineering placement and training plan.
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INTRODUCTION
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Location:
Gloucester, MA
You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Applied Materials’ VSE Business Unit and Ion Source Development Group are seeking Mechanical Engineer Interns to join our team for Summer 2026! This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the semiconductor equipment industry!
- Perform routine assignments aligned with entry-level professional engineering roles.
- Apply fundamental theories, principles, and concepts of Mechanical Engineering.
- Develop competence through structured work assignments and guided learning.
- Use established procedures to solve routine or standard engineering problems.
- Learn and utilize Applied Materials’ engineering change control system.
- Design and create new parts for ion source testing.
- Optimize and improve existing components to reduce cost and enhance performance.
- Present findings and results in a collaborative group environment.
- Work under instruction, guidance, and direction while demonstrating self-driven, hands-on initiative.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- In good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale).
- Experience in semiconductor processing or manufacturing is preferred.
- Familiarity with Creo and Ansys is a plus but not required.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to learn quickly.
COMPENSATION
- Compensation: $31 - $41 per hour
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Time Type: Full time
- Employee Type: Intern / Student
- Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time
- Relocation Eligible: Yes
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Mechanical Engineer
Align your credentials with specialty occupation standards
J-1 Trainee and Research Scholar programs require documented engineering credentials. Gather your degree transcripts, professional registration, and a portfolio of technical projects before approaching host employers or designated sponsor organizations about a training plan.
Distinguish Trainee from Research Scholar category
If you graduated within the last year or two and want hands-on industry experience, the Trainee category fits. If your role centers on laboratory or applied research at a university or institute, Research Scholar is the appropriate J-1 classification to pursue.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1-compatible engineering roles
Host employers who accept J-1 Trainees often have existing relationships with designated sponsor organizations. Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. mechanical engineering positions where J-1 sponsorship is already part of the employer's hiring framework.
Check whether your host role triggers the two-year rule
Mechanical engineering positions funded by your home government or involving specialized skills in shortage fields can trigger the two-year home residency requirement. Verify your eligibility for a waiver through USCIS before accepting a host offer.
Confirm the training plan matches your engineering specialty
Your designated sponsor organization, such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT, must approve a structured Training or Internship Placement Plan. Make sure the plan specifies mechanical engineering tasks, not generic administrative duties, or the sponsor may reject the application.
Verify your host employer's wage against prevailing rates
Even though J-1 is not employer-sponsored like H-1B, DOL expects host organizations to pay exchange visitors the prevailing wage for the role. Cross-check the offered compensation using the OFLC Wage Search before signing any training agreement.
Mechanical Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Mechanical Engineer JobsMechanical Engineer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to mechanical engineers?
It depends on your career stage and placement type. Current students or recent graduates pursuing structured industry training typically use the Intern or Trainee category. Mechanical engineers conducting applied or fundamental research at a university or national laboratory generally qualify under Research Scholar. Your designated sponsor organization confirms the correct classification based on your background and the host employer's program.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a mechanical engineering placement?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your engineering employer. Organizations such as Cultural Vistas, AIPT, or IIE issue the DS-2019 form and monitor your program for compliance. Your host employer provides the placement, signs the training plan, and pays your compensation, but the designated sponsor holds legal responsibility for your exchange visitor status throughout the program.
How do I find mechanical engineering employers that work with J-1 programs?
Use Migrate Mate to search for U.S. mechanical engineering roles where J-1 sponsorship is part of the hiring structure. Many host employers maintain ongoing agreements with designated sponsor organizations but don't advertise that openly in job postings, so filtering specifically for J-1-compatible positions saves significant time in your search.
Can the two-year home residency requirement affect a mechanical engineering J-1?
Yes. If your training program is funded by your home government, or if mechanical engineering is designated as a skill in short supply in your home country, USCIS may impose the two-year home residency requirement at the end of your J-1 program. This prevents you from immediately changing to H-1B or adjusting status without first completing two years at home or obtaining a waiver through a qualifying exception.
Does a J-1 Trainee placement in mechanical engineering count as full employment?
A J-1 Trainee placement is an exchange program, not standard at-will employment. You work under a structured Training or Internship Placement Plan approved by your designated sponsor. Your host employer pays you and directs your daily work, but your authorized activities are limited to the tasks listed in that plan. Work outside the approved scope is a visa violation, so confirm the plan covers your full engineering responsibilities before the program starts.
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