J-1 Visa Product Development Engineer Jobs
Product Development Engineer roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Trainee or Research Scholar program category. Host employers across manufacturing, consumer goods, and technology sectors partner with State Department-designated sponsor organizations to issue the DS-2019 and administer your exchange program.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Kerry
At Kerry we’re obsessed with food and an ambition to provide 2 billion people access to more sustainable nutrition. Kerry is the world’s leading taste and nutrition company for food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers’ most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
The Kerry Leadership Development Program is a 24-month rotational program, which will begin on July 12, 2027.
Manufacturing Overview
You will have responsibility to co-ordinate and drive the delivery of operational targets, initiatives and improvements at one of our manufacturing facilities. You will be required to support department managers in delivering factory performance improvements through the facilitation of Site teams using lean tools and techniques. Initially with a very hands-on approach to developing capability and leadership skills, you will develop into a People Manager with potential Shift Management responsibility. You will have specific project tasks related to driving the introduction of aspects of strategic change as the business continues to grow. Your direct line manager will be the Production Manager, but you may also receive instruction from the Operations Manager or other Managers as appropriate. You will have real opportunity to engage right across the business and make a difference early in your career. You will be supported and work alongside one of the most experienced food manufacturing teams in the world.
Key Responsibilities
What you'll do
- Support the Site Strategic Agenda and the successful implementation and maintenance of the Kerry Manufacturing Standard (Site Audit Standard)
- Identify, manage, and execute initiatives to deliver significant improvements in the areas of: Safety, Quality, Delivery / Service, Operating efficiency, People Management, Materials control and efficiency
- Facilitate and support management teams (and other teams) involved in major transformational projects (e.g. re-engineering the major Site business processes)
- Ensure all direct reports are fully trained and equipped with the necessary skills to operate in an environment that promotes safety and well-being
- Support site programs to ensure the effective training and deployment of the principles, projects, tools and techniques (as appropriate) and KPIs etc.
- Maintain awareness of best practice and modern improvement techniques
- Ensure familiarity is achieved with Kerry’s preferred method of problem solving (root cause, 8 steps etc.)
- Actively live the Kerry values of Courage, Ownership, Inclusiveness, Open-mindedness, & Enterprising Spirit
Qualifications and Skills
What you'll need to be successful
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Food Science Technology, Process Engineering, Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical/BioChemical Engineering with an expected graduation date between December 2026 – May 2027
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Motivated self-starter with the determination and drive to succeed
- Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to communicate effectively to all levels of an organization
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- A curious mindset
- Willingness to travel
- Relocation for the second rotation is required
Compensation Data
The pay range for this position is $65,000 - $70,000 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Accepting applications on a continuous basis until 2027 cohort is full. This job posting is anticipated to expire on March 31, 2027.
We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.
Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).
Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.
Nearest Major Market: Milwaukee
About Kerry
At Kerry we’re obsessed with food and an ambition to provide 2 billion people access to more sustainable nutrition. Kerry is the world’s leading taste and nutrition company for food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers’ most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
The Kerry Leadership Development Program is a 24-month rotational program, which will begin on July 12, 2027.
Manufacturing Overview
You will have responsibility to co-ordinate and drive the delivery of operational targets, initiatives and improvements at one of our manufacturing facilities. You will be required to support department managers in delivering factory performance improvements through the facilitation of Site teams using lean tools and techniques. Initially with a very hands-on approach to developing capability and leadership skills, you will develop into a People Manager with potential Shift Management responsibility. You will have specific project tasks related to driving the introduction of aspects of strategic change as the business continues to grow. Your direct line manager will be the Production Manager, but you may also receive instruction from the Operations Manager or other Managers as appropriate. You will have real opportunity to engage right across the business and make a difference early in your career. You will be supported and work alongside one of the most experienced food manufacturing teams in the world.
Key Responsibilities
What you'll do
- Support the Site Strategic Agenda and the successful implementation and maintenance of the Kerry Manufacturing Standard (Site Audit Standard)
- Identify, manage, and execute initiatives to deliver significant improvements in the areas of: Safety, Quality, Delivery / Service, Operating efficiency, People Management, Materials control and efficiency
- Facilitate and support management teams (and other teams) involved in major transformational projects (e.g. re-engineering the major Site business processes)
- Ensure all direct reports are fully trained and equipped with the necessary skills to operate in an environment that promotes safety and well-being
- Support site programs to ensure the effective training and deployment of the principles, projects, tools and techniques (as appropriate) and KPIs etc.
- Maintain awareness of best practice and modern improvement techniques
- Ensure familiarity is achieved with Kerry’s preferred method of problem solving (root cause, 8 steps etc.)
- Actively live the Kerry values of Courage, Ownership, Inclusiveness, Open-mindedness, & Enterprising Spirit
Qualifications and Skills
What you'll need to be successful
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Food Science Technology, Process Engineering, Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical/BioChemical Engineering with an expected graduation date between December 2026 – May 2027
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Motivated self-starter with the determination and drive to succeed
- Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to communicate effectively to all levels of an organization
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- A curious mindset
- Willingness to travel
- Relocation for the second rotation is required
Compensation Data
The pay range for this position is $65,000 - $70,000 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Accepting applications on a continuous basis until 2027 cohort is full. This job posting is anticipated to expire on March 31, 2027.
We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.
Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).
Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.
Nearest Major Market: Milwaukee
See all 38+ J-1 Visa Product Development Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Product Development Engineer
Align your training plan with engineering deliverables
Your DS-2019 requires a structured training plan specifying objectives, timelines, and supervision. Frame your product development work around discrete phases, such as prototyping, testing, and design iteration, so the plan satisfies your designated sponsor's compliance review.
Distinguish Trainee from Research Scholar before applying
Trainee status suits engineers within five years of graduation or prior professional experience. Research Scholar applies if your role centers on university- or institute-based R&D. Applying under the wrong category can delay your DS-2019 issuance and complicate host employer negotiations.
Target host employers with existing sponsor relationships
Use Migrate Mate to find Product Development Engineer roles at U.S. companies already aligned with J-1 visa sponsorship. Employers who have hosted J-1 engineers before understand training plan requirements and move through the offer process faster.
Verify your role's prevailing wage before accepting an offer
J-1 regulations require compensation at least equal to similarly situated U.S. workers. Cross-check your offered salary against the OFLC Wage Search and O*NET before signing, so your designated sponsor can confirm compliance without renegotiation later.
Confirm the 2-year home residency requirement applies to you
Government-funded training programs and certain skill-shortage fields trigger a two-year home-country residency requirement under INA Section 212(e). Clarify with your designated sponsor before accepting an offer, since this affects your timeline for switching to H-1B visa or a green card pathway.
Prepare engineering credentials for sponsor document review
Designated sponsors such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT require degree transcripts, a CV, and proof of English proficiency before issuing a DS-2019. Gather certified translations of non-English documents and employer verification letters early, since missing credentials stall program enrollment.
Product Development Engineer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Product Development Engineer role?
Most Product Development Engineer placements fall under the Trainee category if you're within five years of graduation or relevant professional experience, or the Research Scholar category if your role is based at a university or research institute. Trainee is the most common path for engineers at private-sector manufacturers, consumer electronics firms, and industrial design companies. Your designated sponsor confirms the correct category before issuing your DS-2019.
Who actually sponsors a J-1 visa for an engineering role?
The J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your hiring employer. Organizations such as Cultural Vistas, AIPT, and IIE issue the DS-2019 form, administer your training plan, and monitor regulatory compliance throughout your program. The engineering company where you work is the host employer, which is a separate role from the designated sponsor.
How do I find Product Development Engineer roles open to J-1 exchange visitors?
Search on Migrate Mate, which surfaces U.S. engineering roles at companies already aligned with J-1 sponsorship. Because host employers must coordinate with a designated sponsor and prepare a training plan, roles actively listed for J-1 exchange visitors have already cleared internal approval hurdles that can stall less prepared employers.
Does the 2-year home residency requirement affect Product Development Engineers?
It can. Engineers whose J-1 program is funded by their home government or whose occupation appears on their home country's skills shortage list are subject to the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e). This requirement means you must return home for two years before changing to most immigrant or non-immigrant visa categories. Check with your designated sponsor early to determine whether it applies to your specific situation.
What does the training plan need to include for an engineering placement?
Your designated sponsor requires a written training plan that specifies learning objectives, phase-by-phase activities, supervision arrangements, and evaluation methods. For Product Development Engineer roles, this typically covers design research, prototyping cycles, testing protocols, and cross-functional collaboration. The plan must reflect genuine skills transfer rather than routine production work, and your host employer's engineering manager usually co-signs it before the DS-2019 is issued.