J-1 Visa Program Associate Jobs
Program Associate roles in the United States are commonly accessible through the J-1 Trainee or Intern program category, depending on your career stage and field. Designated sponsors issue the DS-2019 form that authorizes your exchange, so finding a host organization open to J-1 sponsorship is the critical first step.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 6 months and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Manufacturing Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.
Global Engineering Solutions (GES) is responsible for the design, construction, and delivery of advanced manufacturing facilities and laboratories worldwide. We provide premier engineering solutions in the pharmaceutical industry through technical innovation and project management to deliver important life-saving medicines and vaccines to patients. With our extensive range of facilities and environments, our Engineers have opportunities to impact Large and Small Molecule areas within our Manufacturing Division and Animal Health (AH) lines of business, including Biological, Chemical, Automation, Capital Projects, Maintenance, Safety, Process Development, Technical Services, Utilities and Validation. Our Engineers provide solutions for internal and external manufacturing needs in support of operational efficiencies, continuous improvement, and innovations. This position in Global Engineering Solutions (GES) will help the successful candidate develop leadership, communication, and technical skills needed to be successful in a fast-paced engineering environment.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Future Talent Program features co-operative assignments that last up to 6 months and will include one or more primary assignments as well as smaller secondary assignments. These opportunities can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals. This Engineering Co-op position is targeted for college students in their Junior or Senior year. The role involves learning and applying skills related to process engineering of pharmaceutical grade equipment for use in drug product and drug substance manufacturing. During your assignment you will be surrounded with a support network and receive coaching from your assignment manager, mentors and a “buddy”.
We are seeking candidates with outstanding academic records of achievement and demonstrated leadership abilities, candidates who are analytical and inquisitive about the interrelationships of various components, and perceptive, quick learners committed to making a difference in the pursuit of manufacturing high-quality, market-leading pharmaceutical and vaccine products.
The successful candidate’s area of focus and specific assignments will be determined by business need at and during the co-op duration. The specific assignments and responsibilities will be determined closer to the co-op start date. During the assignment, general responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Apply technical knowledge, data analysis and troubleshooting skills in the support of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and facilities, in a team-based environment.
- Utilize superior communication and interpersonal skills, a team player with the ability to work independently.
- Develop leadership skills in the areas of diverse team building, vendor management, and process equipment development/design.
Responsibilities specific to the position include but are not limited to:
- This position will function as a Process Engineer supporting a Biologics/Vaccine Project in Animal Health.
- Experience with an equipment life cycle approach including specification, selection, testing & commissioning, troubleshooting and qualification.
- Excellent collaboration and engagement as a team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Analytical and Problem Solving Skills.
- Project/Time Management skills which deliver on time and quality work.
- Ability to travel domestic. Main base location will be at the DeSoto, Kansas.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- This position is targeted for candidates in their Junior or Senior year at an accredited college/university.
- Candidates must be currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering (e.g. Chemical, Biomedical, Mechanical, etc.) or equivalent discipline. No prior experience is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Interface with IPT members in support of Capital Project Delivery.
- Ability to assess multiple options and select a leading approach.
- Core knowledge should include specification of unit operations, P&ID development, Hazard Analysis, equipment operation, commissioning & qualification.
- Operating within cost and schedule constraints of project and department.
- Maintaining knowledge of best practices & industry trends; may participate in professional/technical organizations.
- Ensures that deliverables conform to our company standards and practices, and are technically sound.
- Liaises with other technical functions to ensure successful technology transfers of new and in-line products.
- Collaborates effectively with contractors, suppliers and other team members in the execution of the work, written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills with desire to be innovative.
- Prior experience with capital equipment specification and installation.
- Candidates possessing prior intern or co-op experience in the manufacturing or engineering sector, preferably Pharmaceutical will be given clear preference.
Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.
SALARY RANGE
The salary range for this role is $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD.
OTHER INFORMATION
Employee Status: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)
Relocation: No relocation
VISA Sponsorship: No
Travel Requirements: No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid
Shift: Not Indicated
Valid Driving License: No
Hazardous Material(s): n/a
Job Posting End Date: 06/14/2026
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
- EEOC Know Your Rights
- EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
INTRODUCTION
The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 6 months and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Manufacturing Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.
Global Engineering Solutions (GES) is responsible for the design, construction, and delivery of advanced manufacturing facilities and laboratories worldwide. We provide premier engineering solutions in the pharmaceutical industry through technical innovation and project management to deliver important life-saving medicines and vaccines to patients. With our extensive range of facilities and environments, our Engineers have opportunities to impact Large and Small Molecule areas within our Manufacturing Division and Animal Health (AH) lines of business, including Biological, Chemical, Automation, Capital Projects, Maintenance, Safety, Process Development, Technical Services, Utilities and Validation. Our Engineers provide solutions for internal and external manufacturing needs in support of operational efficiencies, continuous improvement, and innovations. This position in Global Engineering Solutions (GES) will help the successful candidate develop leadership, communication, and technical skills needed to be successful in a fast-paced engineering environment.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Future Talent Program features co-operative assignments that last up to 6 months and will include one or more primary assignments as well as smaller secondary assignments. These opportunities can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals. This Engineering Co-op position is targeted for college students in their Junior or Senior year. The role involves learning and applying skills related to process engineering of pharmaceutical grade equipment for use in drug product and drug substance manufacturing. During your assignment you will be surrounded with a support network and receive coaching from your assignment manager, mentors and a “buddy”.
We are seeking candidates with outstanding academic records of achievement and demonstrated leadership abilities, candidates who are analytical and inquisitive about the interrelationships of various components, and perceptive, quick learners committed to making a difference in the pursuit of manufacturing high-quality, market-leading pharmaceutical and vaccine products.
The successful candidate’s area of focus and specific assignments will be determined by business need at and during the co-op duration. The specific assignments and responsibilities will be determined closer to the co-op start date. During the assignment, general responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Apply technical knowledge, data analysis and troubleshooting skills in the support of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and facilities, in a team-based environment.
- Utilize superior communication and interpersonal skills, a team player with the ability to work independently.
- Develop leadership skills in the areas of diverse team building, vendor management, and process equipment development/design.
Responsibilities specific to the position include but are not limited to:
- This position will function as a Process Engineer supporting a Biologics/Vaccine Project in Animal Health.
- Experience with an equipment life cycle approach including specification, selection, testing & commissioning, troubleshooting and qualification.
- Excellent collaboration and engagement as a team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Analytical and Problem Solving Skills.
- Project/Time Management skills which deliver on time and quality work.
- Ability to travel domestic. Main base location will be at the DeSoto, Kansas.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- This position is targeted for candidates in their Junior or Senior year at an accredited college/university.
- Candidates must be currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering (e.g. Chemical, Biomedical, Mechanical, etc.) or equivalent discipline. No prior experience is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Interface with IPT members in support of Capital Project Delivery.
- Ability to assess multiple options and select a leading approach.
- Core knowledge should include specification of unit operations, P&ID development, Hazard Analysis, equipment operation, commissioning & qualification.
- Operating within cost and schedule constraints of project and department.
- Maintaining knowledge of best practices & industry trends; may participate in professional/technical organizations.
- Ensures that deliverables conform to our company standards and practices, and are technically sound.
- Liaises with other technical functions to ensure successful technology transfers of new and in-line products.
- Collaborates effectively with contractors, suppliers and other team members in the execution of the work, written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills with desire to be innovative.
- Prior experience with capital equipment specification and installation.
- Candidates possessing prior intern or co-op experience in the manufacturing or engineering sector, preferably Pharmaceutical will be given clear preference.
Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.
SALARY RANGE
The salary range for this role is $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD.
OTHER INFORMATION
Employee Status: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)
Relocation: No relocation
VISA Sponsorship: No
Travel Requirements: No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid
Shift: Not Indicated
Valid Driving License: No
Hazardous Material(s): n/a
Job Posting End Date: 06/14/2026
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
- EEOC Know Your Rights
- EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
See all 219+ Program Associate jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Program Associate roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Program Associate
Match your category before applying
The J-1 Intern category requires current enrollment or graduation within the past 12 months. If you've been working professionally for over a year, you fall under Trainee. Applying to the wrong category can stall your DS-2019 issuance before you reach the interview stage.
Document your field-specific training plan
Designated sponsors require a detailed Training or Internship Placement Plan before issuing your DS-2019. Draft a week-by-week breakdown of skills you'll develop as a Program Associate, including policy analysis, stakeholder coordination, and reporting tasks specific to your host organization.
Search for roles on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers actively hosting J-1 exchange visitors in program coordination and associate roles. Filtering by J-1-compatible positions saves time and connects you with host organizations already familiar with the DS-2019 process.
Flag the two-year home residency requirement early
If your J-1 is funded by your home government or if your field appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for your country, you may face a two-year home residency requirement before changing to H-1B or a green card. Confirm your status with your designated sponsor before accepting an offer.
Ask the host about its designated sponsor relationship
Not every organization can independently host a J-1 exchange visitor. Confirm whether the employer already works with a State Department-designated sponsor like Cultural Vistas or CIEE, or whether you'll need to arrange your own sponsor affiliation before a training plan can be approved.
Time your DS-2019 request around your start date
Designated sponsors typically need four to six weeks to review your training plan and issue the DS-2019. Build that window into your negotiation with the host employer so your visa interview and consular appointment align with your intended program start date.
Program Associate jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Program Associate JobsProgram Associate J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Program Associate role?
The answer depends on your career stage. Current university students and recent graduates within 12 months of completing their degree typically qualify under the J-1 Intern category. Professionals who have been working in their field for at least a year generally fall under the Trainee category. Both categories can support program coordination, policy, or administrative associate work, but the training plan requirements and maximum duration differ between them.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for a Program Associate position?
Your employer is the host organization, not the visa sponsor. A U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization, such as Cultural Vistas, CIEE, or IIE, is the entity that issues your DS-2019 form and formally sponsors your J-1 status. The host employer works with that designated sponsor to approve your training plan and remains responsible for your program activities, but the sponsor holds the legal obligation under the Exchange Visitor Program.
How do I find Program Associate host employers open to J-1 exchange visitors?
Migrate Mate lets you search for U.S. roles and employers that align with J-1 sponsorship requirements, including program coordination and associate positions. Because not every employer has an existing relationship with a designated sponsor, targeting organizations already familiar with the DS-2019 process shortens the time between offer and visa issuance considerably.
Does a Program Associate role qualify for J-1 if I studied a different field?
Your degree or professional background must be directly related to the program activities you'll perform as a Program Associate. If your field is public policy, international relations, social sciences, nonprofit management, or a related discipline, the connection is generally straightforward. If your degree is in an unrelated area, the designated sponsor will assess whether your work experience compensates, and a weak field match is one of the most common reasons training plans are returned for revision.
Can I extend my J-1 Program Associate placement if the host wants to keep me on?
J-1 Intern placements are capped at 12 months total. J-1 Trainee placements allow up to 18 months, with an additional 18-month extension possible in certain fields of study or training. Extensions require your designated sponsor's approval and an updated training plan. You cannot independently extend your DS-2019 end date by staying with the host employer past the authorized period.
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