J-1 Visa Safety Engineer Jobs
Safety Engineer roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa Trainee or Research Scholar program categories, depending on your background and host organization. Securing sponsorship requires a designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019, separate from your hiring employer.
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Posting Information
Posting Number PG194729EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Research Scholar, Roadway Safety
Anticipated Hiring Range $85,000 - $100,000
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, hybrid eligible
Job Location Raleigh, North Carolina
Department Institute For Transportation Research & Education
About the Department
The Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) is a North Carolina State University institutional research center. Located within the University’s visionary Centennial Campus, ITRE conducts surface, water, and air transportation research, while providing professional training and educational opportunities. ITRE collaborates with other University of North Carolina (UNC) system campuses and partners with transportation professionals around the globe.
ITRE was authorized by the NC General Assembly in 1976 and chartered by the UNC System Board of Governors in 1978. ITRE operated fully as an inter-institutional unit of the UNC System until 1992 when it moved to NC State’s campus. From 1992 to 2012, ITRE continued to operate as a multi-campus institute, reporting to the UNC System office for strategic direction with administrative support and oversight from NC State. Since 2012, ITRE has operated as an NC State institute in all respects.
ITRE is a university-based institute committed to leadership in the study of surface and air transportation issues through fostering analytical thinking, integrating technology in education and research, serving as a catalyst for problem solving, and cultivating professionals and students dedicated to excellence in transportation.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!
Attain work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
This Research Scholar position will lead and manage multidisciplinary transportation safety research initiatives focused on reducing roadway fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven analysis, implementation support, and stakeholder collaboration.
The position requires independent judgment, strong project management capabilities, and the ability to translate complex technical findings into actionable recommendations for practitioners, agencies, and decision-makers.
This position is responsible for advancing data-driven strategies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries within a Vision Zero / Safe System framework. The Research Scholar will serve in a leadership role supporting applied research, implementation, and program development activities related to roadway safety and transportation operations.
In leading the development, execution, and management of transportation safety research projects and technical assistance initiatives, primary responsibilities include:
Developing and managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, staffing plans, and deliverables.
Leading or supporting proposal preparation activities, including technical writing, budgeting, coordination with partners, and sponsor engagement.
Supervising, mentoring, and coordinating the work of research staff, graduate students, and student assistants.
Conducting and overseeing quantitative analyses using crash data, exposure metrics, roadway inventory data, vehicle telematics, operational data, and related transportation datasets.
Developing analytical methods, tools, and performance measures to evaluate roadway safety strategies and initiatives.
Applying rigorous analytical approaches to identify systemic risk factors associated with roadway design, road user behavior, vehicle performance, and post-crash care.
Supporting implementation of Safe System and Vision Zero principles through evidence-based practice and cross-sector collaboration.
Coordinating with transportation agencies, local governments, law enforcement, public health professionals, consultants, and other stakeholders.
Translating technical findings into actionable guidance, recommendations, reports, and presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Evaluating the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-benefit of proposed safety interventions and operational strategies.
Supporting the development of technical guidance documents, research publications, training materials, and implementation resources.
Representing the organization in meetings, workshops, conferences, and professional committees as appropriate.
* Contributing to the strategic growth and development of transportation safety research programs and partnerships.
Other Responsibilities
Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Managing project schedules, budgets, deliverables, and client communications
Coordinating interdisciplinary research teams and external collaborators
Developing and delivering technical presentations, workshops, and training materials
Conducting literature reviews and state-of-the-practice assessments
Supporting stakeholder outreach and engagement activities
Overseeing field data collection efforts and field equipment installation/removal
* Supporting publication development, conference presentations, and implementation activities
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
* Master’s degree in engineering, transportation planning, public administration, economics, data analytics, or a related field, along with at least five years of relevant research or professional experience in transportation safety, transportation operations, or related disciplines.
Other Required Qualifications
Strong project management and organizational skills
Experience leading or supporting sponsored research projects
Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder groups
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines
Experience supervising or mentoring staff and/or students
Technical proficiency in quantitative analysis and transportation data evaluation
Ability to independently develop technical reports, presentations, and deliverables
* Experience interacting with clients or external partners
Preferred Qualifications
A Ph.D. and/or progressively responsible experience in applied transportation research, project management, and proposal development
Experience leading proposal development and sponsor engagement activities
Knowledge of Safe System and Vision Zero principles
Experience working with transportation agencies, municipalities, MPOs, or public-sector organizations
Experience with roadway safety analysis methods and transportation operations analyses
Meeting facilitation and stakeholder engagement experience
Experience with statistical analysis, GIS, Python, R, SQL, PostgreSQL, or web application development
Experience managing research budgets, schedules, and deliverables
Publication and presentation experience in transportation or safety-related fields
Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure is desirable
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 06/23/2026
Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00112141
Position Type EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID 062001 - Institute For Transportation Research & Education
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Safety Engineer
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
Safety Engineer roles typically require a degree in occupational safety, industrial engineering, or a closely related field. Gather official transcripts and any professional certifications like CSP or ASP before approaching host employers, since designated sponsors verify these during DS-2019 issuance.
Distinguish Trainee from Research Scholar eligibility early
The Trainee category suits early-career professionals with under five years of post-degree experience in safety engineering. Research Scholar applies if your role centers on academic or institutional research. Applying under the wrong category delays your DS-2019 and can void a host employer's offer.
Target host employers with existing safety infrastructure
Prioritize organizations in construction, manufacturing, utilities, or government contracting, where dedicated safety engineering roles are structured and host organizations already understand training plan requirements. Use Migrate Mate to filter for U.S. employers advertising J-1-compatible Safety Engineer positions.
Build a training plan that satisfies DOL phase requirements
Your designated sponsor requires a detailed Training Plan (Form DS-7002) outlining specific safety competencies you will develop each month. Map your phases to OSHA compliance tasks, incident investigation procedures, and risk assessment methods to demonstrate structured skill progression, not routine employment.
Confirm the two-year home residency requirement before accepting an offer
If your home country is on the Exchange Visitor Skills List or your J-1 is government-funded, you must return home for two years before switching to H-1B visa or a green card. Verify your status through USCIS before accepting any host employer offer to avoid post-program immigration complications.
Negotiate host employer written commitment before sponsor enrollment
Designated sponsors like Cultural Vistas or AIPT will not issue a DS-2019 without a formal host employer agreement. Request a signed offer letter or memorandum of understanding from your host employer first, then submit that documentation to your chosen sponsor to initiate the DS-2019 process.
Safety Engineer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Safety Engineer role?
Most Safety Engineer positions fall under the J-1 Trainee category if you have fewer than five years of post-degree professional experience and are seeking structured skills development at a U.S. host organization. If your role is based at a university or research institution and involves academic research into occupational safety systems, the Research Scholar category may apply instead.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as a Safety Engineer?
Your visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas, AIPT, or IIE, not your hiring employer. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 form and monitors program compliance. Your host employer, the company or agency where you perform safety engineering work, signs the training plan but does not hold sponsor status under State Department rules.
How do I find U.S. employers open to hosting a J-1 Safety Engineer?
Search Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers advertising Safety Engineer roles that align with J-1 sponsorship pathways. Focus on sectors with structured safety departments, including construction, utilities, chemical manufacturing, and federal contractors, where Training Plan requirements are easier to satisfy and host organizations are familiar with exchange visitor compliance obligations.
Does the two-year home residency requirement affect Safety Engineers?
It can. If your home country appears on the State Department Exchange Visitor Skills List and your field of safety engineering is listed, or if your J-1 program is government-funded, you will be subject to the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e). This prevents you from changing to H-1B or adjusting status in the U.S. until you either complete the residency period or obtain a waiver from USCIS.
What does a J-1 Training Plan require for a Safety Engineer position?
Form DS-7002 must outline specific safety competencies you will gain, phase by phase, during your program. For Safety Engineers, that typically includes phases covering regulatory compliance review, hazard identification methods, incident investigation procedures, and safety management systems. Your designated sponsor reviews the plan to confirm it constitutes genuine skills training rather than ordinary employment, so generic job descriptions are rejected.