J-1 Visa Software Engineering Manager Jobs
Software Engineering Manager roles in the U.S. are accessible to exchange visitors through the J-1 visa Trainee or Specialist program category, depending on your experience level and host organization. Finding a host employer willing to coordinate with a designated sponsor for DS-2019 sponsorship takes targeted preparation and the right search strategy.
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Get Access To All JobsSoftware Engineering Intern – Body Control
The Software Engineering Intern – Body Control will support foundational software development within Karma’s Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Body Control domain. This role focuses on establishing core Service-Oriented Architecture (SoA) components that define how vehicle services are structured and interact across distributed systems.
The internship provides hands-on exposure to embedded software development and modern vehicle software architecture, contributing to the long-term scalability and technical foundation of Karma’s future vehicles.
Internship Objectives & Strategic Value
Strategic Architecture Enablement
- Contribute to the foundational service framework supporting Karma’s SDV direction.
- Help define reusable patterns for how services are constructed and interact across distributed vehicle systems.
Future Scalability
- Establish early technical groundwork that enables faster development of future body control and vehicle services.
- Reduce long-term architectural rework by standardizing SoA concepts early in development.
Targeted Engineering Leverage
- Provide incremental development capacity for exploratory and foundational software work that may otherwise be deprioritized.
Internship Details
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Timing: May/June start through August/September end
- Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):
- Develop and implement service framework components supporting SDV and SoA concepts.
- Support service interaction within a distributed system architecture.
- Contribute to embedded software development using C/C++ in Linux and/or RTOS-based environments.
- Assist with software design, implementation, testing, and documentation.
- Collaborate with software, systems, and architecture teams to support body control domain development.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong programming fundamentals, particularly in C/C++.
- Interest in embedded systems, vehicle software, or distributed system architectures.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced engineering environment.
Preferred Qualification:
- Coursework or project experience related to embedded systems, operating systems, or distributed software.
- Familiarity with Linux and/or RTOS environments.
- Exposure to service-oriented architecture (SoA), middleware, or communication frameworks.
- Interest in Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) and automotive software platforms.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:
- Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
- Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping and fine manipulation).
- Ability to frequently walk or move – to regularly move about inside the office.
- Ability to frequently see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office.
- Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop.
- Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended continuous periods of time.
- Ability to stand for occasional periods of time.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job.
Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)
Benefits & Perks:
In addition to our competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:
- Karma's Medical Plan
- 40 hours of paid Sick Time
- 401(k) with Employer Match
Compensation:
$25.00/per hour - $35.00/per hour. Compensation will vary depending on the candidate's current level of education.
At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.
Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.
Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver’s license may be required based on essential duties.
Software Engineering Intern – Body Control
The Software Engineering Intern – Body Control will support foundational software development within Karma’s Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Body Control domain. This role focuses on establishing core Service-Oriented Architecture (SoA) components that define how vehicle services are structured and interact across distributed systems.
The internship provides hands-on exposure to embedded software development and modern vehicle software architecture, contributing to the long-term scalability and technical foundation of Karma’s future vehicles.
Internship Objectives & Strategic Value
Strategic Architecture Enablement
- Contribute to the foundational service framework supporting Karma’s SDV direction.
- Help define reusable patterns for how services are constructed and interact across distributed vehicle systems.
Future Scalability
- Establish early technical groundwork that enables faster development of future body control and vehicle services.
- Reduce long-term architectural rework by standardizing SoA concepts early in development.
Targeted Engineering Leverage
- Provide incremental development capacity for exploratory and foundational software work that may otherwise be deprioritized.
Internship Details
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Timing: May/June start through August/September end
- Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):
- Develop and implement service framework components supporting SDV and SoA concepts.
- Support service interaction within a distributed system architecture.
- Contribute to embedded software development using C/C++ in Linux and/or RTOS-based environments.
- Assist with software design, implementation, testing, and documentation.
- Collaborate with software, systems, and architecture teams to support body control domain development.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong programming fundamentals, particularly in C/C++.
- Interest in embedded systems, vehicle software, or distributed system architectures.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced engineering environment.
Preferred Qualification:
- Coursework or project experience related to embedded systems, operating systems, or distributed software.
- Familiarity with Linux and/or RTOS environments.
- Exposure to service-oriented architecture (SoA), middleware, or communication frameworks.
- Interest in Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) and automotive software platforms.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:
- Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
- Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping and fine manipulation).
- Ability to frequently walk or move – to regularly move about inside the office.
- Ability to frequently see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office.
- Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop.
- Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended continuous periods of time.
- Ability to stand for occasional periods of time.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job.
Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)
Benefits & Perks:
In addition to our competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:
- Karma's Medical Plan
- 40 hours of paid Sick Time
- 401(k) with Employer Match
Compensation:
$25.00/per hour - $35.00/per hour. Compensation will vary depending on the candidate's current level of education.
At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.
Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.
Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver’s license may be required based on essential duties.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Software Engineering Manager
Align your credentials to Trainee or Specialist category
The J-1 Trainee category suits managers with a degree plus one year of relevant experience, while Specialist requires substantial post-degree professional experience. Clarify which category your background supports before approaching host employers, since the DS-2019 category is fixed at issuance.
Build a training plan that satisfies DOL requirements
Designated sponsors require a detailed Training Plan (Form DS-7002) before issuing your DS-2019. Draft a phase-by-phase plan covering team leadership, architecture review cycles, and cross-functional collaboration so your host employer can complete this document accurately without delays.
Target host employers with established exchange visitor processes
Use Migrate Mate to search for Software Engineering Manager roles at U.S. companies that have previously hosted J-1 exchange visitors. Employers familiar with the DS-2019 process move faster and rarely stall on the host agreement step that delays many first-time arrangements.
Verify whether the home residency requirement applies to you
Some J-1 participants are subject to a two-year home country residency requirement after their program ends, which affects your ability to change status or apply for certain visas later. Check your DS-2019 and passport visa stamp for the Section 212(e) notation before accepting an offer.
Confirm the host employer's willingness to sign the training agreement
Designated sponsors such as Cultural Vistas or CIEE issue the DS-2019, but the host employer must sign the training plan and accept liability as a host organization. Raise this explicitly during offer negotiations, not after, since some hiring managers aren't aware of the host agreement obligation.
Front-load your program duration request strategically
J-1 Trainee status is capped at 18 months, while Specialist allows up to 24 months. If your engineering management role involves a multi-phase technical roadmap, request the maximum authorized duration upfront, since extending after the initial DS-2019 is issued requires sponsor approval and additional documentation.
Software Engineering Manager J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Software Engineering Manager role?
Most Software Engineering Manager candidates qualify under the J-1 Trainee or Specialist category. Trainee applies if you hold a relevant degree plus at least one year of post-degree experience. Specialist applies when you have substantial, recognized expertise in software engineering leadership without necessarily following a degree-plus-experience formula. Your designated sponsor determines the appropriate category based on your background and the host employer's training plan.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for this type of role?
The J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas or CIEE, not the hiring company. The company serves as your host employer and must sign a training agreement, but the designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 form, monitors compliance throughout your stay, and holds legal responsibility for the program. This distinction matters when negotiating with employers who may incorrectly assume they are the sponsor.
Can a Software Engineering Manager on J-1 status manage full-time employees?
Yes, managing employees is consistent with J-1 exchange visitor status as long as the role is structured as a training and cultural exchange experience, not purely ongoing employment. Your DS-7002 Training Plan should document how the management responsibilities contribute to your professional development objectives. Designated sponsors review this framing during the DS-2019 approval process, so the training narrative needs to be specific and credible.
How do I find U.S. employers open to hosting a J-1 Software Engineering Manager?
Search on Migrate Mate to identify Software Engineering Manager openings at U.S. companies that align with J-1 exchange visitor arrangements. Focus outreach on technology firms and research-driven organizations, which are more likely to have existing relationships with designated sponsors or experience hosting exchange visitors at the senior individual contributor and management level.
Does the two-year home residency requirement affect Software Engineering Managers on J-1?
It can, depending on your nationality, the funding source for your program, and whether your home country appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List maintained by the State Department. If the requirement applies, you'd need to fulfill it or obtain a waiver before changing to H-1B visa, O-1 visa, or certain immigrant visa categories. Check your DS-2019 and visa stamp for a Section 212(e) notation and confirm the requirement's applicability with your designated sponsor before making long-term career plans.