J-1 Visa Staff Software Developer Jobs
Staff Software Developer roles in the U.S. are accessible to international professionals through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Trainee or Research Scholar program category. A designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019, while the tech employer serves as your host site. No lottery, no annual cap.
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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 79+ J-1 Visa Staff Software Developer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Staff Software Developer
Align your portfolio with trainee program criteria
The J-1 visa Trainee category requires a degree plus one year of related work experience, or five years of experience without a degree. Audit your resume against those thresholds before applying, since gaps here will stall your DS-2019 issuance.
Target employers experienced with training plans
J-1 Trainee placements require a DOL-compliant training plan that maps your software development goals to specific on-site activities. Employers who have hosted J-1 trainees before already understand this requirement and move faster through the host-approval stage.
Search for J-1 compatible roles on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Staff Software Developer openings at U.S. employers with documented sponsorship histories. Targeting companies already familiar with exchange visitor programs cuts your outreach time significantly.
Verify your role clears the specialty occupation standard
USCIS defines software development roles using O*NET classification codes. Confirm your prospective job description references a bachelor's-level discipline so your designated sponsor can accurately categorize the position on the DS-2019 and supporting training plan.
Clarify two-year home residency exposure early
Certain funding sources and countries of nationality trigger the J-1 two-year home residency requirement. Identify your exposure before accepting a host offer, because this restriction affects future H-1B visa or green card pathways and can't be resolved after DS-2019 issuance.
Request your training plan details in writing
Once a host employer commits, get the proposed training objectives, rotation schedule, and supervision structure documented before your designated sponsor submits paperwork. Mismatches between the offer and the training plan are a common cause of DS-2019 delays.
Staff Software Developer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Staff Software Developer role?
The Trainee category is the most common fit for software developers with a degree plus at least one year of professional experience. If your role is embedded in a university or research institution, the Research Scholar category may apply instead. Current students completing degree-linked practicums may qualify under the Intern category, which has stricter enrollment requirements.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a software developer role?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT, not the tech company hiring you. The employer is your host site. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019, monitors your training plan compliance, and serves as your primary point of contact for SEVIS reporting throughout your program.
How do I find U.S. tech employers open to J-1 trainees?
Migrate Mate lets you search Staff Software Developer roles at employers with documented sponsorship histories, which narrows your outreach to companies already familiar with the host-approval process. Because the J-1 Trainee category requires a signed training plan from the host, targeting experienced host employers reduces the administrative back-and-forth before your DS-2019 can be issued.
Does the J-1 Trainee program have a duration limit for software roles?
Yes. The J-1 Trainee program caps participation at 18 months per host employer. Software development roles classified under information technology fields fall within this limit. Extensions beyond 18 months are not available under the Trainee category, so plan your program timeline and any transition to a different visa status well in advance of that deadline.
Can a J-1 Trainee in a software role work remotely for the host employer?
Remote or hybrid arrangements are a gray area under J-1 regulations. Your training plan must specify a physical host site address, and SEVIS records are tied to that location. If your host employer allows partial remote work, your designated sponsor must approve the arrangement and it needs to be reflected in the training plan to remain compliant with program requirements.