J-1 Visa Staff Software Engineer Jobs
Staff Software Engineer roles in the United States are accessible to exchange visitors through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Trainee or Research Scholar program categories. Designated sponsor organizations issue your DS-2019, while the hiring company serves as your host. There is no lottery or annual cap, making placement timing more predictable than H-1B visa.
Find J-1 Visa Staff Software Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 79+ Staff Software Engineer jobs
See all 79+ Staff Software Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Staff Software Engineer roles.
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 Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Staff Software Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Staff Software Engineer
Align your CV to specialty occupation standards
Your resume needs to demonstrate a direct connection between your degree field and software engineering. Generalist experience won't satisfy a Trainee training plan. Document project scope, tech stack, and measurable outcomes to support the DS-2019 application your designated sponsor will file.
Identify host employers with prior J-1 Trainee history
Search Migrate Mate to filter Staff Software Engineer roles at companies that have hosted J-1 visa exchange visitors before. Prior hosting experience means the employer already understands training plan obligations and DS-2019 co-signing requirements, which shortens offer-to-placement timelines significantly.
Verify your role qualifies under O*NET job zone criteria
The Trainee category requires your position to align with a recognized occupational classification. Pull the Staff Software Engineer profile from O*NET and confirm the job zone and education requirements match your background before approaching a designated sponsor for DS-2019 issuance.
Request a structured training plan from your host employer
Designated sponsors require a detailed training plan before issuing your DS-2019. Ask the hiring manager to outline specific skill-building objectives, supervision structure, and evaluation milestones. A vague plan is the most common reason sponsors delay or decline DS-2019 issuance for software engineering trainees.
Clarify home residency requirement exposure before accepting an offer
Staff Software Engineers from certain countries or funded by government programs may face a two-year home residency requirement after their J-1 exchange ends. Confirm your eligibility for a waiver or H-1B transition with your designated sponsor before signing an offer letter.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before your start date
Host employers are required to be E-Verify enrolled to onboard J-1 exchange visitors in most sponsored programs. Ask your recruiter to confirm E-Verify participation during the offer stage, not after you've accepted, to avoid delays in activating your exchange visitor status.
Staff Software Engineer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Staff Software Engineer role?
Most Staff Software Engineers enter on the Trainee category, which is designed for foreign nationals who have a degree or professional experience in their field and want to gain exposure to U.S. techniques and methodology. If you hold a current faculty or research appointment, the Research Scholar category may apply instead. The Intern category is limited to students currently enrolled in a degree program outside the United States.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a software engineering position?
The J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations like IIE, Cultural Vistas, and AIPT issue your DS-2019 form and are legally responsible for program compliance. The company hiring you is the host organization. Your employer co-signs the training plan but is not the party with sponsorship authority under the Exchange Visitor Program.
How do I find Staff Software Engineer roles where the host employer already supports J-1 trainees?
Migrate Mate lets you search Staff Software Engineer positions filtered by J-1 sponsorship compatibility, so you're targeting companies that have already navigated the host employer process. Cold-applying to employers unfamiliar with J-1 requirements often results in withdrawn offers once they learn a designated sponsor must be involved, so starting with experienced host employers saves significant time.
Can a Staff Software Engineer on J-1 transition to an H-1B later?
Yes, but timing and the two-year home residency requirement matter. If your J-1 is subject to the requirement under INA Section 212(e), you must either fulfill it or obtain a waiver before USCIS will approve a change to H-1B status. Engineers not subject to the requirement can file a change of status directly. Confirm your 212(e) exposure with your designated sponsor before planning any transition.
What does the training plan requirement mean for a Staff Software Engineer specifically?
Designated sponsors require a formal training plan that justifies the exchange as a structured learning experience, not simply employment. For Staff Software Engineers, this means documenting specific skills you'll develop, the methodologies you'll be exposed to that differ from your home country's practices, supervision arrangements, and evaluation points. Vague plans citing only general software work are routinely rejected by sponsor compliance reviewers.