J-1 Visa Systems Development Engineer Jobs
Systems Development Engineer roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa under the Trainee or Research Scholar program category, depending on your career stage. Securing sponsorship requires a designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019, separate from your host employer's hiring decision.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar, Energy Systems within the Building and Industrial Energy Systems division. In this role, you will develop, implement, and evaluate software tools for the design and control of thermal energy systems, particularly HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants, and/or data center cooling systems. These tools will be developed using Modelica, Python, and AI-based tools. You will also participate in laboratory and/or field demonstrations to validate and evaluate the developed technologies. Successful candidates will have a strong background in thermo-fluid systems and software development, deployment, and distribution. You will work under the guidance of scientists and collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, including researchers and industry partners within and outside LBNL.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
- 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
- Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
- Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
- A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop Python- and/or Modelica-based software for design and control of HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants and/or data centers.
- Investigate cutting edge algorithms and tools in the fields of AI, machine learning and optimization.
- Deploy, implement and evaluate software tools at laboratory environments and field sites.
- Publish research results in journals, present findings at national and international conferences, and work with industry on testing and deploying the research.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science or related fields.
- Strong knowledge of HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants and/or data center cooling systems.
- Demonstrated experience in applying modern AI technologies, computational methods, and data analysis tools
- Strong knowledge of modeling and simulation of thermo-fluid systems
- Hands-on experience with thermo-fluid systems, including experimental testing, system design, and operation.
- Strong analytical and communications skills, both oral and written, and able to communicate clearly the goals, parameters, objectives and outcomes of their research.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge in testing standards of thermal systems
- Capable of working on multiple tasks and projects
APPLICATION MATERIALS
For consideration, please apply with the following application materials:
- Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 30, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
- Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
- Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $8,266 / mo - $8,921.00 / mo and is expected to start at $8,266 / mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
- Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
- Work modality: This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
- Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information.
INTRODUCTION
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar, Energy Systems within the Building and Industrial Energy Systems division. In this role, you will develop, implement, and evaluate software tools for the design and control of thermal energy systems, particularly HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants, and/or data center cooling systems. These tools will be developed using Modelica, Python, and AI-based tools. You will also participate in laboratory and/or field demonstrations to validate and evaluate the developed technologies. Successful candidates will have a strong background in thermo-fluid systems and software development, deployment, and distribution. You will work under the guidance of scientists and collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, including researchers and industry partners within and outside LBNL.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
- 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
- Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
- Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
- A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop Python- and/or Modelica-based software for design and control of HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants and/or data centers.
- Investigate cutting edge algorithms and tools in the fields of AI, machine learning and optimization.
- Deploy, implement and evaluate software tools at laboratory environments and field sites.
- Publish research results in journals, present findings at national and international conferences, and work with industry on testing and deploying the research.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science or related fields.
- Strong knowledge of HVAC equipment, central heating and cooling plants and/or data center cooling systems.
- Demonstrated experience in applying modern AI technologies, computational methods, and data analysis tools
- Strong knowledge of modeling and simulation of thermo-fluid systems
- Hands-on experience with thermo-fluid systems, including experimental testing, system design, and operation.
- Strong analytical and communications skills, both oral and written, and able to communicate clearly the goals, parameters, objectives and outcomes of their research.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge in testing standards of thermal systems
- Capable of working on multiple tasks and projects
APPLICATION MATERIALS
For consideration, please apply with the following application materials:
- Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 30, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
- Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
- Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $8,266 / mo - $8,921.00 / mo and is expected to start at $8,266 / mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
- Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
- Work modality: This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
- Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information.
See all J-1 Visa Systems Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Systems Development Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Systems Development Engineer
Verify your program category early
Trainee status fits professionals within five years of graduation or their last substantive employment. Research Scholar applies if your role centers on research at a university or research institute. Confirm which category your Systems Development Engineer position satisfies before any employer conversations.
Build a training plan before interviewing
Designated sponsors require a detailed training plan, Form DS-7002, outlining your skill objectives and supervision structure. Draft this document before interviews so you can show host employers you understand the J-1 visa process, which reduces the friction that often kills offers late in hiring.
Target host employers with J-1 experience
Use Migrate Mate to filter Systems Development Engineer openings at organizations that have previously hosted J-1 exchange visitors, cutting through roles where hiring managers will need extensive education about the sponsor-host structure before they'll commit.
Check whether the role triggers the home residency requirement
Some J-1 participants, particularly those funded by their home government or holding certain nationalities, face a two-year home-country residency requirement before changing to most other U.S. visa categories. Confirm your eligibility for a waiver with your designated sponsor before accepting an offer.
Confirm the host employer's willingness to sign compliance documents
Your host employer must countersign the training plan and agree to supervision and reporting obligations set by the designated sponsor. Raise this explicitly before the offer stage, since many U.S. engineering teams are unfamiliar with this host-sponsor split and can delay or withdraw offers when requirements surface later.
Align your technical background with O*NET standards
Designated sponsors assess whether your proposed role genuinely constitutes training or scholarly exchange. Cross-reference your Systems Development Engineer duties against the O*NET occupation profile to frame your application in terms sponsors recognize and that satisfy their educational-benefit review.
Systems Development Engineer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Systems Development Engineer roles?
The Trainee category applies if you're a recent graduate or have fewer than five years of relevant professional experience, and the role provides structured skills development. The Research Scholar category fits positions at universities or research institutions focused on advancing technical knowledge. Intern category covers current degree students completing practical training tied directly to their field of study.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Systems Development Engineer position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization, not your hiring employer. Organizations like IIE, CIEE, Cultural Vistas, and AIPT issue the DS-2019 form that authorizes your J-1 status. Your hiring company is the host employer, responsible for the training environment and supervision, but it does not act as your visa sponsor.
How do I find Systems Development Engineer positions where the host employer already understands J-1 requirements?
Migrate Mate surfaces U.S. engineering roles at organizations with demonstrated experience hosting international exchange visitors, so you avoid spending interview cycles educating hiring managers about the sponsor-host distinction. Filtering by J-1 familiarity early in your search saves time and improves offer conversion rates for technically strong candidates unfamiliar with U.S. hiring norms.
Does a Systems Development Engineer on J-1 status face the two-year home residency requirement?
It depends on your funding source and nationality. If your exchange program is financed by your home government or by the U.S. government, or if your home country's skills list includes systems engineering, a two-year home residency requirement likely applies before you can change to H-1B visa, L-1 visa, or immigrant status. Your designated sponsor can confirm your specific obligation before you accept an offer.
What does the training plan requirement mean for a Systems Development Engineer applicant?
Designated sponsors require Form DS-7002, a structured training plan documenting the skills you'll develop, your supervision arrangement, and how the position advances your professional growth beyond what you could achieve at home. For engineering roles, this means mapping specific technical competencies, project phases, and evaluation checkpoints. Your host employer must countersign the plan, so confirm their willingness to do this before the offer stage.