TN Visa Design Engineer Jobs
Design Engineer roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's Engineering category, which covers product design, mechanical systems, and CAD-driven development work. Canadian citizens can apply at the port of entry with no cap or lottery. Mexican citizens require advance consular processing. Your degree must be in engineering or a directly related field.
See All Design Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 3,174+ Design Engineer jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 3,174+ Design Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Design Engineer roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Company Description
It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.
We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.
The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.
If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.
Job Description
Primary Function of the Position
The successful candidate will conceptualize, develop, and support the mechanical design of equipment used to manufacture novel surgical robot systems, taking individual responsibility for the successful design of specific system components. The candidate will demonstrate creativity and sound engineering in the design of kinematics, robotic actuation, and sensing solutions along with the selection of engineering materials. The candidate must be able to coordinate their efforts within a team design effort and be able to report progress and milestones relative to the overall development project. They must excel in a high-energy team environment and be capable of making sound decisions when faced with the time pressures and incomplete information typical of new product development.
Essential Job Duties
- Experienced professional with a full understanding in certain area(s) of specialization
- Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways
- Design and build in-house proprietary manufacturing equipment from concept to full solution
- Develop metrics, protocols, and test fixtures for qualifying robot system designs
- Guide projects through the design control process (design specification, design review, risk analysis, etc.)
- Determine troubleshooting, maintenance, and calibration procedures for equipment
- Improve product quality and reliability using Cpk, Gauge R&R, and similar quality tools
- Provide equipment-related technical support to on-going production operation and expansion
Qualifications
Required Skills and Experience
- Self-motivated, willing/able to take initiative, works well with others in a team environment
- 3D CAD proficiency, SolidWorks preferred
- Ability to integrate mechatronics components such as sensors, motors, pneumatics, and motion and vision control components
- Strong understanding of tolerance analysis and statistical methods
- Excellent written and oral communications skills
Required Education and Training
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent industry experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience developing manufacturing equipment
Working Conditions
- none
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience in an ISO 13485, ISO 9001, or medical device manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with regulated Quality Systems, especially medical device regulations
Additional Information
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills. Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.

Company Description
It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.
We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.
The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.
If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.
Job Description
Primary Function of the Position
The successful candidate will conceptualize, develop, and support the mechanical design of equipment used to manufacture novel surgical robot systems, taking individual responsibility for the successful design of specific system components. The candidate will demonstrate creativity and sound engineering in the design of kinematics, robotic actuation, and sensing solutions along with the selection of engineering materials. The candidate must be able to coordinate their efforts within a team design effort and be able to report progress and milestones relative to the overall development project. They must excel in a high-energy team environment and be capable of making sound decisions when faced with the time pressures and incomplete information typical of new product development.
Essential Job Duties
- Experienced professional with a full understanding in certain area(s) of specialization
- Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways
- Design and build in-house proprietary manufacturing equipment from concept to full solution
- Develop metrics, protocols, and test fixtures for qualifying robot system designs
- Guide projects through the design control process (design specification, design review, risk analysis, etc.)
- Determine troubleshooting, maintenance, and calibration procedures for equipment
- Improve product quality and reliability using Cpk, Gauge R&R, and similar quality tools
- Provide equipment-related technical support to on-going production operation and expansion
Qualifications
Required Skills and Experience
- Self-motivated, willing/able to take initiative, works well with others in a team environment
- 3D CAD proficiency, SolidWorks preferred
- Ability to integrate mechatronics components such as sensors, motors, pneumatics, and motion and vision control components
- Strong understanding of tolerance analysis and statistical methods
- Excellent written and oral communications skills
Required Education and Training
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent industry experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience developing manufacturing equipment
Working Conditions
- none
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience in an ISO 13485, ISO 9001, or medical device manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with regulated Quality Systems, especially medical device regulations
Additional Information
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills. Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.
See all 3,174+ Design Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Design Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Design Engineer
Align your credentials to engineering subcategories
TN eligibility for Design Engineers depends on your degree being in engineering, not just a related field. A degree in industrial design or architecture won't qualify. Confirm your transcript lists an engineering discipline before applying.
Target manufacturers experienced with visa sponsorship
Aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturers have recent visa filings and maintain HR teams familiar with visa sponsorship processes. Focus your search on companies in these sectors, where design engineering is a core function rather than an ancillary hire. These employers are more likely to understand work visa sponsorship and be prepared to provide the support letter required for your TN application at the port of entry or U.S. consulate.
Clarify your specialty occupation before the offer letter
Ask your prospective employer to tie the job description to a specific engineering discipline in your offer letter. Vague titles like 'Design Engineer' without a stated specialty can create friction at the port of entry for Canadians or at consular processing for Mexicans.
Use Migrate Mate to find Design Engineer roles at visa-sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate to identify Design Engineer openings from employers experienced with visa sponsorship. This filters out roles where you'd need to educate the hiring team about work visa sponsorship from scratch.
Prepare a Canadian port-of-entry documentation packet
Canadian citizens don't need advance visa processing, but CBP officers at the port of entry review your offer letter, degree credential, and professional credentials on the spot. A disorganized packet is one of the most common causes of delays or secondary inspection.
Understand Mexican TN processing before accepting an offer
Mexican citizens must apply at a U.S. consulate in advance, which adds several weeks to your start date. Factor consular appointment availability into your negotiated start date so your employer isn't left waiting on a timeline neither side controls.
Design Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Design Engineer JobsDesign Engineer TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Design Engineer role qualify for TN visa status?
Yes, if the position falls under an engineering discipline and requires a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or a related field. The TN visa's Engineering category covers design, product development, and systems engineering roles. Roles that blend engineering with industrial design or pure project management may face more scrutiny, so the job description needs to clearly reflect engineering work.
How does the TN visa compare to H-1B for Design Engineers?
The TN visa has no annual lottery, no cap for Canadian citizens, and can be obtained at the port of entry in a single day. The H-1B requires employer sponsorship months in advance, a lottery selection, and USCIS processing that can take several months. For Canadian Design Engineers with a qualifying engineering degree, TN is a faster and more predictable path to U.S. employment.
Where can I find Design Engineer jobs that offer TN visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for Canadian and Mexican professionals seeking U.S. roles with TN visa sponsorship. It surfaces Design Engineer openings from employers already familiar with the TN process, so you're not spending time on applications where sponsorship isn't available or where you'd need to explain the visa from the ground up.
Can I switch employers on a TN visa as a Design Engineer?
Yes, but the TN is employer-specific. When you change jobs, your new employer must sponsor a new TN petition before you start working for them. Canadian citizens can do this at a port of entry without prior USCIS filing. Mexican citizens need a new consular appointment. You cannot transfer a TN between employers the way some other visa categories allow.
What documents does my employer need to provide for TN sponsorship?
Your employer needs to provide a detailed offer letter that states your job title, engineering specialty, the fact that the position requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, your start date, and your compensation structure. For Mexican TN applicants, USCIS will also review this letter as part of consular processing. The offer letter is the document CBP or consular officers scrutinize most closely, so vague job descriptions create real risk.
See which Design Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Design Engineer Jobs