TN Visa Design Lead Jobs
Design Lead roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's engineer and scientific technician categories when the position requires specialized design expertise tied to a relevant bachelor's degree. Canadian citizens can secure TN status at the border with an employer offer letter, while Mexican citizens apply through a U.S. consulate.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation
Headquarters/Sunnyvale Office
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
On-site
Department
Hardware Departments
Cerebras Systems builds the world's largest AI chip, 56 times larger than GPUs. This architecture allows Cerebras to deliver industry-leading training and inference speeds; over 10 times faster than GPU-based hyperscale cloud inference services.
This order of magnitude increase in speed is transforming the user experience of AI applications, unlocking real-time iteration and increasing intelligence via additional agentic computation.
Cerebras works with the leading model labs, global enterprises, and cutting-edge AI-native startups. OpenAI recently announced a multi-year partnership with Cerebras, to deploy 750 megawatts of scale, transforming key workloads with ultra high-speed inference.
About The Role
As a lead front-end design engineer, you will be a key part of the world-class team designing and developing the next generations of the Cerebras Wafer Scale Engine (WSE).
This role requires deep expertise in RTL design and integration, with a strong focus on delivering high-performance, power-efficient, and scalable solutions. The role also requires close collaboration and management of external ASIC vendor. You will collaborate closely with the design verification, physical design, software and system teams to bring innovative semiconductor architectures from concept to production, addressing the unique challenges of building WSE systems.
Responsibilities
- Drive all aspects of chip design, including Functional Specification, Micro-architecture, RTL development, Synthesis.
- Managing external ASIC vendor through product development cycle.
- Work closely with PD team members for design closure to meet PPA goals.
- Work closely with Design verification and DFT teams for achieving the best functional and test coverage.
- Work with software and system teams to understand opportunities to deliver optimal performance and feature set for the product.
- Debug silicon-level functional, timing, and power issues during bring up.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
- Can work in a hybrid work environment.
- 8-15 years of experience in delivering complex, high performance high quality RTL designs.
- Experience with Front End Chip integration and third-party IP integration.
- Demonstrated experience in networking, high-performance computing, machine learning or related fields.
- Proven track record of multiple silicon success.
- Experience collaborating and managing external vendors.
- Experience with designing/integrating high speed IO.
- Networking stack experience including TCP/IP, RDMA and Ethernet.
- Knowledge of PCIe, CPU interfaces and Serdes technology.
- Working knowledge of scripting tools: Python, TCL.
Assets
- Experience with FPGA development toolchain, including Place and Route, Floor planning and Timing Analysis is a plus.
The base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $275,000 annually. Actual compensation may include bonus and equity, and will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications.
Why Join Cerebras
People who are serious about software make their own hardware. At Cerebras, we have built a breakthrough architecture that is unlocking new opportunities for the AI industry. With dozens of model releases and rapid growth, we’ve reached an inflection point in our business. Members of our team tell us there are five main reasons they joined Cerebras:
- Build a breakthrough AI platform beyond the constraints of the GPU.
- Publish and open source their cutting-edge AI research.
- Work on one of the fastest AI supercomputers in the world.
- Enjoy job stability with startup vitality.
- Our simple, non-corporate work culture that respects individual beliefs.
Apply today and become part of the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in AI!
Cerebras Systems is committed to creating an equal and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe inclusive teams build better products and companies. We try every day to build a work environment that empowers people to do their best work through continuous learning, growth and support of those around them.
Location
Headquarters/Sunnyvale Office
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
On-site
Department
Hardware Departments
Cerebras Systems builds the world's largest AI chip, 56 times larger than GPUs. This architecture allows Cerebras to deliver industry-leading training and inference speeds; over 10 times faster than GPU-based hyperscale cloud inference services.
This order of magnitude increase in speed is transforming the user experience of AI applications, unlocking real-time iteration and increasing intelligence via additional agentic computation.
Cerebras works with the leading model labs, global enterprises, and cutting-edge AI-native startups. OpenAI recently announced a multi-year partnership with Cerebras, to deploy 750 megawatts of scale, transforming key workloads with ultra high-speed inference.
About The Role
As a lead front-end design engineer, you will be a key part of the world-class team designing and developing the next generations of the Cerebras Wafer Scale Engine (WSE).
This role requires deep expertise in RTL design and integration, with a strong focus on delivering high-performance, power-efficient, and scalable solutions. The role also requires close collaboration and management of external ASIC vendor. You will collaborate closely with the design verification, physical design, software and system teams to bring innovative semiconductor architectures from concept to production, addressing the unique challenges of building WSE systems.
Responsibilities
- Drive all aspects of chip design, including Functional Specification, Micro-architecture, RTL development, Synthesis.
- Managing external ASIC vendor through product development cycle.
- Work closely with PD team members for design closure to meet PPA goals.
- Work closely with Design verification and DFT teams for achieving the best functional and test coverage.
- Work with software and system teams to understand opportunities to deliver optimal performance and feature set for the product.
- Debug silicon-level functional, timing, and power issues during bring up.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
- Can work in a hybrid work environment.
- 8-15 years of experience in delivering complex, high performance high quality RTL designs.
- Experience with Front End Chip integration and third-party IP integration.
- Demonstrated experience in networking, high-performance computing, machine learning or related fields.
- Proven track record of multiple silicon success.
- Experience collaborating and managing external vendors.
- Experience with designing/integrating high speed IO.
- Networking stack experience including TCP/IP, RDMA and Ethernet.
- Knowledge of PCIe, CPU interfaces and Serdes technology.
- Working knowledge of scripting tools: Python, TCL.
Assets
- Experience with FPGA development toolchain, including Place and Route, Floor planning and Timing Analysis is a plus.
The base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $275,000 annually. Actual compensation may include bonus and equity, and will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications.
Why Join Cerebras
People who are serious about software make their own hardware. At Cerebras, we have built a breakthrough architecture that is unlocking new opportunities for the AI industry. With dozens of model releases and rapid growth, we’ve reached an inflection point in our business. Members of our team tell us there are five main reasons they joined Cerebras:
- Build a breakthrough AI platform beyond the constraints of the GPU.
- Publish and open source their cutting-edge AI research.
- Work on one of the fastest AI supercomputers in the world.
- Enjoy job stability with startup vitality.
- Our simple, non-corporate work culture that respects individual beliefs.
Apply today and become part of the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in AI!
Cerebras Systems is committed to creating an equal and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe inclusive teams build better products and companies. We try every day to build a work environment that empowers people to do their best work through continuous learning, growth and support of those around them.
See all 978+ TN Visa Design Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new TN Visa Design Lead Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship in Design Lead
Match your degree to the design specialization
TN visa eligibility depends on a direct link between your credential and the role. A degree in industrial design, graphic design, or architecture strengthens your case for a Design Lead position far more than a general arts credential.
Request a TN-specific offer letter
Ask your future employer to specify the design discipline, your degree field, and a clear description of specialty occupation duties in the offer letter. Vague letters citing only job title are the most common reason border officers ask follow-up questions.
Target employers with cross-border hiring experience
Design Lead roles at companies with Canadian or Mexican offices are more likely to have HR teams familiar with TN documentation requirements. Look for postings that explicitly list U.S. work authorization sponsorship rather than filtering out non-citizens.
Prepare a portfolio that demonstrates specialty-level work
CBP officers assess whether the role genuinely requires a bachelor's-level professional. A portfolio showing systems-level design leadership, not just execution, reinforces that the position isn't substitutable by a non-degreed candidate.
Use Migrate Mate to find Design Lead roles with TN sponsorship
Search Migrate Mate to surface Design Lead openings where employers have recent visa filings and experience with work visa sponsorship. Filtering by employer sponsorship experience helps you identify companies with established processes for supporting visa-sponsored candidates like yourself.
Understand the Mexican consular timeline before accepting an offer
Mexican citizens must schedule a consular interview rather than presenting at a port of entry. Build at least six to eight weeks into your start date negotiation to allow for appointment availability and processing at the U.S. consulate.
Design Lead TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Design Lead role qualify for TN visa status?
It depends on how the role is framed and what degree backs it up. TN visa eligibility for design professionals typically falls under engineer or scientific technician categories. The position must require a bachelor's degree in a relevant design field, such as industrial design, graphic design, or architecture, and the duties must reflect specialty-level work, not generalist creative direction.
How does TN visa sponsorship for Design Lead compare to H-1B?
TN has no annual lottery and no cap for Canadian citizens, so you can start a Design Lead role as soon as your employer issues an offer letter and you clear the port of entry. H-1B visa requires registration in the annual lottery, a wait of months, and significant legal fees. For Canadian design professionals with a qualifying degree, TN is faster and more predictable at every stage.
What documents does my employer need to provide for my TN application?
Your employer needs to provide a support letter on company letterhead that states your job title, the design discipline, your degree field, your anticipated start date, and confirmation that the role requires a bachelor's degree in a specific professional specialty. Some officers also ask for a detailed job description. Canadian citizens present these documents at the border; Mexican citizens submit them as part of the consular application package.
Where can I find Design Lead jobs that offer TN visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for TN visa job seekers. You can search Design Lead roles filtered by employers who sponsor TN status, which removes the friction of reaching the interview stage only to learn the company doesn't have a process for cross-border hires. Generic job boards don't surface sponsorship history the way a TN-focused platform does.
Can I switch Design Lead employers on a TN visa without losing status?
Yes, but TN status is employer-specific. If you change employers, you need a new TN authorization tied to the new offer. Canadian citizens can get this processed at a port of entry on the way back from a trip abroad. Mexican citizens need to return to a U.S. consulate. You don't carry your TN status with you the way you would with certain other visa categories, so plan the transition carefully.