TN Visa Machine Builder Jobs
Machine Builder roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's Engineer category when your work involves designing, assembling, or integrating automated production systems. Canadian citizens can enter at the border with employer documentation; Mexican citizens apply at a U.S. consulate. Employers file no lottery, no cap wait.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary Function of Position
We are looking for an experienced machine controls engineer to lead the development of advanced mechatronic instrumentation for patient care applications. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of architecting and developing control and sensing software for medical robots or diagnostic instrumentation from prototype to commercialization. A strong skillset in experimental design, empirical data collection, and data analysis/visualization is critical. Experience in low-latency machine controls, high-precision optical control, and biological sample handling applications is highly desired. This position reports on-site at offices in the San Francisco Bay Area CA.
- Architect, design, and implement control and sensing software for advanced mechatronic instrumentation
- Work hands-on with mechatronic hardware daily in system bring-up, calibration, operation, experimentation, and debugging
- Lead system optimization and debugging activity with thoughtful experimental design, execution, and data analysis/visualization
- Interface with embedded systems engineers and electrical engineers to develop appropriate software interfaces to lower-level controllers and firmware
- Work closely with systems engineering and mechanical engineering to architect, select, and optimize electrical control boards, motors, sensors, and other hardware components
- Write clean, structured and maintainable code, document software designs for various instrument configurations, inclusive of error recovery
- Write and execute unit tests ensuring excellent test coverage for software code
- Use scripting languages (e.g. Python) for bringing up various hardware prototypes, for test automation, and for data analysis/visualization
- Generate detailed software requirements, design specifications, and software test protocols for the company’s Quality System
- Work closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team and company leadership to deliver key technical milestones
- Prioritize and debug reported software issues/bugs
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Skills and Experience
- BS/MS in Computer Science or related field with 8+ years industry experience, or PhD degree with 5+ years industry experience in systems control and sensing
- Strong knowledge across programming languages for real-time and pseudo-real-time control (C#, C, C++) on Linux OS
- Demonstrated experience in architecting and writing motion control, sensing, and state machine code for one or more diagnostic instruments or medical robots that have reached production
- Experience in low-latency machine controls for time-sensitive applications
- Strong experimental design, empirical data collection, and analysis/visualization skills to support design iteration and optimization using scripting languages such as Python
- Experience developing medical device software per FDA requirements including software risk analysis and cybersecurity through all phases of product development lifecycle (design, implementation, debug, verification, validation and transfer to manufacturing)
- Strong analytical skills and a creative mindset
Required Education and Training
- Bachelors, Master or PhD in Computer Science or related field
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience controlling high-speed precision optics
- Experience with instrumentation involving biological sample processing
- Experience using OpenCV for camera sensing / computer vision applications
- Strong background in performance optimization to ensure deterministic execution of pre-defined software protocols
- Experience developing / interfacing with backend software for instrument data storage and network transmission
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.
Base Compensation Range Region 1: $223,900 USD - $322,100 USD
Base Compensation Range Region 2: $190,300 USD - $273,800 USD
Shift: Day
Workplace Type: Onsite - This job is fully onsite.
LOCATION
San Carlos, CA, United States
Not Remote
Engineering
JOB214920
INTRODUCTION
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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary Function of Position
We are looking for an experienced machine controls engineer to lead the development of advanced mechatronic instrumentation for patient care applications. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of architecting and developing control and sensing software for medical robots or diagnostic instrumentation from prototype to commercialization. A strong skillset in experimental design, empirical data collection, and data analysis/visualization is critical. Experience in low-latency machine controls, high-precision optical control, and biological sample handling applications is highly desired. This position reports on-site at offices in the San Francisco Bay Area CA.
- Architect, design, and implement control and sensing software for advanced mechatronic instrumentation
- Work hands-on with mechatronic hardware daily in system bring-up, calibration, operation, experimentation, and debugging
- Lead system optimization and debugging activity with thoughtful experimental design, execution, and data analysis/visualization
- Interface with embedded systems engineers and electrical engineers to develop appropriate software interfaces to lower-level controllers and firmware
- Work closely with systems engineering and mechanical engineering to architect, select, and optimize electrical control boards, motors, sensors, and other hardware components
- Write clean, structured and maintainable code, document software designs for various instrument configurations, inclusive of error recovery
- Write and execute unit tests ensuring excellent test coverage for software code
- Use scripting languages (e.g. Python) for bringing up various hardware prototypes, for test automation, and for data analysis/visualization
- Generate detailed software requirements, design specifications, and software test protocols for the company’s Quality System
- Work closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team and company leadership to deliver key technical milestones
- Prioritize and debug reported software issues/bugs
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Skills and Experience
- BS/MS in Computer Science or related field with 8+ years industry experience, or PhD degree with 5+ years industry experience in systems control and sensing
- Strong knowledge across programming languages for real-time and pseudo-real-time control (C#, C, C++) on Linux OS
- Demonstrated experience in architecting and writing motion control, sensing, and state machine code for one or more diagnostic instruments or medical robots that have reached production
- Experience in low-latency machine controls for time-sensitive applications
- Strong experimental design, empirical data collection, and analysis/visualization skills to support design iteration and optimization using scripting languages such as Python
- Experience developing medical device software per FDA requirements including software risk analysis and cybersecurity through all phases of product development lifecycle (design, implementation, debug, verification, validation and transfer to manufacturing)
- Strong analytical skills and a creative mindset
Required Education and Training
- Bachelors, Master or PhD in Computer Science or related field
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience controlling high-speed precision optics
- Experience with instrumentation involving biological sample processing
- Experience using OpenCV for camera sensing / computer vision applications
- Strong background in performance optimization to ensure deterministic execution of pre-defined software protocols
- Experience developing / interfacing with backend software for instrument data storage and network transmission
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.
Base Compensation Range Region 1: $223,900 USD - $322,100 USD
Base Compensation Range Region 2: $190,300 USD - $273,800 USD
Shift: Day
Workplace Type: Onsite - This job is fully onsite.
LOCATION
San Carlos, CA, United States
Not Remote
Engineering
JOB214920
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship in Machine Builder
Align your credentials to Engineer classification
Machine Builder TN visa petitions route through the Engineer category, so your degree or professional license must reflect mechanical, electrical, or manufacturing engineering. A general trades credential alone won't satisfy CBP's specialty occupation threshold at the port of entry.
Target manufacturers with dedicated automation teams
Companies running continuous production lines, robotic integration projects, or custom equipment builds hire Machine Builders regularly and already understand TN documentation. Facilities in automotive, aerospace, and food processing sectors are your most consistent sponsorship pipeline.
Get the employer support letter right before crossing
Canadian applicants present their TN packet directly at a land border or airport. Your employer's support letter must state your Engineer job title, describe duties tied to mechanical systems integration, and confirm your degree field. A vague letter causes same-day denial.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate to identify Machine Builder roles at employers experienced with visa sponsorship. Filtering by role and visa type helps you find positions where employers have demonstrated familiarity with work visa processes and are more likely prepared to support your TN application.
Confirm employer will prepare TN support letter
Unlike H-1B visa, TN doesn't require formal government filings or prevailing wage determinations. However, your offered wage should be competitive for the role to strengthen your case at the port of entry or consulate. Confirm with your employer upfront that they understand TN requirements and can prepare a strong support letter documenting your qualifications and job details.
Request a detailed offer letter before filing anything
CBP officers reviewing your TN packet want to see specific machine systems you'll build or maintain, not a generic job description. Ask your employer to list exact equipment types and engineering responsibilities in the offer letter before you travel or consulate-file.
Machine Builder TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Machine Builder role actually qualify for TN visa status?
Yes, but the classification depends on how the role is framed. CBP evaluates Machine Builder positions under the Engineer category, which requires a bachelor's degree or recognized professional credential in mechanical, electrical, or manufacturing engineering. Roles focused purely on assembly without engineering design or systems integration duties are at higher risk of denial. Your offer letter and job description must reflect the engineering scope of the work.
How does TN visa sponsorship for Machine Builders compare to H-1B?
TN is significantly more practical for Machine Builder roles. There's no annual lottery, no cap for Canadians, and no multi-month USCIS adjudication wait. Canadian citizens can receive TN approval at the border the same day they present their packet. H-1B requires employer sponsorship through a formal petition, a lottery selection, and premium processing fees just to get a faster decision. For most Machine Builder candidates, TN is the faster and more reliable path.
Can Mexican citizens get TN sponsorship for Machine Builder jobs?
Yes, but the process differs from Canada. Mexican TN applicants must apply at a U.S. consulate in Mexico and receive a visa stamp before traveling, rather than presenting their packet at the border. The same Engineer category requirements apply: a qualifying degree, a detailed employer support letter, and documentation of the specific machine systems involved. Processing times vary by consulate and appointment availability.
What documentation does my employer need to prepare for my TN petition?
Your employer needs to produce a support letter on company letterhead that states your job title as Engineer or a clearly engineering-focused variant, describes your duties in terms of machine design, integration, or systems engineering, confirms your start date and employment terms, and references your qualifying credential. For Canadian applicants, this letter is the core of your border presentation. Missing or vague employer documentation is the most common reason TN petitions fail at the port of entry.
Where can I find Machine Builder jobs with TN visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for Canadian and Mexican professionals searching for TN visa jobs in the U.S. You can filter by job title and visa type to find Machine Builder roles where employers are familiar with TN sponsorship requirements. Applying through general job boards often means your TN status isn't flagged to recruiters, slowing down the conversation or leading to rejections from employers who assume visa sponsorship means H-1B.