TN Visa Principal Software Engineer Jobs
Principal Software Engineer roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's engineer category, which covers systems design, architecture, and software development at the senior level. Canadian citizens can enter with TN status at the port of entry. Mexican citizens require a consular appointment. No lottery, no cap for Canadians.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary:
This role is responsible for the design and programming of high-performance automation systems used in the assembly, inspection, and reagent dispensing of microplate test kits and microfluidic assay cartridges, and other emerging products. The position works closely with cross-functional teams—including R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance to support new product development and enhance current manufacturing capabilities through automation. Key responsibilities include configuring, validating, and troubleshooting automation hardware and software to ensure reliable system performance and scalability.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the design and development of new software to control manufacturing and research and development equipment.
- Oversee all maintenance and updates of existing software.
- Ensure close collaboration with cross-functional teams to support the automation needs of new product development.
- Configure, validate, and troubleshoot automation software and hardware.
- Review, revise and edit requirement and technical documents including release notes and work instructions.
- Participate in design and code review and milestone reviews.
- Interact with outside vendors to source equipment and components.
- Support R&D and other departments in new product development.
- Support existing equipment and software.
- Analyze current processes and equipment and create proposals for improvement to be presented to upper management.
- Design and lead development of new solutions for improving manufacturing quality and capacity.
- Manage project schedules and timelines.
- Mentor other staff members on automation software development processes.
- Perform any other engineering function as assigned.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other related science or engineering discipline is required.
- A minimum of seven years of experience in automation equipment software design.
- Prior experience with industrial robots, motors, controllers, and/or digital and analog sensors is required.
- A minimum of seven years of programming experience using C# .Net or any OOP (Java, C++, etc.) in agile teams is required. Alternatively minimum seven years of experience with PLCs, programming with ladder logic, or structured text is required.
- Experience with XML, SQL, industrial networking, communication protocols, GUI design and database management is required.
- Experience with MATLAB and scripting languages is required.
- Hardware/software integration experience is required.
- Prior experience with machine vision and image processing is preferred.
- Experience with automation platforms such as Tecan, Hamilton, etc. is a plus.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Extensive knowledge of full lifecycle of software design, development and release.
- Ability to lead, train, guide others to understand and accomplish tasks/duties/responsibilities.
- Strong programming fundamentals and analytical background.
- Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned accountabilities.
- Attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance improvement and the drive to deliver quality and value-added results and outcomes.
- Logical problem solving and demonstrated ability to organize and manage projects in an orderly and structured fashion.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and reliability of project data.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, integrate and validate systems, in a GMP, ISO or other regulated production environment for pharmaceuticals, biotech or medical devices manufacturing is required.
- Ability to work independently, as an effective team member, and with all levels of the company.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is typically performed in a traditional office environment or remotely as needed.
COMPENSATION SUMMARY
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $116,600 to $177,800. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.
BENEFITS SUMMARY
At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.
MSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO statement, please visit here. Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.
Position Summary:
This role is responsible for the design and programming of high-performance automation systems used in the assembly, inspection, and reagent dispensing of microplate test kits and microfluidic assay cartridges, and other emerging products. The position works closely with cross-functional teams—including R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance to support new product development and enhance current manufacturing capabilities through automation. Key responsibilities include configuring, validating, and troubleshooting automation hardware and software to ensure reliable system performance and scalability.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the design and development of new software to control manufacturing and research and development equipment.
- Oversee all maintenance and updates of existing software.
- Ensure close collaboration with cross-functional teams to support the automation needs of new product development.
- Configure, validate, and troubleshoot automation software and hardware.
- Review, revise and edit requirement and technical documents including release notes and work instructions.
- Participate in design and code review and milestone reviews.
- Interact with outside vendors to source equipment and components.
- Support R&D and other departments in new product development.
- Support existing equipment and software.
- Analyze current processes and equipment and create proposals for improvement to be presented to upper management.
- Design and lead development of new solutions for improving manufacturing quality and capacity.
- Manage project schedules and timelines.
- Mentor other staff members on automation software development processes.
- Perform any other engineering function as assigned.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other related science or engineering discipline is required.
- A minimum of seven years of experience in automation equipment software design.
- Prior experience with industrial robots, motors, controllers, and/or digital and analog sensors is required.
- A minimum of seven years of programming experience using C# .Net or any OOP (Java, C++, etc.) in agile teams is required. Alternatively minimum seven years of experience with PLCs, programming with ladder logic, or structured text is required.
- Experience with XML, SQL, industrial networking, communication protocols, GUI design and database management is required.
- Experience with MATLAB and scripting languages is required.
- Hardware/software integration experience is required.
- Prior experience with machine vision and image processing is preferred.
- Experience with automation platforms such as Tecan, Hamilton, etc. is a plus.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Extensive knowledge of full lifecycle of software design, development and release.
- Ability to lead, train, guide others to understand and accomplish tasks/duties/responsibilities.
- Strong programming fundamentals and analytical background.
- Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned accountabilities.
- Attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance improvement and the drive to deliver quality and value-added results and outcomes.
- Logical problem solving and demonstrated ability to organize and manage projects in an orderly and structured fashion.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and reliability of project data.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, integrate and validate systems, in a GMP, ISO or other regulated production environment for pharmaceuticals, biotech or medical devices manufacturing is required.
- Ability to work independently, as an effective team member, and with all levels of the company.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is typically performed in a traditional office environment or remotely as needed.
COMPENSATION SUMMARY
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $116,600 to $177,800. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.
BENEFITS SUMMARY
At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.
MSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO statement, please visit here. Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.
See all TN Visa Principal Software Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new TN Visa Principal Software Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Principal Software Engineer
Map your degree to the TN engineer category
TN visa status requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a directly related field. A degree in business or mathematics alone won't satisfy CBP. Pull your transcripts before applying and confirm the field of study matches the role's technical scope.
Target employers with recent visa filing experience
Employers experienced with work visa sponsorship often hire for senior engineer roles. Search job boards and company careers pages to identify companies posting for Principal or Staff Engineer titles in your target metro area—these employers have demonstrated they're comfortable supporting visa-eligible candidates. For TN sponsorship, Canadian citizens can present an offer letter and support documentation directly at a U.S. port of entry, while Mexican citizens apply through a U.S. consulate. Companies familiar with visa processes tend to understand TN requirements and can move quickly once you have a qualifying job offer.
Clarify the offer letter before your port of entry
CBP officers review your offer letter on the spot when you cross as a Canadian. It must state your title, duties, employer name, and that the position requires your specific engineering degree. Vague job descriptions citing general software tasks are a common reason for secondary inspection.
Use Migrate Mate to filter sponsorship-ready roles
Not every Principal Software Engineer posting comes with TN sponsorship. Migrate Mate lets you search roles specifically filtered for TN-eligible employers, so you're not wasting applications on companies that won't support the filing.
Address specialty occupation expectations early in interviews
Some hiring managers assume Principal Engineer roles are straightforward to sponsor but haven't filed TN before. Raise the visa type in the offer stage, not after signing, so HR can confirm their immigration counsel is familiar with the TN category for senior technical roles.
Prepare for TN renewal before your current status expires
TN status is granted in three-year increments with no maximum renewal limit. If you're changing employers or getting promoted to a new title, your existing TN doesn't transfer. Start the new filing or port-of-entry application at least 30 days before your intended start date.
Principal Software Engineer TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Principal Software Engineer role qualify for TN visa status?
Yes, Principal Software Engineer roles qualify under the TN engineer category when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field. CBP evaluates the job duties, not just the title, so your offer letter needs to describe engineering work that matches your academic background.
How does TN visa sponsorship compare to H-1B for Principal Software Engineer roles?
TN has no annual lottery and no numerical cap for Canadians, which means you can start a Principal Software Engineer role without waiting for an October start date or risking non-selection. H-1B visa requires employer sponsorship, a USCIS petition, and lottery entry. TN is faster and more predictable for eligible Canadian and Mexican nationals, though it doesn't lead to a green card directly.
What documents does my employer need to provide for TN sponsorship?
Your employer needs to provide a signed offer letter on company letterhead that states your job title, a description of your engineering duties, the educational requirement for the role, and your start date. For Mexicans, the employer also completes supporting documentation for the consular appointment. Canadians present this packet directly at the port of entry with no prior USCIS filing required.
Where can I find Principal Software Engineer jobs that offer TN visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for TN-eligible candidates and filters job listings to show roles where employers are open to TN sponsorship. Generic job boards don't distinguish between sponsorship-ready employers and those that only support H-1B or no visa at all, which makes it harder to target your search efficiently.
Can I switch employers as a Principal Software Engineer on TN status?
Yes, but your TN status is employer-specific. When you change jobs, you need a new TN authorization tied to the new employer before you start. Canadians can get this at a port of entry on the day of their new start. Mexicans need a new consular appointment. Don't rely on your existing TN after leaving the sponsoring employer.