Engineering Associate Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Engineering associate jobs in California span semiconductors, aerospace, civil infrastructure, and software-defined hardware, with major sponsors including Apple, Intel, Qualcomm, Lockheed Martin, and the California Department of Transportation. Hiring concentrates in Silicon Valley, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, where both private industry and state agencies maintain active sponsorship pipelines for international engineering graduates.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
You want more out of a career. A place to share your ideas freely — even if they’re daring or different. Where the true you can learn, grow, and thrive. At Verizon, we power and empower how people live, work and play by connecting them to what brings them joy. We do what we love — driving innovation, creativity, and impact in the world. Our V Team is a community of people who anticipate, lead, and believe that listening is where learning begins. In crisis and in celebration, we come together — lifting our communities and building trust in how we show up, everywhere & always. Want in? Join the #VTeamLife.
Every AI model trained, every GPU cluster lit, and every inference workload served depends on physical fiber: dark fiber, long-haul routes, and metro rings that connect campuses, power-advantaged regions, and cloud on-ramps. Hyperscalers and neoclouds are committing billions to this build-out, and they will choose the partner that can design it right and deliver it on time.
Verizon is building AI Connect to be the intelligent fabric of the AI economy. As an Associate Director, you will lead the experts who turn that ambition into signed, buildable, and profitable designs for our largest strategic customers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
You will lead the sales engineers who design dark fiber, ultra-long-haul, metro and campus interconnect solutions for hyperscalers and neoclouds. Your team shapes route strategy, fiber count, diversity, latency and cost inputs before a deal is won, and makes sure what we quote can be built.
THE TEAM YOU WILL LEAD
You will lead some of the most experienced people in the industry, typically with 15-25 years in the field. Many have:
- Come up through outside plant (OSP) planning and engineering design, and know what a route costs, how long it takes and where it breaks.
- Led ultra-long-haul and metro fiber programs from engineering through construction and delivery.
- Built cost studies and facility designs that balance customer needs against margin.
- Worked inside carriers, fiber builders and construction firms, so they understand every hand-off from the sales call to the splice.
They don't need managing. They need a leader who is technically credible, drives innovation and standardization, clears obstacles, sets direction and makes them more valuable to the customer and to the company.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Set the vision. Build and execute the strategy for dark fiber and AI Connect design engineering so customers reach AI-forward outcomes.
- Lead the design team. Guide sales engineers supporting Verizon's top strategic AI Connect customers across a multi-billion-dollar portfolio, driving bookings and revenue growth.
- Direct world-class designs. Own solutions for GPU campus interconnect, data center interconnect, long-haul and intercity routes, metro rings, and cloud on-ramps.
- Set design standards. Define standards for ultra-high-count fiber, route diversity, latency budgets, splice and handhole strategy, ILA/regen siting and phased growth for multi-stage AI builds.
- Bring commercial rigor. Evaluate build, IRU, lease and swap options with Finance and Product, and build ROI and cost models for every large pursuit.
- Connect design to delivery. Partner with Network Planning, Construction, Right-of-Way, Legal and Operations so quoted routes are constructible, on schedule and on budget.
- Differentiate Verizon. Equip the team to articulate Verizon's advantages across AI Connect, Dark Fiber, Lit Fiber/Wave and Edge Data Centers, and to be recognized as thought leaders.
- Raise efficiency. Introduce automation and off-load low-value work so senior engineers spend time on customer-facing design.
- Develop talent. Hire, coach and retain top engineers, maintain certifications and build a succession bench.
- Build a public presence. Represent Verizon at industry events, in thought leadership and on customer advisory boards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
You'll need to have:
- Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or directly related equivalent experience.
- 10+ years in engineering and architecting telecom, IT or network infrastructure, with deep expertise in dark fiber and the intersection of physical assets with AI/ML digital transformation.
- 3+ years leading senior technical talent, including workforce planning, coaching and performance management.
- Proven record designing and winning large, multi-year infrastructure deals, including technical qualification, pricing and contract negotiation.
- Experience engaging senior executives and delivering effective customer presentations.
- Demonstrated financial analysis skills: P&L, ROI, cost analysis and business-case development.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Even better if you have:
- MS or MBA.
- Direct experience with hyperscalers or neoclouds.
- OSP engineering, construction or delivery background, including ULH or metro fiber programs, permitting and right-of-way, and contractor management.
- Knowledge of AI and GPU cluster networking, including scale-out and scale-across topologies and their requirements on the fiber layer.
- Familiarity with power-driven site selection and its effect on network routes.
- Experience with IRUs, swaps, anchor-tenant builds, SLAs and MSAs.
- Relevant certifications (for example CCIE/CCNP, optical vendor or FOA CFOS).
WHY THIS ROLE
- Real scale and authority. A multi-billion-dollar portfolio and the mandate to set design standards, hiring and operating model.
- A team worth leading. Work with deeply experienced fiber, OSP and network design professionals.
- A front-row seat to the AI build-out. Your team's designs connect the campuses where the next generation of models is trained and served.
- Competitive rewards. Base salary, annual incentive, long-term incentive, and comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply through the Verizon careers site with your resume, and include a brief note on the largest infrastructure design or pursuit you have led and the team you built around it.
WHERE YOU’LL BE WORKING
In this mobile role, you'll primarily work from customer or field location(s), with occasional visits to a Verizon location for in-person training and meetings.
SCHEDULED WEEKLY HOURS
40
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Verizon is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we’ve got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances.
The salary will vary depending on your location and confirmed job-related skills and experience. This is a commission based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.
The annual salary range for the location(s) listed on this job requisition based on a full-time schedule is: $130,000.00 - $248,000.00.
The annual salary range for the New York location(s) listed on this job requisition based on a full-time schedule is: $142,500.00 - $248,000.00.
INTRODUCTION
You want more out of a career. A place to share your ideas freely — even if they’re daring or different. Where the true you can learn, grow, and thrive. At Verizon, we power and empower how people live, work and play by connecting them to what brings them joy. We do what we love — driving innovation, creativity, and impact in the world. Our V Team is a community of people who anticipate, lead, and believe that listening is where learning begins. In crisis and in celebration, we come together — lifting our communities and building trust in how we show up, everywhere & always. Want in? Join the #VTeamLife.
Every AI model trained, every GPU cluster lit, and every inference workload served depends on physical fiber: dark fiber, long-haul routes, and metro rings that connect campuses, power-advantaged regions, and cloud on-ramps. Hyperscalers and neoclouds are committing billions to this build-out, and they will choose the partner that can design it right and deliver it on time.
Verizon is building AI Connect to be the intelligent fabric of the AI economy. As an Associate Director, you will lead the experts who turn that ambition into signed, buildable, and profitable designs for our largest strategic customers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
You will lead the sales engineers who design dark fiber, ultra-long-haul, metro and campus interconnect solutions for hyperscalers and neoclouds. Your team shapes route strategy, fiber count, diversity, latency and cost inputs before a deal is won, and makes sure what we quote can be built.
THE TEAM YOU WILL LEAD
You will lead some of the most experienced people in the industry, typically with 15-25 years in the field. Many have:
- Come up through outside plant (OSP) planning and engineering design, and know what a route costs, how long it takes and where it breaks.
- Led ultra-long-haul and metro fiber programs from engineering through construction and delivery.
- Built cost studies and facility designs that balance customer needs against margin.
- Worked inside carriers, fiber builders and construction firms, so they understand every hand-off from the sales call to the splice.
They don't need managing. They need a leader who is technically credible, drives innovation and standardization, clears obstacles, sets direction and makes them more valuable to the customer and to the company.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Set the vision. Build and execute the strategy for dark fiber and AI Connect design engineering so customers reach AI-forward outcomes.
- Lead the design team. Guide sales engineers supporting Verizon's top strategic AI Connect customers across a multi-billion-dollar portfolio, driving bookings and revenue growth.
- Direct world-class designs. Own solutions for GPU campus interconnect, data center interconnect, long-haul and intercity routes, metro rings, and cloud on-ramps.
- Set design standards. Define standards for ultra-high-count fiber, route diversity, latency budgets, splice and handhole strategy, ILA/regen siting and phased growth for multi-stage AI builds.
- Bring commercial rigor. Evaluate build, IRU, lease and swap options with Finance and Product, and build ROI and cost models for every large pursuit.
- Connect design to delivery. Partner with Network Planning, Construction, Right-of-Way, Legal and Operations so quoted routes are constructible, on schedule and on budget.
- Differentiate Verizon. Equip the team to articulate Verizon's advantages across AI Connect, Dark Fiber, Lit Fiber/Wave and Edge Data Centers, and to be recognized as thought leaders.
- Raise efficiency. Introduce automation and off-load low-value work so senior engineers spend time on customer-facing design.
- Develop talent. Hire, coach and retain top engineers, maintain certifications and build a succession bench.
- Build a public presence. Represent Verizon at industry events, in thought leadership and on customer advisory boards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
You'll need to have:
- Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or directly related equivalent experience.
- 10+ years in engineering and architecting telecom, IT or network infrastructure, with deep expertise in dark fiber and the intersection of physical assets with AI/ML digital transformation.
- 3+ years leading senior technical talent, including workforce planning, coaching and performance management.
- Proven record designing and winning large, multi-year infrastructure deals, including technical qualification, pricing and contract negotiation.
- Experience engaging senior executives and delivering effective customer presentations.
- Demonstrated financial analysis skills: P&L, ROI, cost analysis and business-case development.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Even better if you have:
- MS or MBA.
- Direct experience with hyperscalers or neoclouds.
- OSP engineering, construction or delivery background, including ULH or metro fiber programs, permitting and right-of-way, and contractor management.
- Knowledge of AI and GPU cluster networking, including scale-out and scale-across topologies and their requirements on the fiber layer.
- Familiarity with power-driven site selection and its effect on network routes.
- Experience with IRUs, swaps, anchor-tenant builds, SLAs and MSAs.
- Relevant certifications (for example CCIE/CCNP, optical vendor or FOA CFOS).
WHY THIS ROLE
- Real scale and authority. A multi-billion-dollar portfolio and the mandate to set design standards, hiring and operating model.
- A team worth leading. Work with deeply experienced fiber, OSP and network design professionals.
- A front-row seat to the AI build-out. Your team's designs connect the campuses where the next generation of models is trained and served.
- Competitive rewards. Base salary, annual incentive, long-term incentive, and comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply through the Verizon careers site with your resume, and include a brief note on the largest infrastructure design or pursuit you have led and the team you built around it.
WHERE YOU’LL BE WORKING
In this mobile role, you'll primarily work from customer or field location(s), with occasional visits to a Verizon location for in-person training and meetings.
SCHEDULED WEEKLY HOURS
40
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Verizon is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we’ve got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances.
The salary will vary depending on your location and confirmed job-related skills and experience. This is a commission based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.
The annual salary range for the location(s) listed on this job requisition based on a full-time schedule is: $130,000.00 - $248,000.00.
The annual salary range for the New York location(s) listed on this job requisition based on a full-time schedule is: $142,500.00 - $248,000.00.
Engineering Associate Job Roles in California
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Search Engineering Associate Jobs in CaliforniaEngineering Associate Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for engineering associates in California?
Large technology and defense employers are among the most active sponsors for engineering associate roles in California. Companies like Apple, Qualcomm, Intel, Broadcom, and Lockheed Martin regularly file sponsorship petitions. Civil and environmental engineering firms serving California's infrastructure sector, including AECOM, WSP, and Jacobs Engineering, also maintain consistent sponsorship histories. Checking an employer's past petition filings through OFLC public disclosure data gives a reliable signal of genuine sponsorship activity.
Which visa types realistically fit engineering associate roles in California?
Engineering associate roles in California typically qualify as specialty occupations, making the H-1B visa the most common path. The position generally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related engineering discipline. F-1 students with STEM-designated engineering degrees can work up to 36 months total through OPT and the STEM OPT extension before needing employer-sponsored status. Australian nationals may use the E-3 visa, and Chilean and Singaporean nationals have access to the H-1B1 visa, both requiring an employer-filed Labor Condition Application.
How to find engineering associate visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists California engineering associate roles specifically from employers with verified visa sponsorship history, so you can focus your search on companies that have sponsored similar positions before. Filtering by city and engineering discipline helps narrow results to active hiring areas like San Jose, San Diego, and Los Angeles. This approach is more efficient than applying broadly, since it prioritizes employers already familiar with the sponsorship process for engineering roles.
Which cities in California have the most engineering associate sponsorship jobs?
San Jose and the surrounding Silicon Valley corridor account for the highest concentration of engineering associate sponsorship jobs in California, driven by semiconductor, hardware, and software infrastructure employers. San Diego follows closely due to its dense cluster of wireless technology, defense, and biomedical engineering firms anchored by Qualcomm, General Atomics, and Northrop Grumman. Los Angeles supports aerospace and civil engineering sponsorship through companies like Boeing, SpaceX, and large public works contractors. Sacramento sees sponsorship activity tied to state infrastructure and utilities projects.
Are there state-specific factors that affect engineering associate sponsorship in California?
California's size and licensing requirements add context worth knowing. The state requires a Professional Engineer license for certain civil and structural engineering roles, and international graduates often begin as engineering associates while completing the required work experience hours under a licensed PE. California's strong university pipeline from UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Caltech, and UC San Diego means employers in this state are well accustomed to sponsoring recent international engineering graduates, particularly in hardware, civil, and environmental disciplines.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored engineering associate jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.