ML Software Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Illinois is a strong market for ML software engineer visa sponsorship, anchored by Chicago's growing tech scene and major employers like Motorola Solutions, Zebra Technologies, and Tempus. The Chicago metropolitan area and university towns like Champaign-Urbana, home to UIUC's top-ranked computer science program, consistently generate sponsored ML engineering roles.
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You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.
We are looking for a highly skilled Senior Python AI Developer with deep expertise in building intelligent agents using Google Vertex AI, particularly with Gemini or OpenAI models. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in Large Language Models and understands how they work under the hood, combined with experience in evaluating model performance through structured testing methodologies. This role requires proficiency in the technical aspects of agent development while adhering to best practices in prompt engineering, context filtering, and security-aware prompting. The candidate should also have hands-on experience with modern agent frameworks and observability tools, ensuring robust, scalable, and reliable AI solutions.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:
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Evaluates defined client area requirements and processes (e.g., new enhancements or maintenance) and detailed designs and develops moderate to complex application program solutions.
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Ensures quality of application solutions by performing code review with peers, creating documentation, implementing code, verifying program logic, performing defect root cause analysis, and completing unit and integration testing. Participates in systems testing with other IT staff.
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Assists with the high level design of solutions. Consults with the client area to analyze system requirements and capabilities, identify associated risks, and resolve problems. May act as a liaison between clients and applications area.
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Researches and evaluates new and/or alternative solutions, and recommends the most efficient and cost effective solution for the systems/program design and develops system specifications and procedures. May include integrating vendor applications and consulting resources into existing applications and resources.
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In conjunction with operations area technical staff, supports the implementation of the application into production and testing environments. May confer with technical personnel to identify and resolve issues.
Reporting Relationship:
Typically Manager or above
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Key Required Skills & Experience:
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Senior-level proficiency in Python, with experience in AI/ML development
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Strong understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their operational mechanics
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Experience developing AI Agents on Google Vertex AI using Gemini or OpenAI
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Expertise in Prompt Engineering Best Practices
Hands-on experience with:
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Google Agent Development Kit
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LangChain and LangGraph
Knowledge of Context Filtering and Prompting Security Best Practices
Familiarity with observability and debugging tools:
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LangSmith
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LangFuse
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Phoenix or Arize
Experience with Eval AI Testing and model evaluation workflows
Education and Experience:
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Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, or related discipline, or equivalent work experience.
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Typically a minimum four years of application program development experience.
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Applicable certificates preferred.
LI-MR1
LI-Hybrid
In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $72,000 to $141,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.
CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact leaveadministration@cna.com.
ML Software Engineer Job Roles in Illinois
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Search ML Software Engineer Jobs in IllinoisML Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for ML software engineers in Illinois?
Several large Illinois employers have active histories of sponsoring ML software engineers. Motorola Solutions, Zebra Technologies, Tempus, and Uptake are among the Chicago-area companies that file H-1B visa petitions for ML roles. Financial firms like CME Group and trading firms including Citadel and DRW also hire ML engineers and have established sponsorship processes. UIUC spin-offs and research-driven startups in Champaign contribute additional sponsorship volume.
Which visa types are most common for ML software engineer roles in Illinois?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for ML software engineers in Illinois, given that ML roles consistently qualify as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, machine learning, or a related field. OPT and STEM OPT extensions are also common entry points for graduates from Illinois universities, providing up to three years of work authorization while pursuing H-1B sponsorship.
How to find ml software engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for visa sponsorship eligibility, making it straightforward to search ML software engineer roles in Illinois without sifting through positions that don't offer sponsorship. You can narrow results to Illinois employers and review which companies have filed H-1B petitions for ML roles in the Chicago metro, Champaign-Urbana, and other Illinois hiring centers.
Which cities in Illinois have the most ML software engineer sponsorship jobs?
Chicago is by far the largest market for sponsored ML engineering roles in Illinois, particularly in the River North, West Loop, and Fulton Market tech corridors. Champaign-Urbana is a secondary hub driven by University of Illinois research labs and affiliated companies. Naperville and the broader Chicago suburbs also see sponsorship activity from enterprise technology and manufacturing companies headquartered there.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for ML software engineers seeking visa sponsorship?
Illinois employers sponsoring ML software engineers through H-1B must comply with Department of Labor prevailing wage requirements, which are benchmarked against the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area for most roles. UIUC's standing as a top computer science program creates a strong local talent pipeline, meaning competition for sponsored roles at research-adjacent employers can be significant. Some Illinois-based quantitative trading firms sponsor visas but have selective and non-public hiring processes.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored ml software engineer jobs in Illinois?
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.