Research Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Michigan
Michigan's research scientist roles are concentrated in life sciences, automotive R&D, and university-affiliated labs. Major employers like Pfizer's Kalamazoo operations, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan State University in East Lansing, and Ford's research division in Dearborn regularly sponsor international researchers across H-1B visa and O-1 visa categories.
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INTRODUCTION
To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.
Group/Division
The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA’s product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics. KLA's Central Engineering organization is made up of nine Centers of Excellence (CoEs) spanning disciplines like automation, motion control, sensors, platform design, and packaging. Each CoE contributes not only technical deliverables but also deep expertise, best practices, and advanced tools that elevate both what we build—and how we build it.
In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise. KLA physics modeling group at Ann Arbor, Michigan, is looking for talented research scientists and engineers to join the plasma and gas-thermal modeling team. The ideal candidate has a strong computational physics background involving electromagnetics and/or plasma physics. Relevant experience should include experience in some of these areas and a good intuition about the physical processes being modeled. Especially important is the ability to work with the other R&D and engineering teams to define modeling plans that explore the potential design space for implementation in future.
Responsibilities in this role include:
- Lead development, validation and verification of new algorithms and modeling approaches for next-gen laser sustained plasma sources
- Work in a group environment to define and own modeling strategies and lead development
- Prepare detailed modeling plans, schedules and summary reports and present findings to internal customers and key stakeholders
QUALIFICATIONS
- Degree in applied physics/Engineering
- Hands-on experience designing, developing, modifying and diagnosing complex algorithms for plasma physics applications
- Responsible working attitude and should be a team player. Previous experience with instruments for semiconductor industry is desired. Ability to clearly connect with cross functional internal teams, both oral and written, division management, as well as external customers.
- Must be able to travel for training and to support development teams in different locations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years
ABOUT KLA
We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.
TOTAL REWARDS
Base Pay Range: $105,900.00 - $155,300.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-KLA
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
USE OF AI STATEMENT
At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews—whether virtual or in person—is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation. For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.
Research Scientist Job Roles in Michigan
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Search Research Scientist Jobs in MichiganResearch Scientist Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research scientists in Michigan?
University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Pfizer (Kalamazoo), Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Kalamazoo-based pharmaceutical firms are among the most active sponsors for research scientist roles in Michigan. Large research universities and pharmaceutical manufacturers tend to have established immigration infrastructure and sponsor H-1B petitions regularly for qualified candidates.
Which visa types are most common for research scientist roles in Michigan?
The H-1B is the most common visa for research scientists in Michigan, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Researchers with exceptional achievements may pursue the O-1A. J-1 visas are common for postdoctoral researchers at universities, though they come with exchange visitor obligations that differ from employment-based categories.
Which cities in Michigan have the most research scientist sponsorship jobs?
Ann Arbor leads Michigan for research scientist sponsorship jobs, driven by the University of Michigan and its affiliated research institutes. East Lansing follows through Michigan State University. Kalamazoo is notable for pharmaceutical research tied to Pfizer and Stryker. Detroit and Dearborn offer opportunities in automotive R&D at Ford and General Motors, particularly for materials scientists and engineers.
How to find research scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Michigan?
Migrate Mate filters research scientist jobs specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it straightforward to identify Michigan employers actively hiring international candidates. You can filter by state and role to surface relevant openings at universities, pharmaceutical companies, and automotive R&D centers. Checking employer sponsorship history before applying helps prioritize roles where the hiring process is already set up for visa support.
Are there any state-specific considerations for research scientists seeking sponsorship in Michigan?
Michigan's concentration of Big Ten research universities creates a strong pipeline for international researchers, particularly at the postdoctoral level where J-1 status is common before transitioning to H-1B. The pharmaceutical corridor around Kalamazoo and the automotive R&D presence in metro Detroit mean sponsorship patterns vary by industry. Employers in academic medical centers, such as Michigan Medicine, often have dedicated immigration teams familiar with research scientist petitions.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research scientist jobs in Michigan?
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.