Principal AI Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in North Carolina
Principal AI engineer roles in North Carolina are concentrated in the Research Triangle, where employers like Red Hat, SAS Institute, Lenovo, and Cisco draw on the university pipelines from NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Duke. Financial services firms in Charlotte also sponsor senior AI engineering talent. Visa sponsorship is active across H-1B visa, TN visa, and green card pathways for qualified candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Steer offers a suite of software tools for today's automotive repair shop. We combine a mix of software tools that a repair shop needs to run a highly profitable shop, in one user-friendly, cost-effective platform. Through the Steer suite, we allow the shop owner to get back to focusing on what matters, and to stop worrying about marketing and customer retention.
Steer began as an online directory for drivers to find a local mechanic. Fast forward to today, Steer has launched a complete Customer Relationship Management (CRM) marketing suite, complete with text messaging, email automation, direct mail integration, reputation management, appointment reminders, declined/recommended services, and many other features. We are always innovating and we are proud to be a leader in the automotive repair industry. In August 2024 Steer acquired AutoOps - the leader in modern, intelligent, and fully integrated scheduling software for auto repair shops. AutoOps allows customers to smoothly schedule through a shop's website and Google Business Profile.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We're growing our world-class engineering team to usher our CRM platform into the next generation of software — and we're looking for a Principal Engineer, Agentic AI to join our Core Platform Team.
Most Lead roles at "Big Tech" companies involve maintaining a single microservice or acting as a small cog in a 100-person machine. At Steer, you aren't just a contributor; you are the architect of a platform aiming for 100% market dominance. This is a high-impact role for someone who doesn't just write great code, but who can see around corners, challenge conventions, and lead entire products from vision to launch.
We are actively refactoring our existing teams to be agentic-first — meaning our engineers don't just use AI as a tool, they architect systems around autonomous, AI-driven workflows. This is not a future initiative; it is how we build today.
We're looking for builders who bring exceptional focus, ownership, and commitment to their work. At Steer, we want engineers who are "all in" on our mission, fully engaged with their work, and invested in our shared success. This means making Steer your primary professional focus and bringing the dedication and accountability needed to deliver exceptional results.
WHY STEER?
- True Ownership: You will lead massive products from start to finish within lean, high-velocity teams.
- Hyper-Growth & Vision: We are currently at a fraction of our total addressable market in the automotive industry. The potential for scale is massive, and you will be a leading developer shaping this space.
- Freedom to Innovate: You don't need side projects to explore new techniques. We provide the autonomy and the platform to experiment with and implement the latest tech directly into our core product.
- AI-First & Agentic Culture: We are refactoring our teams to be agentic-first. We prioritize high-level problem-solving and AI/LLM expertise, and we actively encourage the use of AI tools to accelerate coding across any language and to power autonomous production workflows.
- Technical Strategy & Ownership: Focus on the core components of the Steer CRM, specifically optimizing how we ingest and process data to revolutionize our automation tools.
- Architectural Vision: Lead the design of reusable full-stack components and services that ensure our platform remains performant as we scale toward market dominance.
- Adaptive Development: Pivot at a moment's notice based on evolving business needs, shifting focus between new integrations and core infrastructure to keep our ecosystem seamless.
- Customer-Centric Engineering: Partner closely with Product to understand user pain points, ensuring every architectural decision adds tangible value to the auto repair shops we serve.
- Code Excellence: Champion best practices in security, test automation, and maintainability. Conduct deep-dive code reviews that elevate the entire engineering organization.
- Modern DevOps & Agentic Infrastructure: Influence our CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and IaC practices. Design and maintain AI-integrated, agentic-ready infrastructure that enables autonomous workflows.
WHAT YOU HAVE
Must Have:
- 7+ years of professional experience building complex, web-based SaaS products.
- The "All-In" Mindset: A deep commitment to Steer's mission and success. We look for engineers who take exceptional pride in their work, hold themselves to high standards, and demonstrate full ownership and accountability for their projects. They approach complex, seemingly impossible challenges with determination, proactively drive solutions, and are committed to delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced environment.
- AI & LLM Integration: Hands-on experience working with LLMs and prompt engineering. You use AI to bridge gaps and accelerate development.
- AI in Production: Proven experience deploying AI-powered features and autonomous (agentic) workflows in production-grade infrastructure.
- AI-Driven CI/CD: Hands-on experience integrating AI tooling into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., automated code review agents, AI-assisted testing, or agentic workflow orchestration).
- Database Expertise: Proficiency with both relational (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB, Redis) databases, including schema design and query optimization.
- Exceptional Communication: The ability to translate complex technical concepts into product outcomes and collaborate effectively with leadership.
Nice to Have:
- Familiarity with our current stack: .NET, Node.js (TypeScript), and React.
- Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation).
- Previous experience as a founding engineer or in an early-stage startup environment.
- Experience building or integrating with Claude marketplace plugins (Anthropic ecosystem), including prompt chaining, tool use, or MCP integrations.
INTERVIEW PROCESS
- Initial Screen — 30 min with Lead Recruiter
- Hiring Manager Interview — 60 min with the Head of Engineering & Product
- Technical Interview — 60 min with a Principal Engineer
- Collaborative Interview — 30 min with Lead Product Manager
WHAT WE OFFER
- Equity Options: Own a piece of the company's success.
- 100% Remote: Work from anywhere in the US.
- 100% Employer-Paid Medical Insurance.
- Flexible PTO: With a 15-day minimum.
- FSA, HSA, and 401k options.
- Learning Stipend & WFH Equipment: Everything you need for a world-class home office.
- Innovative Culture: A seat at the table to influence the latest AI technology in a collaborative, agentic-first environment.
WHY JOIN STEER?
At Steer, we align our mission of transforming the auto repair experience for shop owners and their customers with your passion for growth, innovation, and excellence.
Here, you'll find opportunities to expand your skills, take on career-shaping challenges, and contribute to the future of the auto repair industry, all while enjoying comprehensive benefits and flexible work arrangements to support your well-being.
Join Steer to be part of a forward-thinking, flexible, and collaborative culture where you are empowered to do meaningful and impactful work.
We value diversity and believe that forming teams in which everyone can be their authentic self is key to our success. We welcome applications from those with diverse backgrounds and industries.
Our hiring process looks beyond just credentials. The school you went to at 18 doesn't define your potential to thrive and enrich our culture. Even if you don't meet every requirement, we invite you to apply.
INTRODUCTION
Steer offers a suite of software tools for today's automotive repair shop. We combine a mix of software tools that a repair shop needs to run a highly profitable shop, in one user-friendly, cost-effective platform. Through the Steer suite, we allow the shop owner to get back to focusing on what matters, and to stop worrying about marketing and customer retention.
Steer began as an online directory for drivers to find a local mechanic. Fast forward to today, Steer has launched a complete Customer Relationship Management (CRM) marketing suite, complete with text messaging, email automation, direct mail integration, reputation management, appointment reminders, declined/recommended services, and many other features. We are always innovating and we are proud to be a leader in the automotive repair industry. In August 2024 Steer acquired AutoOps - the leader in modern, intelligent, and fully integrated scheduling software for auto repair shops. AutoOps allows customers to smoothly schedule through a shop's website and Google Business Profile.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We're growing our world-class engineering team to usher our CRM platform into the next generation of software — and we're looking for a Principal Engineer, Agentic AI to join our Core Platform Team.
Most Lead roles at "Big Tech" companies involve maintaining a single microservice or acting as a small cog in a 100-person machine. At Steer, you aren't just a contributor; you are the architect of a platform aiming for 100% market dominance. This is a high-impact role for someone who doesn't just write great code, but who can see around corners, challenge conventions, and lead entire products from vision to launch.
We are actively refactoring our existing teams to be agentic-first — meaning our engineers don't just use AI as a tool, they architect systems around autonomous, AI-driven workflows. This is not a future initiative; it is how we build today.
We're looking for builders who bring exceptional focus, ownership, and commitment to their work. At Steer, we want engineers who are "all in" on our mission, fully engaged with their work, and invested in our shared success. This means making Steer your primary professional focus and bringing the dedication and accountability needed to deliver exceptional results.
WHY STEER?
- True Ownership: You will lead massive products from start to finish within lean, high-velocity teams.
- Hyper-Growth & Vision: We are currently at a fraction of our total addressable market in the automotive industry. The potential for scale is massive, and you will be a leading developer shaping this space.
- Freedom to Innovate: You don't need side projects to explore new techniques. We provide the autonomy and the platform to experiment with and implement the latest tech directly into our core product.
- AI-First & Agentic Culture: We are refactoring our teams to be agentic-first. We prioritize high-level problem-solving and AI/LLM expertise, and we actively encourage the use of AI tools to accelerate coding across any language and to power autonomous production workflows.
- Technical Strategy & Ownership: Focus on the core components of the Steer CRM, specifically optimizing how we ingest and process data to revolutionize our automation tools.
- Architectural Vision: Lead the design of reusable full-stack components and services that ensure our platform remains performant as we scale toward market dominance.
- Adaptive Development: Pivot at a moment's notice based on evolving business needs, shifting focus between new integrations and core infrastructure to keep our ecosystem seamless.
- Customer-Centric Engineering: Partner closely with Product to understand user pain points, ensuring every architectural decision adds tangible value to the auto repair shops we serve.
- Code Excellence: Champion best practices in security, test automation, and maintainability. Conduct deep-dive code reviews that elevate the entire engineering organization.
- Modern DevOps & Agentic Infrastructure: Influence our CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and IaC practices. Design and maintain AI-integrated, agentic-ready infrastructure that enables autonomous workflows.
WHAT YOU HAVE
Must Have:
- 7+ years of professional experience building complex, web-based SaaS products.
- The "All-In" Mindset: A deep commitment to Steer's mission and success. We look for engineers who take exceptional pride in their work, hold themselves to high standards, and demonstrate full ownership and accountability for their projects. They approach complex, seemingly impossible challenges with determination, proactively drive solutions, and are committed to delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced environment.
- AI & LLM Integration: Hands-on experience working with LLMs and prompt engineering. You use AI to bridge gaps and accelerate development.
- AI in Production: Proven experience deploying AI-powered features and autonomous (agentic) workflows in production-grade infrastructure.
- AI-Driven CI/CD: Hands-on experience integrating AI tooling into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., automated code review agents, AI-assisted testing, or agentic workflow orchestration).
- Database Expertise: Proficiency with both relational (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB, Redis) databases, including schema design and query optimization.
- Exceptional Communication: The ability to translate complex technical concepts into product outcomes and collaborate effectively with leadership.
Nice to Have:
- Familiarity with our current stack: .NET, Node.js (TypeScript), and React.
- Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation).
- Previous experience as a founding engineer or in an early-stage startup environment.
- Experience building or integrating with Claude marketplace plugins (Anthropic ecosystem), including prompt chaining, tool use, or MCP integrations.
INTERVIEW PROCESS
- Initial Screen — 30 min with Lead Recruiter
- Hiring Manager Interview — 60 min with the Head of Engineering & Product
- Technical Interview — 60 min with a Principal Engineer
- Collaborative Interview — 30 min with Lead Product Manager
WHAT WE OFFER
- Equity Options: Own a piece of the company's success.
- 100% Remote: Work from anywhere in the US.
- 100% Employer-Paid Medical Insurance.
- Flexible PTO: With a 15-day minimum.
- FSA, HSA, and 401k options.
- Learning Stipend & WFH Equipment: Everything you need for a world-class home office.
- Innovative Culture: A seat at the table to influence the latest AI technology in a collaborative, agentic-first environment.
WHY JOIN STEER?
At Steer, we align our mission of transforming the auto repair experience for shop owners and their customers with your passion for growth, innovation, and excellence.
Here, you'll find opportunities to expand your skills, take on career-shaping challenges, and contribute to the future of the auto repair industry, all while enjoying comprehensive benefits and flexible work arrangements to support your well-being.
Join Steer to be part of a forward-thinking, flexible, and collaborative culture where you are empowered to do meaningful and impactful work.
We value diversity and believe that forming teams in which everyone can be their authentic self is key to our success. We welcome applications from those with diverse backgrounds and industries.
Our hiring process looks beyond just credentials. The school you went to at 18 doesn't define your potential to thrive and enrich our culture. Even if you don't meet every requirement, we invite you to apply.
Principal AI Engineer Job Roles in North Carolina
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Search Principal AI Engineer Jobs in North CarolinaPrincipal AI Engineer Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for principal AI engineers in North Carolina?
Active sponsors in North Carolina include SAS Institute and Red Hat in Cary, Lenovo and Cisco in the Research Triangle, and financial technology employers in Charlotte such as Bank of America and LendingTree. Healthcare technology firms like Labcorp and Epic's regional offices also hire senior AI engineering talent. These employers have documented H-1B and PERM filing histories for advanced AI and machine learning roles.
Which visa types realistically apply to principal AI engineer roles in North Carolina?
The H-1B is the most common pathway, requiring employer sponsorship and a specialty occupation backed by a directly related bachelor's degree or higher. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under the TN visa as engineers, provided their degree aligns with the role. For longer-term options, EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship through PERM labor certification is available. H-1B1 visa applies to Chilean and Singaporean nationals meeting specialty occupation requirements.
Which cities in North Carolina have the most principal AI engineer sponsorship jobs?
The Research Triangle, covering Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, accounts for the largest share of principal AI engineer sponsorship activity in North Carolina, driven by technology and life sciences employers clustered around RTP. Charlotte is the second-largest hub, particularly in financial technology and data infrastructure. Smaller concentrations exist in Cary, Morrisville, and Winston-Salem where enterprise software and healthcare technology employers operate.
How to find principal ai engineer visa sponsorship jobs in North Carolina?
Migrate Mate lists North Carolina employers with verified visa sponsorship histories for principal AI engineer roles, letting you search specifically within Research Triangle and Charlotte markets. Because the platform surfaces LCA filing data, you can identify which employers have actively sponsored senior AI engineering positions rather than relying on unverified job postings. Filtering by role and location on Migrate Mate saves significant research time for international candidates targeting North Carolina.
Are there state-specific factors that affect visa sponsorship for principal AI engineers in North Carolina?
North Carolina benefits from a dense university ecosystem, with NC State's AI research programs, Duke's machine learning faculty, and UNC-Chapel Hill's data science initiatives feeding talent directly into the Research Triangle. Employers in RTP are well-practiced with H-1B and PERM processes given years of recruiting internationally trained engineers. The life sciences and pharmaceutical sector, centered around RTP, also generates demand for AI engineers with domain-specific backgrounds in bioinformatics and clinical data.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored principal ai engineer jobs in North Carolina?
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.