AI Research Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
AI Research Engineer roles attract strong H-1B visa sponsorship from U.S. tech employers, and many positions also qualify under the O-1A visa for researchers with publications or patents. Demand across cloud, semiconductor, and defense AI labs has kept sponsorship rates consistently high for this specialty. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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The Generative AI Research Engineer Intern conducts primary and secondary research of advanced and emerging healthcare informatics technology with a focus on Generative AI and emerging Artificial General Intelligence technology for healthcare treatment, payment, and operations use cases. Creates research papers, analytical reports, proposals, and educational material. Maintains a deep understanding of technology trends and hands-on experience with relevant technologies. Develops generative AI models, architectures, databases, and systems to improve healthcare solutions. We are currently looking for interns who can start in the Summer or Fall of 2026.
Responsibilities
NOTE: There are multiple open intern positions. Hours and length of assignment will be at the intern's choice from 20 - 40 hours per week with a minimum of one semester up to one year.
Technical Expertise
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of technology trends, research, and emerging technologies relevant to the healthcare industry, particularly in Generative AI.
- Assists in developing and improving LLMs and ML tools used across the organization.
- Assists in establishing and maintaining an Artificial Intelligence Governance Program.
Communication & Collaboration
- Communicates technology-related updates and requirements to other departments and contributes to presentations for senior management.
- Collaborates with research and development teams, product management, and strategic analysts to support ongoing projects.
Leadership & Management
- Partners with Business Units to provide reliable intelligence, validated technology options, and insights on enterprise and industry trends.
- Supports technology project teams by coordinating specific tasks, assisting with day-to-day operations, and contributing to the successful delivery of solutions.
- Assists in collaborative efforts with academic research teams, practicums, internships, and vendor POCs.
External Relationships & Partnerships
- Supports vendor evaluations and contributes to collaborations with vendors.
- Assists as a liaison between academic institutions, professional organizations, and research groups as needed.
Other
- Support the Academic Corporate Engagement efforts to develop research and educational talent, with a focus on enhancing health tech knowledge and skills.
- Complete all responsibilities and goals outlined in the internship program.
- Complete all special projects and other duties as assigned.
- Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this internship. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required and does not constitute an employment agreement. This job description is subject to change as Cotiviti’s needs and requirements of the internship evolve.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently pursuing or recently completed an advanced degree in healthcare, technology, or a related field (e.g., Biomedical Informatics, Computer Science) with preference of a PhD.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in AI, healthcare technology, or informatics research.
- Strong foundational knowledge in generative AI model development, architectures, and vector databases.
- Hands-on experience with working with Machine Learning and Deep Learning models. Experience with LLM/RAG models and LLM fine-tuning is a plus.
- Hands-on experience working with cloud services (AWS/Azure), large data sets, and building data pipelines for ML solutions. Experience with vector embeddings and databases is a plus.
- Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- Communicating with others to exchange information.
- Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
- Must be able to provide a dedicated, secure work area.
- Must be able to provide high-speed internet access/connectivity and office setup and maintenance.
- No adverse environmental conditions are expected.
COMPENSATION
- Base compensation ranges from $32.00 to $40.00 per hour. Specific offers are determined by various factors, such as experience, education, skills, certifications, and other business needs.
Nonexempt employees are eligible to receive overtime pay for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a given week, or as otherwise required by applicable state law.
Date of posting: 6/1/2026
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis. We anticipate that the application window will close on 8/21/2026, but the application window may change depending on the volume of applications received or close immediately if a qualified candidate is selected.
Overview
The Generative AI Research Engineer Intern conducts primary and secondary research of advanced and emerging healthcare informatics technology with a focus on Generative AI and emerging Artificial General Intelligence technology for healthcare treatment, payment, and operations use cases. Creates research papers, analytical reports, proposals, and educational material. Maintains a deep understanding of technology trends and hands-on experience with relevant technologies. Develops generative AI models, architectures, databases, and systems to improve healthcare solutions. We are currently looking for interns who can start in the Summer or Fall of 2026.
Responsibilities
NOTE: There are multiple open intern positions. Hours and length of assignment will be at the intern's choice from 20 - 40 hours per week with a minimum of one semester up to one year.
Technical Expertise
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of technology trends, research, and emerging technologies relevant to the healthcare industry, particularly in Generative AI.
- Assists in developing and improving LLMs and ML tools used across the organization.
- Assists in establishing and maintaining an Artificial Intelligence Governance Program.
Communication & Collaboration
- Communicates technology-related updates and requirements to other departments and contributes to presentations for senior management.
- Collaborates with research and development teams, product management, and strategic analysts to support ongoing projects.
Leadership & Management
- Partners with Business Units to provide reliable intelligence, validated technology options, and insights on enterprise and industry trends.
- Supports technology project teams by coordinating specific tasks, assisting with day-to-day operations, and contributing to the successful delivery of solutions.
- Assists in collaborative efforts with academic research teams, practicums, internships, and vendor POCs.
External Relationships & Partnerships
- Supports vendor evaluations and contributes to collaborations with vendors.
- Assists as a liaison between academic institutions, professional organizations, and research groups as needed.
Other
- Support the Academic Corporate Engagement efforts to develop research and educational talent, with a focus on enhancing health tech knowledge and skills.
- Complete all responsibilities and goals outlined in the internship program.
- Complete all special projects and other duties as assigned.
- Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this internship. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required and does not constitute an employment agreement. This job description is subject to change as Cotiviti’s needs and requirements of the internship evolve.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently pursuing or recently completed an advanced degree in healthcare, technology, or a related field (e.g., Biomedical Informatics, Computer Science) with preference of a PhD.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in AI, healthcare technology, or informatics research.
- Strong foundational knowledge in generative AI model development, architectures, and vector databases.
- Hands-on experience with working with Machine Learning and Deep Learning models. Experience with LLM/RAG models and LLM fine-tuning is a plus.
- Hands-on experience working with cloud services (AWS/Azure), large data sets, and building data pipelines for ML solutions. Experience with vector embeddings and databases is a plus.
- Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- Communicating with others to exchange information.
- Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
- Must be able to provide a dedicated, secure work area.
- Must be able to provide high-speed internet access/connectivity and office setup and maintenance.
- No adverse environmental conditions are expected.
COMPENSATION
- Base compensation ranges from $32.00 to $40.00 per hour. Specific offers are determined by various factors, such as experience, education, skills, certifications, and other business needs.
Nonexempt employees are eligible to receive overtime pay for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a given week, or as otherwise required by applicable state law.
Date of posting: 6/1/2026
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis. We anticipate that the application window will close on 8/21/2026, but the application window may change depending on the volume of applications received or close immediately if a qualified candidate is selected.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an AI Research Engineer
Target employers with established H-1B filing histories
Companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI file hundreds of H-1B petitions annually for research roles. Employers with existing immigration infrastructure move faster and are far less likely to back out after an offer.
Lead with publications, patents, and benchmarks
AI Research Engineer applications succeed when candidates demonstrate measurable research output. Papers on arXiv, NeurIPS acceptances, or model benchmarks give visa petitions concrete evidence of specialty occupation standing and strengthen O-1A eligibility significantly.
Clarify your degree field matches the role
H-1B specialty occupation requires a directly related degree. A PhD in computer science, electrical engineering, or statistics aligns cleanly. Applied mathematics or physics degrees typically qualify too, but include transcript evidence that your coursework covers machine learning specifically.
Ask about cap-exempt employer options early
Universities, federally funded research centers, and nonprofits affiliated with research institutions are H-1B cap-exempt. AI researchers working in academia or national labs can receive H-1B approval any time of year, bypassing the lottery entirely.
Consider the O-1A visa if you have a strong research record
If you have peer-reviewed publications, a high citation count, or have judged others' research, the O-1A is worth evaluating. It has no annual cap, no lottery, and approval rates for credentialed AI researchers with documented contributions run well above average.
Disclose OPT or STEM OPT status upfront with employers
Many AI research roles at qualifying employers allow you to bridge from STEM OPT directly into H-1B cap-gap coverage. Being transparent early lets employers plan the I-129 filing timeline and avoid gaps in your work authorization continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an AI Research Engineer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, AI Research Engineer consistently qualifies as an H-1B visa specialty occupation. USCIS recognizes it as a role that normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as computer science, machine learning, or electrical engineering. Roles focused on model architecture, training pipelines, or applied research have strong approval histories, particularly when the employer can document that a theoretical and practical degree background is standard for the position.
Do I need a PhD to get H-1B sponsorship as an AI Research Engineer?
No, a PhD is not required, but it significantly strengthens both your sponsorship prospects and the visa petition itself. Most employers will sponsor candidates with a master's degree in a relevant field, especially when paired with publications, industry experience, or open-source contributions. Some roles at research-focused labs de facto prefer PhDs, so review job descriptions carefully. You can browse AI Research Engineer roles with sponsorship on Migrate Mate to see how requirements vary by employer.
Can I qualify for an O-1A visa as an AI Research Engineer?
Yes, and many AI researchers are stronger O-1A candidates than they realize. USCIS evaluates O-1A petitions across ten criteria, including published work in peer-reviewed venues, high citation counts, judging others' research, and contributions of major significance. Researchers with NeurIPS, ICML, or ICLR publications, or whose work is widely cited, often meet three or more criteria. The O-1A has no lottery and no cap, making it a practical alternative for researchers who miss the H-1B selection.
What happens to my visa status if I switch employers between research projects?
If you're on H-1B status, you can begin working for a new employer as soon as they file an H-1B transfer petition with USCIS, under H-1B portability rules, without waiting for approval. Your authorization continues as long as the new petition is non-frivolous and filed before your current status expires. If you're on STEM OPT, employer changes require updating your I-983 training plan within ten days, so notify your designated school official immediately when an offer is confirmed.
Which types of employers sponsor AI Research Engineer roles most reliably?
Large technology companies with dedicated AI divisions, semiconductor firms, cloud infrastructure providers, defense contractors, and academic medical centers with research arms are the most consistent sponsors. Universities and federally funded research centers are especially valuable because they are H-1B cap-exempt, meaning no lottery. Startups can and do sponsor, but their immigration infrastructure varies widely. Migrate Mate filters AI Research Engineer roles by sponsorship availability so you can identify employers already filing petitions in this category.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored AI Research Engineer jobs?
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.