Head Of Engineering Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Head of Engineering roles are among the most actively sponsored positions in the U.S. tech industry. Most require a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, and employers routinely file H-1B visa, O-1 visa, or L-1 visa petitions for qualified candidates leading large engineering organizations. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
James Madison University (JMU) invites applications for the position of Department Head and Endowed Faculty Chair of Engineering. This is a tenured, 12-month appointment at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor. A recent commitment establishing the endowed chair will provide significant resources and flexibility for the Department Head to pursue a broad range of initiatives aligned with the Department’s needs, opportunities, and the successful candidate’s interests. The Department Head reports to the Dean of the College of Integrated Science and Engineering and is supported by an Assistant Department Head, Program Director, Academic Advisor, Fiscal Technician, Office Manager, and Laboratory Manager.
The Department of Engineering consists of 18 instructional faculty and 6 staff members serving approximately 750 students, with about 120 graduates each year. The Department offers an ABET-accredited B.S. in Engineering, and students may choose to pursue concentrations in Electro-Mechanical Systems, Geo-Environmental Systems, or Civil & Environmental Systems. As an undergraduate-focused engineering program within a large public university, we combine the close faculty-student interaction and small class sizes often associated with smaller programs with substantial facilities, staffing, and resources. Our project-based curriculum gives students significant responsibility for their own work in courses, laboratories, research, and design projects, creating a highly hands-on learning environment. Students have access to a fully staffed machine shop, fabrication laboratory, digital prototyping facilities, and dedicated capstone and project workspaces. Research, project, and instructional infrastructure includes more than $2 million in tools, instrumentation, and equipment located in over 30,000 square feet of dedicated engineering laboratory, fabrication, research and project space.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Manage and steward the Department’s academic programs, personnel, facilities, and resources within the evolving landscape of higher education.
-
Advocate for the Department within JMU and externally with industry partners, prospective students, academic peers, alumni, and other constituencies.
-
Manage the Department’s annual budget and oversee the responsible allocation of financial and other resources.
-
Manage and conduct academic administration, including course assignments and scheduling, annual faculty evaluations, and review of tenure and promotion applications.
-
Supervise Department staff and conduct annual performance evaluations.
-
Foster a culture of shared governance, transparency, and trust through collaborative decision-making and consensus building among faculty from a range of disciplinary backgrounds.
-
Work effectively and constructively with College and University leadership to advance Department, College, and institutional priorities.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
A Ph.D. in engineering or closely related field
-
Leadership experience in engineering
-
A demonstrated commitment to engineering education at the undergraduate level
-
A track record of teaching, scholarship and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of associate professor
-
Evidence of sustained commitment to shared governance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
A demonstrated commitment to the development of faculty and staff
-
A track record of teaching, scholarship and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of professor
-
An undergraduate degree in engineering
ADDITIONAL POSTING INFORMATION
For more information about the department visit https://jmu-engineering.github.io/auh-search/ or our departmental website at https://www.jmu.edu/cise/engineering.
To apply, applicants should complete the application on the JMU career site and submit the following additional documents which demonstrate the candidate’s suitability for the position:
-
CV
-
Cover Letter (3-page maximum)
JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO STATEMENT
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
INTRODUCTION
James Madison University (JMU) invites applications for the position of Department Head and Endowed Faculty Chair of Engineering. This is a tenured, 12-month appointment at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor. A recent commitment establishing the endowed chair will provide significant resources and flexibility for the Department Head to pursue a broad range of initiatives aligned with the Department’s needs, opportunities, and the successful candidate’s interests. The Department Head reports to the Dean of the College of Integrated Science and Engineering and is supported by an Assistant Department Head, Program Director, Academic Advisor, Fiscal Technician, Office Manager, and Laboratory Manager.
The Department of Engineering consists of 18 instructional faculty and 6 staff members serving approximately 750 students, with about 120 graduates each year. The Department offers an ABET-accredited B.S. in Engineering, and students may choose to pursue concentrations in Electro-Mechanical Systems, Geo-Environmental Systems, or Civil & Environmental Systems. As an undergraduate-focused engineering program within a large public university, we combine the close faculty-student interaction and small class sizes often associated with smaller programs with substantial facilities, staffing, and resources. Our project-based curriculum gives students significant responsibility for their own work in courses, laboratories, research, and design projects, creating a highly hands-on learning environment. Students have access to a fully staffed machine shop, fabrication laboratory, digital prototyping facilities, and dedicated capstone and project workspaces. Research, project, and instructional infrastructure includes more than $2 million in tools, instrumentation, and equipment located in over 30,000 square feet of dedicated engineering laboratory, fabrication, research and project space.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Manage and steward the Department’s academic programs, personnel, facilities, and resources within the evolving landscape of higher education.
-
Advocate for the Department within JMU and externally with industry partners, prospective students, academic peers, alumni, and other constituencies.
-
Manage the Department’s annual budget and oversee the responsible allocation of financial and other resources.
-
Manage and conduct academic administration, including course assignments and scheduling, annual faculty evaluations, and review of tenure and promotion applications.
-
Supervise Department staff and conduct annual performance evaluations.
-
Foster a culture of shared governance, transparency, and trust through collaborative decision-making and consensus building among faculty from a range of disciplinary backgrounds.
-
Work effectively and constructively with College and University leadership to advance Department, College, and institutional priorities.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
A Ph.D. in engineering or closely related field
-
Leadership experience in engineering
-
A demonstrated commitment to engineering education at the undergraduate level
-
A track record of teaching, scholarship and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of associate professor
-
Evidence of sustained commitment to shared governance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
A demonstrated commitment to the development of faculty and staff
-
A track record of teaching, scholarship and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of professor
-
An undergraduate degree in engineering
ADDITIONAL POSTING INFORMATION
For more information about the department visit https://jmu-engineering.github.io/auh-search/ or our departmental website at https://www.jmu.edu/cise/engineering.
To apply, applicants should complete the application on the JMU career site and submit the following additional documents which demonstrate the candidate’s suitability for the position:
-
CV
-
Cover Letter (3-page maximum)
JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO STATEMENT
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Head Of Engineering Jobs
Lead with your scope of impact
Sponsoring employers prioritize candidates who can quantify their leadership. Specify team size, budget ownership, and measurable outcomes like latency improvements or infrastructure cost reductions. Numbers make your petition stronger and your application harder to pass over.
Understand the specialty occupation threshold
H-1B approval for this role hinges on demonstrating the position requires a specific bachelor's degree, not any degree. Engineering leadership roles typically pass this test easily when tied to a technical degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or software engineering.
Target companies with a sponsorship track record
Larger engineering organizations and well-funded startups file sponsorship petitions far more frequently. Search Migrate Mate to filter for employers who have already sponsored Head of Engineering roles rather than hoping a new employer will navigate the process for the first time.
Prepare for the O-1A path if H-1B lottery fails
Senior engineering leaders often qualify for the O-1A extraordinary ability visa. Published work, open-source contributions, conference speaking, and high compensation relative to peers are all recognized criteria. Ask your employer to evaluate both pathways before committing to one.
Get your credentials evaluated if your degree is foreign
USCIS requires that foreign degrees be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's in the relevant field. A credential evaluation from a recognized agency strengthens your petition significantly, especially for three-year degrees from countries like India, Australia, or the United Kingdom.
Negotiate premium processing from the start
At this seniority level, employers are generally willing to pay for premium processing, which cuts USCIS adjudication to 15 business days. Make premium processing part of your offer negotiation before signing, not an afterthought after your start date is already set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa types do companies use to sponsor a Head of Engineering?
The H-1B visa is the most common path, but senior engineering leaders frequently qualify for alternatives. The L-1A covers intracompany transferees in managerial or executive roles. The O-1A covers individuals with extraordinary ability. Employers with Canadian or Australian citizens may use the TN visa or E-3 visa instead, both of which bypass the H-1B lottery entirely.
Is a Head of Engineering role likely to be approved under H-1B specialty occupation rules?
Yes. USCIS consistently approves Head of Engineering petitions when the role requires a specific technical degree and the candidate holds one. The key is the job description: it must demonstrate that engineering judgment, not just general management, is central to the position. Petitions supported by detailed technical responsibilities and a matching degree in computer science or engineering have high approval rates.
Will employers sponsor a Head of Engineering if I'm currently outside the United States?
Many will, though the process takes longer. The employer files the H-1B petition in the U.S., then you complete consular processing abroad rather than adjusting status domestically. For L-1A candidates transferring from an overseas office, the process is often faster. Employers who are familiar with sponsorship are more likely to extend offers to international candidates. Browse Migrate Mate to identify those employers.
Do I need a bachelor's degree in engineering specifically, or will any degree work?
For H-1B purposes, the degree must be in a field directly related to the role. A computer science, software engineering, or electrical engineering degree is straightforward. A business or general management degree alone is unlikely to satisfy the specialty occupation requirement for a hands-on engineering leadership role. Relevant master's degrees in technical fields strengthen the petition further.
How does the H-1B lottery affect my chances of getting sponsored as a Head of Engineering?
The lottery selects registrations randomly, so lottery odds apply regardless of seniority. However, candidates with a U.S. master's degree enter a separate pool with better odds. Employers can also pursue cap-exempt H-1B filings through qualifying nonprofits or universities. If you lose the lottery, your employer may pivot to an O-1A petition, which has no cap and no lottery and is well-suited to senior engineering leaders with a strong public profile.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Head Of Engineering 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.