Lead Process Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Lead Process Engineer roles attract strong H-1B visa sponsorship from petrochemical, semiconductor, and manufacturing companies because the position qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a directly related engineering degree. Employers routinely file LCAs through DOL and petition through USCIS, making this one of the more sponsorship-active titles in industrial engineering.
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Get Access To All JobsJob ID: 13158
Location: Burlington, North Carolina, 27215
Shift: 1st Shift
What Makes a Honda, is Who makes a Honda
Honda has a clear vision for the future, and it’s a joyful one. We are looking for individuals with the skills, courage, persistence, and dreams that will help us reach our future-focused goals. At our core is innovation. Honda is constantly innovating and developing solutions to drive our business with record success. We strive to be a company that serves as a source of “power” that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential. To this end, Honda strives to realize “the joy and freedom of mobility” by developing new technologies and an innovative approach to achieve a “zero environmental footprint.”
We are looking for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, continuous improvement values, and a strong work ethic to join our team.
If your goals and values align with Honda’s, we want you to join our team to Bring the Future!
Job Purpose
The AM Process Qualification and Production Industrialization Technical Lead will serve as Honda’s technical authority for metal LPBF equipment and processes and translate that expertise into practical qualification requirements for aerospace components.
The role will use those requirements to evaluate, develop, and technically guide in-house and external manufacturing sources toward stable, repeatable, and production-capable AM processes.
Following qualification, the position will lead to establish the actual production process by translating qualified conditions into robust manufacturing methods, equipment and process controls and requirements, and standard operating procedures. The role will continue to provide technical leadership for production ramp-up, process stabilization, significant changes, and AM-related issues, working with Quality Assurance and Parts Quality while retaining clear ownership of AM equipment, process capability, and manufacturing-technology decisions.
Key Accountabilities
[LPBF Equipment & Process Technical Expertise]
- Maintain deep, practical expertise in LPBF equipment and processes, including machine operation, calibration, maintenance, process parameters, powder behavior, build preparation, monitoring, and post-processing, and understand how these factors interact to affect process repeatability and part quality
- Lead or direct process development, DOE, engineering trials, data analysis, and root-cause investigation for AM equipment and process issues
- Maintain sufficient in-house capability to independently assess manufacturing-source proposals, trial results, process limitations, and technical risks
[AM Qualification Requirements & Technical Evaluation]
- Convert LPBF equipment and process knowledge into clear qualification requirements, test methods, and acceptance criteria
- Define the technical content of machine and process qualification, including parameter control, equipment condition, powder/build controls, process repeatability, and production demonstration
- Review qualification plans and results, identify technical gaps, and make recommendations on readiness for the next development, qualification, or production stage
- Partner with Quality Assurance, Parts Quality, Materials, Design, and Certification while leading decisions related to AM equipment performance, process capability, and technical qualification adequacy
[Manufacturing Source Technical Development & Production Process Establishment]
- Evaluate and develop the AM technical capability of in-house and external manufacturing sources, including equipment, process control, troubleshooting capability, technical staffing, and ability to sustain repeatable production
- Translate qualified process conditions into a practical production process, including build preparation, equipment verification, parameter and powder controls, monitoring, post-processing interfaces, technical work requirements, and reaction plans
- Provide technical direction during production planning, pilot builds, production ramp-up, and process stabilization to close capability gaps and achieve repeatable quality, yield, throughput, and cost performance
- Assess whether equipment, process, material, software, or production changes could affect the qualified AM process and require technical verification or requalification
- Apply lessons learned and proven methods to future parts, machines, materials, and manufacturing sources
Qualifications, Experience, and Skills
Minimum Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience
Minimum Experience
Must-Have
- 5+ years of relevant experience in metal LPBF process development, AM machine and process qualification, manufacturing source development and production process establishment
- Strong hands-on experience with production metal LPBF equipment, including machine setup, calibration or verification, parameter development, powder handling, build execution, troubleshooting, and maintenance-related process impacts
- Demonstrated ability to analyse AM process data and failures and identify effective technical countermeasures
Preferred
- Working knowledge of AMS 7003, AMS 7032, aerospace material/process qualification, or comparable controlled-manufacturing requirements
- Experience with production LPBF systems, including multi-laser platforms such as EOS M400-4, or comparable equipment
Other Job-Specific Skills
Must-Have
- Ability to maintain a safe, clean, and controlled AM work environment
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T, tolerances, and manufacturability considerations
- Strong practical engineering skills and the ability to independently perform hands-on work on technical work
- Ability to organize and execute technical projects, track schedules, and contribute to issue resolution across cross-functional teams
- Ability to write clear, structured engineering documents and communicate technical content effectively
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain detailed records, and ensure appropriate process traceability
- Effective communication and collaboration across international and cross-functional teams
Preferred
- Knowledge of aerospace quality frameworks (i.e. AS9100) or AM certification concepts (i.e. Regulatory guidance: AC35.15-3 for FAA, CM-S-008 for EASA etc.)
Working Conditions
- Work includes office, laboratory, and manufacturing-floor activities in controlled AM environments
- Required PPE and metal-powder safety practices must be followed
- Domestic and international travel and meetings with global teams are expected based on project needs
- Ability to lift more than 25 lbs. and limited overtime may be required
What differentiates Honda and make us an employer of choice?
Total Rewards:
- Competitive Base Wages (pay will be based on several variables that include, but not limited to geographic location, work experience, etc.)
- Paid Overtime
- Regional Bonus (when applicable)
- Industry-leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, shutdown
- Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- 401K Plan with company match + additional contribution
Career Growth:
- Advancement Opportunities
- Career Mobility
- Education Reimbursement for Continued Learning
- Training and Development Programs
Additional Offerings:
- Lifestyle Account
- Childcare Reimbursement Account
- Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Repayment
- Elder Care Support
- Wellbeing Program
- Community Service and Engagement Programs
- Product Programs
Honda is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.
Job ID: 13158
Location: Burlington, North Carolina, 27215
Shift: 1st Shift
What Makes a Honda, is Who makes a Honda
Honda has a clear vision for the future, and it’s a joyful one. We are looking for individuals with the skills, courage, persistence, and dreams that will help us reach our future-focused goals. At our core is innovation. Honda is constantly innovating and developing solutions to drive our business with record success. We strive to be a company that serves as a source of “power” that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential. To this end, Honda strives to realize “the joy and freedom of mobility” by developing new technologies and an innovative approach to achieve a “zero environmental footprint.”
We are looking for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, continuous improvement values, and a strong work ethic to join our team.
If your goals and values align with Honda’s, we want you to join our team to Bring the Future!
Job Purpose
The AM Process Qualification and Production Industrialization Technical Lead will serve as Honda’s technical authority for metal LPBF equipment and processes and translate that expertise into practical qualification requirements for aerospace components.
The role will use those requirements to evaluate, develop, and technically guide in-house and external manufacturing sources toward stable, repeatable, and production-capable AM processes.
Following qualification, the position will lead to establish the actual production process by translating qualified conditions into robust manufacturing methods, equipment and process controls and requirements, and standard operating procedures. The role will continue to provide technical leadership for production ramp-up, process stabilization, significant changes, and AM-related issues, working with Quality Assurance and Parts Quality while retaining clear ownership of AM equipment, process capability, and manufacturing-technology decisions.
Key Accountabilities
[LPBF Equipment & Process Technical Expertise]
- Maintain deep, practical expertise in LPBF equipment and processes, including machine operation, calibration, maintenance, process parameters, powder behavior, build preparation, monitoring, and post-processing, and understand how these factors interact to affect process repeatability and part quality
- Lead or direct process development, DOE, engineering trials, data analysis, and root-cause investigation for AM equipment and process issues
- Maintain sufficient in-house capability to independently assess manufacturing-source proposals, trial results, process limitations, and technical risks
[AM Qualification Requirements & Technical Evaluation]
- Convert LPBF equipment and process knowledge into clear qualification requirements, test methods, and acceptance criteria
- Define the technical content of machine and process qualification, including parameter control, equipment condition, powder/build controls, process repeatability, and production demonstration
- Review qualification plans and results, identify technical gaps, and make recommendations on readiness for the next development, qualification, or production stage
- Partner with Quality Assurance, Parts Quality, Materials, Design, and Certification while leading decisions related to AM equipment performance, process capability, and technical qualification adequacy
[Manufacturing Source Technical Development & Production Process Establishment]
- Evaluate and develop the AM technical capability of in-house and external manufacturing sources, including equipment, process control, troubleshooting capability, technical staffing, and ability to sustain repeatable production
- Translate qualified process conditions into a practical production process, including build preparation, equipment verification, parameter and powder controls, monitoring, post-processing interfaces, technical work requirements, and reaction plans
- Provide technical direction during production planning, pilot builds, production ramp-up, and process stabilization to close capability gaps and achieve repeatable quality, yield, throughput, and cost performance
- Assess whether equipment, process, material, software, or production changes could affect the qualified AM process and require technical verification or requalification
- Apply lessons learned and proven methods to future parts, machines, materials, and manufacturing sources
Qualifications, Experience, and Skills
Minimum Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience
Minimum Experience
Must-Have
- 5+ years of relevant experience in metal LPBF process development, AM machine and process qualification, manufacturing source development and production process establishment
- Strong hands-on experience with production metal LPBF equipment, including machine setup, calibration or verification, parameter development, powder handling, build execution, troubleshooting, and maintenance-related process impacts
- Demonstrated ability to analyse AM process data and failures and identify effective technical countermeasures
Preferred
- Working knowledge of AMS 7003, AMS 7032, aerospace material/process qualification, or comparable controlled-manufacturing requirements
- Experience with production LPBF systems, including multi-laser platforms such as EOS M400-4, or comparable equipment
Other Job-Specific Skills
Must-Have
- Ability to maintain a safe, clean, and controlled AM work environment
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T, tolerances, and manufacturability considerations
- Strong practical engineering skills and the ability to independently perform hands-on work on technical work
- Ability to organize and execute technical projects, track schedules, and contribute to issue resolution across cross-functional teams
- Ability to write clear, structured engineering documents and communicate technical content effectively
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain detailed records, and ensure appropriate process traceability
- Effective communication and collaboration across international and cross-functional teams
Preferred
- Knowledge of aerospace quality frameworks (i.e. AS9100) or AM certification concepts (i.e. Regulatory guidance: AC35.15-3 for FAA, CM-S-008 for EASA etc.)
Working Conditions
- Work includes office, laboratory, and manufacturing-floor activities in controlled AM environments
- Required PPE and metal-powder safety practices must be followed
- Domestic and international travel and meetings with global teams are expected based on project needs
- Ability to lift more than 25 lbs. and limited overtime may be required
What differentiates Honda and make us an employer of choice?
Total Rewards:
- Competitive Base Wages (pay will be based on several variables that include, but not limited to geographic location, work experience, etc.)
- Paid Overtime
- Regional Bonus (when applicable)
- Industry-leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, shutdown
- Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- 401K Plan with company match + additional contribution
Career Growth:
- Advancement Opportunities
- Career Mobility
- Education Reimbursement for Continued Learning
- Training and Development Programs
Additional Offerings:
- Lifestyle Account
- Childcare Reimbursement Account
- Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Repayment
- Elder Care Support
- Wellbeing Program
- Community Service and Engagement Programs
- Product Programs
Honda is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.
See all 236+ Lead Process Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Lead Process Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Lead Process Engineer
Align your degree to process engineering
Your degree field must directly relate to process engineering work, chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering typically qualifies. A general engineering or unrelated degree can trigger an H-1B specialty occupation challenge, so document the connection explicitly in your resume and cover materials.
Target industries with consistent LCA activity
Petrochemical refineries, semiconductor fabs, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and food processing companies file LCAs for Lead Process Engineer roles more consistently than general manufacturers. Focusing your search on these verticals puts you in front of employers already familiar with the sponsorship workflow.
Verify prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your location and experience level, certified through the LCA. Run your title and metro area through the OFLC Wage Search before negotiations so you know the wage floor and can spot offers that won't survive DOL certification.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsors
Search Migrate Mate for Lead Process Engineer roles at employers with verified LCA filing history. This filters out companies that express openness to sponsorship in job postings but have never actually filed, saving you weeks of pursuing dead-end applications.
Prepare your P.E. license documentation early
Many Lead Process Engineer roles require or strongly prefer a Professional Engineer license, and some employers will make licensure a condition of the offer. Gather your credential evaluations and state board records before the offer stage so licensing questions don't stall your I-129 petition timeline.
Clarify cap-exempt status with academic or nonprofit employers
Lead Process Engineer positions at universities, national laboratories, or nonprofit research institutes may qualify for H-1B cap-exempt filing, meaning no lottery and no October 1 start date constraint. Confirm this directly with the employer's HR or immigration counsel before comparing timelines with cap-subject offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lead Process Engineer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS defines specialty occupation as a role requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Lead Process Engineer positions typically require chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering credentials, which satisfies that standard. The employer documents this connection in the LCA and I-129 petition, so the degree-to-role alignment must be explicit and defensible.
What engineering degree fields support an H-1B petition for this role?
Chemical engineering is the most directly aligned degree for most Lead Process Engineer roles, particularly in refining, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals. Mechanical and industrial engineering degrees can also qualify, depending on the specific responsibilities. A general engineering degree or an unrelated field like computer science is less defensible and may draw a Request for Evidence from USCIS, so the match between your coursework and your job duties matters.
How long does the H-1B sponsorship process take for a Lead Process Engineer?
The employer files the LCA with DOL first, which typically certifies within seven business days. After LCA certification, the employer files the I-129 petition with USCIS. Standard processing runs several months, while premium processing gets an initial decision within 15 business days for an additional fee. If the role is subject to the annual H-1B cap, the petition can only be filed after lottery selection, with employment starting no earlier than October 1.
Which industries sponsor Lead Process Engineers most actively?
Petrochemical and refining companies, semiconductor manufacturers, pharmaceutical producers, and specialty chemical firms sponsor Lead Process Engineer roles most consistently. These industries run continuous or batch processes that require licensed or credentialed process engineers at the lead level year-round, not just for project-based work. Searching Migrate Mate by role title lets you identify employers with verified sponsorship activity in these sectors.
Can a Lead Process Engineer pursue a green card through employment sponsorship?
Yes. Most Lead Process Engineer roles qualify under the EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based green card categories. EB-2 requires an advanced degree or exceptional ability; EB-3 covers skilled workers with two or more years of experience. The employer typically initiates PERM labor certification through DOL before filing the I-140 immigrant petition with USCIS. Wait times vary significantly depending on your country of birth due to per-country limits.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Lead Process 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.