Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Machine learning engineers who build the infrastructure to train, deploy, and monitor ML models at scale are critically needed by US companies operationalizing their data science investments. This role sits at the intersection of software engineering and data science - requiring expertise in feature engineering, model serving, distributed training, and monitoring - which makes it a strong specialty occupation for visa sponsorship. Employers ranging from FAANG to fintech to healthcare AI companies sponsor machine learning engineers because reliable ML infrastructure is what turns experimental models into revenue-generating products. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Lau Lab in the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at Emory University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to conduct research at the intersection of statistical modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and infectious disease epidemiology.
The fellow will develop and apply novel statistical, mathematical, computational, and machine learning methods, with particular emphasis on deep learning and modern AI approaches, to improve our understanding, inference, and prediction of infectious disease dynamics. Potential research areas include epidemic forecasting, deep learning–based simulation-based inference, generative and foundation models for epidemiology, phylodynamics, and integration of heterogeneous surveillance data.
Projects are strongly grounded in real-world public health applications, including pandemic preparedness, outbreak forecasting, infectious disease surveillance, and data-driven public health decision-making. The fellow will have substantial opportunities to develop independent research directions and lead high-impact methodological and applied publications.
Position Details
- Start date: Spring-Summer 2027 preferred; timing is flexible for an exceptional candidate
- Initial term: 1 year, with the expectation of renewal based on performance, mutual fit, and funding
- Location: Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
JOB DESCRIPTION
Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career. The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc. Designs and evaluates experiments. Develops new ideas that promote current research. Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator. May be responsible for operation of specific equipment. May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff. Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee. The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. Appointments cannot exceed five years.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field. Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills. The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues. Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in statistics, biostatistics, computer science, applied mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, or another closely related quantitative field
- Strong interest in applying quantitative and computational methods to infectious disease epidemiology
- Strong background in statistical/mathematical modeling, machine learning, or computational methods
- Experience with deep learning, probabilistic modeling, scientific machine learning, or related modern AI methods is particularly desirable
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary research
- Proficiency in Python and R; experience with additional scientific computing frameworks is desirable
- Strong research record and evidence of growing independence
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Candidates are not expected to have prior experience in every area listed above. Applicants with particularly strong methodological or computational backgrounds who are genuinely interested in applying their expertise to infectious disease problems are encouraged to apply.
Research Environment
The Lau Lab provides a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment spanning biostatistics, epidemiology, computer science, and infectious disease dynamics. The fellow will work closely with Dr. Max Lau and will have opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers at Emory from Computer Science, Epidemiology and Biology. Postdoctoral fellows will receive strong support for professional development, including conference travel, interdisciplinary collaborations, development of independent research programs, and publication in leading methodological and scientific journals.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should apply through the Emory portal.
Please include:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Statement of research interests
- Contact information for two references. Reference letters will be requested from candidates selected for interview.
Questions may be directed to Dr. Max Lau at msy.lau@emory.edu.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
INTRODUCTION
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Lau Lab in the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at Emory University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to conduct research at the intersection of statistical modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and infectious disease epidemiology.
The fellow will develop and apply novel statistical, mathematical, computational, and machine learning methods, with particular emphasis on deep learning and modern AI approaches, to improve our understanding, inference, and prediction of infectious disease dynamics. Potential research areas include epidemic forecasting, deep learning–based simulation-based inference, generative and foundation models for epidemiology, phylodynamics, and integration of heterogeneous surveillance data.
Projects are strongly grounded in real-world public health applications, including pandemic preparedness, outbreak forecasting, infectious disease surveillance, and data-driven public health decision-making. The fellow will have substantial opportunities to develop independent research directions and lead high-impact methodological and applied publications.
Position Details
- Start date: Spring-Summer 2027 preferred; timing is flexible for an exceptional candidate
- Initial term: 1 year, with the expectation of renewal based on performance, mutual fit, and funding
- Location: Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
JOB DESCRIPTION
Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career. The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc. Designs and evaluates experiments. Develops new ideas that promote current research. Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator. May be responsible for operation of specific equipment. May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff. Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee. The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. Appointments cannot exceed five years.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field. Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills. The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues. Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in statistics, biostatistics, computer science, applied mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, or another closely related quantitative field
- Strong interest in applying quantitative and computational methods to infectious disease epidemiology
- Strong background in statistical/mathematical modeling, machine learning, or computational methods
- Experience with deep learning, probabilistic modeling, scientific machine learning, or related modern AI methods is particularly desirable
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary research
- Proficiency in Python and R; experience with additional scientific computing frameworks is desirable
- Strong research record and evidence of growing independence
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Candidates are not expected to have prior experience in every area listed above. Applicants with particularly strong methodological or computational backgrounds who are genuinely interested in applying their expertise to infectious disease problems are encouraged to apply.
Research Environment
The Lau Lab provides a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment spanning biostatistics, epidemiology, computer science, and infectious disease dynamics. The fellow will work closely with Dr. Max Lau and will have opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers at Emory from Computer Science, Epidemiology and Biology. Postdoctoral fellows will receive strong support for professional development, including conference travel, interdisciplinary collaborations, development of independent research programs, and publication in leading methodological and scientific journals.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should apply through the Emory portal.
Please include:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Statement of research interests
- Contact information for two references. Reference letters will be requested from candidates selected for interview.
Questions may be directed to Dr. Max Lau at msy.lau@emory.edu.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Machine Learning Engineer
Emphasize production engineering over research
MLE roles focus on deploying, scaling, and monitoring models in production - not just training them. Highlight experience with model serving frameworks like TensorFlow Serving, TorchServe, or Triton Inference Server to stand out.
Target companies with mature ML infrastructure teams
Google, Meta, Netflix, Uber, and Spotify have dedicated MLE teams that build and maintain production ML systems. These companies sponsor H-1B petitions under SOC 15-1252 and understand the engineering nature of the role.
Leverage your dual skill set in interviews
The MLE role bridges data science and software engineering, and that's your selling point. Strong candidates can discuss both model optimization and system design, which is rare and makes employers more willing to invest in sponsorship.
Build MLOps expertise to increase your value
Feature stores, experiment tracking, model monitoring, and automated retraining pipelines are critical MLE skills. Companies building serious ML products need engineers who can operationalize models, not just build prototypes.
Use STEM OPT to prove production reliability
With a STEM-eligible degree, you get up to 3 years of work authorization through OPT. ML systems require deep institutional knowledge to maintain - use that time to become indispensable to your team's production stack.
File under the right SOC code for engineering
MLE roles typically file under SOC 15-1252 (Software Developers), emphasizing the engineering and systems side of the work. This classification has strong precedent for H-1B approval - ensure your job description reflects the production engineering focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ML infrastructure skills are most valued by employers sponsoring machine learning engineers?
Experience with distributed training frameworks (PyTorch Distributed, DeepSpeed), model serving platforms (TensorFlow Serving, NVIDIA Triton, ONNX Runtime), and feature engineering tools (Feast, Tecton) are the most sought-after skills. Knowledge of GPU cluster management, inference cost optimization, and monitoring for data drift also carries significant weight. These specific technical requirements are exactly what make the visa petition strong, because they show the role requires specialized knowledge beyond general software engineering.
Do machine learning engineers need a PhD, or is a master's degree sufficient for sponsorship?
A master's degree is sufficient for the vast majority of ML engineering roles, and many positions only require a bachelor's in computer science or a related field. A PhD is more commonly expected for research-focused ML positions, not engineering roles focused on production systems. That said, a master's degree qualifies you for the additional 20,000 H-1B visa cap exemption slots reserved for U.S. advanced degree holders, which improves your lottery odds.
I have a research background but want to move into ML engineering. How does this affect sponsorship?
The transition is common and does not create visa issues. Your research background demonstrates the theoretical knowledge needed to make sound infrastructure decisions, while any production-adjacent work from your research (deploying models, building data pipelines, optimizing training runs) shows practical engineering capability. If you have a PhD, you benefit from the advanced degree H-1B exemption. The combination of theoretical depth from research and hands-on engineering skills can actually strengthen your petition.
How to find Machine Learning Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Machine Learning Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international talent with sponsoring employers. Focus on tech companies, startups, and research institutions that commonly hire ML engineers on H-1B, O-1 visa, or other work visas. These employers often need specialized AI/ML expertise and are willing to sponsor qualified candidates with relevant experience in data science, neural networks, and algorithm development.
Which companies sponsor machine learning engineers most actively?
Companies operationalizing ML at scale are the most active sponsors. This includes large tech firms (Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft), ML-first product companies (Spotify, Netflix, Uber, Stripe), and AI infrastructure startups (Databricks, Anyscale, Weights & Biases). Fintech and healthcare AI companies are also growing sponsors. Look for employers whose products depend on reliable ML systems in production, as they are most motivated to invest in sponsorship for engineers who can bridge the gap between a trained model and a live product.
What prevailing wage levels typically apply to ML engineering roles?
ML engineering salaries typically place candidates at Level 3 or Level 4 of the Department of Labor prevailing wage system, which is favorable for visa petitions. Higher wage levels signal to USCIS that the role is senior and specialized, reducing the risk of a Request for Evidence. If an employer offers a salary at Level 1, that is a red flag for both immigration risk and fair compensation. You can check prevailing wages for your role and location on the DOL's Foreign Labor Certification Data Center.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Machine Learning Engineer jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage", the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level. For example, a machine learning engineer in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search Page.