Principal Research Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Principal Research Engineer roles consistently rank among the strongest H-1B visa specialty occupation fits, with large technology and industrial R&D employers filing LCAs across multiple wage levels each year. If you hold a graduate degree in engineering or a related field, this title opens direct paths to both H-1B sponsorship and EB-2 green card petitions.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud company advancing the way people live and work. We help companies connect, protect, analyze, and act on their data and applications wherever they live, from edge to cloud, so they can turn insights into outcomes at the speed required to thrive in today’s complex world. Our culture thrives on finding new and better ways to accelerate what’s next. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good. If you are looking to stretch and grow your career our culture will embrace you. Open up opportunities with HPE.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The HPE Quantum team at HPE Labs is developing new approaches for quantum computing, including integration with high-performance computing (HPC). As a Principal Software Engineer, you will help advance quantum computing from research toward practical applications. You will apply your software development expertise to quantum circuit compilation, circuit execution, resource estimation, and circuit simulation.
Working with engineers, researchers, and product managers, you will build efficient, usable, and innovative systems that combine quantum computing and HPC. The preferred candidate demonstrates strong technical leadership, advanced programming skills, HPC experience, an interest in quantum computing, and the ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership for software projects, including mentoring engineers, leading design discussions, and supporting project planning and prioritization.
- Develop and demonstrate software for quantum computing applications and HPC–quantum computing system management, including job management, scheduling, compilation, and workflow frameworks.
- Create software adapters that integrate quantum computing tools, such as compilers and SDKs, with other systems using open standards where practical.
- Evaluate open-source and commercial technologies for potential use in integrated HPC–quantum computing environments.
- Implement and improve software prototypes, mock-up systems, and test beds to support research efforts and demonstrate HPC–quantum computing capabilities.
- Develop functional and unit tests, contribute to automated testing and continuous integration, participate in code reviews, and support overall software quality.
- Prepare internal and external demonstrations, technical documentation, research paper content, and contributions to open specifications and standards supporting quantum computing interoperability.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD, MS, BS in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
- Typically, 5+ or more years of professional software development experience with a PhD or equivalent work experience.
- Advanced programming skills in low-level languages such as C, C++, or Rust, as well as advanced Python programming skills.
- Experience contributing to large software projects and creating new software initiatives, including library and API design.
- Significant contributions to open-source software.
- Significant experience with compiler development, particularly LLVM, MLIR, or QIR.
- Experience implementing HPC applications and developing software for GPUs.
- Experience with system modeling tools such as the Structural Simulation Toolkit (SST), along with experience providing technical leadership for software development efforts.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, with an outcome-focused mindset and bias toward action and delivery.
- Commitment to software quality and customer results, with creative and analytical approaches to solving complex problems.
- Strong consensus-building skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to technical and non-technical audiences through written and presentation formats.
- Experience using Agile development methodologies.
- A record of sharing technical findings with the broader scientific community through research papers, blogs, or other public materials.
ACCESSIBILITY
HPE is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodation during any stage of the application or interview process, please submit your request by completing our secure form linked here.
Note: This option is reserved for applicants needing assistance/reasonable accommodation related to a disability.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
Health & Wellbeing
We strive to provide our team members and their loved ones with a comprehensive suite of benefits that supports their physical, financial and emotional wellbeing.
Personal & Professional Development
We also invest in your career because the better you are, the better we all are. We have specific programs catered to helping you reach any career goals you have — whether you want to become a knowledge expert in your field or apply your skills to another division.
Unconditional Inclusion
We are unconditionally inclusive in the way we work and celebrate individual uniqueness. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good.
LOCATION
This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you will work on average 2 days per week from an HPE office.
Job:
Engineering
Job Level:
TCP_05
"The expected salary/wage range for this position is provided below. Actual offer may vary from this range based upon geographic location, work experience, education/training, and/or skill level.
– United States of America: Annual Salary USD 158,500 - 321,000 in California
The listed salary range reflects base salary. Variable incentives may also be offered."
Information about employee benefits offered in the US can be found at https://myhperewards.com/main/new-hire-enrollment.html
HPE is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or any other protected category, and all decisions we make are made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Our goal is to be one global team that is representative of our customers, in an inclusive environment where we can continue to innovate and grow together.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is EEO Protected Veteran/ Individual with Disabilities.
HPE will comply with all applicable laws related to employer use of arrest and conviction records, including laws requiring employers to consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.
RECRUITMENT FRAUD ALERT
We have become aware of an increase in fraudulent recruitment activities in which individuals impersonate our company or authorized recruitment agencies to offer fake employment opportunities. These scams may occur through false websites, emails, social media, or chat-based applications and often aim to obtain personal information or money. Please note that Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and its authorized recruitment agencies/vendors will never charge a candidate a registration fee, hiring fee, or any other fee in connection with its recruitment and hiring process. We also never request personal information such as back account details, Social Security numbers, or national IDs via social media or chat applications.
All legitimate job opportunities will come through official company channels, and candidates are responsible for verifying the credentials of any third party claiming to represent the company. Any reliance on fraudulent communication is at the individual’s own risk, and HPE disclaims legal liability for any resulting damages. If you suspect recruitment fraud, do not share personal information or make any payments and report the incident to your local authorities immediately.
INTRODUCTION
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud company advancing the way people live and work. We help companies connect, protect, analyze, and act on their data and applications wherever they live, from edge to cloud, so they can turn insights into outcomes at the speed required to thrive in today’s complex world. Our culture thrives on finding new and better ways to accelerate what’s next. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good. If you are looking to stretch and grow your career our culture will embrace you. Open up opportunities with HPE.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The HPE Quantum team at HPE Labs is developing new approaches for quantum computing, including integration with high-performance computing (HPC). As a Principal Software Engineer, you will help advance quantum computing from research toward practical applications. You will apply your software development expertise to quantum circuit compilation, circuit execution, resource estimation, and circuit simulation.
Working with engineers, researchers, and product managers, you will build efficient, usable, and innovative systems that combine quantum computing and HPC. The preferred candidate demonstrates strong technical leadership, advanced programming skills, HPC experience, an interest in quantum computing, and the ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership for software projects, including mentoring engineers, leading design discussions, and supporting project planning and prioritization.
- Develop and demonstrate software for quantum computing applications and HPC–quantum computing system management, including job management, scheduling, compilation, and workflow frameworks.
- Create software adapters that integrate quantum computing tools, such as compilers and SDKs, with other systems using open standards where practical.
- Evaluate open-source and commercial technologies for potential use in integrated HPC–quantum computing environments.
- Implement and improve software prototypes, mock-up systems, and test beds to support research efforts and demonstrate HPC–quantum computing capabilities.
- Develop functional and unit tests, contribute to automated testing and continuous integration, participate in code reviews, and support overall software quality.
- Prepare internal and external demonstrations, technical documentation, research paper content, and contributions to open specifications and standards supporting quantum computing interoperability.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD, MS, BS in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
- Typically, 5+ or more years of professional software development experience with a PhD or equivalent work experience.
- Advanced programming skills in low-level languages such as C, C++, or Rust, as well as advanced Python programming skills.
- Experience contributing to large software projects and creating new software initiatives, including library and API design.
- Significant contributions to open-source software.
- Significant experience with compiler development, particularly LLVM, MLIR, or QIR.
- Experience implementing HPC applications and developing software for GPUs.
- Experience with system modeling tools such as the Structural Simulation Toolkit (SST), along with experience providing technical leadership for software development efforts.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, with an outcome-focused mindset and bias toward action and delivery.
- Commitment to software quality and customer results, with creative and analytical approaches to solving complex problems.
- Strong consensus-building skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to technical and non-technical audiences through written and presentation formats.
- Experience using Agile development methodologies.
- A record of sharing technical findings with the broader scientific community through research papers, blogs, or other public materials.
ACCESSIBILITY
HPE is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodation during any stage of the application or interview process, please submit your request by completing our secure form linked here.
Note: This option is reserved for applicants needing assistance/reasonable accommodation related to a disability.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
Health & Wellbeing
We strive to provide our team members and their loved ones with a comprehensive suite of benefits that supports their physical, financial and emotional wellbeing.
Personal & Professional Development
We also invest in your career because the better you are, the better we all are. We have specific programs catered to helping you reach any career goals you have — whether you want to become a knowledge expert in your field or apply your skills to another division.
Unconditional Inclusion
We are unconditionally inclusive in the way we work and celebrate individual uniqueness. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good.
LOCATION
This role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you will work on average 2 days per week from an HPE office.
Job:
Engineering
Job Level:
TCP_05
"The expected salary/wage range for this position is provided below. Actual offer may vary from this range based upon geographic location, work experience, education/training, and/or skill level.
– United States of America: Annual Salary USD 158,500 - 321,000 in California
The listed salary range reflects base salary. Variable incentives may also be offered."
Information about employee benefits offered in the US can be found at https://myhperewards.com/main/new-hire-enrollment.html
HPE is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or any other protected category, and all decisions we make are made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Our goal is to be one global team that is representative of our customers, in an inclusive environment where we can continue to innovate and grow together.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is EEO Protected Veteran/ Individual with Disabilities.
HPE will comply with all applicable laws related to employer use of arrest and conviction records, including laws requiring employers to consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.
RECRUITMENT FRAUD ALERT
We have become aware of an increase in fraudulent recruitment activities in which individuals impersonate our company or authorized recruitment agencies to offer fake employment opportunities. These scams may occur through false websites, emails, social media, or chat-based applications and often aim to obtain personal information or money. Please note that Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and its authorized recruitment agencies/vendors will never charge a candidate a registration fee, hiring fee, or any other fee in connection with its recruitment and hiring process. We also never request personal information such as back account details, Social Security numbers, or national IDs via social media or chat applications.
All legitimate job opportunities will come through official company channels, and candidates are responsible for verifying the credentials of any third party claiming to represent the company. Any reliance on fraudulent communication is at the individual’s own risk, and HPE disclaims legal liability for any resulting damages. If you suspect recruitment fraud, do not share personal information or make any payments and report the incident to your local authorities immediately.
See all 364+ Principal Research Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Research Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Principal Research Engineer
Frame your research portfolio around specialty occupation
USCIS evaluates whether the role requires a specific bachelor's degree or higher. Organize your CV to show how each project demanded specialized domain knowledge, not just general engineering skills, so your employer can build a defensible specialty occupation argument.
Target employers with active R&D lab infrastructure
Companies running dedicated research divisions file LCAs more consistently than those treating research as a side function. Look for employers with published patent portfolios and academic partnerships, these signal an ongoing need that supports multi-year sponsorship commitments.
Search verified sponsorship history on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate lists employers with confirmed LCA filing history for research engineering roles, searchable by location and discipline. Use it before applying so you're targeting companies that have already navigated the sponsorship process for roles like yours.
Check prevailing wage tiers before salary negotiations
The DOL assigns Principal Research Engineer roles to wage levels that affect your LCA certification. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your metropolitan area before accepting an offer, a Level I wage at a high-cost location can complicate certification and delay your start.
Document publications and patents for EB-2 NIW eligibility
If your research has national significance, a National Interest Waiver lets you self-petition without employer-sponsored PERM labor certification. Start compiling citation counts, grant awards, and expert letters now, that record takes years to build and can shorten your green card timeline substantially.
Clarify I-129 filing timing with your offer team
H-1B petitions require the employer to file Form I-129 with USCIS after the annual lottery selection in spring. Confirm your prospective employer understands the registration-to-petition sequence, since research roles filled mid-year often miss the cycle and require cap-exempt or alternative visa planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Principal Research Engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in almost all cases. USCIS defines specialty occupation as a position requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field. Principal Research Engineer roles typically require an advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer science, materials science, or a closely related discipline, which satisfies the requirement. Employers should be prepared to document why a general degree is insufficient for the specific research duties involved.
Which visa types are realistic for a Principal Research Engineer seeking U.S. sponsorship?
H-1B is the most common path, subject to the annual cap and lottery. Candidates with a master's or doctorate from a U.S. institution enter the advanced degree pool, which provides a statistical advantage in selection. EB-2 and EB-3 green card categories are strong fits given the degree and experience requirements. Researchers with demonstrable national impact may also qualify for an EB-1A extraordinary ability petition or an EB-2 National Interest Waiver, both of which bypass the PERM labor certification process.
What degree does a Principal Research Engineer typically need for visa sponsorship?
Most employers sponsoring this title require a master's degree or doctorate in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related technical field. A bachelor's degree may suffice if paired with substantial progressive research experience, but employers filing LCAs for Principal-level roles typically document that the complexity of the work demands graduate-level training. O*NET classifies the broader research engineer occupation at the highest job zone, reflecting this expectation.
How do I find employers actively sponsoring Principal Research Engineer roles?
Migrate Mate shows verified LCA sponsorship history for employers hiring research engineers, so you can focus your search on companies that have already committed to sponsoring roles at this level. Filtering by location and research discipline lets you identify hiring patterns before you invest time applying.
Can a Principal Research Engineer self-petition for a green card without employer sponsorship?
Yes, through two pathways. The EB-1A extraordinary ability category requires evidence of sustained national or international acclaim across criteria like awards, publications, peer review, or media recognition. The EB-2 National Interest Waiver requires showing that your research has substantial merit and national importance and that waiving the standard labor market test serves U.S. interests. Both are viable for researchers with strong publication records, patents, or significant grant funding, and neither requires an employer to file a PERM application on your behalf.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Principal 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.