Senior Staff Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Senior Staff Engineers are among the most consistently sponsored roles in U.S. tech. Most employers file under the H-1B visa, though Australians can use the E-3 visa and Canadians the TN visa. Degree requirements are strict: a bachelor's in computer science or a related engineering field is typically required. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Cheniere, we provide the world with safe, reliable energy. But more than that, we provide opportunities for our talented employees to impact their communities every day. Our diversity is key to our continued success and forges a path where our culture supports greater equity and inclusion for our employees, customers and beyond.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Senior / Staff Engineer reports to the Electrical Engineering Superintendent - Engineering Services and is a technical steward for electrical systems and is accountable for supporting, maintaining, and improving these systems including all associated documentation. A Senior / Staff Engineer will provide leadership and expertise to peers and less experienced staff. The role directly supports Projects, Safety and Compliance, Maintenance, Reliability, and Operations groups.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Guide and direct the development of operating philosophies and detailed procedures, practices and application of standards for the LNG terminal.
- Serve as the electrical and power generation administrator and provide electrical systems support to Maintenance and Operations to keep plant systems operational. Responsible for the industrial electrical systems from the field devices (motors, switches, etc.) through the distribution from 120 V to 138 kV which includes lighting panels, power panels, UPS, motor control centers, distribution transformers, switchgear, protective relays, gas turbines, and diesel generators.
- Use sound engineering practices, plant standards, and specifications to ensure that documentation for the electrical systems is maintained properly.
- Thoroughly understand the technical Management of Change (MOC) process and utilize it in support of capital projects and routine facility changes.
- Participate in Pre Startup Safety Reviews and Operational Readiness Review process.
- Participate in regulatory agency audits.
- Provide technical support, troubleshooting, assistance in planning and coordinating work for the Maintenance and Reliability department. Work with Maintenance and Operations on electrical issues when they occur to keep plant power systems operational and reliable.
- Support Project work process through development of electrical design basis, scopes of work, and defined electrical deliverables for project portfolio.
- Integrate into the site electrical team as a technical resource and peer review to reduce and eliminate site risks.
- Reinforce safety and environmental awareness through frequent field observations and by interfacing with plant personnel.
- Work with Engineering and Construction department to assure O&M interests are represented on major projects.
- Provide oversight / ownership of the facilities electrical model and associated electrical studies.
- Interact with and support Commercial Operations, Regulatory Affairs, and other departments as required.
- The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge:
Develop working knowledge of all facets of LNG transportation, storage and processing, including health, safety, maintenance, operations, governmental regulations and associated codes and standards. Maintain and utilize in-depth knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulations and their implementation in operating facilities. Must possess career discipline interest of working with low/medium/high voltage power systems such as distribution and transmission equipment including transformers, protective relays, switchgear, etc.
Skills:
- Strong leadership and administrative abilities are required.
- An acute sensitivity to safety issues in a hazardous environment.
- Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization and with individuals and groups from different disciplines, industries, and governmental agencies.
- Able to work with culturally diverse group of technical individuals whose skills cover the range required to engineer, operate and maintain the LNG terminal and Liquefaction production facilities.
- Possess the personality and ability to relate to and to establish a mutually respectful relationship with 1) management, 2) peers and 3) the various facility level workers (Plant Manager, plant supervision and plant workers) whom are all responsible for ensuring good operations.
- Organized, planning skills, able to manage multiple activities and programs in timely fashion and with a high degree of accuracy, able to meet work deadlines.
- Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills.
- Experience in public speaking. Able to create and deliver industry-specific presentations.
- Computer savvy, including ESS, Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Access, Project and PowerPoint.
- Knowledgeable with electronic modeling of power systems using ETAP or SKM. Experienced in developing and analyzing load flow, short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies.
- Knowledgeable with NEC and NFPA 70E.
- Knowledgeable with electrical area classification, NFPA 497, and API 500.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education and Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
Experience:
Senior Engineer, Electrical: Minimum of five (5+) years of experience in an industrial setting in engineering or operations depending on the type of experience. Experience with LNG liquefaction, petrochemical, NGL, cryogenic natural gas processing, or other hydrocarbon processing is required.
Staff Engineer, Electrical: Minimum of ten (10+) years of experience in an industrial setting in engineering or operations depending on the type of experience. Experience with LNG liquefaction, petrochemical, NGL, cryogenic natural gas processing, or other hydrocarbon processing is required.
DIRECT REPORTS
No direct reports.
FREEDOM TO ACT
The Senior / Staff Engineer, Electrical requires minimal supervision.
WORK CONDITIONS
-
Job is performed in an industrial plant environment.
-
Occasionally, work may be performed from home, after normal work hours or on weekends.
-
Limited travel required, as business conditions dictate.
-
Subject to drug and alcohol testing, per applicable federal regulations or as required by Cheniere.
-
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, work at height above ground on stairs and catwalks, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk or hear, smell, type and write.
-
Must be able to board a ship via a gangway, climb to the top of a tank (200+ steps), scale vertical steel ladder up to forty feet or more in height, and lift and move objects weighting up to 50 pounds.
-
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work indoors and outdoors, and be exposed to year-round weather conditions, ocean environment, and noise. There is a considerable amount of outdoor activities involved.
-
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
-
Required to pass regularly scheduled physical examinations mandated by regulatory authorities.
-
Required to obtain mandated certification by attending Company-sponsored training in basic first aid, CPR, and LNG firefighting.
-
Must maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card in good standing status.
ADA JOB REQUIREMENTS
Reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure that the essential functions of the job can be performed and not hinder the employee's performance due to physical, mental, or emotional disability.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Cheniere Energy is an equal opportunity workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected categories. This includes providing reasonable accommodation if requested for disabilities or religious beliefs and practices.
At Cheniere, we provide the world with safe, reliable energy. But more than that, we provide opportunities for our talented employees to impact their communities every day. Our diversity is key to our continued success and forges a path where our culture supports greater equity and inclusion for our employees, customers and beyond.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Senior / Staff Engineer reports to the Electrical Engineering Superintendent - Engineering Services and is a technical steward for electrical systems and is accountable for supporting, maintaining, and improving these systems including all associated documentation. A Senior / Staff Engineer will provide leadership and expertise to peers and less experienced staff. The role directly supports Projects, Safety and Compliance, Maintenance, Reliability, and Operations groups.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Guide and direct the development of operating philosophies and detailed procedures, practices and application of standards for the LNG terminal.
- Serve as the electrical and power generation administrator and provide electrical systems support to Maintenance and Operations to keep plant systems operational. Responsible for the industrial electrical systems from the field devices (motors, switches, etc.) through the distribution from 120 V to 138 kV which includes lighting panels, power panels, UPS, motor control centers, distribution transformers, switchgear, protective relays, gas turbines, and diesel generators.
- Use sound engineering practices, plant standards, and specifications to ensure that documentation for the electrical systems is maintained properly.
- Thoroughly understand the technical Management of Change (MOC) process and utilize it in support of capital projects and routine facility changes.
- Participate in Pre Startup Safety Reviews and Operational Readiness Review process.
- Participate in regulatory agency audits.
- Provide technical support, troubleshooting, assistance in planning and coordinating work for the Maintenance and Reliability department. Work with Maintenance and Operations on electrical issues when they occur to keep plant power systems operational and reliable.
- Support Project work process through development of electrical design basis, scopes of work, and defined electrical deliverables for project portfolio.
- Integrate into the site electrical team as a technical resource and peer review to reduce and eliminate site risks.
- Reinforce safety and environmental awareness through frequent field observations and by interfacing with plant personnel.
- Work with Engineering and Construction department to assure O&M interests are represented on major projects.
- Provide oversight / ownership of the facilities electrical model and associated electrical studies.
- Interact with and support Commercial Operations, Regulatory Affairs, and other departments as required.
- The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge:
Develop working knowledge of all facets of LNG transportation, storage and processing, including health, safety, maintenance, operations, governmental regulations and associated codes and standards. Maintain and utilize in-depth knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulations and their implementation in operating facilities. Must possess career discipline interest of working with low/medium/high voltage power systems such as distribution and transmission equipment including transformers, protective relays, switchgear, etc.
Skills:
- Strong leadership and administrative abilities are required.
- An acute sensitivity to safety issues in a hazardous environment.
- Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization and with individuals and groups from different disciplines, industries, and governmental agencies.
- Able to work with culturally diverse group of technical individuals whose skills cover the range required to engineer, operate and maintain the LNG terminal and Liquefaction production facilities.
- Possess the personality and ability to relate to and to establish a mutually respectful relationship with 1) management, 2) peers and 3) the various facility level workers (Plant Manager, plant supervision and plant workers) whom are all responsible for ensuring good operations.
- Organized, planning skills, able to manage multiple activities and programs in timely fashion and with a high degree of accuracy, able to meet work deadlines.
- Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills.
- Experience in public speaking. Able to create and deliver industry-specific presentations.
- Computer savvy, including ESS, Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Access, Project and PowerPoint.
- Knowledgeable with electronic modeling of power systems using ETAP or SKM. Experienced in developing and analyzing load flow, short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies.
- Knowledgeable with NEC and NFPA 70E.
- Knowledgeable with electrical area classification, NFPA 497, and API 500.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education and Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
Experience:
Senior Engineer, Electrical: Minimum of five (5+) years of experience in an industrial setting in engineering or operations depending on the type of experience. Experience with LNG liquefaction, petrochemical, NGL, cryogenic natural gas processing, or other hydrocarbon processing is required.
Staff Engineer, Electrical: Minimum of ten (10+) years of experience in an industrial setting in engineering or operations depending on the type of experience. Experience with LNG liquefaction, petrochemical, NGL, cryogenic natural gas processing, or other hydrocarbon processing is required.
DIRECT REPORTS
No direct reports.
FREEDOM TO ACT
The Senior / Staff Engineer, Electrical requires minimal supervision.
WORK CONDITIONS
-
Job is performed in an industrial plant environment.
-
Occasionally, work may be performed from home, after normal work hours or on weekends.
-
Limited travel required, as business conditions dictate.
-
Subject to drug and alcohol testing, per applicable federal regulations or as required by Cheniere.
-
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, work at height above ground on stairs and catwalks, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk or hear, smell, type and write.
-
Must be able to board a ship via a gangway, climb to the top of a tank (200+ steps), scale vertical steel ladder up to forty feet or more in height, and lift and move objects weighting up to 50 pounds.
-
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work indoors and outdoors, and be exposed to year-round weather conditions, ocean environment, and noise. There is a considerable amount of outdoor activities involved.
-
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
-
Required to pass regularly scheduled physical examinations mandated by regulatory authorities.
-
Required to obtain mandated certification by attending Company-sponsored training in basic first aid, CPR, and LNG firefighting.
-
Must maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card in good standing status.
ADA JOB REQUIREMENTS
Reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure that the essential functions of the job can be performed and not hinder the employee's performance due to physical, mental, or emotional disability.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Cheniere Energy is an equal opportunity workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected categories. This includes providing reasonable accommodation if requested for disabilities or religious beliefs and practices.
See all 956+ Senior Staff Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Senior Staff Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Senior Staff Engineer
Target companies with established H-1B filing histories
Large tech companies file H-1B petitions in volume every year, making them far more likely to have streamlined sponsorship processes. Look for employers who have sponsored senior engineering roles specifically, not just entry-level positions.
Clarify sponsorship scope before investing in interviews
Some employers sponsor H-1B transfers but won't initiate a new cap-subject petition. Ask early whether they support first-time H-1B applicants, H-1B transfers, or green card sponsorship at the senior staff level.
Highlight your specialty occupation credentials clearly
USCIS scrutinizes senior engineering roles to confirm the job requires a specific degree, not just any bachelor's. Your resume and offer letter should tie your role's responsibilities directly to a defined engineering or computer science discipline.
Australians should actively pitch the E-3 advantage to employers
The E-3 requires no lottery, no cap, and can be processed in weeks at a consulate. Many hiring managers don't know this option exists. Explaining it upfront often removes the biggest objection sponsors have about timing and uncertainty.
Use your seniority to negotiate green card sponsorship
Senior Staff Engineers are strong EB-1B and EB-2 NIW candidates due to demonstrated technical leadership and impact. Ask during offer negotiation whether the company will sponsor permanent residence, and at what point in tenure they typically begin the process.
Search Migrate Mate to find roles open to visa sponsorship
Most general job boards don't filter for sponsorship willingness. Migrate Mate surfaces Senior Staff Engineer roles at employers actively open to sponsoring, saving you from applying to positions that will reject you at the visa conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Staff Engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS classifies software and systems engineering roles as specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific technical field such as computer science, electrical engineering, or a related discipline. The job description matters: the offer letter must tie the role's core duties to that degree requirement, not just list it as preferred.
What visa options are available for Senior Staff Engineers beyond the H-1B?
Australian citizens can apply for the E-3 visa, which has no lottery and can be processed at a U.S. consulate in as little as two to four weeks. Canadian and Mexican citizens may qualify for the TN visa under the NAFTA/USMCA engineer category. For individuals with exceptional technical recognition, the O-1A is another path. Each option has different degree and documentation requirements.
Are Senior Staff Engineers good candidates for a green card through employment?
Senior Staff Engineers are well-positioned for both the EB-2 (advanced degree or exceptional ability) and EB-1B (outstanding researcher or professor) categories, depending on their background. Those with patents, published technical work, or industry recognition may qualify for EB-1A extraordinary ability, which doesn't require employer sponsorship. EB-3 is also an option if the employer prefers the PERM labor certification route.
How do I know if a company will actually sponsor a Senior Staff Engineer visa?
The clearest signal is a company's prior H-1B visa or LCA filing history, which is publicly available through Department of Labor disclosure data. Beyond that, ask directly during the recruiter screen: companies with dedicated immigration counsel and established sponsorship programs will answer confidently. Browse Migrate Mate to find Senior Staff Engineer roles at employers already screened for sponsorship willingness.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new Senior Staff Engineer role at a different company?
Yes. H-1B portability allows you to start working for a new employer as soon as they file a transfer petition, without waiting for approval, as long as your current H-1B was lawfully approved and you haven't fallen out of status. The new employer files a new I-129 petition. The role must still qualify as a specialty occupation, and the new LCA must reflect the prevailing wage for that position.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Senior Staff 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.