Sound Designer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Sound designers create audio landscapes for films, games, and media productions. Most positions qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when they require a bachelor's degree in audio engineering, music production, or related field. Gaming companies and animation studios frequently sponsor international talent, though competition remains high for creative roles. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Puget Sound Nutrients Project and Financial Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) within the Water Quality Program.
This is a project position that is funded until December 31, 2029. This funding is highly likely to be renewed for the next bi-annual budget cycle.
Location:
Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule:
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
* Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
Apply by October 15, 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
Duties
As the Puget Sound Nutrients Project and Financial Specialist, you will play a key role in protecting the health of Washington’s waters by supporting projects that reduce nutrient pollution and improve wastewater infrastructure across the Puget Sound region. In this multi-faceted position, you’ll engage with local partners to provide technical and financial assistance to applicants and recipients of Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction grants, as well as Clean Water State Revolving fund grants and loans for regional wastewater projects.
You’ll work with Ecology engineers and permit managers, monitor project performance, conduct site visits, and assist with programmatic planning related to Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction grants. This role provides the opportunity to build expertise in environmental project financing, grant and loan management, and wastewater program implementation. You’ll contribute to meaningful, long-term environmental outcomes while gaining experience in project oversight, funding agreement development, and program accountability, helping shape the future of water quality in the Puget Sound region.
What you will do:
Develop grant and loan agreements and amendments in collaboration with Ecology engineers, permit managers, and funding recipients.
Conduct quality assurance reviews of negotiated project scopes of work, budgets, and special conditions to ensure grant integrity, cost eligibility, and consistency with state and federal statutes and rules, Water Quality Program funding policies and procedures, and grant guidelines.
Schedule and conduct site visits to monitor project progress.
Work closely with other Water Quality Program grant and loan managers and wastewater treatment facility engineers to support effective and efficient management of Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction and Clean Water State Revolving Fund resources.
Provide financial assistance recommendations related to the development, coordination, and implementation of water quality best management practices for pollution prevention and control.
Assist with planning, facilitating, or representing the program in public meetings and workshops.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Six (6) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:
Financial Oversight – Ability to review and monitor financial transactions, payment requests, and project budgets to ensure funds are used appropriately and projects stay financially compliant.
Regulatory and Policy Application – Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, and program guidelines to ensure projects meet all required standards and conditions.
Grant and Contract Coordination – Ability to manage and coordinate grant and loan activities from application through closeout to support timely, compliant, and successful project delivery.
Technical Support – Ability to understand and explain basic technical concepts to help recipients make informed decisions and meet project requirements.
Project Monitoring and Problem Solving – Ability to track project progress, identify issues early, and recommend practical solutions to keep projects on schedule and in compliance.
Collaboration, Training, and Outreach – Ability to work effectively with internal teams and external partners and deliver clear guidance and training to improve understanding and support project success.
Education
involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
6 years of experience.
5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
A Master’s degree or higher.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Driver’s license / Travel
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington.
Regular travel is required between Ecology headquarters, regional offices, partner agency locations, and assigned inspection sites/facilities.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working with city or county governments.
Experience with developing or managing data tracking systems.
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Application Process
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
Resume
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
Please contact us at 360-407-6186 and select #2 for Recruitment or email careers@ecy.wa.gov
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.
Questions?
For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Seth Elsen at Seth.Elsen@ecy.wa.gov
If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov
About the Water Quality Program
The Water Quality Program’s Financial Management Section oversees an active portfolio of more than $1 billion in projects related to water quality and public health protection. This position is housed within the Wastewater Financial and Technical Assistance Unit, which administers wastewater funding and provides robust technical assistance for Tribes and small communities to solve wastewater needs big and small.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave, 11 Paid Holidays per year, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentive, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
LI-Hybrid
Description
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring a Puget Sound Nutrients Project and Financial Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) within the Water Quality Program.
This is a project position that is funded until December 31, 2029. This funding is highly likely to be renewed for the next bi-annual budget cycle.
Location:
Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule:
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
* Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
Apply by October 15, 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
Duties
As the Puget Sound Nutrients Project and Financial Specialist, you will play a key role in protecting the health of Washington’s waters by supporting projects that reduce nutrient pollution and improve wastewater infrastructure across the Puget Sound region. In this multi-faceted position, you’ll engage with local partners to provide technical and financial assistance to applicants and recipients of Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction grants, as well as Clean Water State Revolving fund grants and loans for regional wastewater projects.
You’ll work with Ecology engineers and permit managers, monitor project performance, conduct site visits, and assist with programmatic planning related to Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction grants. This role provides the opportunity to build expertise in environmental project financing, grant and loan management, and wastewater program implementation. You’ll contribute to meaningful, long-term environmental outcomes while gaining experience in project oversight, funding agreement development, and program accountability, helping shape the future of water quality in the Puget Sound region.
What you will do:
Develop grant and loan agreements and amendments in collaboration with Ecology engineers, permit managers, and funding recipients.
Conduct quality assurance reviews of negotiated project scopes of work, budgets, and special conditions to ensure grant integrity, cost eligibility, and consistency with state and federal statutes and rules, Water Quality Program funding policies and procedures, and grant guidelines.
Schedule and conduct site visits to monitor project progress.
Work closely with other Water Quality Program grant and loan managers and wastewater treatment facility engineers to support effective and efficient management of Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction and Clean Water State Revolving Fund resources.
Provide financial assistance recommendations related to the development, coordination, and implementation of water quality best management practices for pollution prevention and control.
Assist with planning, facilitating, or representing the program in public meetings and workshops.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.
Required Qualifications:
Six (6) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:
Financial Oversight – Ability to review and monitor financial transactions, payment requests, and project budgets to ensure funds are used appropriately and projects stay financially compliant.
Regulatory and Policy Application – Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, and program guidelines to ensure projects meet all required standards and conditions.
Grant and Contract Coordination – Ability to manage and coordinate grant and loan activities from application through closeout to support timely, compliant, and successful project delivery.
Technical Support – Ability to understand and explain basic technical concepts to help recipients make informed decisions and meet project requirements.
Project Monitoring and Problem Solving – Ability to track project progress, identify issues early, and recommend practical solutions to keep projects on schedule and in compliance.
Collaboration, Training, and Outreach – Ability to work effectively with internal teams and external partners and deliver clear guidance and training to improve understanding and support project success.
Education
involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences; environmental or natural science interdisciplinary studies; environmental planning, or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
6 years of experience.
5 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
4 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
3 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
2 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
A Master’s degree or higher.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Driver’s license / Travel
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license or provide alternate reliable transportation for travel within the state of Washington.
Regular travel is required between Ecology headquarters, regional offices, partner agency locations, and assigned inspection sites/facilities.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working with city or county governments.
Experience with developing or managing data tracking systems.
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.
Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
Diversity: We celebrate and appreciate diversity; our unique perspectives and abilities enrich us all and lead to innovative approaches and solutions.
Equity: We champion equity, recognizing that each of us need different things to thrive.
Inclusion: We intentionally create and hold space so that we all have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to Ecology’s work.
Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity, acknowledging the inherent worth of our diverse perspectives and lived experiences, even in times of uncertainty and disagreement.
We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Application Process
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
Resume
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
Please contact us at 360-407-6186 and select #2 for Recruitment or email careers@ecy.wa.gov
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.
Questions?
For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Seth Elsen at Seth.Elsen@ecy.wa.gov
If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov
About the Water Quality Program
The Water Quality Program’s Financial Management Section oversees an active portfolio of more than $1 billion in projects related to water quality and public health protection. This position is housed within the Wastewater Financial and Technical Assistance Unit, which administers wastewater funding and provides robust technical assistance for Tribes and small communities to solve wastewater needs big and small.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave, 11 Paid Holidays per year, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentive, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
LI-Hybrid
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Sound Designer
Target gaming and animation studios
Companies like Epic Games, Blizzard, and Pixar regularly sponsor sound designers. These studios understand the specialized skills required and have established visa sponsorship processes for creative technical roles.
Emphasize technical audio expertise
Highlight proficiency in Pro Tools, Wwise, FMOD, and other industry-standard software. Technical skills strengthen your specialty occupation case and differentiate you from general audio producers or musicians.
Build a strong portfolio with shipped products
Document your work on completed games, films, or applications. Employers need evidence of professional-level sound design to justify sponsorship costs and demonstrate the role's complexity to USCIS.
Consider interactive media specialization
Game audio design often requires programming knowledge and real-time audio implementation. This technical specialization makes sponsorship arguments stronger than traditional linear media sound design roles.
Network at industry conferences
Events like GDC, NAB, and AES connect you with hiring managers at sponsor-willing companies. Many sound design roles are filled through industry connections rather than public job postings.
Research company sponsorship history
Use the Department of Labor's LCA database to verify which studios have sponsored audio professionals. Focus applications on companies with proven track records of supporting international creative talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sound designer roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, when the position requires a bachelor's degree in audio engineering, music technology, or related field. USCIS considers sound design a specialty occupation if the role involves technical audio implementation, not just creative composition. Gaming and film studios successfully sponsor sound designers regularly.
What degree do I need for H-1B approval as a sound designer?
A bachelor's in audio engineering, music production, acoustics, or computer science with audio focus typically works. Music performance degrees may face scrutiny unless paired with technical coursework. The three-for-one rule allows relevant work experience to substitute for missing education years.
Which companies sponsor sound designers most frequently?
Gaming studios like Epic Games, Blizzard, and Riot Games regularly sponsor audio professionals. Animation companies including Pixar and DreamWorks also have sponsorship programs. Film post-production houses sponsor less frequently due to project-based employment structures and smaller budgets.
How does freelance sound design work affect visa sponsorship?
H-1B visa requires full-time employment with a single sponsoring employer. Freelance or contract work doesn't qualify. You'll need to transition to staff positions at studios. Some companies hire contractors initially then sponsor for H-1B after demonstrating value and fit.
How to find Sound Designer jobs with visa sponsorship?
For Sound Designer positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate to find opportunities with gaming studios, film production companies, and tech firms offering H-1B or O-1 visas. Focus on companies developing video games, creating digital content, or producing entertainment media, as these industries frequently sponsor international talent for specialized audio roles.
Can I get sponsored for sound design with a music degree?
Possibly, but it's challenging. USCIS prefers technical degrees like audio engineering over performance-focused music degrees. Strong technical skills, industry certifications, and specialized experience in game audio or post-production can help bridge the gap between degree and role requirements.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Sound Designer 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.