Tool Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Tool engineers design, maintain, and optimize manufacturing tools and equipment used in production processes. This role typically qualifies for H-1B, E-3, and TN visa sponsorship since it requires specialized engineering knowledge and usually demands a bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Job Description:
About The Job
Altera is one of the world's leading providers of programmable solutions. With a renewed focus on agility, software-first, and AI-driven solutions, Altera is shaping the future of computing by providing flexible technology, empowering innovators with scalable products, from high-performance to power- and cost-optimized devices for cloud, network, and edge applications. Join us in our journey to becoming the #1 FPGA provider in the world as we redefine the next era of programmable innovations! The Database, Infrastructure & Tooling (DBIT) Team plays a critical role in bringing Altera’s next-generation FPGA devices to Quartus Prime, our flagship design software. As the bridge between hardware and software, DBIT defines and implements how FPGA devices are modeled within Quartus. If you’re excited about solving complex engineering problems and working at the intersection of hardware and software, DBIT is the place for you. We are looking for a seasoned software engineer to help us shape Altera’s industry-leading FPGA design software. You will work on initiatives like lightweight yet scalable data models to represent increasingly sophisticated FPGA architectures while maintaining high-performance APIs that power Quartus’ state-of-the-art algorithms and data structures.
What You Will Do
As an EDA Software Engineer for the DBIT team, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Using C++ and Python to specify, implement and maintain software data models to represent FPGA devices.
- Developing high-performance APIs to streamline the access to FPGA device databases to industry-leading algorithms for synthesis, placement, routing, timing analysis, power analysis, among others.
- Collaborating with multiple hardware and software teams while bringing the next-generation FPGA devices to Quartus.
- Developing tools to aid/enhance Altera’s FPGA device bring-up processes.
The pay range below is for Bay Area California only. Actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including job location, job-related knowledge, skills, experiences, trainings, etc. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.
- Salary Range: $127.4K - $184.4K USD
We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position. Applicants must be eligible for any required U.S. export authorizations.
Qualifications
What We Want to See
- Real passion for software engineering:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related fields with 4+ years of experience; OR
- Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related fields with 3+ years of experience; OR
- Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related fields with 1+ years of experience.
- Excellent programming skills in C/C++ and Python.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd
- Advanced background on algorithms and data structures.
- Experience developing EDA tools.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills.
- Background on graph-based algorithms.
- Background on HDL design using Verilog, SystemVerilog, and/or VHDL.
- Experience developing and maintaining internal applications and APIs.
Ways to Earn Extra Points
- Experience with FPGA architecture and tools.
- Experience developing FPGA tools.
Job Type
Regular
Shift
Shift 1 (United States of America)
Primary Location:
San Jose, California, United States
Additional Locations:
Posting Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.
Job Details
Job Description:
About The Job
Altera is one of the world's leading providers of programmable solutions. With a renewed focus on agility, software-first, and AI-driven solutions, Altera is shaping the future of computing by providing flexible technology, empowering innovators with scalable products, from high-performance to power- and cost-optimized devices for cloud, network, and edge applications. Join us in our journey to becoming the #1 FPGA provider in the world as we redefine the next era of programmable innovations! The Database, Infrastructure & Tooling (DBIT) Team plays a critical role in bringing Altera’s next-generation FPGA devices to Quartus Prime, our flagship design software. As the bridge between hardware and software, DBIT defines and implements how FPGA devices are modeled within Quartus. If you’re excited about solving complex engineering problems and working at the intersection of hardware and software, DBIT is the place for you. We are looking for a seasoned software engineer to help us shape Altera’s industry-leading FPGA design software. You will work on initiatives like lightweight yet scalable data models to represent increasingly sophisticated FPGA architectures while maintaining high-performance APIs that power Quartus’ state-of-the-art algorithms and data structures.
What You Will Do
As an EDA Software Engineer for the DBIT team, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Using C++ and Python to specify, implement and maintain software data models to represent FPGA devices.
- Developing high-performance APIs to streamline the access to FPGA device databases to industry-leading algorithms for synthesis, placement, routing, timing analysis, power analysis, among others.
- Collaborating with multiple hardware and software teams while bringing the next-generation FPGA devices to Quartus.
- Developing tools to aid/enhance Altera’s FPGA device bring-up processes.
The pay range below is for Bay Area California only. Actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including job location, job-related knowledge, skills, experiences, trainings, etc. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.
- Salary Range: $127.4K - $184.4K USD
We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position. Applicants must be eligible for any required U.S. export authorizations.
Qualifications
What We Want to See
- Real passion for software engineering:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related fields with 4+ years of experience; OR
- Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related fields with 3+ years of experience; OR
- Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related fields with 1+ years of experience.
- Excellent programming skills in C/C++ and Python.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd
- Advanced background on algorithms and data structures.
- Experience developing EDA tools.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills.
- Background on graph-based algorithms.
- Background on HDL design using Verilog, SystemVerilog, and/or VHDL.
- Experience developing and maintaining internal applications and APIs.
Ways to Earn Extra Points
- Experience with FPGA architecture and tools.
- Experience developing FPGA tools.
Job Type
Regular
Shift
Shift 1 (United States of America)
Primary Location:
San Jose, California, United States
Additional Locations:
Posting Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Tool Engineer
Emphasize specialized manufacturing expertise
Highlight experience with CNC programming, fixture design, or automated manufacturing systems. Tool engineering requires specialized technical knowledge that supports the specialty occupation requirement for H-1B sponsorship.
Target manufacturing and automotive companies
Companies like Ford, Boeing, Caterpillar, and General Electric regularly sponsor tool engineers. These industries depend heavily on specialized manufacturing tools and have established visa sponsorship programs.
Showcase relevant engineering degree
Tool engineering roles require mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, or materials engineering degrees. Make sure your degree field clearly connects to the job requirements to satisfy USCIS specialty occupation standards.
Highlight CAD and simulation software skills
Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or finite element analysis demonstrates the technical complexity of tool engineering work, supporting the need for specialized knowledge and H-1B eligibility.
Consider defense contractors and aerospace
Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman frequently sponsor tool engineers for specialized manufacturing roles. These companies often have streamlined processes for visa applications and renewals.
Document continuous improvement experience
Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or process optimization demonstrates advanced engineering skills beyond basic tool design, strengthening your case for visa sponsorship and specialty occupation classification.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do tool engineers qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, tool engineers typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship since the role requires specialized engineering knowledge and a bachelor's degree in engineering. The position involves complex technical work in manufacturing tool design, process optimization, and equipment maintenance that meets USCIS specialty occupation requirements. Manufacturing companies regularly sponsor tool engineers for H-1B visas.
What degree do I need for tool engineer visa sponsorship?
Tool engineering positions typically require a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or materials engineering. Some employers accept related fields like aerospace or electrical engineering if you have relevant manufacturing experience. The degree must directly relate to the specialized knowledge required for tool design and manufacturing processes.
Which companies sponsor tool engineers for work visas?
Major manufacturers like Ford, General Motors, Boeing, Caterpillar, and General Electric regularly sponsor tool engineers. Defense contractors including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon also sponsor these roles. Medical device companies like Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson hire tool engineers for specialized manufacturing equipment. Check recent H-1B disclosure data for current sponsorship patterns.
Can tool engineers get E-3 or TN visa sponsorship?
Australian citizens can pursue E-3 visas for tool engineering roles since they qualify as specialty occupations requiring engineering degrees. Canadian and Mexican citizens may qualify for TN status under the Engineer category, though tool engineering specifically isn't listed in NAFTA occupations. The role must clearly demonstrate professional engineering work requiring a degree.
What makes tool engineering a specialty occupation for visa purposes?
Tool engineering requires specialized knowledge of manufacturing processes, CAD software, materials science, and precision measurement techniques that can only be acquired through formal engineering education. The role involves complex problem-solving in fixture design, tooling optimization, and quality control systems. This technical complexity and degree requirement satisfy USCIS specialty occupation standards for H-1B approval.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Tool 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.
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