OPT AI Developer Jobs
AI Developer roles qualify for OPT and STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Most positions involve machine learning, model development, or NLP, which align directly with the STEM degree requirements that support a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12 months.
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What Our Employees Have to Say:
BWC conducts an internal engagement survey on an annual basis. Some comments from our employees include:
- BWC has been a great place to work as it has provided opportunities for growth that were lacking in my previous place of work.
- I have worked at several state agencies and BWC is the best place to work.
- Best place to work in the state and with a sense of family and support.
- I love the work culture, helpfulness, and acceptance I've been embraced with at BWC.
- I continue to be impressed with the career longevity of our employees, their level of dedication to service, pride in their work, and vast experience. It really speaks to our mission and why people join BWC and then retire from BWC.
If you are interested in helping BWC grow, please
BWC’s core hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, however, daily start/end times may vary based on operational need across BWC departments. Most positions perform work on-site at one of BWC’s seven offices across the state. BWC offers flex-time work schedules that allow an employee to start the day as early as 7:00am or as late as 8:30am. Flex-time schedules are based on operational need and require supervisor approval.
What You'll Be Doing:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative AI/ML Developer to support the design, development, and maintenance of data-driven applications and machine learning solutions. This role works under general supervision and collaborates closely with senior developers, architects, and technical leads to build high-quality AI solutions that meet business and technical requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and modify custom AI/ML models and applications using Snowflake, Python, and internal data-driven tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot).
- Build predictive analytics, natural language processing solutions, and other model types as needed.
- Conduct model testing and debugging, validating performance against specifications and ensuring solution reliability.
- Support analysis and design activities by defining and documenting data requirements, model requirements, and use cases.
- Extract, read, and report on both structured and unstructured data from enterprise systems and source data environments.
- Create and enhance program modules and machine learning pipelines using tools such as Snowflake, Python, pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, matplotlib, seaborn, plotly, Microsoft Visual Studio, and AI frameworks like PyTorch.
- Follow established software development and AI/ML development guidelines, including Agile methodologies and MLOps/LLMOps best practices.
- Use Snowflake, SQL, and related tools for data querying, reporting, manipulation, model training, evaluation, versioning, and debugging.
- Contribute to the development of training materials, solution documentation, and user guides for AI-related applications.
- Create and maintain technical documentation using Snowflake and Microsoft Office tools, including program flow descriptions, in-line comments, and other required artifacts.
- Collaborate with senior developers, leads, and architects on AI, data science, and technical design discussions.
- Use ServiceNow to manage incident tickets, communicate activity status, track problem resolution, and document remediation progress.
- Prepare and submit weekly summary reports and perform other related duties as assigned.
- Participate in ongoing professional development through training, research, and self-directed learning to stay current with AI/ML tools, methods, and technologies.
Why Work for the State of Ohio
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Qualifications
To Qualify, You Must Clearly Demonstrate:
Required Experience and/or Education:
- 36 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.
- Or completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems AND 18 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.
- Or completion of undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems AND 12 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting.
- Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.
Note: The official position description on file with the designated agency is to reflect the required, primary technology directly relating to the duties of the position. Only those applicants possessing the experience in the required, primary technology listed in the position description & job posting are to be considered for any vacancies posted. The job posting must list the required technology commensurate with the position in question.
Job Skills: Software Development/Implementation
Professional Skills: Active Learning, Adaptability, Attention to Detail, Continuous Improvement, Interpreting Data
Primary Technology: Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
Major Worker Characteristics:
Knowledge of computer & electronics; oral & written communication tools & techniques; customer support & personal service; state & Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) policy, procedures & applicable laws; vision, mission & goals of Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC); software development principles; Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Machine Learning (ML) (e.g., predictive analytics, natural language processing), Large Language Model (LLM) methods for design, development, testing & implementation of new or modified software; structured query language (SQL); mathematic principles relative to software development; client/server architecture, Net development & operating environment, Microsoft Visual Studio, Team Foundation Server; data manipulation; data query; program tracing/debugging, Snowflake, Python & applicable libraries (e.g. pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, matplotlib, seaborn, plotly), AI framework (e.g., PyTorch), ServiceNow, Git, Agile methodology, Microsoft Copilot
Skill in reading comprehension; speaking; service orientation & troubleshooting, communicate/visualize findings, Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint)
Ability to stay abreast of current technologies in software development; deal with problems involving several variables in familiar context; develop & maintain production batch & online applications, prepare & maintain accurate & concise reports.
(* ) developed after employment.
Supplemental Information
EEO & ADA Statement:
The State of Ohio is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of applicants or employees due to protected classes as defined in applicable federal law, state law, and any effective executive order.
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment opportunities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. To request reasonable accommodations related to disability, pregnancy, or religion, please contact the ADA mailbox BWCADA@bwc.ohio.gov.
BWC OCSEA Selection Rights:
This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. BWC bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.
Salary Information:
Hourly wage is expected to be paid at step 1 of the pay range associated with the position for candidates who are new employees of the state. Current employees of the state will be placed in the appropriate step based on any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code. Movement to the next step of the pay range (a roughly 4% increase) will occur after six months, assuming job performance is acceptable. Thereafter, an employee will advance one step in the pay range every year until the highest step of the pay range is reached. There may also be possible cost of living adjustments (COLA) and longevity supplements begin after five (5) years of state service.
Transportation:
Position may require travel; therefore, persons occupying this position must be able to provide own transportation &/or legally operate a state-owned vehicle.
Educational Transcripts:
For any educational achievements to be considered during the screening process, you must at least attach an unofficial transcript that details the coursework you have completed.
All applicants must submit an Ohio Civil Service Application using the online Ohio Hiring Management System. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Background Check:
Prior to an offer of employment, the final applicant will be required to sign a background check authorization form and undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position.
ADA Statement
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free Workplace
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an AI Developer
Lead with your technical stack
Hiring managers scan for specific tools fast. List your frameworks prominently: PyTorch, TensorFlow, LangChain, Hugging Face. Concrete technical credentials reduce hesitation about OPT sponsorship because your skills speak before your visa status does.
Target STEM-designated degree holders
Your Computer Science, Data Science, or Engineering degree is what unlocks the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code qualifies before applying, so you can accurately tell employers you have up to three years of work authorization.
Apply to companies already hiring on OPT
Companies that have sponsored F-1 OPT students before understand the E-Verify requirement and reporting obligations. Focusing your search on those employers dramatically shortens the education process and improves your chances of getting an offer.
Frame OPT as a low-barrier trial
Employers pay no government filing fees for OPT. Positioning your status honestly, as a straightforward work authorization with no upfront cost to them, removes a common objection before it surfaces in the interview process.
Build a portfolio of deployed work
AI Developer roles are highly competitive. A GitHub repository showing a fine-tuned model, a production API, or a Kaggle competition result gives hiring managers something concrete to evaluate beyond your resume and reduces sponsorship risk in their minds.
Know your OPT timeline before interviewing
Employers will ask how long you can work without H-1B visa sponsorship. Have a precise answer ready: your OPT end date, whether you qualify for STEM extension, and the earliest date you would need employer-sponsored status to continue working legally.
AI Developer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do AI Developer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. If your degree is in Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field with a qualifying CIP code, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month OPT period. That gives you up to three years of total work authorization, which covers most H-1B lottery cycles.
Do employers need to file paperwork to hire me on OPT?
The main employer requirement is E-Verify enrollment. Unlike H-1B, there are no government filing fees and no USCIS petition required for OPT. For STEM OPT extension, your employer must sign a training plan (Form I-983) and be enrolled in E-Verify. Many tech companies already meet this requirement, making AI Developer roles relatively accessible on OPT.
How do I find AI Developer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers who are open to sponsoring work authorization. Browsing AI Developer listings on Migrate Mate lets you focus on roles where OPT is already expected, rather than spending time on applications where your visa status will disqualify you at the screening stage.
What happens to my OPT status if I work as a contractor or on a project basis?
OPT allows contract and project-based work as long as the work is directly related to your degree field and you average at least 20 hours per week. You must also report any employer changes to your DSO within 10 days. Short gaps between contracts are permitted, but cumulative unemployment cannot exceed 90 days during standard OPT.
Can I work on AI Developer roles at startups, or is it safer to target large companies?
Both are viable. Large companies often have established OPT and E-Verify processes, which reduces friction. Early-stage startups may move faster and care more about your technical skills than your visa status, but they may not be E-Verify enrolled, which is required for STEM OPT extension. Confirm E-Verify status before accepting an offer if you plan to apply for the extension.