OPT AI ML Engineering Jobs

AI ML Engineering roles are among the most OPT-friendly in tech, with high demand for F-1 students holding STEM OPT extensions. Most positions qualify for the 24-month STEM extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization while pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship through employers actively hiring international talent.

Find OPT AI ML Engineering Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs802+
Work Type73% On-site
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 802+ AI ML Engineering jobs

Droisys
AI & ML Engineer
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Droisys
Added 2d ago
AI & ML Engineer
Droisys
Las Vegas, Nevada
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
$60k - $80k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Databricks
Senior Applied ML Engineer
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Databricks
Added 4d ago
Senior Applied ML Engineer
Databricks
San Francisco, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Cloud & DevOps
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
$16k - $21k/yr
On-Site
Master's
5,001-10,000

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Apple
Senior ML Engineer
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Apple
Added 5d ago
Senior ML Engineer
Apple
Cupertino, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
Data Analytics
$185k - $325k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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TikTok
ML Infra Engineer
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TikTok
Added 5d ago
ML Infra Engineer
TikTok
San Jose, California
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Cloud & DevOps
Data Science
$256k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Ursus, Inc.
ML Research Engineer
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Ursus, Inc.
Added 1w ago
ML Research Engineer
Ursus, Inc.
Menlo Park, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Data Engineering
Data Science
$86.00 - $96.77/hr
Remote (US)
Bachelor's

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in AI ML Engineering

Target STEM-designated programs

Confirm your degree program carries an approved STEM CIP code before applying. AI and ML engineering roles almost universally qualify, but your specific degree classification determines STEM OPT eligibility, not the job title itself.

Apply to companies with H-1B sponsorship track records

Prioritize employers who have sponsored H-1B visa petitions in prior years. Companies regularly hiring ML engineers, including large tech firms and AI-focused startups, are far more likely to support your transition from OPT to long-term work authorization.

Highlight framework proficiency upfront

Employers screening for OPT candidates want to see TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX listed prominently on your resume. Burying technical skills below education or projects costs you interviews with hiring managers scanning for specific toolchain experience.

Start your job search 90 days before OPT begins

USCIS processing for OPT EAD cards can take 3 to 5 months. Filing early and beginning your job search well before your program end date gives you negotiating room and avoids gaps in authorization that alarm compliance-conscious employers.

Negotiate a start date that aligns with your EAD

You cannot legally begin work before your EAD card arrives and your OPT start date passes. Be direct with employers about your availability date early in the process to avoid offers that require immediate starts you cannot meet.

Document your OPT reporting obligations for employers

Many small and mid-size companies have not hired OPT students before. Explaining the E-Verify requirement and DSO reporting timeline upfront positions you as informed and organized, which builds employer confidence in moving forward with your offer.

AI ML Engineering OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Do AI ML Engineering jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?

Yes, in almost every case. AI and ML engineering roles typically fall under computer science, electrical engineering, or data science degree programs, all of which carry approved STEM CIP codes. You still need to confirm your specific degree qualifies through your DSO before applying for the STEM extension, since eligibility is based on degree classification, not the job title.

What does an employer need to do to hire me on OPT for an AI ML role?

For standard OPT, your employer simply needs to be a legitimate U.S. organization that can offer you work in a field related to your degree. For STEM OPT, the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, sign a formal training plan with you (Form I-983), and agree to report material changes in your employment to your DSO. Most established tech companies and funded AI startups already meet these requirements.

Can I work as an AI ML contractor or consultant on OPT?

Self-employment and independent contracting are not permitted under OPT. You need to be employed by a U.S. company in a traditional employer-employee relationship. Third-party staffing arrangements can qualify, but USCIS scrutinizes them closely for STEM OPT extensions, requiring clear evidence that the end client, not just the staffing agency, supervises your day-to-day technical work.

How do I find AI ML Engineering jobs where employers are open to OPT students?

The most reliable approach is to search within platforms that filter specifically for visa-sponsoring employers. Migrate Mate is built for this, letting you browse AI and ML engineering roles where employers have an established record of hiring F-1 OPT candidates. Searching general job boards without visa filters means most of your applications go to companies that will screen you out at the authorization question.

What happens to my OPT if my AI ML Engineering job ends unexpectedly?

You have a 90-day aggregate unemployment limit across your entire OPT period, reduced to 60 days if you are on STEM OPT extension. Days start accumulating from your first authorized OPT start date, not from when your job ends. If you exceed the limit, your OPT authorization is automatically terminated. Report any employment changes to your DSO immediately, since they track this and can advise on your remaining days.