OPT Back End Developer Jobs
Back End Developer jobs are among the most OPT-friendly roles in tech. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa standards, which matters when employers evaluate long-term sponsorship potential. STEM OPT extension applies to computer science and related degrees, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to build your career.
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POSITION DETAILS
The CUNY Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) works in partnership with the University’s academic and administrative offices and the 26 colleges to promote CUNY’s unique mission and transformative role as an engine of social mobility. The office includes eight divisions: Communications, Creative, Marketing, Social Media, Multimedia, University Events, CUNY TV and Citizenship Now! Together, the teams manage all aspects of press and public relations, editorial content, art design, publishing, social media, advertisement, web development, TV, video and podcast production to tell the story of the premier urban public university in the United States.
The Creative Team is responsible for overseeing the University’s visual identity and includes both Web and Design Teams. The Web Team manages the entire CUNY.edu website and maintains the content management system, while providing support to several CUNY campuses and other University entities. Additionally, the team supports the online components of the Communications and Marketing (OCM) department, encompassing social media, electronic communications, and multimedia.
Reporting to the Web Director, the Backend Developer supports the development, maintenance, and operation of backend web applications, APIs, data integrations, and CMS server-side components. This position focuses exclusively on backend implementation and support tasks and does not involve design, graphics, layouts or visual materials.
The Backend Developer assists in evaluating backend systems and workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing approved code changes and configuration improvements under the guidance of senior developers or supervisors to enhance performance, reliability, and security.
Key duties include, but are not limited to the following:
- Develops and maintains assigned backend functionality for CUNY websites and applications using PHP, Apache, NGINX, MySQL/MariaDB, APIs, and Linux-based hosting environments.
- Assists with monitoring system logs, database performance, API usage, and backend workflows to help identify issues and resolve issues.
- Implements backend solutions, integrations, and updates as directed by senior technical staff.
- Assists with the customization and maintenance of CMS backend components, including WordPress plugins and server-side logic.
- Implements and maintains RESTful APIs and integrations with third-party data sources and authentication systems under supervision.
- Works with server administrators and senior developers to help troubleshoot server environments, hosting configurations, and backend performance issues.
- Follows established security, accessibility, and compliance requirements in backend systems.
- Participates in backend code reviews and maintains technical documentation as assigned.
- Supports digital projects, backend migrations, and system upgrades, by performing assigned technical tasks.
- Performs related backend development and support duties as assigned.
NOTE:
Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum:
Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required.
Preferred:
- Experience supporting and optimizing websites built on WordPress or similar content management systems.
- Working knowledge of web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Apache, NGINX, and MySQL/MariaDB.
- Familiarity with Linux-based server environments (RHEL) and common web hosting configurations.
- Awareness of web accessibility standards (WCAG) and the ability to apply established accessibility requirements in assigned work.
- Experience assisting with backend code maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting under established coding standards.
- Familiarity with version control tools such as Git and collaborative development workflows.
- Experience supporting server environments, including basic file permissions, configuration updates, and deployments under supervision.
- Experience working within Agile or similar project methodologies, including participation in sprint meetings or daily stand-ups.
- Ability to:
- review code changes with guidance and participate in technical discussions with colleagues.
- follow technical documentation, procedures, and best practices.
- work independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance as needed.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with technical and non-technical staff.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills appropriate for a collaborative technical environment.
CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW
Provides expertise in digital and visual communications to support and advance the College's multimedia presence.
- Researches and identifies new multimedia platforms that advance College programs and initiatives
- Works closely with management to understand and produce effective message elements
- Creates and aligns various communication work products such as video, digital formats, layouts, graphics, web pages, and microsites to ensure consistency and effective messaging
- Assesses, enhances and manages the user experience on digital platforms including social media
- Collaborates with graphic designers, webmasters, and other information technology professionals to create comprehensive broadcast and multimedia communications
- Procures required internal and external resources and services and manages their utilization
- Performs related duties as assigned.
CUNY TITLE
Higher Education Assistant
FLSA
Exempt
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range is $89,777 - 102,460, commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.
CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.
HOW TO APPLY
For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.
Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings.
CLOSING DATE
Open until filled.
JOB SEARCH CATEGORY
CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
Job ID: 33060
Location: Central Office
Job Type: Full-Time
Backend Developer
POSITION DETAILS
The CUNY Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) works in partnership with the University’s academic and administrative offices and the 26 colleges to promote CUNY’s unique mission and transformative role as an engine of social mobility. The office includes eight divisions: Communications, Creative, Marketing, Social Media, Multimedia, University Events, CUNY TV and Citizenship Now! Together, the teams manage all aspects of press and public relations, editorial content, art design, publishing, social media, advertisement, web development, TV, video and podcast production to tell the story of the premier urban public university in the United States.
The Creative Team is responsible for overseeing the University’s visual identity and includes both Web and Design Teams. The Web Team manages the entire CUNY.edu website and maintains the content management system, while providing support to several CUNY campuses and other University entities. Additionally, the team supports the online components of the Communications and Marketing (OCM) department, encompassing social media, electronic communications, and multimedia.
Reporting to the Web Director, the Backend Developer supports the development, maintenance, and operation of backend web applications, APIs, data integrations, and CMS server-side components. This position focuses exclusively on backend implementation and support tasks and does not involve design, graphics, layouts or visual materials.
The Backend Developer assists in evaluating backend systems and workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing approved code changes and configuration improvements under the guidance of senior developers or supervisors to enhance performance, reliability, and security.
Key duties include, but are not limited to the following:
- Develops and maintains assigned backend functionality for CUNY websites and applications using PHP, Apache, NGINX, MySQL/MariaDB, APIs, and Linux-based hosting environments.
- Assists with monitoring system logs, database performance, API usage, and backend workflows to help identify issues and resolve issues.
- Implements backend solutions, integrations, and updates as directed by senior technical staff.
- Assists with the customization and maintenance of CMS backend components, including WordPress plugins and server-side logic.
- Implements and maintains RESTful APIs and integrations with third-party data sources and authentication systems under supervision.
- Works with server administrators and senior developers to help troubleshoot server environments, hosting configurations, and backend performance issues.
- Follows established security, accessibility, and compliance requirements in backend systems.
- Participates in backend code reviews and maintains technical documentation as assigned.
- Supports digital projects, backend migrations, and system upgrades, by performing assigned technical tasks.
- Performs related backend development and support duties as assigned.
NOTE:
Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum:
Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required.
Preferred:
- Experience supporting and optimizing websites built on WordPress or similar content management systems.
- Working knowledge of web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Apache, NGINX, and MySQL/MariaDB.
- Familiarity with Linux-based server environments (RHEL) and common web hosting configurations.
- Awareness of web accessibility standards (WCAG) and the ability to apply established accessibility requirements in assigned work.
- Experience assisting with backend code maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting under established coding standards.
- Familiarity with version control tools such as Git and collaborative development workflows.
- Experience supporting server environments, including basic file permissions, configuration updates, and deployments under supervision.
- Experience working within Agile or similar project methodologies, including participation in sprint meetings or daily stand-ups.
- Ability to:
- review code changes with guidance and participate in technical discussions with colleagues.
- follow technical documentation, procedures, and best practices.
- work independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance as needed.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with technical and non-technical staff.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills appropriate for a collaborative technical environment.
CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW
Provides expertise in digital and visual communications to support and advance the College's multimedia presence.
- Researches and identifies new multimedia platforms that advance College programs and initiatives
- Works closely with management to understand and produce effective message elements
- Creates and aligns various communication work products such as video, digital formats, layouts, graphics, web pages, and microsites to ensure consistency and effective messaging
- Assesses, enhances and manages the user experience on digital platforms including social media
- Collaborates with graphic designers, webmasters, and other information technology professionals to create comprehensive broadcast and multimedia communications
- Procures required internal and external resources and services and manages their utilization
- Performs related duties as assigned.
CUNY TITLE
Higher Education Assistant
FLSA
Exempt
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range is $89,777 - 102,460, commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.
CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.
HOW TO APPLY
For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.
Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings.
CLOSING DATE
Open until filled.
JOB SEARCH CATEGORY
CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
Job ID: 33060
Location: Central Office
Job Type: Full-Time
See all 45+ OPT Back End Developer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Back End Developer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Back End Developer
Lead with your tech stack upfront
Back end hiring moves fast. List your primary languages and frameworks, like Python, Node.js, or Java, in the first line of your resume summary so recruiters can immediately confirm you match the role before your OPT status becomes a factor.
Target STEM-designated degree holders first
If your degree is in computer science, software engineering, or a related STEM field, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Lead with this when discussing timelines with employers, since it gives them nearly three years before any H-1B visa decision.
Research employers with active H-1B filing history
Companies that have filed H-1B petitions for software engineering roles in recent years are significantly more likely to sponsor OPT students. This filing history is public record and signals an established process for work authorization transitions.
Frame your OPT period as a trial hire
Many engineering managers think about OPT sponsorship as a long hiring decision, not a visa problem. Position your OPT period explicitly as time for the company to evaluate fit before committing to H-1B sponsorship, which reframes cost as investment.
Emphasize backend specializations that are hard to hire for
Distributed systems, database optimization, and cloud infrastructure are consistently understaffed. If you have depth in any of these, highlight it prominently. Specialized skills shift the negotiating dynamic and make employers more willing to navigate sponsorship requirements.
Confirm your start date window before applying
OPT employment must begin after your EAD card is issued and within the authorized period on your I-20. Know your exact start date availability before you get to offer stage so you can answer confidently without creating uncertainty for the employer.
Back End Developer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Back End Developer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, most back end development roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, software engineering, or information systems. The job must be directly related to your degree. Your employer also needs to be enrolled in E-Verify, which most tech companies already are.
How do I find Back End Developer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship, so you are not wasting time applying to roles that will screen you out at the authorization question. Browse Back End Developer listings on Migrate Mate to focus your search on companies with an active sponsorship track record.
Can I start a Back End Developer job before my EAD card arrives?
No. You cannot begin working until your Employment Authorization Document is physically in hand and the start date on your EAD has been reached. Starting work before your EAD arrives is an unauthorized employment violation that can jeopardize your OPT status and future visa applications. Build a buffer of at least a few weeks when negotiating your start date.
Does a Back End Developer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
In most cases, yes. Back end development roles that require a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field generally meet the specialty occupation standard. The job description matters, though. Roles that list a specific technical degree as required are far stronger candidates than postings that accept any bachelor's degree.
What happens to my OPT status if I am laid off from a Back End Developer job?
You have a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment to find a new authorized position, transfer to another visa status, or depart the United States. During those 60 days you cannot work. If you accept a new Back End Developer role within the grace period, your OPT authorization continues under the new employer without needing a new EAD.