OPT C Software Engineer Jobs
C Software Engineer roles are a strong fit for OPT authorization, with most positions requiring a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Employers in systems programming, embedded development, and infrastructure routinely sponsor OPT students, and STEM OPT extension eligibility is nearly universal for this role.
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Are you interested in being part of an innovative team that supports Westinghouse’s mission to provide clean energy solutions? At Westinghouse, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset and we seek to identify, attract and recruit the most qualified talent while recognizing and encouraging the value of diversity in the global workplace.
About the role:
As a Senior I&C Instructor you will support the new generation of reactors including the AP1000® and the operating fleet from all over the world.
You will report to the I&C Supervisor. This position is hybrid in nature at the discretion of the manager typically requiring 2-3 days/week on-site at the Westinghouse facility in Madison, PA.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in all stages of the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT) process of initial and continuing education programs.
- Perform the analysis, design, and implementation of initial and training needs in their specialty.
- Design, develop and implement courses or programs corresponding with the training of personnel, including teaching sessions in the classroom, lab, mobile training equipment, test beds, or simulator environments.
- Initial design, development, and implementation of customer-facing training courses based on contracted training scope.
- Modify existing curriculum, presentation slides, lesson plans, lab exercises, etc. to align to customer specific training needs.
- Collaborate with training managers, training business units, and customer points of contact to meet training deliverable requirements.
- Set up, calibrate, load software, and test training equipment prior to use for assigned hands-on training courses.
- Conduct hands-on training at customer locations for various analog control systems and digital systems for both non-safety and safety-related plant applications.
- Explain control and protective system controls, PID tuning, signal conditioning, and interfacing system functions at various levels for engineering, maintenance, and operations level of understanding.
- Serve as the face of Westinghouse maintaining a high professional standard and addressing customer feedback in real time.
- Evaluate student performance through your training courses and administer student evaluations as needed to ensure competency.
- Perform post-class administrative functions such as processing class records in accordance with procedures.
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair training equipment to ensure operational readiness for training deliverables.
- Observe and enforce all safety protocols such as personal protective equipment and electrical safety.
- Utilize human performance tools to perform work safely and effectively.
Qualifications
Education:
- One of the following preferred:
- A Bachelor's Degree in I&C or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a technology field.
- Successful completion of United States Navy nuclear field pipeline training program.
Experience:
- Minimum 4 years of experience in one of the following areas:
- Navy Nuclear Plant Operator (Electronic Technician, Electrician, Mechanic).
- Commercial Nuclear Power Plant Instrumentation and Control Technician or engineering.
- Industrial Instrumentation and Controls for digital and analog systems.
- Instruction/Teaching with a secondary education degree in math, science, or a technology field.
Skills:
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) and use of database programs.
- Working knowledge of operating procedures, procedure background documents, Piping and Instrumentation Drawings, functional logic diagrams, typical maintenance requirements of analog/digital instrumentation and control systems, and other Technical Documents.
- Ability to travel internationally up to 25% of the time to remote locations. Peak training seasonal time frames could result in higher travel frequencies.
- Ability to work weekends to prepare or setup for customer training deliverables at remote locations. Occasional long hours and rotating shifts (rare) may be needed.
- Ability to successfully obtain and maintain unescorted access at a Nuclear Power Plant.
We are committed to transparency and equity in all of our people practices. The base salary range for this position, which is dependent upon experience, qualifications and skills, is estimated to be $85,200 to $106,500 per year.
LI-Hybrid
Why Westinghouse?
Our benefits package is tailored to meet the diverse needs of our employees, while also promoting wellness and career growth. The following are representative of what we offer:
- Comprehensive Medical benefits which could include medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions options.
- Wellness Programs designed to support employees in maintaining their health and well-being including Employee Assistance Program providing support for our employees and their household members.
- 401(k) with Company Match Contributions to support employees' retirement.
- Paid Vacations and Company Holidays.
- Opportunities for Flexible Work Arrangements to promote work-life balance.
- Educational Reimbursement and Comprehensive Career Programs to help employees grow in their careers.
- Global Recognition and Service Programs to celebrate employee accomplishments and service.
- Employee Referral Program.
Westinghouse Electric Company is the global nuclear energy industry's first choice for safe, clean, and efficient energy solutions. We enable our delivery of this vision by living our value system:
- Safety and Quality
- Integrity and Trust
- Customer Focus and Innovation
- Speed and Passion to Win
- Teamwork and Accountability
While our Global Headquarters are located in Cranberry Township, PA, we have over 11,000 employees working at locations in 19 different countries. You can learn more by visiting http://www.westinghousenuclear.com.
Westinghouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a C Software Engineer
Lead with systems-level experience
Hiring managers for C roles prioritize demonstrated experience with memory management, pointers, and low-level system calls. Highlight projects involving operating systems, device drivers, or embedded firmware to stand out from candidates with only higher-level language backgrounds.
Confirm your STEM OPT extension eligibility early
C Software Engineer roles almost always fall under qualifying STEM fields, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Verify your degree CIP code with your DSO before interviews so you can confidently discuss your full authorization timeline with employers.
Target industries with high C usage
Embedded systems, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and operating system development are the heaviest users of C. Companies like chip manufacturers, automotive software vendors, and network hardware firms are far more accustomed to OPT sponsorship than general software shops.
Prepare to discuss OPT mechanics clearly
Employers unfamiliar with OPT often conflate it with H-1B visa sponsorship. Be ready to explain that OPT requires no employer petition, no filing fees, and no lottery, which removes the primary barriers that make smaller companies hesitant to hire international candidates.
Showcase open-source or portfolio projects in C
Public GitHub repositories with C projects, such as a custom memory allocator, shell implementation, or network socket library, serve as concrete proof of skill. Reviewers screening for systems engineers weigh working code heavily, especially when you have limited U.S. work history.
Address the 90-day unemployment limit proactively
OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment, and job searching takes time. Start your search several months before graduation, and document any volunteer or part-time C development work to demonstrate continuous engagement in your field during your authorized period.
C Software Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do C Software Engineer employers commonly hire OPT students?
Yes, particularly in embedded systems, telecommunications, and infrastructure software. These industries rely heavily on C and have consistent hiring pipelines for international candidates. Many employers in these sectors are familiar with OPT mechanics and treat it as standard work authorization. You can browse OPT-friendly C Software Engineer openings directly on Migrate Mate.
Does a C Software Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
In most cases, yes. If your degree is in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related STEM field, your role will almost certainly qualify. The 24-month STEM extension brings your total OPT authorization to 36 months. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO to make sure your specific program is on the STEM designated degree program list.
Can I work on C projects as a contractor or through a staffing agency on OPT?
Yes, with conditions. OPT permits contract and staffing agency work as long as the work is directly related to your degree field and you are actively supervised and engaged in qualifying employment. Unpaid arrangements do not count toward your authorized period. Make sure any contract role involves actual C development work, not peripheral or administrative duties.
What should I do if my OPT expires before I receive an H-1B approval?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires and you receive a receipt notice, you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension that bridges your status through September 30 of that fiscal year. This allows you to keep working legally in your C Software Engineer role without interruption. Your DSO can update your SEVIS record once the petition is received.
How do I document my C Software Engineer employment correctly for OPT compliance?
You must report your employer, job title, and start date to your DSO within 10 days of starting work, and your DSO updates your SEVIS record accordingly. Keep copies of your offer letter, pay stubs, and employment verification documents. For contract roles, a statement from the agency or client confirming your C development duties is useful documentation in case of a USCIS review.