C Software Engineer Jobs for OPT Students

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.

See All C Software Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs191+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type72% On-site
Salary Range$95K – $127K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsWestinghouse Electric Company

Showing 5 of 191+ C Software Engineer jobs

procom services america inc.
212636 C#/C++ Software Developer
We won't show you this job again
procom services america inc.
New 21h ago
212636 C#/C++ Software Developer
procom services america inc.
Chandler, Arizona
Software Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
Technical Program Management
Not listed
On-Site
Bachelor's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Westinghouse Electric Company
I&C Software Engineer
We won't show you this job again
Westinghouse Electric Company
Added 3d ago
I&C Software Engineer
Westinghouse Electric Company
Warrendale, Pennsylvania
Software Engineering
Embedded Systems Engineering
Backend Engineering
$58,400/yr - $73,000/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Esri
Principal C++ Software Engineer
We won't show you this job again
Esri
Added 1w ago
Principal C++ Software Engineer
Esri
Redlands, California
Software Engineering
Backend Engineering
$145,600/yr - $241,280/yr
On-Site
8+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
BeaconFire Inc.
C++ / Software Developer
We won't show you this job again
BeaconFire Inc.
Added 1w ago
C++ / Software Developer
BeaconFire Inc.
New Jersey
Software Engineering
Backend Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Garmin
C/C++ Software Engineer 2
We won't show you this job again
Garmin
Added 3w ago
C/C++ Software Engineer 2
Garmin
Cary, North Carolina
Software Engineering
Embedded Systems Engineering
Backend Engineering
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)

See all 191+ C Software Engineer jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new C Software Engineer roles.

Get Access To All Jobs

How to Get Visa 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 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.

Find C Software Engineer Jobs

See all 191+ C Software Engineer jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new C Software Engineer roles.

Get Access To All Jobs

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.

See which C Software Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.

Search C Software Engineer Jobs