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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Design the Future of Power with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)!
Electrical Design Technician / Design Engineer
At Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), we're on a mission to make electric power safer, more reliable, and more efficient. We're looking for a talented, detail-oriented electrical design professional who loves problem-solving, embraces technology, and thrives in a collaborative environment.
What You'll Do
As a key member of our engineering team, you'll help bring critical power protection and automation projects to life by:
- Creating detailed physical and electrical designs for utility and industrial projects
- Developing CAD drawings, schematics, and project documentation
- Supporting technical leads throughout project execution
- Delivering high-quality work on time and within budget
- Building expertise in SEL technologies, relay protection systems, and industry best practices
- Mentoring and assisting drafters with technical tasks
- Continuously improving processes and helping drive innovation
- Living SEL's mission to Understand. Create. Simplify.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's degree in EET, CAD, Drafting, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- 3+ years of high-voltage electrical design experience
- Experience working on protective relay control system projects
- Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation
- Understanding of protective relay installation requirements
- Strong communication and documentation skills
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team
- Willingness to travel as needed
- Curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement
Other Preferred Qualifications
- BSEE, BSET, or related engineering degree
- Testing and commissioning experience with protective relays, SCADA, or process control systems
- Utility, consulting, or system integration experience
- Knowledge of power system protection and automation applications
Why SEL?
At SEL, your work directly impacts the reliability of power systems around the world. You'll collaborate with talented engineers, tackle meaningful projects, and continue growing your technical skills while helping build a safer, smarter energy future.
What You'll Love
- Challenging and meaningful engineering work
- Collaborative, supportive team culture
- Opportunities for professional growth and technical development
- The chance to make a real-world impact on the infrastructure that powers our communities
LOCATION
Located in Boise, ID
Boise provides an exceptional balance of professional growth and quality of life. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation, from floating the Boise River and exploring scenic hiking trails to skiing in the nearby mountains. Combined with a thriving downtown, welcoming community, and abundant sunshine, Boise is a dynamic place to build both a career and a home.
Compensation
Expected hiring range: $67,700 – $98,600 annually, depending on experience, skills, and location.
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
INTRODUCTION
Design the Future of Power with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)!
Electrical Design Technician / Design Engineer
At Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), we're on a mission to make electric power safer, more reliable, and more efficient. We're looking for a talented, detail-oriented electrical design professional who loves problem-solving, embraces technology, and thrives in a collaborative environment.
What You'll Do
As a key member of our engineering team, you'll help bring critical power protection and automation projects to life by:
- Creating detailed physical and electrical designs for utility and industrial projects
- Developing CAD drawings, schematics, and project documentation
- Supporting technical leads throughout project execution
- Delivering high-quality work on time and within budget
- Building expertise in SEL technologies, relay protection systems, and industry best practices
- Mentoring and assisting drafters with technical tasks
- Continuously improving processes and helping drive innovation
- Living SEL's mission to Understand. Create. Simplify.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's degree in EET, CAD, Drafting, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- 3+ years of high-voltage electrical design experience
- Experience working on protective relay control system projects
- Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation
- Understanding of protective relay installation requirements
- Strong communication and documentation skills
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team
- Willingness to travel as needed
- Curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement
Other Preferred Qualifications
- BSEE, BSET, or related engineering degree
- Testing and commissioning experience with protective relays, SCADA, or process control systems
- Utility, consulting, or system integration experience
- Knowledge of power system protection and automation applications
Why SEL?
At SEL, your work directly impacts the reliability of power systems around the world. You'll collaborate with talented engineers, tackle meaningful projects, and continue growing your technical skills while helping build a safer, smarter energy future.
What You'll Love
- Challenging and meaningful engineering work
- Collaborative, supportive team culture
- Opportunities for professional growth and technical development
- The chance to make a real-world impact on the infrastructure that powers our communities
LOCATION
Located in Boise, ID
Boise provides an exceptional balance of professional growth and quality of life. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation, from floating the Boise River and exploring scenic hiking trails to skiing in the nearby mountains. Combined with a thriving downtown, welcoming community, and abundant sunshine, Boise is a dynamic place to build both a career and a home.
Compensation
Expected hiring range: $67,700 – $98,600 annually, depending on experience, skills, and location.
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
See all 155+ OPT C Software Engineer Jobs
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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.