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.

Find OPT C Software Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs138+
Work Type92% On-site
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsUSI Insurance Services

Showing 5 of 138+ C Software Engineer jobs

Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC
Senior I&C Instructor
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Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC
New 9h ago
Senior I&C Instructor
Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC
Madison, Pennsylvania
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Teaching & Instruction
Corporate Training
$85k - $107k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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American Electric Power
Station Electrician C-A
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American Electric Power
New 10h ago
Station Electrician C-A
American Electric Power
Ashland, Kentucky
Electrical Engineering
Manufacturing Operations
Maintenance & Repair
$31 - $58/hr
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Veolia
Associate EI&C Engineer
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Veolia
New 13h ago
Associate EI&C Engineer
Veolia
Bellevue, Washington
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
$75k - $95k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Loma Linda University Health
Clinical Nurse C-PeriAnesthesia
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Loma Linda University Health
Added 2d ago
Clinical Nurse C-PeriAnesthesia
Loma Linda University Health
Loma Linda, California
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$54 - $72/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Charles Schwab
C#/.NET/ Web Developer
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Charles Schwab
Added 3d ago
C#/.NET/ Web Developer
Charles Schwab
Southlake, Texas
Software Engineering
Full-stack Engineering
Backend Engineering
$52 - $55/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips 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.