Data Science Engineer Jobs for OPT Students

Data Science Engineer jobs are among the most OPT-friendly roles in tech, with strong demand from employers experienced in sponsoring F-1 students. Most positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization to build your U.S. career.

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Overview

Open Jobs6,093+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type73% On-site
Salary Range$119K – $172K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 6,093+ Data Science Engineer jobs

Apple
Sr. Data Science Engineer
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Apple
Added 2w ago
Sr. Data Science Engineer
Apple
Cupertino, California
Data Science & Analytics
Data Engineering
Data Science
$181,100/yr - $318,400/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Master's
10,000+

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Pratt Industries
Data Science Engineer
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Pratt Industries
Added 2w ago
Data Science Engineer
Pratt Industries
Atlanta, Georgia
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Science
Data Analytics
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Hybrid
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Tata Consultancy Services
Data Science Engineer
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Tata Consultancy Services
Added 3w ago
Data Science Engineer
Tata Consultancy Services
Mason, Ohio
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Science
$95,000/yr - $135,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Adobe
Data Science Engineer
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Adobe
Added 1mo ago
Data Science Engineer
Adobe
San Jose, California
Data Science & Analytics
Data Science
Data Analytics
$125,800/yr - $239,725/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
None

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Plymouth Rock Assurance
Data Scientist Intern/Data Science Engineer
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Plymouth Rock Assurance
Added 1mo ago
Data Scientist Intern/Data Science Engineer
Plymouth Rock Assurance
Woodbridge, New Jersey
Data Science & Analytics
Data Engineering
Data Science
$35/hr
On-Site
Master's
1,001-5,000

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Data Science Engineer

Target employers with a STEM OPT track record

Search for companies that have consistently filed H-1B petitions for data roles. Employers already running OPT-to-H-1B pipelines are far less likely to hesitate at the sponsorship conversation than those encountering it for the first time.

Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT extension

Data Science Engineer roles typically fall under CIP codes 11.0401 or 27.0301. Verify your degree field matches an approved STEM designation before accepting an offer, since your 24-month extension depends entirely on that alignment.

Raise OPT early, not after the offer

Bring up your work authorization status before the final interview round. Framing it as a logistical detail rather than a request reduces friction and signals professionalism. Most data teams at mid-to-large companies have handled this before.

Lead with your technical skills, not your visa status

Hiring managers evaluate data engineers on Python, SQL, ML pipelines, and cloud platforms first. A strong technical profile shifts the sponsorship question from a risk to a straightforward administrative step worth taking for the right candidate.

Prioritize companies with dedicated immigration support

Larger tech firms and well-funded startups often have in-house immigration counsel or established law firm relationships. These employers process OPT and H-1B filings routinely, which means fewer delays and a smoother experience for you.

Document your training plan thoroughly for STEM OPT

Your employer must sign a formal training plan connecting your Data Science Engineer duties to your degree field. Be specific about the skills, tools, and projects involved. A vague plan increases the risk of a DSO rejection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Data Science Engineer on OPT?

Yes, provided your job duties are directly related to your degree field. Data Science Engineer roles typically qualify when your degree is in computer science, statistics, data science, or a related STEM discipline. The connection between your coursework and your day-to-day responsibilities must be documentable, as your DSO will review it when issuing your EAD.

Do Data Science Engineer jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?

Most do, but qualification depends on your degree, not just your job title. Your degree must appear on the STEM OPT designated degree list, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. CIP codes commonly associated with data engineering degrees, such as computer science and applied mathematics, are typically on that list. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer.

How early should I apply for Data Science Engineer jobs on OPT?

Start your search at least three to four months before your OPT start date. Hiring timelines for data engineering roles at established companies often run six to eight weeks from first interview to offer. Factoring in EAD processing time, which currently averages three to five months, applying early keeps your authorization and your start date aligned.

Where can I find Data Science Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers with a history of sponsoring international candidates. Browsing on Migrate Mate saves significant time compared to sifting through general job listings where sponsorship willingness is unclear or buried in fine print.

What happens to my Data Science Engineer job if my H-1B isn't selected in the lottery?

If you exhaust your STEM OPT period and the H-1B lottery does not select you, your work authorization ends and you must stop working. Some employers in the data space offer alternative visa pathways, such as the O-1A for candidates with strong publication or competition records, or transfer to a Canadian office while reapplying. Discussing contingency options with your employer before your OPT expires is worth doing proactively.

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