OPT Design Verification Jobs
Design Verification engineers validate that hardware behaves as specified before tape-out, making this one of the most in-demand roles in semiconductor and chip design. Most positions require a bachelor's or master's in electrical engineering or computer engineering, which aligns well with STEM OPT's 36-month authorization window.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
NVIDIA is growing its SDK Verification team and looking for engineers early in their careers who want to go deep on verification, automation, and networking technology. You'll work alongside SDK development and architecture teams, with mentorship from senior engineers, while building expertise in networking protocols and NVIDIA networking technologies. This is an exceptionally outstanding opportunity to be part of a world-class team and work on ambitious projects that build the future of technology. Join us and help successfully implement innovative solutions that have a lasting impact on the world!
The role is based in Austin and requires two days in the office per week.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Develop and maintain automated tests for SDK Interfaces, development tools, and software libraries
- Contribute to our OS verification infrastructure and help keep it healthy
- Build and improve automation workflows that support fast, reliable SDK releases
- Work within our CI/CD pipelines, adding coverage and improving stability
- Collaborate with hardware, firmware, DevOps, and software teams to reproduce, isolate, and debug issues
- Participate in building and code reviews, and grow into ownership of verification areas over time
- We are AI native and use AI in all stages - search, build, agents, and automation.
What We Need to See:
- B.S or higher in Computer Science / Software / Electrical Engineering (or similar), or equivalent experience
- 2+ years of hands-on experience in software development, automation, or verification
- Very Strong Python skills — you've written and maintained real automation code, not just scripts
- Solid understanding of Linux (command line, debugging, basic system concepts)
- Familiarity with Git and at least one CI tool (Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar)
- Curiosity, strong communication, and the ability to work across teams around the world.
Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd:
- Understanding of networking fundamentals (L2 / L3) — coursework, personal projects, or on-the-job exposure all count
- Experience with the latest Test & Automation Frameworks (pytest, Robot Framework, or in-house equivalents)
- Exposure to Docker, Gerrit, or infrastructure-as-code tooling
- Crafting reports/dashboards with Grafana or PowerBI
- Curiosity about networking and Embedded System Architecture is important. Having a track record of teaching yourself new technical domains or contributing to open-source projects on GitHub is a huge boost.
COMPENSATION
- Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 124,000 USD - 195,500 USD for Level 2, and 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3.
- You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 10, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
NVIDIA is growing its SDK Verification team and looking for engineers early in their careers who want to go deep on verification, automation, and networking technology. You'll work alongside SDK development and architecture teams, with mentorship from senior engineers, while building expertise in networking protocols and NVIDIA networking technologies. This is an exceptionally outstanding opportunity to be part of a world-class team and work on ambitious projects that build the future of technology. Join us and help successfully implement innovative solutions that have a lasting impact on the world!
The role is based in Austin and requires two days in the office per week.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Develop and maintain automated tests for SDK Interfaces, development tools, and software libraries
- Contribute to our OS verification infrastructure and help keep it healthy
- Build and improve automation workflows that support fast, reliable SDK releases
- Work within our CI/CD pipelines, adding coverage and improving stability
- Collaborate with hardware, firmware, DevOps, and software teams to reproduce, isolate, and debug issues
- Participate in building and code reviews, and grow into ownership of verification areas over time
- We are AI native and use AI in all stages - search, build, agents, and automation.
What We Need to See:
- B.S or higher in Computer Science / Software / Electrical Engineering (or similar), or equivalent experience
- 2+ years of hands-on experience in software development, automation, or verification
- Very Strong Python skills — you've written and maintained real automation code, not just scripts
- Solid understanding of Linux (command line, debugging, basic system concepts)
- Familiarity with Git and at least one CI tool (Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar)
- Curiosity, strong communication, and the ability to work across teams around the world.
Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd:
- Understanding of networking fundamentals (L2 / L3) — coursework, personal projects, or on-the-job exposure all count
- Experience with the latest Test & Automation Frameworks (pytest, Robot Framework, or in-house equivalents)
- Exposure to Docker, Gerrit, or infrastructure-as-code tooling
- Crafting reports/dashboards with Grafana or PowerBI
- Curiosity about networking and Embedded System Architecture is important. Having a track record of teaching yourself new technical domains or contributing to open-source projects on GitHub is a huge boost.
COMPENSATION
- Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 124,000 USD - 195,500 USD for Level 2, and 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3.
- You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 10, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Design Verification
Target semiconductor-heavy hiring cycles
Semiconductor companies like Intel, Qualcomm, and AMD concentrate hiring in Q1 and Q3. Applying in these windows gives you the best chance of securing an offer before your OPT start date, leaving time for onboarding paperwork.
Confirm your role qualifies as STEM OPT
Design Verification falls under CIP code 14.1001 (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) for most EE and CE graduates. Confirm your degree CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to ensure your 24-month STEM extension is valid.
Lead with your verification methodology in applications
Employers screening OPT applicants move faster when they see UVM, SystemVerilog, or formal verification listed prominently. A methodology-first resume signals you can contribute from day one, which reduces perceived sponsorship risk for hiring managers.
Engage with employers before your OPT expires
H-1B visa cap season runs April through June for October starts. If your OPT expires in late 2026, you need an offer by early 2026 to fit within the H-1B timeline. Track your expiration date and set job search milestones accordingly.
Prioritize fabless and OSAT companies for H-1B sponsorship
Fabless semiconductor firms and outsourced assembly and test companies sponsor H-1B visas at high rates due to persistent engineering shortages. These employers are accustomed to the process and less likely to withdraw offers due to sponsorship concerns.
Document your verification contributions with metrics
Hiring managers at visa-sponsoring companies want evidence of impact. Quantify your work: coverage closure percentages, bugs caught pre-silicon, or simulation runtimes reduced. Concrete numbers make your case stronger during both hiring and any future H-1B petition.
Design Verification OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Design Verification roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Design Verification is rooted in electrical engineering or computer engineering, both of which appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. If your degree falls under a qualifying CIP code, your employer must sign a formal training plan (Form I-983) to activate the extension. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before relying on STEM eligibility.
How do I find Design Verification employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for roles open to OPT and visa sponsorship, so you're not sorting through positions that exclude international candidates. Semiconductor companies filing Labor Condition Applications with the Department of Labor are publicly searchable and represent your strongest pool. Focus on companies with established hardware teams, as they have recurring verification headcount and sponsorship infrastructure already in place.
Can I work as a Design Verification contractor on OPT?
Yes, but there are constraints. OPT allows contract and consulting work as long as the role is directly related to your degree and you work at least 20 hours per week. For STEM OPT, your employer must be E-Verify enrolled and sign Form I-983, which some staffing firms and smaller contractors won't do. Verify E-Verify enrollment before accepting any contract offer.
What happens to my OPT status if my Design Verification role ends mid-authorization?
You enter a 60-day grace period the day your employment ends. During that window, you can search for a new qualifying role, transfer to a different visa status, or prepare to depart the U.S. You cannot work during the grace period. Unemployment also counts against your OPT authorization: post-completion OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment, and STEM OPT allows an additional 60 days.
Does working at a startup affect my STEM OPT eligibility as a Design Verification engineer?
It can. The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, which many early-stage startups have not completed. If the startup is not E-Verify enrolled, it cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT, regardless of the role's technical nature. Ask the hiring manager directly before interviewing, and check E-Verify enrollment status on the DHS website. Established fabless startups with institutional backing are more likely to have compliance infrastructure in place.