OPT Developer Jobs
Developer roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions in the U.S. job market. Many tech employers are experienced with F-1 work authorization, and STEM OPT extensions apply to most software and engineering roles, giving you up to three years to build your career before needing H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Tyler Maine is looking for an Application Developer to join our team. Based in Augusta, ME, Tyler Maine is a leader in digital government solutions and payments, partnering with government to deliver user-friendly digital services that make it easier and more efficient to interact with government. As a division of Tyler Technologies (NYSE:TYL), we are driven by our mission to empower public sector entities to operate more efficiently and connect more transparently with their constituents and with each other.
The Tyler Maine Application Developer is responsible for developing new web applications and migration, maintenance, and management of existing web applications for Maine State Government. They work with project managers, systems admin, security analyst, and other developers on our eGovernment and eCommerce applications that host thousands of users every day.
We are seeking a talented and driven professional with a proactive, positive “get it done” attitude that takes pride in their online services from inception to deployment and support. You will have the opportunity to develop new custom applications as well as applications that integrate with Tyler platforms and web services. You will also provide support through application upgrades to prepare our services for migration into a cloud-environment.
You must be an excellent team player with unquestionable integrity, credibility, and character and have a desire to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a small, focused team. The Application Developer works with the entire Tyler Maine team and reports to the Director of Technology.
Responsibilities
- The developer will be technically well-rounded, including but not limited to writing code, understanding basic networking, understanding web application architecture and devops functions. The successful candidate will:
- Write code for new and existing applications
- Provide technical expertise within an assigned business unit in the analysis, design, and development of business applications
- Bring a well-rounded and highly knowledgeable technical background in development of web/mobile applications, services & solutions
- Deliver quality solutions and support those solutions through the SDLC change process and into production
- Drive the development of new small- to large-scale projects while simultaneously supporting our existing service catalog
- Provide technical consulting support on projects and system issues
- Evaluate application software packages and make recommendations to management
- Participate in business and IT project estimation activities
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related discipline or equivalent work experience.
- 1+ years' professional experience, preferably in business, government, or eCommerce industries.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE
- Proficient in Perl (preferred) and/or PHP, and development for Linux based web server environments
- Familiarity with Java preferred
- Experience with relational databases and SQL for implementing database-driven, web-based applications
- Command line knowledge of Linux-based operating systems such as CentOS and Amazon Linux
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
- Excellent communication skills, including good written and verbal abilities.
- Desire to work in fast-paced entrepreneurial environment to ensure that applications meet or exceed specifications in a 3-tier, scalable, and secure environment
- Self-motivated, creative, and strong sense of accountability
- Commitment to usability, accessibility, security, and privacy standards as applicable in digital government
- Ability to work well with others
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow instructions and perform other related duties as assigned by their supervisor.
INTRODUCTION
Tyler Maine is looking for an Application Developer to join our team. Based in Augusta, ME, Tyler Maine is a leader in digital government solutions and payments, partnering with government to deliver user-friendly digital services that make it easier and more efficient to interact with government. As a division of Tyler Technologies (NYSE:TYL), we are driven by our mission to empower public sector entities to operate more efficiently and connect more transparently with their constituents and with each other.
The Tyler Maine Application Developer is responsible for developing new web applications and migration, maintenance, and management of existing web applications for Maine State Government. They work with project managers, systems admin, security analyst, and other developers on our eGovernment and eCommerce applications that host thousands of users every day.
We are seeking a talented and driven professional with a proactive, positive “get it done” attitude that takes pride in their online services from inception to deployment and support. You will have the opportunity to develop new custom applications as well as applications that integrate with Tyler platforms and web services. You will also provide support through application upgrades to prepare our services for migration into a cloud-environment.
You must be an excellent team player with unquestionable integrity, credibility, and character and have a desire to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a small, focused team. The Application Developer works with the entire Tyler Maine team and reports to the Director of Technology.
Responsibilities
- The developer will be technically well-rounded, including but not limited to writing code, understanding basic networking, understanding web application architecture and devops functions. The successful candidate will:
- Write code for new and existing applications
- Provide technical expertise within an assigned business unit in the analysis, design, and development of business applications
- Bring a well-rounded and highly knowledgeable technical background in development of web/mobile applications, services & solutions
- Deliver quality solutions and support those solutions through the SDLC change process and into production
- Drive the development of new small- to large-scale projects while simultaneously supporting our existing service catalog
- Provide technical consulting support on projects and system issues
- Evaluate application software packages and make recommendations to management
- Participate in business and IT project estimation activities
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related discipline or equivalent work experience.
- 1+ years' professional experience, preferably in business, government, or eCommerce industries.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE
- Proficient in Perl (preferred) and/or PHP, and development for Linux based web server environments
- Familiarity with Java preferred
- Experience with relational databases and SQL for implementing database-driven, web-based applications
- Command line knowledge of Linux-based operating systems such as CentOS and Amazon Linux
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
- Excellent communication skills, including good written and verbal abilities.
- Desire to work in fast-paced entrepreneurial environment to ensure that applications meet or exceed specifications in a 3-tier, scalable, and secure environment
- Self-motivated, creative, and strong sense of accountability
- Commitment to usability, accessibility, security, and privacy standards as applicable in digital government
- Ability to work well with others
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow instructions and perform other related duties as assigned by their supervisor.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Developer
Target STEM-designated programs
Confirm your degree program has a STEM CIP code before applying. Most computer science, software engineering, and information systems degrees qualify, giving you a 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months.
Apply to companies with H-1B track records
Employers who regularly sponsor H-1B visas are far more likely to extend OPT students into full-time roles. Search Department of Labor LCA disclosure data to verify which companies actively file for software developers.
Clarify your authorization timeline upfront
Many hiring managers misunderstand OPT. Be ready to explain that you can work immediately with your EAD card and that STEM extension gives them roughly three years before sponsorship becomes necessary.
Focus on startups and mid-size tech companies
Large enterprises often have rigid hiring policies that screen out OPT candidates early. Startups and growth-stage companies frequently prioritize technical skill and move faster, with more flexibility around visa status.
Highlight specialized technical skills
Employers weigh the cost of sponsorship against how hard a skill is to replace. Deep expertise in areas like cloud infrastructure, machine learning, or distributed systems makes sponsorship a straightforward business decision for most hiring managers.
Apply before your OPT start date
Recruiters often move slowly. Start applying 60 to 90 days before your OPT begins so you have active interviews in progress when your EAD arrives and can start work without delay.
Developer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Developer on OPT without an employer sponsoring a visa?
Yes. During your OPT period you're authorized to work based on your F-1 status and EAD card, not employer sponsorship. Your employer doesn't file anything with USCIS. Sponsorship only becomes relevant later if you want to stay in the U.S. long-term and need an H-1B or other work visa.
Do Developer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code, not your job title. Software engineering, computer science, information technology, and related degrees typically qualify. Your role must also be directly related to your degree field. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify for the 24-month extension.
How many hours can I work as a Developer on OPT?
During post-completion OPT you must work at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid status. Full-time roles at 40 hours are fine. Contractor and part-time arrangements are allowed as long as you hit the 20-hour floor. On STEM OPT extension, your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify.
Can I work as a freelance or contract Developer on OPT?
Yes, self-employment and contract work are permitted on standard OPT if the work is related to your degree. On STEM OPT extension, self-employment is not allowed because the extension requires a formal employer-employee relationship with an E-Verify enrolled company. If contracting is your goal, complete it during your initial 12-month OPT period.
Where can I find Developer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so every Developer role listed there is from employers open to candidates with work authorization requirements. Searching general job boards wastes time because most listings don't disclose visa policy and require follow-up to screen for OPT friendliness.