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.
Find OPT Developer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 2,480+ Developer jobs
See all 2,480+ Developer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Developer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The New Mexico Department of Health works in many ways to promote, preserve and protect our health. ITASD supports many programs within DOH, all of which provide some of the most requested and important services we provide to our customers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The purpose of this position within the ADSB team in the Information Technology Services Division will be to serve as the Senior IT Application Developer and Rhapsody Administrator for the New Mexico Department of Health.
This position will be responsible for operations, maintenance, support, planning, programming, and troubleshooting of our Rhapsody 5 and Rhapsody 6 servers, a custom PowerShell script based fax solution that uses Rhapsody as a scheduler, a custom PowerShell based file processing solution that operates within Rhapsody and transforms externally uploaded csv files into HL7 files, and custom HL7, Java, JavaScript, PowerShell, C# .NET, SQL, and Python programming solutions within and outside of Rhapsody.
The applicant will need to create, maintain, monitor, and customize Rhapsody Comm Points and Rhapsody Routes, maintain permissions, perform server and software maintenance, ensure viable backups, plan and perform Route and Comm Point migrations from Rhapsody 5 to Rhapsody 6, troubleshoot issues, and provide long term planning and guidance. This position performs highly complex assignments that frequently require the development of new or enhanced applications, processes, and technical solutions. The incumbent will contribute to all phases of the system development life cycle, including requirements gathering, systems analysis, solution design, development, testing, implementation, and ongoing support.
This position will work directly with, and will need to communicate effectively with, DOH Program partners, external Program partners, ITSD staff and Leadership, DOH management, and other technical staff at the Department of Information Technology (DoIT). This position requires the ability to perform and accomplish job requirements with minimal direction and/or supervision; the ability to work successfully in a team environment; and the ability to apply industry best practices.
CUSTOMERS
This position supports all of DOH.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), Information Technology, Engineering, or similar technical degree and three (3) years of experience in software programming. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling seven (7) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and must complete a Defensive Driving Course.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25lbs.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Naombael Frostad, (505) 469-9870 or email: Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
INTRODUCTION
The New Mexico Department of Health works in many ways to promote, preserve and protect our health. ITASD supports many programs within DOH, all of which provide some of the most requested and important services we provide to our customers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The purpose of this position within the ADSB team in the Information Technology Services Division will be to serve as the Senior IT Application Developer and Rhapsody Administrator for the New Mexico Department of Health.
This position will be responsible for operations, maintenance, support, planning, programming, and troubleshooting of our Rhapsody 5 and Rhapsody 6 servers, a custom PowerShell script based fax solution that uses Rhapsody as a scheduler, a custom PowerShell based file processing solution that operates within Rhapsody and transforms externally uploaded csv files into HL7 files, and custom HL7, Java, JavaScript, PowerShell, C# .NET, SQL, and Python programming solutions within and outside of Rhapsody.
The applicant will need to create, maintain, monitor, and customize Rhapsody Comm Points and Rhapsody Routes, maintain permissions, perform server and software maintenance, ensure viable backups, plan and perform Route and Comm Point migrations from Rhapsody 5 to Rhapsody 6, troubleshoot issues, and provide long term planning and guidance. This position performs highly complex assignments that frequently require the development of new or enhanced applications, processes, and technical solutions. The incumbent will contribute to all phases of the system development life cycle, including requirements gathering, systems analysis, solution design, development, testing, implementation, and ongoing support.
This position will work directly with, and will need to communicate effectively with, DOH Program partners, external Program partners, ITSD staff and Leadership, DOH management, and other technical staff at the Department of Information Technology (DoIT). This position requires the ability to perform and accomplish job requirements with minimal direction and/or supervision; the ability to work successfully in a team environment; and the ability to apply industry best practices.
CUSTOMERS
This position supports all of DOH.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), Information Technology, Engineering, or similar technical degree and three (3) years of experience in software programming. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling seven (7) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and must complete a Defensive Driving Course.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25lbs.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Naombael Frostad, (505) 469-9870 or email: Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
See all 2,480+ OPT Developer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Developer Jobs.
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.