Developer Jobs for OPT Students
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 sponsorship.
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INTRODUCTION
SPEED & SPIRIT is what we look for in our candidates, defined by some simple values that inspire us to BE DRIVEN in our performance, BE VIBRANT in our sporting legacy, BE TOGETHER in our team spirit, and BE YOU to let our individual talent and experience shine. Applying for a job at PUMA is easy. Simply click APPLY ONLINE and follow the steps to upload your application.
Your mission
The Developer will be responsible for the product commercialization of US Apparel ranges from design to style sign off for production. Coordinate with Product line managers, PGS Branch offices in Hong Kong, China, Bangladesh & Central America as well as PNA teams whenever required. The core objective will be to develop a product which is feasible in production, achieve target cost & suggest alternate solutions to design if required. Role would be reporting to Lead Developer and serve as the Boston based gatekeeper team, ensuring on time and alignment of the end-to-end development timeline.
- Responsible for the timely and accurate completion of garment bill of materials, product database, style sign off based on R&D calendar
- Work closely with domestic vendor by providing artwork, TP’s and approving strike offs and lab dips on shorter lead times.
- Evaluate all 3D and physical prototypes & samples to ensure details and workmanship are correct, materials used fall within the required costing structure and all test parameters are met.
- Participate in all product meetings/fit sessions. Identify key issues in pricing, construction and workmanship. Communicate issues/problem solving ideas on these issues to allow vendor to proceed to the next sample/bulk stage.
- Daily communication between Design/Product Line Management/Sourcing offices
- Partners with Design/Development team to research the market for innovative ideas to further grow and better the product line
- Work on options as needed for efficient production techniques to improve cost & productivity.
Your talent
- Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Textiles or Apparel/Fashion Merchandising preferred.
- 2-4 years’ experience in an apparel development based position
- Knowledge of garment constructions, costing, fabric and manufacturing processes
- Experience with Digital Knitwear Design Development (3D prototype software)
- Strong communication and ensuring alignment with stakeholders both regionally and globally
- Strong attention to detail while upholding solution orientation by anticipating issues, prioritizing tasks and driving high quality outcomes
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment within a team environment.
- Strong written/verbal communication
- MS Office and Adobe illustrator proficiency
- Domestic and/or international travel may be required - up to 10%
The hiring range base pay for this position is $62,700-$83,380 + Bonus + Benefits
(Benefit Summary Corporate)
Pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Our principles
PUMA provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Equality for all is one of the core principles at PUMA and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.
At PUMA, every application is reviewed by real people who are committed to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity - no matter your background, identity, or experience. To ensure our process stays true to these values, no automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions. Every decision is made by real people - with real judgment and accountability. We may use functions supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to carry out isolated organizational steps, such as scheduling interviews. These functions have no influence on decisions in the application process. We believe in creating spaces where everyone is welcome, celebrated, and empowered to contribute authentically. Because at PUMA, whoever wants to play, can play.
PUMA is a global sports brand creating footwear, apparel, and accessories that inspire athletes and everyday movers. The PUMA Group owns PUMA, Cobra Golf, and stichd, operates in 120+ countries, and has around 22,000 employees worldwide.

INTRODUCTION
SPEED & SPIRIT is what we look for in our candidates, defined by some simple values that inspire us to BE DRIVEN in our performance, BE VIBRANT in our sporting legacy, BE TOGETHER in our team spirit, and BE YOU to let our individual talent and experience shine. Applying for a job at PUMA is easy. Simply click APPLY ONLINE and follow the steps to upload your application.
Your mission
The Developer will be responsible for the product commercialization of US Apparel ranges from design to style sign off for production. Coordinate with Product line managers, PGS Branch offices in Hong Kong, China, Bangladesh & Central America as well as PNA teams whenever required. The core objective will be to develop a product which is feasible in production, achieve target cost & suggest alternate solutions to design if required. Role would be reporting to Lead Developer and serve as the Boston based gatekeeper team, ensuring on time and alignment of the end-to-end development timeline.
- Responsible for the timely and accurate completion of garment bill of materials, product database, style sign off based on R&D calendar
- Work closely with domestic vendor by providing artwork, TP’s and approving strike offs and lab dips on shorter lead times.
- Evaluate all 3D and physical prototypes & samples to ensure details and workmanship are correct, materials used fall within the required costing structure and all test parameters are met.
- Participate in all product meetings/fit sessions. Identify key issues in pricing, construction and workmanship. Communicate issues/problem solving ideas on these issues to allow vendor to proceed to the next sample/bulk stage.
- Daily communication between Design/Product Line Management/Sourcing offices
- Partners with Design/Development team to research the market for innovative ideas to further grow and better the product line
- Work on options as needed for efficient production techniques to improve cost & productivity.
Your talent
- Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Textiles or Apparel/Fashion Merchandising preferred.
- 2-4 years’ experience in an apparel development based position
- Knowledge of garment constructions, costing, fabric and manufacturing processes
- Experience with Digital Knitwear Design Development (3D prototype software)
- Strong communication and ensuring alignment with stakeholders both regionally and globally
- Strong attention to detail while upholding solution orientation by anticipating issues, prioritizing tasks and driving high quality outcomes
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment within a team environment.
- Strong written/verbal communication
- MS Office and Adobe illustrator proficiency
- Domestic and/or international travel may be required - up to 10%
The hiring range base pay for this position is $62,700-$83,380 + Bonus + Benefits
(Benefit Summary Corporate)
Pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Our principles
PUMA provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Equality for all is one of the core principles at PUMA and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.
At PUMA, every application is reviewed by real people who are committed to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity - no matter your background, identity, or experience. To ensure our process stays true to these values, no automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions. Every decision is made by real people - with real judgment and accountability. We may use functions supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to carry out isolated organizational steps, such as scheduling interviews. These functions have no influence on decisions in the application process. We believe in creating spaces where everyone is welcome, celebrated, and empowered to contribute authentically. Because at PUMA, whoever wants to play, can play.
PUMA is a global sports brand creating footwear, apparel, and accessories that inspire athletes and everyday movers. The PUMA Group owns PUMA, Cobra Golf, and stichd, operates in 120+ countries, and has around 22,000 employees worldwide.
How to Get Visa 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.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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