OPT Development Engineer Jobs
Development Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical, electrical, civil, or systems engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers in this field regularly file H-1B visa petitions, making it a realistic long-term path.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout us
We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy.
We’re unique too. We were established to find a better way for the global financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and secure approach that the community can trust, completely. We’re always striving to be better and are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape, without undermining that trust. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.
Education
University degree in computer science or related field.
Experience
- Relevant professional experience in software development, test automation, or system integration.
- Strong hands-on experience working in Linux environments.
- Proficiency in scripting and automation using Python, Shell scripting, or similar technologies.
- Experience with test automation frameworks, qualification testing, and system integration activities is highly desirable.
- Understanding of software development lifecycle, quality assurance processes, and continuous improvement practices.
- Experience with CI/CD technologies such as Cloudbees and CDRO.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, maintain, and enhance test automation solutions supporting SwiftNet Services components.
- Contribute to integration, qualification, and regression testing activities to ensure product quality and system reliability.
- Analyze requirements and translate business and technical needs into effective automation and testing solutions.
- Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues across development, testing, and production-like environments.
- Collaborate with engineers, architects, and stakeholders to identify improvements and implement robust solutions.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, test artifacts, automation frameworks, and operational procedures.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to increase automation coverage, efficiency, and maintainability.
- Provide technical guidance and support to team members and contribute to knowledge sharing within the squad.
- Participate in code reviews, testing reviews, and quality assurance activities to maintain high engineering standards.
- Contribute to the long-term evolution of the squad's automation framework and testing strategy, helping ensure scalability and sustainability of solutions.
The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position in Virginia is $82,361 USD Annual to $152,955 Annual USD. Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. Our compensation packages include a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity for all employees contingent on personal and company performance. Our generous benefits program includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance with no premium costs for our employees and their families, and retirement plan plus matching 401k.
We give you the freedom to be yourself. We are creating an environment of unique individuals – like you – with different perspectives on the financial industry and the world. A diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone’s voice counts and where you can reach your full potential.
We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation related to accessibility during your application or interview, please contact accessibility-Sysgroup@swift.com or indicate this in your application. Please note that this mailbox is not monitored for general recruitment enquiries and should only be used for accessibility or accommodation-related requests (for example related to vision, hearing or neurodiversity). All requests are confidential and will not affect your candidacy. Don’t meet every single requirement? At Swift, we are dedicated to building a workplace where people can bring their full selves and ideas to the team, so if you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification.
About us
We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy.
We’re unique too. We were established to find a better way for the global financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and secure approach that the community can trust, completely. We’re always striving to be better and are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape, without undermining that trust. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.
Education
University degree in computer science or related field.
Experience
- Relevant professional experience in software development, test automation, or system integration.
- Strong hands-on experience working in Linux environments.
- Proficiency in scripting and automation using Python, Shell scripting, or similar technologies.
- Experience with test automation frameworks, qualification testing, and system integration activities is highly desirable.
- Understanding of software development lifecycle, quality assurance processes, and continuous improvement practices.
- Experience with CI/CD technologies such as Cloudbees and CDRO.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, maintain, and enhance test automation solutions supporting SwiftNet Services components.
- Contribute to integration, qualification, and regression testing activities to ensure product quality and system reliability.
- Analyze requirements and translate business and technical needs into effective automation and testing solutions.
- Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues across development, testing, and production-like environments.
- Collaborate with engineers, architects, and stakeholders to identify improvements and implement robust solutions.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, test artifacts, automation frameworks, and operational procedures.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to increase automation coverage, efficiency, and maintainability.
- Provide technical guidance and support to team members and contribute to knowledge sharing within the squad.
- Participate in code reviews, testing reviews, and quality assurance activities to maintain high engineering standards.
- Contribute to the long-term evolution of the squad's automation framework and testing strategy, helping ensure scalability and sustainability of solutions.
The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position in Virginia is $82,361 USD Annual to $152,955 Annual USD. Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. Our compensation packages include a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity for all employees contingent on personal and company performance. Our generous benefits program includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance with no premium costs for our employees and their families, and retirement plan plus matching 401k.
We give you the freedom to be yourself. We are creating an environment of unique individuals – like you – with different perspectives on the financial industry and the world. A diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone’s voice counts and where you can reach your full potential.
We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation related to accessibility during your application or interview, please contact accessibility-Sysgroup@swift.com or indicate this in your application. Please note that this mailbox is not monitored for general recruitment enquiries and should only be used for accessibility or accommodation-related requests (for example related to vision, hearing or neurodiversity). All requests are confidential and will not affect your candidacy. Don’t meet every single requirement? At Swift, we are dedicated to building a workplace where people can bring their full selves and ideas to the team, so if you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification.
See all 573+ OPT Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Development Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Development Engineer
Confirm your degree field matches the role
Development Engineer positions typically require a degree in engineering or a closely related technical field. Before applying, verify your major aligns with the job description to avoid OPT authorization issues and strengthen your candidacy from the start.
Prioritize employers with active H-1B histories
Look for companies that have consistently sponsored H-1B visas for engineering roles. Past sponsorship behavior is the strongest signal that an employer will support your long-term work authorization after OPT ends.
Start your OPT application at least 90 days early
USCIS recommends applying for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date. Late applications shrink your authorized work window, which can complicate job start dates with employers expecting you to begin quickly.
Address OPT timing clearly in interviews
Employers often hesitate because they misunderstand OPT timelines. Explain that your OPT EAD is already in process or approved, state your exact authorized start date, and clarify that STEM extension gives you additional runway beyond the initial period.
Target product companies over staffing firms
Direct employers in manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and tech file far more H-1B petitions for Development Engineers than staffing agencies do. Product companies also offer more structured sponsorship processes and clearer long-term employment paths.
Document all engineering projects for your resume
Development Engineer roles require demonstrated technical depth. Quantify your contributions with metrics where possible, such as cycle time reductions or reliability improvements, to differentiate yourself from candidates with similar academic backgrounds and OPT status.
Development Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Development Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but it depends on your degree field, not just the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer engineering, and the role uses those skills directly, you can apply for the 24-month STEM extension after your initial 12-month OPT period.
How do I find Development Engineer roles that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so every role on the platform is filtered for sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching there saves you from applying to positions where OPT is an automatic disqualifier, which is a common and frustrating experience on general job boards.
Can I work as a Development Engineer on OPT if my degree is in a related but not identical field?
Yes, in most cases. OPT requires that your job be directly related to your major area of study, but the connection does not have to be exact. A materials science graduate working on product development, or an industrial engineer in a process development role, would generally satisfy the relatedness requirement. When in doubt, consult your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do Development Engineer employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Many do, particularly in industries like aerospace, defense, semiconductors, and medical devices, where engineering talent is scarce and companies invest in retaining skilled employees long-term. That said, sponsorship policies vary by company size and budget. Researching a company's historical H-1B filings before accepting an offer is a practical way to gauge their commitment.
What happens if my OPT EAD is still pending when an employer wants me to start?
You cannot begin work until your EAD arrives, even if your OPT start date has passed. Communicate your timeline to the employer as early as possible and share your EAD receipt notice as proof the application is in process. Most engineering employers will adjust a start date by a few weeks if you are transparent and proactive about the situation.