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 JobsINTRODUCTION
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.
At AMD, we believe technology has the power to solve the world’s most important challenges. From advancing healthcare and scientific discovery to powering AI and the technologies people rely on every day, innovation at AMD is shaping the future.
Whether you’re designing next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, or bringing leading edge products to market, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger — technology that moves the world forward. Join us and, together, we’ll advance your career.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Job Role and Responsibility: Xilinx, Inc., a subsidiary of AMD, Inc., is hiring Sr. Software Development Engineer to Research, design, develop, and/or test operating systems-level software, compilers, and/or network distribution software for semiconductor operations, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Plan, design, develop and/or test software systems for software enhancements and new products. Set operational specifications and formulate and/or analyze software requirements. Drive projects or processes of significant technical importance. Develop compilers for deep learning workloads on company hardware. Create automation scripts to streamline hardware debugging, optimize environment installations, and validate software feature implementations. Exercise wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments. Demonstrate flexibility, strong motivation and a proven record of meeting aggressive deadlines as well as the ability to work as part of a team. Participate in code reviews, creating unit tests, authoring detailed documentation related to work, and working with on-site and offshore teams to deliver the software solutions on schedule. Partake in all phases of the software development including system requirements analysis, coordinating feature design and development across functional and organization boundaries. Utilize knowledge of computers and electronics, including circuit boards, processors, chips, and electronic equipment, as well as knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles. Apply knowledge of engineering principles, best practices, and technologies to the design, development, and testing of various company proprietary products.
Multiple openings. Qualified applicants click “APPLY NOW” button to apply online. Travel required: NO
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Degree required
Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Data Science, or related field.
Qualifications: Amount and type of experience required: None.
Specific skills required: The following skills are required:
- Machine learning algorithms and frameworks;
- Deep Neural Network architectures, including CNN and RNN;
- AI framework, including PyTorch and TensorFlow;
- Software programming skills (C++ and Python);
- Optimizing Machine Learning applications for a target architecture;
- Software verification;
- Software debugging (macOS, Linux, or Unix);
- Git; and
- Data structures.
Experience may be gained through graduate-level coursework, research, assistantship, or internship experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Skills: N/A
BENEFITS
Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
INTRODUCTION
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.
At AMD, we believe technology has the power to solve the world’s most important challenges. From advancing healthcare and scientific discovery to powering AI and the technologies people rely on every day, innovation at AMD is shaping the future.
Whether you’re designing next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, or bringing leading edge products to market, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger — technology that moves the world forward. Join us and, together, we’ll advance your career.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Job Role and Responsibility: Xilinx, Inc., a subsidiary of AMD, Inc., is hiring Sr. Software Development Engineer to Research, design, develop, and/or test operating systems-level software, compilers, and/or network distribution software for semiconductor operations, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Plan, design, develop and/or test software systems for software enhancements and new products. Set operational specifications and formulate and/or analyze software requirements. Drive projects or processes of significant technical importance. Develop compilers for deep learning workloads on company hardware. Create automation scripts to streamline hardware debugging, optimize environment installations, and validate software feature implementations. Exercise wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments. Demonstrate flexibility, strong motivation and a proven record of meeting aggressive deadlines as well as the ability to work as part of a team. Participate in code reviews, creating unit tests, authoring detailed documentation related to work, and working with on-site and offshore teams to deliver the software solutions on schedule. Partake in all phases of the software development including system requirements analysis, coordinating feature design and development across functional and organization boundaries. Utilize knowledge of computers and electronics, including circuit boards, processors, chips, and electronic equipment, as well as knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles. Apply knowledge of engineering principles, best practices, and technologies to the design, development, and testing of various company proprietary products.
Multiple openings. Qualified applicants click “APPLY NOW” button to apply online. Travel required: NO
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Degree required
Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Data Science, or related field.
Qualifications: Amount and type of experience required: None.
Specific skills required: The following skills are required:
- Machine learning algorithms and frameworks;
- Deep Neural Network architectures, including CNN and RNN;
- AI framework, including PyTorch and TensorFlow;
- Software programming skills (C++ and Python);
- Optimizing Machine Learning applications for a target architecture;
- Software verification;
- Software debugging (macOS, Linux, or Unix);
- Git; and
- Data structures.
Experience may be gained through graduate-level coursework, research, assistantship, or internship experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Skills: N/A
BENEFITS
Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
See all 615+ OPT Development Engineer Jobs
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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.