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
At Audible, we believe stories have the power to transform lives. It's why we work with some of the world's leading creators to produce and share audio storytelling with our millions of global listeners. We are dreamers and inventors who come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to empower and inspire each other. Imagine your future with us.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Playback team at Audible owns the core playback logic and services, including players, content delivery, security, listening data, metrics and insights, and a unified SDK. This team focuses on optimizing playback quality, performance, and customer experience across platforms, using automated tools for monitoring and analysis. The Playback team also drives Audible's efforts to advance the state of internet audio through faculty collaborations. You will own critical infrastructure supporting audio ads at Audible, you’ll build scalable systems processing billions of ad opportunities annually, delivering world-class advertising experiences to millions of customers.
This role offers hands-on technical ownership of audio ad systems, real-time ad serving pipelines, and conversational AI integration. You'll work with talented engineers solving complex distributed systems challenges while directly impacting a business.
ABOUT YOU
We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Software Development Engineer to design, architect, and implement machine learning solutions that drive transformative technological advancements. You will combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking, capable of translating complex business challenges into scalable, intelligent systems.
As a Software Development Engineer, you will...
- Design, develop, and test software components and applications for a leading global provider of audiobooks
- Collaborate with Product, Applied Science, and cross-functional engineering teams to define and deliver innovative advertising products
- Optimize ad serving latency, cost, and business metrics for audio advertising at scale
- Collaborate on an agile engineering team, writing scalable and maintainable code and influencing team decisions
- Collaborate with stakeholders to envision, design, develop, test, and launch customer-centric software solutions
- Utilize technology to tackle challenging problems and deliver high-quality code on schedule
- Demonstrate proficiency in a wide range of data structures and algorithms, applying them effectively
- Independently clarify technical requirements, assess development estimates, and employ diverse design approaches
- Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members
- Foster continuous improvement in software quality, customer experience, and product maintainability
- Mentor and lead developers, fostering curiosity and deep technical understanding
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of non-internship design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience programming with at least one software programming language
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
- 3+ years’ experience of software development and deployment of distributed multi-tier applications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience building complex software systems that have been successfully delivered to customers
- Experience building complex software systems that have been successfully delivered to customers, or experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team
- Full stack proficiency (e.g., Java, C++, Mobile App development - Swift, Kotlin, JS, TS)
- Competency at delegating work in parallel to accelerate delivery
- Enthusiasm for promoting high-quality standard in others across: documentation, unit testing, code reviews, test automation, continuous integration and deployment
COMPENSATION
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, NJ, Newark - 158,100.00 - 213,800.00 USD annually
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
INTRODUCTION
At Audible, we believe stories have the power to transform lives. It's why we work with some of the world's leading creators to produce and share audio storytelling with our millions of global listeners. We are dreamers and inventors who come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to empower and inspire each other. Imagine your future with us.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Playback team at Audible owns the core playback logic and services, including players, content delivery, security, listening data, metrics and insights, and a unified SDK. This team focuses on optimizing playback quality, performance, and customer experience across platforms, using automated tools for monitoring and analysis. The Playback team also drives Audible's efforts to advance the state of internet audio through faculty collaborations. You will own critical infrastructure supporting audio ads at Audible, you’ll build scalable systems processing billions of ad opportunities annually, delivering world-class advertising experiences to millions of customers.
This role offers hands-on technical ownership of audio ad systems, real-time ad serving pipelines, and conversational AI integration. You'll work with talented engineers solving complex distributed systems challenges while directly impacting a business.
ABOUT YOU
We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Software Development Engineer to design, architect, and implement machine learning solutions that drive transformative technological advancements. You will combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking, capable of translating complex business challenges into scalable, intelligent systems.
As a Software Development Engineer, you will...
- Design, develop, and test software components and applications for a leading global provider of audiobooks
- Collaborate with Product, Applied Science, and cross-functional engineering teams to define and deliver innovative advertising products
- Optimize ad serving latency, cost, and business metrics for audio advertising at scale
- Collaborate on an agile engineering team, writing scalable and maintainable code and influencing team decisions
- Collaborate with stakeholders to envision, design, develop, test, and launch customer-centric software solutions
- Utilize technology to tackle challenging problems and deliver high-quality code on schedule
- Demonstrate proficiency in a wide range of data structures and algorithms, applying them effectively
- Independently clarify technical requirements, assess development estimates, and employ diverse design approaches
- Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members
- Foster continuous improvement in software quality, customer experience, and product maintainability
- Mentor and lead developers, fostering curiosity and deep technical understanding
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of non-internship design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience programming with at least one software programming language
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
- 3+ years’ experience of software development and deployment of distributed multi-tier applications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience building complex software systems that have been successfully delivered to customers
- Experience building complex software systems that have been successfully delivered to customers, or experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team
- Full stack proficiency (e.g., Java, C++, Mobile App development - Swift, Kotlin, JS, TS)
- Competency at delegating work in parallel to accelerate delivery
- Enthusiasm for promoting high-quality standard in others across: documentation, unit testing, code reviews, test automation, continuous integration and deployment
COMPENSATION
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, NJ, Newark - 158,100.00 - 213,800.00 USD annually
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
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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.