OPT Firmware Jobs

Firmware engineering roles are among the more OPT-friendly positions in hardware and embedded systems. Most require a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science, and STEM OPT extension eligibility means you can work for up to three years while pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship with an employer.

See All OPT Firmware Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs142+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type91% On-site
Median Salary$139K
Top LocationSan Diego, CA
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 142+ Firmware jobs

AMD
MTS Firmware Engineer
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AMD
New 21h ago
MTS Firmware Engineer
AMD
Santa Clara, California
Software Engineering
Firmware Engineering
Embedded Systems Engineering
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Master's
5,001-10,000

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Qualcomm
UEFI Firmware Engineer
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Qualcomm
Added 4d ago
UEFI Firmware Engineer
Qualcomm
San Diego, California
Software Engineering
Embedded Systems Engineering
Firmware Engineering
$111,300/yr - $166,900/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Juniper Networks
Network Software Engineer - Driver Firmware
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Juniper Networks
Added 4d ago
Network Software Engineer - Driver Firmware
Juniper Networks
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Software Engineering
Embedded Systems Engineering
Not listed
Hybrid
4+ yrs exp.
Associate's

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Peloton
Firmware Engineer III
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Peloton
Added 1w ago
Firmware Engineer III
Peloton
Woodinville, Washington
Software Engineering
Firmware Engineering
Embedded Systems Engineering
$126,350/yr - $149,450/yr
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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NVIDIA
GPU Firmware Infrastructure Engineer
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NVIDIA
Added 1w ago
GPU Firmware Infrastructure Engineer
NVIDIA
Santa Clara, California
Software Engineering
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Technical Product & Program Management
Embedded Systems Engineering
Automation QA
$124,000/yr - $241,500/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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See all 142+ Firmware Jobs

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See all 142+ OPT Firmware Jobs

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Firmware

Target hardware-focused companies early

Semiconductor firms, defense contractors, and consumer electronics companies hire firmware engineers regularly and are accustomed to sponsoring work visas. Prioritize employers with existing H-1B visa filing history over startups without immigration infrastructure.

Emphasize your STEM OPT eligibility

Firmware roles typically fall under STEM-eligible degree categories, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers who hesitate at standard 12-month OPT often reconsider once they understand the extended runway available to you.

Match your degree field to the job description

OPT authorization requires a direct relationship between your degree and your job duties. A computer engineering degree supports a firmware role clearly. Document how your coursework and projects connect to the embedded systems work you'll be doing.

Highlight low-level programming skills on your resume

Firmware engineers who can demonstrate C, C++, RTOS experience, and hardware debugging stand out to sponsoring employers. Concrete project examples from coursework or internships signal you can contribute from day one without extensive ramp-up time.

Apply to embedded systems roles at larger OEMs

Original equipment manufacturers in automotive, medical devices, and industrial automation frequently sponsor firmware engineers. Larger organizations have dedicated immigration counsel, making the sponsorship process more predictable and less dependent on individual manager knowledge.

Proactively address OPT status in your cover letter

Briefly stating your STEM OPT eligibility and H-1B timeline in your application removes ambiguity for hiring managers. Employers who are open to sponsorship appreciate candidates who understand their own status and can explain it clearly.

Firmware OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Do firmware engineering jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes, firmware engineering roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. That gives you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to support the extension, so confirm that before accepting an offer.

How do I find firmware jobs that sponsor OPT students?

Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers open to sponsoring F-1 OPT students, so you are not wasting applications on roles that will screen you out at the authorization question. Firmware roles at semiconductor companies, defense contractors, and automotive OEMs appear regularly on the platform. Filtering by STEM OPT eligibility narrows results to the most relevant opportunities.

Does my firmware job need to be directly related to my degree for OPT to be valid?

Yes. USCIS requires that your OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. For firmware roles, a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science satisfies this requirement clearly. You are responsible for maintaining this connection and documenting it, so keep records of how your coursework aligns with your job duties.

Can I work on a firmware contract or as a consultant on OPT?

Yes, but with conditions. Self-employment is not permitted on OPT. Contract or consulting work is allowed only if you have a formal employer-employee relationship with a staffing firm or contracting company that employs you directly. The arrangement must still be in your degree field, and you cannot work as an independent contractor billing clients on your own.

What happens to my OPT if my firmware employer goes through layoffs?

If your firmware role is eliminated, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, transfer to another visa status, or prepare to depart the United States. During that window you are not authorized to work. Acting quickly matters. Updating your SEVIS record through your DSO within the grace period keeps your immigration record in good standing.