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.
Find OPT Firmware JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 48+ Firmware jobs
See all 48+ Firmware Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Firmware roles.
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
AMD, Inc., is hiring Sr. Firmware 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, electronic engineering, and mathematical analysis. Design, develop, troubleshoot and debug computer software for electronic device hardware. Develop software and tools in support of electronic design, infrastructure and technology platforms, including operating systems, compilers, routers, networks, and/or databases. Determine hardware compatibility and/or influence hardware design. Work in an area of specialization to develop computer systems-level software, working on problems of complex scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors. Under limited supervision, exercise judgment within defined company procedures and practices to select methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Utilize knowledge of computers and electronics, including computer hardware and software, applications, and programming, as well as knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Apply knowledge of engineering principles, best practices, and technologies to the design, development, and testing of various AMD systems and 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 Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
Amount and type of experience required
Position requires two (2) years of experience in the job offered or a closely related engineering role.
Specific skills required
The following skills are required:
- Performing software verification;
- C, C++, or Python;
- Designing and developing automated tests;
- Embedded driver development and firmware development; and
- High speed memory interfaces (HBM, DDR, or GDDR).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
N/A
BENEFITS
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
AMD, Inc., is hiring Sr. Firmware 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, electronic engineering, and mathematical analysis. Design, develop, troubleshoot and debug computer software for electronic device hardware. Develop software and tools in support of electronic design, infrastructure and technology platforms, including operating systems, compilers, routers, networks, and/or databases. Determine hardware compatibility and/or influence hardware design. Work in an area of specialization to develop computer systems-level software, working on problems of complex scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors. Under limited supervision, exercise judgment within defined company procedures and practices to select methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Utilize knowledge of computers and electronics, including computer hardware and software, applications, and programming, as well as knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Apply knowledge of engineering principles, best practices, and technologies to the design, development, and testing of various AMD systems and 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 Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
Amount and type of experience required
Position requires two (2) years of experience in the job offered or a closely related engineering role.
Specific skills required
The following skills are required:
- Performing software verification;
- C, C++, or Python;
- Designing and developing automated tests;
- Embedded driver development and firmware development; and
- High speed memory interfaces (HBM, DDR, or GDDR).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
N/A
BENEFITS
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 48+ OPT Firmware Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Firmware Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips 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.