OPT Firmware Engineer Jobs
Firmware Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Embedded systems and real-time OS experience are the skills employers look for first.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING
At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond. Together, we advance your career.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
AMD, Inc., is hiring MTS 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. Develop, debug, and integrate firmware solutions for microcontrollers in AMD SoCs. Design, develop, troubleshoot and debug computer software for electronic device hardware. Implement embedded firmware enabling a wide range of power, performance, and security features. 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 Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering or related field.
Amount and type of experience required
One (1) year of experience in the job offered or closely related engineering or technology analyst role.
Specific skills required
The following skills are required:
- Developing firmware for embedded memory devices;
- Source control systems such as SVN or Git;
- RTOS environments;
- C, C++, or Python;
- Embedded driver development;
- CPU architecture, GPU architecture, or SOC architecture;
- OS kernel & systems development;
- Device drivers such as BIOS or UEFI; and
- Server systems.
Experience may be gained through graduate-level coursework, research, or internship experience.
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
WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING
At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond. Together, we advance your career.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
AMD, Inc., is hiring MTS 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. Develop, debug, and integrate firmware solutions for microcontrollers in AMD SoCs. Design, develop, troubleshoot and debug computer software for electronic device hardware. Implement embedded firmware enabling a wide range of power, performance, and security features. 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 Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering or related field.
Amount and type of experience required
One (1) year of experience in the job offered or closely related engineering or technology analyst role.
Specific skills required
The following skills are required:
- Developing firmware for embedded memory devices;
- Source control systems such as SVN or Git;
- RTOS environments;
- C, C++, or Python;
- Embedded driver development;
- CPU architecture, GPU architecture, or SOC architecture;
- OS kernel & systems development;
- Device drivers such as BIOS or UEFI; and
- Server systems.
Experience may be gained through graduate-level coursework, research, or internship experience.
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 142+ OPT Firmware Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Firmware Engineer
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Firmware roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, but your degree must be on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science degrees typically qualify without issue.
Highlight embedded systems experience on your resume
Employers screening firmware candidates prioritize hands-on experience with microcontrollers, RTOS, and low-level C or C++. Listing specific chips you have worked with, such as ARM Cortex-M or ESP32, signals practical readiness and separates you from generalist applicants.
Target employers with existing OPT infrastructure
Defense contractors, semiconductor companies, and hardware startups regularly hire OPT students and understand the authorization timeline. Focusing on employers with a track record of sponsorship reduces friction and speeds up the hiring process significantly.
Start your job search 90 days before OPT begins
Firmware hiring moves slower than software because technical interviews include hardware debugging and coding assessments. Beginning your search early gives you time to complete multi-round interviews without racing against your authorization start date.
Address OPT duration proactively with hiring managers
Many firmware employers assume OPT authorization is only 12 months. Clarifying upfront that STEM OPT provides up to 36 months for qualifying roles reassures hiring managers and removes a common reason candidates are passed over early in the process.
Emphasize debugging and hardware validation skills
Firmware engineers who can validate hardware behavior, write test scripts, and use oscilloscopes or logic analyzers are in shorter supply than those who only write code. Demonstrating these skills in interviews positions you as a more complete and immediately productive hire.
Firmware Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Firmware Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Firmware Engineer roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. The extension requires your employer to be E-Verify enrolled and to sign a formal training plan with you.
How long can I work as a Firmware Engineer on OPT?
You have 12 months of standard OPT authorization after graduation. If your degree is STEM-designated and your employer is E-Verify enrolled, you can apply for a 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months total. You must apply for the extension before your initial OPT period expires to maintain continuous work authorization.
What happens to my OPT if I lose my Firmware Engineer job?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment over the full authorization period, or 150 days if you have an approved STEM extension. Losing a firmware role does not immediately end your status, but you must find new employment within those limits. Tracking your unemployment days carefully is essential because exceeding the limit ends your OPT authorization.
Where can I find Firmware Engineer jobs that welcome OPT applicants?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters firmware roles by sponsorship willingness and STEM eligibility. Searching there saves time compared to manually screening postings that do not clarify OPT acceptance. Employers listed on Migrate Mate are already identified as open to candidates on OPT or requiring visa sponsorship.
Can I work on hardware projects requiring security clearance while on OPT?
Most security clearances require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, which OPT students do not hold. Firmware roles at defense contractors or government agencies often list clearance as a requirement, making those positions inaccessible on OPT. Commercial firmware roles in consumer electronics, automotive, or industrial sectors are generally open to OPT candidates without clearance requirements.