Firmware Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
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 JobsIf you are looking for a challenging and exciting career in the world of technology, then look no further. Skyworks is an innovator of high-performance analog semiconductors whose solutions are powering the wireless networking revolution. Through our broad technology expertise and one of the most extensive product portfolios in the industry, we are Connecting Everyone and Everything, All the Time.
At Skyworks, you will find a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on global collaboration, minimal layers of management, and the freedom to make meaningful contributions in a setting that encourages creative thinking. We are excited about the opportunity to work with you and glad you want to be part of a team of talented individuals who together are changing the way the world communicates.
Requisition ID: 75857
Description
Skyworks Solutions is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Embedded Firmware Engineer Co-Op to join our team in Hillsboro, OR for the Summer/Fall 2026 term (June–December). This is a full-time, in-person opportunity designed for students currently enrolled in a college or university. The role offers hands-on experience in embedded systems development, contributing to real-world projects that impact next-generation wireless connectivity solutions.
LI-DNI
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain embedded firmware for wireless communication systems.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, and test engineers.
- Debug and troubleshoot firmware issues using lab equipment and software tools.
- Write and maintain documentation for firmware design and implementation.
- Support integration and validation of firmware in system-level environments.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes and tools.
Required Experience and Skills
- Must be currently enrolled in a college or university for the entire duration of the co-op (June–December 2026).
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD students in Computer Engineering or Computer Science preferred.
- Working knowledge of C programming for embedded systems.
- Familiarity with Python for scripting and automation tasks.
- Basic understanding of microcontrollers, digital interfaces, and embedded development environments.
Desired Experience and Skills
- Experience with embedded debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
- Exposure to real-time operating systems (RTOS).
- Familiarity with version control systems such as Git.
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
Term of Assignment
Summer/Fall 2026 term Co-Op
Duration: June to December 2026
Location: Hillsboro, OR, In-person
The typical pay range for an Engineering intern across the U.S. is currently USD $26.00 - $47.50 per hour and for a Non-Engineering intern across the U.S. is currently USD $22.50 - $42.00 per hour. Starting pay will depend on level of education, the ultimate job duties and requirements, and work location. Skyworks has different pay ranges for different work locations in the U.S.
Skyworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Skyworks strives to create an accessible workplace; if you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@skyworksinc.com.
If you are looking for a challenging and exciting career in the world of technology, then look no further. Skyworks is an innovator of high-performance analog semiconductors whose solutions are powering the wireless networking revolution. Through our broad technology expertise and one of the most extensive product portfolios in the industry, we are Connecting Everyone and Everything, All the Time.
At Skyworks, you will find a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on global collaboration, minimal layers of management, and the freedom to make meaningful contributions in a setting that encourages creative thinking. We are excited about the opportunity to work with you and glad you want to be part of a team of talented individuals who together are changing the way the world communicates.
Requisition ID: 75857
Description
Skyworks Solutions is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Embedded Firmware Engineer Co-Op to join our team in Hillsboro, OR for the Summer/Fall 2026 term (June–December). This is a full-time, in-person opportunity designed for students currently enrolled in a college or university. The role offers hands-on experience in embedded systems development, contributing to real-world projects that impact next-generation wireless connectivity solutions.
LI-DNI
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain embedded firmware for wireless communication systems.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, and test engineers.
- Debug and troubleshoot firmware issues using lab equipment and software tools.
- Write and maintain documentation for firmware design and implementation.
- Support integration and validation of firmware in system-level environments.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes and tools.
Required Experience and Skills
- Must be currently enrolled in a college or university for the entire duration of the co-op (June–December 2026).
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD students in Computer Engineering or Computer Science preferred.
- Working knowledge of C programming for embedded systems.
- Familiarity with Python for scripting and automation tasks.
- Basic understanding of microcontrollers, digital interfaces, and embedded development environments.
Desired Experience and Skills
- Experience with embedded debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
- Exposure to real-time operating systems (RTOS).
- Familiarity with version control systems such as Git.
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
Term of Assignment
Summer/Fall 2026 term Co-Op
Duration: June to December 2026
Location: Hillsboro, OR, In-person
The typical pay range for an Engineering intern across the U.S. is currently USD $26.00 - $47.50 per hour and for a Non-Engineering intern across the U.S. is currently USD $22.50 - $42.00 per hour. Starting pay will depend on level of education, the ultimate job duties and requirements, and work location. Skyworks has different pay ranges for different work locations in the U.S.
Skyworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Skyworks strives to create an accessible workplace; if you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@skyworksinc.com.
How to Get Visa 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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