OPT Forward Deployed Software Engineer Jobs
Forward Deployed Software Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with both engineering and client-facing skills. These roles typically require a computer science or engineering degree, which satisfies STEM OPT extension eligibility and gives you up to 36 months of work authorization to build experience before pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsWho We Are
At Kyndryl, we design, build, manage and modernize the mission-critical technology systems that the world depends on every day. So why work at Kyndryl? We are always moving forward – always pushing ourselves to go further in our efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive world for our employees, our customers and our communities.
The Role
Kyndryl Consult is driving the next wave of enterprise AI transformation, delivering mission-critical innovation for global organizations. Operating at the intersection of deep technical architecture and client co-creation, our teams move at market speed to turn complex business challenges into production-ready software systems.
As an Associate Director, Full-stack Forward Deployed Engineer, you are the principal technical force customers ask for by name. You will lead high-impact AI engagements, shape modern architectural blueprints, and step into an ultra-fast, high-autonomy builder’s environment. In this role, you take direct accountability for real outcomes in production environments, designing responsive modern frontends, building robust backend data pipelines, and orchestrating advanced multi-agent workflows.
Operating from our physical Agentic AI Lab in Frisco, Texas, and working directly alongside enterprise leadership, you will thrive in an iterative, rapid-prototyping ecosystem where we ship functional MVPs in weeks, not months. You will balance hands-on development—utilizing state-of-the-art retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architectures, managing LLM API performance, and deploying to cloud hyper-scalers—with strategic client advisory to ensure every solution delivers measurable business value.
Key Responsibilities
Full-Stack Architecture & Rapid Prototyping
- Build and scale responsive modern frontend interfaces using React, Angular, or Vue designed to handle dynamic generative UI elements and real-time streaming outputs.
- Develop robust backend APIs, microservices, and data pipelines using Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, or Node.js to connect enterprise systems with advanced language models.
- Rapidly prototype, iterate, and ship functional, production-ready MVPs within weeks in a highly agile lab environment.
- Optimize application performance, query execution, and rendering speeds to maintain high reliability and low latency across distributed systems.
Agentic AI & Knowledge Systems Integration
- Design, build, and deploy multi-agent orchestration frameworks using tools like LangChain, AutoGen, or CrewAI that communicate, self-correct, and execute complex enterprise workflows.
- Configure and optimize Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures and vector engines, integrating both structured and unstructured data sources.
- Resolve LLM deployment challenges, including API call optimization, token latencies, prompt routing, context window limits, and cost management.
- Implement system-level security and performance best practices for scalable AI platforms.
Client Co-Creation & Technical Ownership
- Embed directly with enterprise client teams to translate ambiguous business requirements into scalable, high-impact technical architectures.
- Partner with senior stakeholders to prioritize long-term technical value and solution integrity over quick fixes.
- Own end-to-end technical delivery from initial scoping through deployment, driving user adoption and operational outcomes.
Platform Contribution & Operational Excellence
- Systematically capture deployment learnings and document architectural best practices to inform ongoing enhancements to Kyndryl’s core platforms.
- Collaborate daily with lab engineering leads to refine physical deployment pipelines and shared frameworks.
- Share knowledge, code contributions, and insights openly across Slack, Teams, and cross-functional stand-ups to elevate the broader engineering community.
Kyndryl currently does not require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, however, if you are hired to work at a client, customer, or partner location, you may be required to show proof of vaccination to align with their respective COVID-19 vaccination policies. Those who believe they are eligible may apply for a medical or religious accommodation prior to the start of employment.
Who You Are
You are good at what you do and possess the required technical depth to prove it. However, equally as important, you have a growth mindset and a passion for driving your own personal and professional development in emerging technologies. You are deeply customer-focused, prioritizing client success above all else when co-creating custom AI solutions face-to-face with enterprise teams. Finally, you are open and borderless—naturally inclusive in how you work, thriving in a flat, highly collaborative team where you share learnings openly across our physical Frisco Lab and global digital channels.
Required Skills and Experience
- Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (or ready to relocate immediately) with a hybrid schedule of 3 days onsite per week at the Frisco, TX Agentic AI Lab.
- 4+ years of professional software engineering experience with strong proficiency in Python and JavaScript/TypeScript backend development.
- Hands-on experience building, designing, and deploying applications using modern frameworks and orchestrators (e.g., LangChain, AutoGen, or CrewAI) in production.
- Experience designing and maintaining modern frontend applications (React, Angular, or Vue), particularly handling streaming data or real-time query responses.
- Practical understanding and deployment experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines and vector databases (e.g., Pinecone, Milvus, Qdrant, Chroma).
- Experience deploying containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes to major cloud hyper-scalers (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and distributed computing architectures.
- Strong proficiency with SQL (PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases, alongside solid data engineering tools such as Pandas and Spark.
- Deep familiarity with Git, GitHub, CI/CD pipelines, version control, and modern software delivery best practices.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience with LLM infrastructure tools such as LiteLLM gateways, prompt tracing platforms (e.g., Langfuse), or workflow managers (e.g., Temporal).
- Familiarity with open-source AI ecosystems (e.g., Hugging Face), agentic frameworks (e.g., LangGraph, Semantic Kernel), system prompt tuning, model fine-tuning, and vector search caching strategies (e.g., Redis).
- Experience using messaging queues or streaming platforms like Kafka or RabbitMQ, alongside familiarity with AI/ML frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to translate complex business requirements into scalable AI solutions and communicate value to executive stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel and work on customer premises as required.
- Active professional certifications in major cloud hyper-scalers (AWS, Azure, GCP) or AI-specific development pathways.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Informatics, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical work experience).
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
The compensation range for the position in the U.S. is - $143,640 to $273,000 based on a full-time schedule.
Your actual compensation may vary depending on your geography, job-related skills and experience. For part time roles, the compensation will be adjusted appropriately. The pay or salary range will not be below any applicable state, city or local minimum wage requirement.
There is a different applicable compensation range for the following work locations:
California (San Francisco Bay Area): $172,440 to $327,600
California (All Other): $158,040 to $300,360
Colorado: $143,640 to $273,000
Massachusetts: $143,640 to $300,360
New York City: $172,440 to $327,600
Washington: $158,040 to $300,360
Washington DC: $158,040 to $300,360
This position will be eligible for Kyndryl’s discretionary annual bonus program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Kyndryl’s applicable plans. You may also receive a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical and dental coverage, disability, retirement benefits, paid leave, and paid time off. Note: If this is a sales commission eligible role, you will be eligible to participate in a sales commission plan in lieu of the annual discretionary bonus program.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Being You
Diversity is a whole lot more than what we look like or where we come from, it’s how we think and who we are. We welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. But we’re not doing it single-handedly: Our Kyndryl Inclusion Networks are only one of many ways we create a workplace where all Kyndryls can find and provide support and advice. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you – and everyone next to you – the ability to bring your whole self to work, individually and collectively, and support the activation of our equitable culture. That’s the Kyndryl Way.
What You Can Expect
With state-of-the-art resources and Fortune 100 clients, every day is an opportunity to innovate, build new capabilities, new relationships, new processes, and new value. Kyndryl cares about your well-being and prides itself on offering benefits that give you choice, reflect the diversity of our employees and support you and your family through the moments that matter – wherever you are in your life journey. Our employee learning programs give you access to the best learning in the industry to receive certifications, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Skillsoft, and many more. Through our company-wide volunteering and giving platform, you can donate, start fundraisers, volunteer, and search over 2 million non-profit organizations. At Kyndryl, we invest heavily in you, we want you to succeed so that together, we will all succeed.
Get Referred!
If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked ‘How Did You Hear About Us’ during the application process, select ‘Employee Referral’ and enter your contact's Kyndryl email address.
Who We Are
At Kyndryl, we design, build, manage and modernize the mission-critical technology systems that the world depends on every day. So why work at Kyndryl? We are always moving forward – always pushing ourselves to go further in our efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive world for our employees, our customers and our communities.
The Role
Kyndryl Consult is driving the next wave of enterprise AI transformation, delivering mission-critical innovation for global organizations. Operating at the intersection of deep technical architecture and client co-creation, our teams move at market speed to turn complex business challenges into production-ready software systems.
As an Associate Director, Full-stack Forward Deployed Engineer, you are the principal technical force customers ask for by name. You will lead high-impact AI engagements, shape modern architectural blueprints, and step into an ultra-fast, high-autonomy builder’s environment. In this role, you take direct accountability for real outcomes in production environments, designing responsive modern frontends, building robust backend data pipelines, and orchestrating advanced multi-agent workflows.
Operating from our physical Agentic AI Lab in Frisco, Texas, and working directly alongside enterprise leadership, you will thrive in an iterative, rapid-prototyping ecosystem where we ship functional MVPs in weeks, not months. You will balance hands-on development—utilizing state-of-the-art retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architectures, managing LLM API performance, and deploying to cloud hyper-scalers—with strategic client advisory to ensure every solution delivers measurable business value.
Key Responsibilities
Full-Stack Architecture & Rapid Prototyping
- Build and scale responsive modern frontend interfaces using React, Angular, or Vue designed to handle dynamic generative UI elements and real-time streaming outputs.
- Develop robust backend APIs, microservices, and data pipelines using Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, or Node.js to connect enterprise systems with advanced language models.
- Rapidly prototype, iterate, and ship functional, production-ready MVPs within weeks in a highly agile lab environment.
- Optimize application performance, query execution, and rendering speeds to maintain high reliability and low latency across distributed systems.
Agentic AI & Knowledge Systems Integration
- Design, build, and deploy multi-agent orchestration frameworks using tools like LangChain, AutoGen, or CrewAI that communicate, self-correct, and execute complex enterprise workflows.
- Configure and optimize Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures and vector engines, integrating both structured and unstructured data sources.
- Resolve LLM deployment challenges, including API call optimization, token latencies, prompt routing, context window limits, and cost management.
- Implement system-level security and performance best practices for scalable AI platforms.
Client Co-Creation & Technical Ownership
- Embed directly with enterprise client teams to translate ambiguous business requirements into scalable, high-impact technical architectures.
- Partner with senior stakeholders to prioritize long-term technical value and solution integrity over quick fixes.
- Own end-to-end technical delivery from initial scoping through deployment, driving user adoption and operational outcomes.
Platform Contribution & Operational Excellence
- Systematically capture deployment learnings and document architectural best practices to inform ongoing enhancements to Kyndryl’s core platforms.
- Collaborate daily with lab engineering leads to refine physical deployment pipelines and shared frameworks.
- Share knowledge, code contributions, and insights openly across Slack, Teams, and cross-functional stand-ups to elevate the broader engineering community.
Kyndryl currently does not require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, however, if you are hired to work at a client, customer, or partner location, you may be required to show proof of vaccination to align with their respective COVID-19 vaccination policies. Those who believe they are eligible may apply for a medical or religious accommodation prior to the start of employment.
Who You Are
You are good at what you do and possess the required technical depth to prove it. However, equally as important, you have a growth mindset and a passion for driving your own personal and professional development in emerging technologies. You are deeply customer-focused, prioritizing client success above all else when co-creating custom AI solutions face-to-face with enterprise teams. Finally, you are open and borderless—naturally inclusive in how you work, thriving in a flat, highly collaborative team where you share learnings openly across our physical Frisco Lab and global digital channels.
Required Skills and Experience
- Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (or ready to relocate immediately) with a hybrid schedule of 3 days onsite per week at the Frisco, TX Agentic AI Lab.
- 4+ years of professional software engineering experience with strong proficiency in Python and JavaScript/TypeScript backend development.
- Hands-on experience building, designing, and deploying applications using modern frameworks and orchestrators (e.g., LangChain, AutoGen, or CrewAI) in production.
- Experience designing and maintaining modern frontend applications (React, Angular, or Vue), particularly handling streaming data or real-time query responses.
- Practical understanding and deployment experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines and vector databases (e.g., Pinecone, Milvus, Qdrant, Chroma).
- Experience deploying containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes to major cloud hyper-scalers (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and distributed computing architectures.
- Strong proficiency with SQL (PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases, alongside solid data engineering tools such as Pandas and Spark.
- Deep familiarity with Git, GitHub, CI/CD pipelines, version control, and modern software delivery best practices.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience with LLM infrastructure tools such as LiteLLM gateways, prompt tracing platforms (e.g., Langfuse), or workflow managers (e.g., Temporal).
- Familiarity with open-source AI ecosystems (e.g., Hugging Face), agentic frameworks (e.g., LangGraph, Semantic Kernel), system prompt tuning, model fine-tuning, and vector search caching strategies (e.g., Redis).
- Experience using messaging queues or streaming platforms like Kafka or RabbitMQ, alongside familiarity with AI/ML frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to translate complex business requirements into scalable AI solutions and communicate value to executive stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel and work on customer premises as required.
- Active professional certifications in major cloud hyper-scalers (AWS, Azure, GCP) or AI-specific development pathways.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Informatics, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical work experience).
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
The compensation range for the position in the U.S. is - $143,640 to $273,000 based on a full-time schedule.
Your actual compensation may vary depending on your geography, job-related skills and experience. For part time roles, the compensation will be adjusted appropriately. The pay or salary range will not be below any applicable state, city or local minimum wage requirement.
There is a different applicable compensation range for the following work locations:
California (San Francisco Bay Area): $172,440 to $327,600
California (All Other): $158,040 to $300,360
Colorado: $143,640 to $273,000
Massachusetts: $143,640 to $300,360
New York City: $172,440 to $327,600
Washington: $158,040 to $300,360
Washington DC: $158,040 to $300,360
This position will be eligible for Kyndryl’s discretionary annual bonus program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Kyndryl’s applicable plans. You may also receive a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical and dental coverage, disability, retirement benefits, paid leave, and paid time off. Note: If this is a sales commission eligible role, you will be eligible to participate in a sales commission plan in lieu of the annual discretionary bonus program.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Being You
Diversity is a whole lot more than what we look like or where we come from, it’s how we think and who we are. We welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. But we’re not doing it single-handedly: Our Kyndryl Inclusion Networks are only one of many ways we create a workplace where all Kyndryls can find and provide support and advice. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you – and everyone next to you – the ability to bring your whole self to work, individually and collectively, and support the activation of our equitable culture. That’s the Kyndryl Way.
What You Can Expect
With state-of-the-art resources and Fortune 100 clients, every day is an opportunity to innovate, build new capabilities, new relationships, new processes, and new value. Kyndryl cares about your well-being and prides itself on offering benefits that give you choice, reflect the diversity of our employees and support you and your family through the moments that matter – wherever you are in your life journey. Our employee learning programs give you access to the best learning in the industry to receive certifications, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Skillsoft, and many more. Through our company-wide volunteering and giving platform, you can donate, start fundraisers, volunteer, and search over 2 million non-profit organizations. At Kyndryl, we invest heavily in you, we want you to succeed so that together, we will all succeed.
Get Referred!
If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked ‘How Did You Hear About Us’ during the application process, select ‘Employee Referral’ and enter your contact's Kyndryl email address.
See all 79+ OPT Forward Deployed Software Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Forward Deployed Software Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Forward Deployed Software Engineer
Target companies with a dedicated FDE practice
Enterprise software and defense tech firms that run structured Forward Deployed Engineering teams are more likely to have established H-1B visa sponsorship pipelines. Look for employers who hire FDEs at scale, not as one-off hires.
Lead with your technical depth, not just client skills
Hiring managers for FDE roles want engineers first. Emphasize systems design, backend experience, or data engineering in your resume before highlighting communication skills. Sponsoring employers want proof you can ship, not just consult.
Apply early in your OPT window
FDE roles often involve security clearance considerations or extended onboarding timelines. Starting your job search at least three months before OPT begins gives you enough runway to clear these processes before your authorization starts.
Clarify STEM OPT eligibility upfront
Computer science, information systems, and engineering degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program CIP code with your DSO before interviews so you can confidently discuss your authorization timeline with employers.
Prepare to address travel requirements honestly
FDE roles frequently involve client site travel, sometimes internationally. On OPT, international travel requires a valid visa stamp and unexpired I-20. Understand re-entry requirements before accepting roles with significant international travel components.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly FDE employers
Not every company hiring FDEs has sponsored OPT or H-1B workers before. Browsing Forward Deployed Software Engineer roles on Migrate Mate surfaces employers with a verified track record of hiring international candidates, saving significant research time.
Forward Deployed Software Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Forward Deployed Software Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Forward Deployed Software Engineer positions are classified under software engineering or computer science occupational codes, which qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in a qualifying STEM field. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before relying on this for planning. The extension gives you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization.
Will the travel demands of an FDE role create OPT compliance issues?
Domestic travel is generally fine, but international travel on OPT requires a valid visa stamp in your passport, a signed I-20, and a valid EAD card. If your visa stamp has expired, you'll need to renew it at a U.S. consulate abroad before returning. For roles with frequent international travel, plan ahead with your DSO to avoid gaps in authorized status.
How do I find Forward Deployed Software Engineer jobs where employers are open to OPT sponsorship?
Most general job searches don't surface whether a company has sponsored international workers before. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-holder job seekers, so the Forward Deployed Software Engineer listings there are curated for employers open to sponsoring work authorization. That cuts out the guesswork of cold-applying to companies that won't sponsor.
Can I work as a Forward Deployed Software Engineer on OPT if the role involves government or defense clients?
It depends on the clearance level required. Many FDE roles supporting federal clients require a security clearance, and most clearances are only available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Roles supporting commercial clients or unclassified government work are typically open to OPT holders. Ask specifically about clearance requirements during the initial recruiter screen before investing time in the process.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my FDE employer is acquired or I'm transferred to a different business unit?
OPT is tied to employment in a role related to your degree field, not to a specific employer. If your employer is acquired, your authorization generally continues as long as the job remains substantially the same. A transfer to a different business unit is also fine if the work stays within your field of study. Notify your DSO of any major changes to your employment so your SEVIS record stays accurate.