Genai Software Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
GenAI Software Engineer jobs are among the most actively sponsored roles for F-1 OPT students right now, with both STEM OPT extensions (up to 36 months total) and H-1B cap-subject sponsorship common at AI-focused companies. Roles typically require proficiency in LLMs, prompt engineering, and Python-based ML frameworks.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The application window will be open until at least March 18, 2026. This opportunity will remain online based on business needs which may be before or after the specified date.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, a related field or equivalent practical experience.
- 2 years of experience in Software Engineering, and coding experience in two or more of the following languages: Java, C/C++, C#, Objective-C, Python, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby or Go.
- Experience in Object-Oriented Design and programming concepts.
- Experience in C++, Machine Learning, Data Analysis.
- Experience with Generative AI, Generative AI Agent, Natural Language Processing, Large Language Model.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with Large Language Model.
ABOUT THE JOB
Google Cloud's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile; the list goes on and is growing every day. As a software engineer, you will work on a specific project critical to Google Cloud's needs with opportunities to switch teams and projects as you and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. You will anticipate our customer needs and be empowered to act like an owner, take action and innovate. We need our engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.
The Drive Intelligence team built intelligence features into Google Drive to improve the quality of life for over 1 billion users.
We will manage many of the GenAI features in Drive, leveraging our machine learning expertise to ensure high quality and maximum success. We work closely with other teams in Drive and with the Workspace AI Platform team and Gemini to own features end-to-end and to build core infrastructure used across many features such as PDF, Image, and Video understanding, Search, and Gemini for Workspace. We are focused on ensuring that these features continue to have an impact for our users and for the business for years to come.
AI will change the future of work in profound ways, and our products— Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, Sheets, Vids and Meet are at the forefront. From pre-computed summaries for email threads, summaries for meetings, and videos created from a document using lifelike AI avatars, our AI opportunity is huge. Our mission is to meaningfully connect people so they can create, build, and grow together and as part of the team you can build how productivity tools should work 5-10 years into the future. You will work with model builders (Google DeepMind), work with exceptional leaders, and have the ability to impact billions of users across the world.
The US base salary range for this full-time position is $147,000-$211,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.
Responsibilities
- Work with Large Language Models and traditional machine learning models to build user-facing features for Google Drive by building datasets, running human and automated evaluations, and iterating on quality through prompt engineering, context engineering, and dataset maintenance.
- Build infrastructure to enable and support AI features, such as by loading and managing data for the models (e.g., RAG) and using the model’s output in useful ways.
- Work on both feature development and common infrastructure that is shared across Drive and the broader Workspace team.
- Work cross functionally to make sure we are respecting users privacy and landing useful and high quality features.
- Interact with the features you are building. Help small businesses and users be more organized and productive.
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google's EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form.
INTRODUCTION
The application window will be open until at least March 18, 2026. This opportunity will remain online based on business needs which may be before or after the specified date.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, a related field or equivalent practical experience.
- 2 years of experience in Software Engineering, and coding experience in two or more of the following languages: Java, C/C++, C#, Objective-C, Python, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby or Go.
- Experience in Object-Oriented Design and programming concepts.
- Experience in C++, Machine Learning, Data Analysis.
- Experience with Generative AI, Generative AI Agent, Natural Language Processing, Large Language Model.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with Large Language Model.
ABOUT THE JOB
Google Cloud's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile; the list goes on and is growing every day. As a software engineer, you will work on a specific project critical to Google Cloud's needs with opportunities to switch teams and projects as you and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. You will anticipate our customer needs and be empowered to act like an owner, take action and innovate. We need our engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.
The Drive Intelligence team built intelligence features into Google Drive to improve the quality of life for over 1 billion users.
We will manage many of the GenAI features in Drive, leveraging our machine learning expertise to ensure high quality and maximum success. We work closely with other teams in Drive and with the Workspace AI Platform team and Gemini to own features end-to-end and to build core infrastructure used across many features such as PDF, Image, and Video understanding, Search, and Gemini for Workspace. We are focused on ensuring that these features continue to have an impact for our users and for the business for years to come.
AI will change the future of work in profound ways, and our products— Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, Sheets, Vids and Meet are at the forefront. From pre-computed summaries for email threads, summaries for meetings, and videos created from a document using lifelike AI avatars, our AI opportunity is huge. Our mission is to meaningfully connect people so they can create, build, and grow together and as part of the team you can build how productivity tools should work 5-10 years into the future. You will work with model builders (Google DeepMind), work with exceptional leaders, and have the ability to impact billions of users across the world.
The US base salary range for this full-time position is $147,000-$211,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.
Responsibilities
- Work with Large Language Models and traditional machine learning models to build user-facing features for Google Drive by building datasets, running human and automated evaluations, and iterating on quality through prompt engineering, context engineering, and dataset maintenance.
- Build infrastructure to enable and support AI features, such as by loading and managing data for the models (e.g., RAG) and using the model’s output in useful ways.
- Work on both feature development and common infrastructure that is shared across Drive and the broader Workspace team.
- Work cross functionally to make sure we are respecting users privacy and landing useful and high quality features.
- Interact with the features you are building. Help small businesses and users be more organized and productive.
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google's EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Genai Software Engineer
Target companies with active AI research teams
Companies building proprietary LLM infrastructure, RAG pipelines, or AI agents are hiring GenAI engineers at a higher rate than generalist software roles. Filter by employers with dedicated AI or ML research divisions, not just teams using third-party APIs.
Lead with model-specific experience in your resume
Sponsors want to see hands-on work with specific models and frameworks: GPT-4, Llama, LangChain, or Hugging Face Transformers. Generic 'AI experience' won't differentiate you. Name the models, datasets, and deployment environments you've actually worked with.
Start your job search 90 days before OPT ends
GenAI hiring cycles at well-funded startups and large tech companies can take 6 to 10 weeks from first screen to offer. Starting early gives you time to negotiate a start date that aligns with your OPT authorization window without rushing the process.
Emphasize STEM OPT eligibility upfront
GenAI Software Engineer roles typically fall under CIP codes for computer science or AI, qualifying you for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mentioning this early in outreach removes a common employer hesitation about short work authorization windows.
Build a public portfolio of GenAI projects
Employers evaluating OPT candidates for GenAI roles weigh demonstrated output heavily. A GitHub portfolio with a working RAG system, fine-tuned model, or agentic workflow gives hiring managers evidence beyond your resume, which matters when sponsorship is on the line.
Focus outreach on companies already filing H-1B petitions
Prior H-1B sponsorship history is the strongest signal that a company will sponsor you after OPT. Search employers with a track record of sponsoring software engineers, not just general tech hiring, to avoid investing time in companies unlikely to commit.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do GenAI Software Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. GenAI Software Engineer positions almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they fall under computer science, artificial intelligence, or related CIP codes covered by the STEM designation. You'll need your employer to sign the Form I-983 training plan, confirming the role involves direct application of your STEM degree. Confirm your specific degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
How do I find GenAI Software Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters GenAI Software Engineer roles by sponsorship willingness, so you're not wasting applications on employers who won't hire international students. Broader job boards mix sponsored and non-sponsored roles with no way to filter, which burns time you may not have if your OPT window is closing.
Can I work as a GenAI Software Engineer as a contractor on OPT?
Yes, but with important caveats. OPT allows self-employment and contract work as long as the work is directly related to your degree field and you work at least 20 hours per week. For STEM OPT, contract arrangements require a formal employer-employee relationship with a qualifying employer who can sign your I-983. Pure independent contracting without a supervising employer does not satisfy STEM OPT requirements.
What happens to my OPT status if my GenAI role is eliminated in a layoff?
You have a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment to find a new position, change status, or leave the United States. During those 60 days you're not authorized to work. If you're on STEM OPT, the 60-day period still applies but your total unemployment across the entire OPT period cannot exceed 150 days. Report any employment change to your DSO immediately.
Do startups or large tech companies sponsor more GenAI OPT roles?
Both do, but the dynamics differ. Large companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have established immigration infrastructure and sponsor at scale, making the process more predictable. Well-funded AI startups often move faster and can offer more senior GenAI responsibilities earlier, but their sponsorship processes are less standardized. Checking a company's historical H-1B filing record is the most reliable indicator of actual sponsorship intent at any company size.
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