OPT Junior Software Developer Jobs
Junior Software Developer jobs are among the most OPT-friendly roles in the U.S. tech market. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa standards, making them straightforward for OPT authorization. STEM OPT extensions apply to CS, engineering, and related degrees, giving you up to three years of work authorization to build your career.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
SWJ Technologie specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a Junior Material Flow Engineer for a client in the automotive industry, specializing in car manufacturing. This role is a contractor position based in Troy, MI that requires on-site presence. If you’re eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.
PURPOSE:
This role is responsible for supporting the development, documentation, and field verification of material flow solutions and material handling layouts for an automotive manufacturing launch. The position supports senior engineers in the design and implementation of efficient production material flow concepts while gaining hands-on experience with CAD layouts, equipment documentation, and on-site installation activities.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain 2D material flow and line-side layout drawings using AutoCAD.
- Support equipment tracking, PFEP (Plan for Every Part) inputs, and material classification documentation.
- Conduct on-site field checks to verify equipment placement, installation progress, and alignment with engineering requirements.
- Support installation activities by coordinating with contractors and escalating issues to senior engineering teams.
- Assist with engineering documentation, including RFQ exhibits, equipment specifications, and layout packages.
- Perform data analysis and maintain project documentation using Microsoft Excel and related tools.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration with Material Flow, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations, and contractor teams to support successful equipment implementation and production readiness.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Early-career engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level professional experience.
- Experience supporting plant operations, manufacturing projects, or engineering activities is preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
- Proficiency in AutoCAD 2D with the ability to create, interpret, and redline equipment and construction drawings.
- Basic understanding of material flow concepts, manufacturing processes, and production layouts.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for data tracking, documentation, and reporting.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly to Indiana for on-site project support.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Experience with automotive manufacturing launches or greenfield plant projects.
- Exposure to PFEP development and material planning processes.
- Familiarity with 3D CAD tools and manufacturing layout software.
- Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, or contractor coordination.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams.
Physical Requirements:
- Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
- Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.
FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE:
- Location: Troy, MI
- Schedule: Fulltime
- Overtime: as required
- Assignment Start: ASAP
DISCLAIMER:
This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.
SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e., SWJ MACHINING and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
SWJ Technologie specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a Junior Material Flow Engineer for a client in the automotive industry, specializing in car manufacturing. This role is a contractor position based in Troy, MI that requires on-site presence. If you’re eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.
PURPOSE:
This role is responsible for supporting the development, documentation, and field verification of material flow solutions and material handling layouts for an automotive manufacturing launch. The position supports senior engineers in the design and implementation of efficient production material flow concepts while gaining hands-on experience with CAD layouts, equipment documentation, and on-site installation activities.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain 2D material flow and line-side layout drawings using AutoCAD.
- Support equipment tracking, PFEP (Plan for Every Part) inputs, and material classification documentation.
- Conduct on-site field checks to verify equipment placement, installation progress, and alignment with engineering requirements.
- Support installation activities by coordinating with contractors and escalating issues to senior engineering teams.
- Assist with engineering documentation, including RFQ exhibits, equipment specifications, and layout packages.
- Perform data analysis and maintain project documentation using Microsoft Excel and related tools.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration with Material Flow, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations, and contractor teams to support successful equipment implementation and production readiness.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Early-career engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level professional experience.
- Experience supporting plant operations, manufacturing projects, or engineering activities is preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
- Proficiency in AutoCAD 2D with the ability to create, interpret, and redline equipment and construction drawings.
- Basic understanding of material flow concepts, manufacturing processes, and production layouts.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for data tracking, documentation, and reporting.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly to Indiana for on-site project support.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Experience with automotive manufacturing launches or greenfield plant projects.
- Exposure to PFEP development and material planning processes.
- Familiarity with 3D CAD tools and manufacturing layout software.
- Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, or contractor coordination.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams.
Physical Requirements:
- Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
- Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.
FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE:
- Location: Troy, MI
- Schedule: Fulltime
- Overtime: as required
- Assignment Start: ASAP
DISCLAIMER:
This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.
SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e., SWJ MACHINING and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Junior Software Developer
Target companies with active STEM OPT hiring pipelines
Mid-size tech companies and startups often hire OPT students more readily than large enterprises with rigid HR processes. Look for employers who have previously hired F-1 students, as they already understand STEM OPT extension requirements and timelines.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Most employers want a candidate ready to start within two to four weeks. Applying three to four months before graduation gives you time to interview, receive an offer, and begin work within your authorized OPT window without causing unnecessary delays for the hiring team.
Emphasize your STEM OPT extension eligibility upfront
STEM-eligible degrees give employers up to three years before needing to file an H-1B visa. Lead with this in cover letters and recruiter conversations. It meaningfully reduces the employer's perceived risk and positions OPT as less of a burden than they may expect.
Frame your authorization period around the H-1B lottery cycle
STEM OPT gives employers three H-1B lottery chances. Mention this explicitly when employers raise visa concerns. Three attempts at a 25 to 30 percent selection rate substantially improves the odds, and most hiring managers are unaware of this without someone explaining it clearly.
Prioritize roles that require a CS or engineering degree specifically
Junior developer roles that list a computer science or software engineering degree as a hard requirement align cleanly with specialty occupation criteria. These positions support both your OPT authorization now and a straightforward H-1B petition later if your employer pursues sponsorship.
Report your employment to your DSO within 10 days of starting
Once you accept an offer and begin working, update your SEVIS record through your Designated School Official immediately. Failure to report employer details within 10 days is an OPT compliance violation that can jeopardize your status regardless of your work authorization approval.
Junior Software Developer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Junior Software Developer on OPT without any restrictions?
Yes, but your work must be directly related to your degree field. A CS or software engineering degree maps cleanly to Junior Software Developer roles. Positions in unrelated fields, such as general sales or administrative support, would not qualify as valid OPT employment. Your DSO can confirm whether a specific role aligns with your degree program.
Do Junior Software Developer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
They do in most cases. If your degree is in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or another STEM-designated field, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month OPT period. Your employer must be E-Verify enrolled and agree to a formal training plan using Form I-983. This gives you up to 36 months of OPT authorization total.
What happens to my OPT if I lose my Junior Software Developer job?
You have a cumulative 90-day unemployment limit during standard OPT, which extends to 150 days if you receive a STEM extension. The clock starts from your OPT start date, not from when you lose a job. Exceeding these limits terminates your F-1 status. Finding a new qualifying role as quickly as possible is critical. Migrate Mate is a good place to search for OPT-eligible developer roles quickly.
Can I work for a startup or small company on OPT as a Junior Software Developer?
Yes, any employer can hire you on standard OPT regardless of company size. For STEM OPT extensions, the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, which most registered businesses can complete. Startups that are not yet E-Verify enrolled can register before your extension period begins. Confirm E-Verify status before signing an offer if you are planning to apply for the STEM extension.
How do employers typically view OPT candidates for Junior Software Developer roles?
Most tech employers familiar with hiring international talent view OPT candidates favorably, especially for STEM-eligible roles. The three-year total authorization window gives them multiple H-1B lottery cycles before needing to make a long-term sponsorship decision. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often overestimate the complexity. Browsing companies that actively post on Migrate Mate is an efficient way to identify employers already comfortable hiring OPT students.