OPT Lead Software Engineer Jobs
Lead Software Engineer roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions in tech, with many employers filing H-1B visa sponsorship well before your 12-month standard OPT or 24-month STEM extension expires. These senior roles demand strong system design, team leadership, and hands-on engineering experience.
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INTRODUCTION
As a member of this world class team, the Lead Controls Engineer will lead and execute the protection and control aspects of Flexible AC (Alternating Current) Transmission System (FACTS) projects. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, testing, start-up and commissioning of the protection and control aspects of Fixed Series Capacitors (FSC) and Synchronous Condenser (SC) solutions within GE Vernova’s Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) portfolio.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Controls Software Engineer to join our GSI FACTS Controls Software team in Saratoga Springs, NY. In this role, you will lead the design and implementation of advanced control systems for Synchronous Condensers, which provide inertia, steady state and dynamic support to the power system.
The Lead Controls Engineer will bring expertise in power system controls, strong experience with simulation and real-time testing in both the lab and field, the ability to lead and mentor a team of engineers, and interface with customers and cross-functional stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of control systems for FACTS devices, including power generation, transmission, and distribution.
- Participate in the testing and validation of control systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and project managers, to ensure the successful integration of control systems.
- Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and user manuals.
- Conduct system modeling, simulation, and analysis to optimize control strategies and improve system performance.
- Develop and maintain coding libraries for both system software and HMI.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and support their professional development.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to control systems.
- Stay current with the latest advancements in control systems engineering and power systems technology.
- Support business development activities by providing technical expertise and contributing to proposal development.
- Participate in Lean training and lead Lean initiatives.
- Lead problem solving efforts for field issues, using tools such as Root Cause Analysis or Problem Solving Reports.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in control systems engineering, with a focus on power transmission systems.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to work in the FACTS office 4 days per week located in Saratoga Springs, NY. No fully remote options available for this role.
Ability and willingness to travel 20% of the time, including international, and must comply with all relevant company travel and tax policies.
DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:
- Strong knowledge of control theory, power system dynamics, and real-time control systems.
- Proficient with GE Vernova’s MarkVIe product family including Toolbox ST and Cimplicity software (SCADA).
- Familiar with GE Vernova Excitation systems, such as EX2100E.
- Expert in PLC programming.
- Experience with industrial/utility-grade protection relays and protective relaying coordination.
- Working knowledge of grid interconnection requirements (NERC/FERC).
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think analytically and strategically.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Proven track record of successfully leading and managing engineering projects.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Yes
For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $98,400.00 and $164,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.
Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.
This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on October 26, 2026.
Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.
GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.
Candidates should be aware that this role involves a client's critical infrastructure; shortlisted candidates would therefore be subject to heightened security checks as directed by our clients. All personal data will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and in accordance with our data protection policies, solely for recruitment and security purposes.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Lead Software Engineer
Target companies with established H-1B sponsorship history
Focus on employers who have sponsored H-1B visa petitions in previous years. Large tech companies and well-funded startups with engineering teams regularly sponsor senior engineers. A proven sponsorship history means fewer surprises before your OPT window closes.
Emphasize your STEM extension eligibility upfront
If your degree is in computer science, engineering, or a related STEM field, you qualify for a 24-month OPT extension. Lead engineer candidates should mention this early, giving employers a longer runway before H-1B sponsorship becomes urgent.
Frame leadership experience as a business case for sponsorship
Employers weigh sponsorship costs against candidate value. A track record of leading engineering teams, shipping products, and mentoring junior developers makes the business case for sponsoring you significantly stronger than technical skills alone.
Time your job search around H-1B lottery cycles
H-1B registration opens each March for an October 1 start date. Starting your Lead Software Engineer job search by late fall gives employers enough time to assess fit and file your petition before the registration window opens.
Be specific about your OPT end date and cap-exempt options
Know your exact OPT expiration date and communicate it clearly. Also research cap-exempt employers like universities and nonprofits, where H-1B petitions can be filed at any time, bypassing the annual lottery entirely.
Highlight system design and architectural scope in applications
Lead roles require demonstrated experience owning systems at scale, not just individual contributions. Showcasing architectural decisions, cross-team coordination, and technical roadmaps signals the seniority level that justifies both the compensation and sponsorship investment.
Lead Software Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Lead Software Engineer on OPT?
Yes, Lead Software Engineer is a qualifying role for F-1 OPT work authorization, provided the position directly relates to your degree field. Computer science, software engineering, and closely related STEM degrees all support this role. If you hold a qualifying STEM degree, you can also apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience.
Do Lead Software Engineer roles typically come with H-1B sponsorship?
Many do, particularly at established tech companies and growth-stage startups with dedicated HR and legal infrastructure. Senior engineering roles carry enough business value that employers are generally more willing to sponsor than for entry-level positions. You can browse Lead Software Engineer roles from verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for OPT-friendly positions.
Does my degree need to be in computer science to qualify for this role on OPT?
Not necessarily. USCIS requires that your OPT employment be directly related to your major field of study. Computer science, electrical engineering, information systems, and applied mathematics degrees all commonly support software engineering roles. If your degree is in a less obvious field, you will need to document how your coursework and skills directly connect to the job responsibilities.
What happens to my OPT status if I lose my Lead Software Engineer job?
F-1 OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment, or 150 days total if you have been approved for the STEM extension. The clock starts from your employment end date. Finding a new qualifying position quickly is critical. During the gap period, you should update your SEVIS record and work closely with your Designated School Official to stay in status.
Is a Lead Software Engineer role considered a STEM job for OPT extension purposes?
Yes, in virtually all cases. Software engineering falls under the STEM designated degree list maintained by DHS, and a Lead Software Engineer role at a company enrolled in E-Verify will qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and submit a formal training plan using Form I-983 as part of the extension process.