OPT ML Research Engineer Jobs
ML Research Engineer jobs are among the most OPT-friendly roles in tech. Most positions sit squarely within STEM-designated degree programs, making you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Roles span industry labs, academic research centers, and AI-focused startups actively accustomed to sponsoring F-1 students.
Find OPT ML Research Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 824+ ML Research Engineer jobs
See all 824+ ML Research Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new ML Research Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
About Company, Droisys is an innovation technology company focused on helping companies accelerate their digital initiatives from strategy and planning through execution. We leverage deep technical expertise, Agile methodologies, and data-driven intelligence to modernize systems of engagement and simplify human/tech interaction. Amazing things happen when we work in environments where everyone feels a true sense of belonging and when candidates have the requisite skills and opportunities to succeed. At Droisys, we invest in our talent and support career growth, and we are always on the lookout for amazing talent who can contribute to our growth by delivering top results for our clients. Join us to challenge yourself and accomplish work that matters. We’re hiring AI & ML Engineer in Las Vegas, NV.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What You'll Work On
- Build AI applications using LLMs, RAG, and AI Agents
- Develop Computer Vision solutions (YOLO or similar)
- Create backend APIs with Python and FastAPI/Flask
- Support ML pipelines, MLOps, and cloud-based AI solutions
- Build scalable applications on AWS using Docker and modern development practices
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge & Skills
- Strong proficiency in Python
- Understanding of Machine Learning and Deep Learning fundamentals
- Familiarity with LLMs, Generative AI, and RAG architectures
- Basic knowledge of Computer Vision (experience with YOLO or similar frameworks is a plus)
- Understanding of FastAPI/Flask and REST API development
- Foundational knowledge of AWS, Docker, Git, and Linux
- Exposure to JavaScript/TypeScript is beneficial
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Education
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field.
Droisys is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law. Droisys believes in diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and we are committed to fostering a diverse work environment.
INTRODUCTION
About Company, Droisys is an innovation technology company focused on helping companies accelerate their digital initiatives from strategy and planning through execution. We leverage deep technical expertise, Agile methodologies, and data-driven intelligence to modernize systems of engagement and simplify human/tech interaction. Amazing things happen when we work in environments where everyone feels a true sense of belonging and when candidates have the requisite skills and opportunities to succeed. At Droisys, we invest in our talent and support career growth, and we are always on the lookout for amazing talent who can contribute to our growth by delivering top results for our clients. Join us to challenge yourself and accomplish work that matters. We’re hiring AI & ML Engineer in Las Vegas, NV.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What You'll Work On
- Build AI applications using LLMs, RAG, and AI Agents
- Develop Computer Vision solutions (YOLO or similar)
- Create backend APIs with Python and FastAPI/Flask
- Support ML pipelines, MLOps, and cloud-based AI solutions
- Build scalable applications on AWS using Docker and modern development practices
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge & Skills
- Strong proficiency in Python
- Understanding of Machine Learning and Deep Learning fundamentals
- Familiarity with LLMs, Generative AI, and RAG architectures
- Basic knowledge of Computer Vision (experience with YOLO or similar frameworks is a plus)
- Understanding of FastAPI/Flask and REST API development
- Foundational knowledge of AWS, Docker, Git, and Linux
- Exposure to JavaScript/TypeScript is beneficial
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Education
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field.
Droisys is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law. Droisys believes in diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and we are committed to fostering a diverse work environment.
See all 824+ OPT ML Research Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT ML Research Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a ML Research Engineer
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers first
Not every company is E-Verify enrolled, which is required for your 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm enrollment before applying. Industry research labs and larger tech companies are almost always enrolled. Smaller startups require individual verification.
Align your degree field to the role explicitly
STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree matching your job. ML Research Engineer roles typically require Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Statistics. If your degree is adjacent, document how your coursework directly supports the research function.
File your STEM OPT extension at least 90 days early
Your DSO needs time to update your I-20, and USCIS processing can take weeks. Filing late risks a gap in work authorization. Most universities recommend starting the extension paperwork three to four months before your initial OPT expires.
Prioritize companies with existing H-1B sponsorship history
An employer willing to sponsor your future H-1B visa is far more valuable than one that isn't. Check public OFLC disclosure data to see which companies have filed H-1B petitions for research engineering roles. Past behavior is the strongest signal.
Address OPT directly in your cover letter or outreach
Many hiring managers assume international students require immediate visa sponsorship. Clarifying upfront that you have up to three years of OPT authorization, including the STEM extension, removes the biggest objection before it becomes one.
Leverage your research publications and GitHub to stand out
ML Research Engineer hiring is credential-heavy. Published papers, reproducible code repositories, and Kaggle competition results compensate for visa status concerns by making your technical contribution undeniable. Employers hire talent they cannot easily replace.
ML Research Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do ML Research Engineer jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in nearly all cases. ML Research Engineer roles fall under CIP codes tied to Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics, all of which are STEM-designated. Your degree field must match the role, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. If both conditions are met, you're eligible for the full 24-month extension on top of your initial 12-month OPT.
Where is the best place to find ML Research Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers actively open to hiring international candidates. General job boards mix in roles that quietly exclude visa holders, wasting application time. Migrate Mate surfaces ML Research Engineer openings from companies with demonstrated sponsorship history, so you can focus your search on realistic opportunities.
Can I work at a university research lab on OPT as an ML Research Engineer?
Yes. University and academic lab positions qualify as standard OPT employment as long as the role is directly related to your field of study and you're paid as an employee rather than receiving a stipend through a fellowship. Confirm with your DSO that the position qualifies before accepting. Academic labs are also typically E-Verify enrolled, making them fully compatible with STEM OPT extension requirements.
What happens to my OPT if my ML Research Engineer job ends unexpectedly?
You have a 60-day unemployment grace period during initial OPT and 60 days during the STEM extension. During that window you must report the unemployment to your DSO and actively pursue new employment. Time in OPT status counts toward your total 90-day unemployment limit across the authorization period. Finding a new qualifying role quickly is critical to maintaining lawful status.
Does contract or consulting work count as valid OPT employment for an ML Research Engineer?
Yes, self-employment and contract work are permitted on OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. You must be able to document the relationship between your ML research activities and your academic training. For STEM OPT specifically, the employer you report must be E-Verify enrolled, which complicates pure freelance arrangements. Short-term consulting contracts with established companies are generally more straightforward to document properly.