OPT ML Software Engineer Jobs
ML Software Engineer jobs are among the most OPT-friendly roles in tech, with strong employer demand for F-1 students from computer science, data science, and electrical engineering backgrounds. Most roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization.
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Job Posting Title:
R&D Data Analysis and Machine Learning Software Engineer (Engineering Scientist Associate)
Hiring Department:
Applied Research Laboratories
Position Open To:
All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA
Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
Location:
PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS
Job Details:
Purpose
Research and development for both data analysis and machine learning applications, including data modeling and algorithm development and implementation. Software design, development, and testing to support research and development efforts within the Environmental Sciences Laboratory (ESL) of Applied Research Laboratories.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, configure, apply, test, and support both data analysis and machine learning algorithms.
- Designing and writing flexible and maintainable software according to software designs and test to ensure software meets project requirements.
- Preparation of analysis presentations and technical reports.
- Communicate with project team members, supervisors, and sponsors for timely implementation of project requirements.
- Reviewing peer developed software to improve other developer's designs and implementations.
- Deploying and supporting software outside of ARL.
- Other related functions as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in the natural or engineering sciences including computer science, electrical engineering, or related discipline.
- Proficiency working with data algorithms (regression, probability, statistics).
- Experience with machine learning algorithms and application libraries (Tensorflow, Keras, Theano, Torch, Infer.NET, or equivalent).
- Demonstrated strong math background.
- Experience developing applications in MATLAB or Python in a UNIX/Linux environment.
Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, be willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time. The position will require: attention to detail, effective problem-solving skills, sound engineering judgment, ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, ability to maintain a professional demeanor and work as a team member without daily supervision, and effectively communicate with various groups of clients; ability to work under pressure and accept supervision; regular and punctual attendance.
US Citizen: Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or Ph. D. in the natural or engineering sciences including computer science, electrical engineering, or related discipline.
- Advanced coursework or significant experience related to data analysis (statistics, pattern recognition, scalable machine learning, etc.).
- Current or recent eligibility for access to classified information.
- Two or more years of experience with one or more of the following:
- Developing and evaluating data algorithms (regression, probability, statistics)
- Machine learning algorithms and application libraries (Tensorflow, Keras, Theano, Torch, Infer.NET, or equivalent)
- Experience working in an applied research environment.
- Experience analyzing large, complex datasets using scalable techniques.
- Experience with MATLAB MEX objects.
- Experience with database integration and SQL programming.
- Experience with C/C++.
- Experience with signal processing algorithms.
- Experience with scripting languages (Python, Shell).
- Knowledge of version control systems or defect tracking systems.
- Prior work experience in professional or research-oriented software development.
- Proven ability to work independently, formulate research plans, take initiative, and mentor other staff.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.
General Notes
An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.
Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.
UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
- Retirement contributions
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Paid holidays
Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.
Salary Range
$88,500-$120,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- Standard office conditions
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- Use of manual dexterity
- Some weekend, evening and holiday work
- Possible Intrastate/interstate/international travel
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
- Unofficial college transcript
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
- E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a ML Software Engineer
Emphasize your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
Most ML roles qualify for the 24-month STEM extension, giving you three years total. Mention your STEM OPT eligibility in your cover letter so hiring managers know you're not a short-term hire requiring immediate H-1B visa action.
Target companies with established ML teams
Companies already running ML infrastructure are far more likely to sponsor OPT and H-1B than those hiring their first ML engineer. Look for job postings that reference existing model pipelines, MLOps systems, or production AI deployments.
Showcase deployed projects, not just coursework
Employers sponsoring OPT want evidence you can ship. Include GitHub links to models you've trained and deployed, not just academic projects. Real-world inference pipelines, fine-tuned models, or published Kaggle results carry more weight than grades.
Frame your OPT timeline around their H-1B cycle
H-1B registration opens in March for an October start. If your OPT expires before October, explain how the STEM extension bridges the gap. Proactively mapping your timeline reduces the employer's perceived risk of hiring you.
Specialize to stand out in a competitive field
ML is broad. Candidates who clearly own a niche, such as NLP, computer vision, recommendation systems, or reinforcement learning, are easier for hiring managers to match to open roles and more likely to receive sponsorship consideration.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-ready ML employers
Browsing general job boards wastes time on roles that won't sponsor. Migrate Mate surfaces ML Software Engineer roles at employers who have actively hired OPT and visa candidates, so your applications go where they have a real chance.
ML Software Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an ML Software Engineer role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. ML Software Engineer roles typically fall under CIP codes tied to computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering, all of which are on the STEM OPT designated degree list. Your degree field, not just your job title, determines eligibility, so confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
How do I find ML Software Engineer employers that sponsor OPT students?
The most efficient approach is to focus your search on companies with existing ML infrastructure and a track record of sponsoring F-1 employees. Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, so you can browse ML Software Engineer roles without wading through postings that exclude visa candidates entirely.
Can I work as a contractor or on a 1099 basis on OPT as an ML Software Engineer?
No. OPT requires a standard employer-employee relationship. You must be paid as a W-2 employee, meaning the company withholds taxes and you work under their direction. Independent contracting, freelance work, or 1099 arrangements do not meet OPT employment requirements and could jeopardize your status.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my ML Software Engineer role is eliminated in a layoff?
You have a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment to find new authorized work, transfer to another visa status, or leave the United States. Report the employment end date to your DSO immediately. If you secure a new ML Software Engineer role within 60 days, your OPT authorization continues with the new employer.
Does my ML Software Engineer job need to directly match my degree field to count as valid OPT employment?
Yes. Your role must be directly related to the field of study listed on your OPT authorization. A computer science graduate working in ML engineering is a clear match. If your degree is in a less obvious field, such as statistics or mathematics, document how your program prepared you for ML work and discuss it with your DSO before accepting an offer.