OPT Performance Engineer Jobs
Performance Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in computer science, systems engineering, or software engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in cloud infrastructure, fintech, and enterprise software regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
Find OPT Performance Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 494+ Performance Engineer jobs
See all 494+ Performance Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Performance Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsAI PC Performance Engineer
Dell's Client Product Group (CPG) is seeking an AI Performance Engineer to join the PC Systems Performance team. In this role, you will build foundational expertise in system-level performance engineering by using AI and working alongside senior engineers to optimize the design of next-generation PC platforms. You'll tackle performance characterization, power efficiency, thermal optimization, and acoustic tuning across mobile and desktop systems. Our team thrives on creativity and enjoys significant design freedom to bring the latest technologies into Dell's award-winning consumer and commercial products.
What you’ll achieve:
As an AI PC Performance Engineer, you will work at the forefront of technology, driven by a team that has a passion for innovation, harnessing each other's strengths, & radiates a strong sense of camaraderie.
Join us to do the best work of your career and make a profound social impact as an AI PC Performance Engineer on our PC Systems Performance team in Austin, Texas.
You will:
- Contribute to developing autonomous tools for the execution of performance benchmarks, lab automation, and system characterization tests on PC platforms.
- Develop/apply AI-assisted tools to analyze performance data to identify optimization opportunities and present findings with clear visualizations and recommendations.
- Collaborate with performance architects, firmware teams, and product managers to drive performance strategy and deliver competitive solutions.
- Learn performance engineering fundamentals including benchmarking methodologies, power efficiency, thermals, and competitive analysis.
- Perform hands-on technical work including test system setup, hardware configuration, and basic troubleshooting.
Essential Requirements
- Proficiency with Windows operating systems, system configuration, and BIOS interfaces.
- Understanding of PC hardware (CPUs, GPUs, memory, storage, thermals) and how components impact system performance.
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and organized—able to manage test runs independently and maintain accurate records.
- Comfortable with data tools (AI Harnesses, Excel, Vibe code, Python, SQL) and hands-on technical work (hardware assembly, configuration, troubleshooting).
- Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to present technical findings and work effectively across teams.
Desirable Requirements
- BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related engineering field.
- Experience with performance benchmarking (Cinebench, 3DMark, PCMark) or PC building, gaming, or overclocking.
- Familiarity with performance tools (Windows Performance Toolkit, ETW, BIOS tuning) or scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, SQL).
- Experience with data visualization or analysis tools (Power BI, Tableau, Python, SQL).
- Familiarity with measurement equipment (power analyzers, multimeters, thermal cameras) or AI-assisted productivity tools.
Compensation
Dell is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this position is $112,200 - $145,200.
AI PC Performance Engineer
Dell's Client Product Group (CPG) is seeking an AI Performance Engineer to join the PC Systems Performance team. In this role, you will build foundational expertise in system-level performance engineering by using AI and working alongside senior engineers to optimize the design of next-generation PC platforms. You'll tackle performance characterization, power efficiency, thermal optimization, and acoustic tuning across mobile and desktop systems. Our team thrives on creativity and enjoys significant design freedom to bring the latest technologies into Dell's award-winning consumer and commercial products.
What you’ll achieve:
As an AI PC Performance Engineer, you will work at the forefront of technology, driven by a team that has a passion for innovation, harnessing each other's strengths, & radiates a strong sense of camaraderie.
Join us to do the best work of your career and make a profound social impact as an AI PC Performance Engineer on our PC Systems Performance team in Austin, Texas.
You will:
- Contribute to developing autonomous tools for the execution of performance benchmarks, lab automation, and system characterization tests on PC platforms.
- Develop/apply AI-assisted tools to analyze performance data to identify optimization opportunities and present findings with clear visualizations and recommendations.
- Collaborate with performance architects, firmware teams, and product managers to drive performance strategy and deliver competitive solutions.
- Learn performance engineering fundamentals including benchmarking methodologies, power efficiency, thermals, and competitive analysis.
- Perform hands-on technical work including test system setup, hardware configuration, and basic troubleshooting.
Essential Requirements
- Proficiency with Windows operating systems, system configuration, and BIOS interfaces.
- Understanding of PC hardware (CPUs, GPUs, memory, storage, thermals) and how components impact system performance.
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and organized—able to manage test runs independently and maintain accurate records.
- Comfortable with data tools (AI Harnesses, Excel, Vibe code, Python, SQL) and hands-on technical work (hardware assembly, configuration, troubleshooting).
- Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to present technical findings and work effectively across teams.
Desirable Requirements
- BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related engineering field.
- Experience with performance benchmarking (Cinebench, 3DMark, PCMark) or PC building, gaming, or overclocking.
- Familiarity with performance tools (Windows Performance Toolkit, ETW, BIOS tuning) or scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, SQL).
- Experience with data visualization or analysis tools (Power BI, Tableau, Python, SQL).
- Familiarity with measurement equipment (power analyzers, multimeters, thermal cameras) or AI-assisted productivity tools.
Compensation
Dell is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this position is $112,200 - $145,200.
See all 494+ OPT Performance Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Performance Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Performance Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers early
Companies with established STEM OPT extension programs already understand the paperwork and timelines. Prioritize employers who have filed H-1B petitions for performance engineers in previous years, which signals a real sponsorship pipeline for this role.
Frame your degree as directly relevant
Performance engineering qualifies as a specialty occupation under USCIS rules when tied to a technical degree. Emphasize your computer science, electrical engineering, or systems engineering coursework when applying, since degree-to-role alignment matters for both OPT authorization and future H-1B petitions.
Highlight measurable system improvements
Employers sponsoring OPT students need to justify complexity. Quantify your impact: latency reductions, throughput gains, and infrastructure cost savings demonstrate the specialized expertise that supports visa sponsorship and makes your application stand out against non-OPT candidates.
Apply before your OPT start date when possible
Many employers want immediate availability. Applying three to four months before your OPT start date gives hiring managers time to move through interviews and onboarding without gaps, reducing anxiety around your authorization timeline and increasing your odds of receiving an offer.
Ask about STEM extension policies during interviews
Not all employers are familiar with the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Asking directly during late-stage interviews signals you have a plan and helps you identify employers equipped to support you through the extension process before H-1B sponsorship becomes relevant.
Build expertise in high-demand performance tooling
Proficiency in tools like Grafana, Prometheus, JMeter, or distributed tracing frameworks makes you harder to replace and easier to sponsor. Employers are more likely to invest in H-1B sponsorship for engineers with specialized technical skills that are difficult to source domestically.
Performance Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Performance Engineer role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Performance Engineer positions typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension because they fall under CIP codes related to computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering. Your degree field must be on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm your specific degree code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
How do I find Performance Engineer jobs that explicitly sponsor OPT students?
Browse Performance Engineer listings on Migrate Mate, which filters jobs specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored candidates. Many general job boards do not distinguish between sponsors and non-sponsors, which wastes time. Migrate Mate surfaces employers who have demonstrated willingness to work with international candidates, saving you from applying to roles that will reject you at the offer stage.
Will employers see my OPT status as a risk when hiring for Performance Engineer roles?
Some will, but performance engineering is a technical specialty where qualified candidates are scarce. Employers in cloud infrastructure, enterprise software, and financial technology regularly hire OPT students because the talent pool is limited. Framing your STEM OPT timeline clearly, including the extension and eventual H-1B eligibility, helps employers plan around your authorization rather than treating it as an obstacle.
What happens to my Performance Engineer job if my H-1B is not selected in the lottery?
If you are not selected in the H-1B lottery, your OPT or STEM OPT authorization continues until its expiration date. Some employers will retain you through a second lottery attempt the following April. Others may explore alternatives like the O-1A visa for demonstrated expertise or, if applicable, the E-3 visa for Australian nationals. Discuss contingency plans with your employer before your STEM OPT expires.
Is performance engineering considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Generally yes. USCIS evaluates specialty occupation status based on whether the role normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific technical field. Performance engineering roles requiring expertise in systems design, distributed computing, or load testing typically meet this standard. Job descriptions that clearly specify a degree requirement in computer science or engineering strengthen the H-1B petition and reduce the risk of a Request for Evidence.