OPT Platform Developer Jobs
Platform Developer jobs are consistently among the most OPT-friendly roles in tech, with employers across cloud infrastructure, SRE, and DevOps regularly filing H-1B visa sponsorship. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months with a STEM extension, gives you real runway to prove your value and secure long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsHow to Apply
A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).
Who We Are
Through curricular innovation, tools for student success, and educational research and analytics, the University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation is building the future of education. Our vision is a future in which education connects and empowers learners everywhere to reach their full potential throughout their lives. To realize our vision, we make it our mission to collaborate across campus and around the world to create equitable, lifelong educational opportunities for learners everywhere.
About the Michigan Online EdTech Accelerator
The EdTech Accelerator at CAI identifies, evaluates, and pilots innovative educational technologies to enhance learning experiences for millions of learners around the world. We work at the frontier of AI-enabled learning tools, Extended Reality, and scalable pedagogical innovation - partnering with faculty, platform teams, and external vendors to bring the most promising solutions to Michigan Online and U-M's broader educational ecosystem. Our team bridges the gap between cutting-edge edtech and real-world implementation, ensuring that new tools are assessed through both a rigorous pedagogical lens and a practical institutional one.
Responsibilities
- Write production-quality code in Python + Django and TypeScript and Vue3
- Work alongside platform developers to improve the efficiency of existing platform features
- Collaborate with product and engineering experts on multiple campuses to modernize data pipelines
- Apply technical standards and architectural patterns that enable rapid experimentation and continuous delivery
- Document workflows and data processes that support the platform's capabilities
- Troubleshoot production issues when they impact learner outcomes
- Actively participate in code reviews, emphasizing best practices for software engineering
- Build strong relationships across CAI and university partners based on trust and shared commitment to outcomes
The Center for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan is seeking a qualified Software developer to join our software development team to help scale Atlas to the broader U-M system. This is a hands-on role, where you will work to improve the Schedule Builder feature of the platform, unlocking the ability for students to use the tool on the U-M Dearborn campus. You will work with technical experts at CAI and ITS across campuses to implement a rearchitecture of a critical component for students and the broader learning community. This position will report to the Director of Application Architecture.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- 1-3 years of professional software engineering experience
- Enterprise development and production experience working with Python and the Django framework
- Full-stack development skills, including:
- Backend: REST APIs, microservices, database design
- Frontend: Modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue.js, or Angular)
- HTML5/CSS and responsive design principles
- Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB)
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycle and agile methodologies
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Attention to detail and commitment to code quality
- Ability to work well in a multicultural and collaborative environment
- Ability to learn and appropriately use new technologies to improve processes, communication, and outcomes, including AI-enabled tools where relevant to the role, consistent with university policy and job responsibilities
Modes of Work
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.
Additional Information
Please Note: This is a 1 year term limited position.
Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States.
The mode of work for this position is Hybrid with a minimum of 4 days in the office per week, Monday through Thursday, with an option of remote work on Fridays. On occasion, you may be required and must be available to work onsite on Fridays if necessitated by our center's policy and domain leadership or by your job requirements.
The salary for this position will be based upon the selected candidate's education and experience.
We support the creative, responsible, and ethical use of AI tools to enhance our work, in alignment with institutional policies and best practices.
Excellent benefits are available, for details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/
Organizational Statement on Harassment
We believe all individuals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and have the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and a safe space for collaboration. Any concerns shared with any staff members and student employees in the Center for Academic Innovation will be reported to the Equity, Civil Rights, & Title IX Office to be reviewed and addressed, and the Center for Academic Innovation encourages reporting of any forms of harassment including sexual and gender-based harassment.
Salary Information
The general salary range for this position is $72,000 - $78,000. Candidates can expect to be paid a competitive and equitable salary. Factors used to determine salary include education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position and salaries that are currently established within the unit. All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
Decision Making Process
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
282948
Working Title
Atlas Platform Developer
Job Title
Software Developer Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Vp Acad Innovation
Department
Center for Academic Innovation
Posting Begin/End Date
9/13/2026 - 10/13/2026
Salary
$72,000.00 - $78,000.00
Career Interest
Information Technology
How to Apply
A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).
Who We Are
Through curricular innovation, tools for student success, and educational research and analytics, the University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation is building the future of education. Our vision is a future in which education connects and empowers learners everywhere to reach their full potential throughout their lives. To realize our vision, we make it our mission to collaborate across campus and around the world to create equitable, lifelong educational opportunities for learners everywhere.
About the Michigan Online EdTech Accelerator
The EdTech Accelerator at CAI identifies, evaluates, and pilots innovative educational technologies to enhance learning experiences for millions of learners around the world. We work at the frontier of AI-enabled learning tools, Extended Reality, and scalable pedagogical innovation - partnering with faculty, platform teams, and external vendors to bring the most promising solutions to Michigan Online and U-M's broader educational ecosystem. Our team bridges the gap between cutting-edge edtech and real-world implementation, ensuring that new tools are assessed through both a rigorous pedagogical lens and a practical institutional one.
Responsibilities
- Write production-quality code in Python + Django and TypeScript and Vue3
- Work alongside platform developers to improve the efficiency of existing platform features
- Collaborate with product and engineering experts on multiple campuses to modernize data pipelines
- Apply technical standards and architectural patterns that enable rapid experimentation and continuous delivery
- Document workflows and data processes that support the platform's capabilities
- Troubleshoot production issues when they impact learner outcomes
- Actively participate in code reviews, emphasizing best practices for software engineering
- Build strong relationships across CAI and university partners based on trust and shared commitment to outcomes
The Center for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan is seeking a qualified Software developer to join our software development team to help scale Atlas to the broader U-M system. This is a hands-on role, where you will work to improve the Schedule Builder feature of the platform, unlocking the ability for students to use the tool on the U-M Dearborn campus. You will work with technical experts at CAI and ITS across campuses to implement a rearchitecture of a critical component for students and the broader learning community. This position will report to the Director of Application Architecture.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- 1-3 years of professional software engineering experience
- Enterprise development and production experience working with Python and the Django framework
- Full-stack development skills, including:
- Backend: REST APIs, microservices, database design
- Frontend: Modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue.js, or Angular)
- HTML5/CSS and responsive design principles
- Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB)
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycle and agile methodologies
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Attention to detail and commitment to code quality
- Ability to work well in a multicultural and collaborative environment
- Ability to learn and appropriately use new technologies to improve processes, communication, and outcomes, including AI-enabled tools where relevant to the role, consistent with university policy and job responsibilities
Modes of Work
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.
Additional Information
Please Note: This is a 1 year term limited position.
Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States.
The mode of work for this position is Hybrid with a minimum of 4 days in the office per week, Monday through Thursday, with an option of remote work on Fridays. On occasion, you may be required and must be available to work onsite on Fridays if necessitated by our center's policy and domain leadership or by your job requirements.
The salary for this position will be based upon the selected candidate's education and experience.
We support the creative, responsible, and ethical use of AI tools to enhance our work, in alignment with institutional policies and best practices.
Excellent benefits are available, for details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/
Organizational Statement on Harassment
We believe all individuals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and have the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and a safe space for collaboration. Any concerns shared with any staff members and student employees in the Center for Academic Innovation will be reported to the Equity, Civil Rights, & Title IX Office to be reviewed and addressed, and the Center for Academic Innovation encourages reporting of any forms of harassment including sexual and gender-based harassment.
Salary Information
The general salary range for this position is $72,000 - $78,000. Candidates can expect to be paid a competitive and equitable salary. Factors used to determine salary include education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position and salaries that are currently established within the unit. All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
Decision Making Process
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
282948
Working Title
Atlas Platform Developer
Job Title
Software Developer Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Vp Acad Innovation
Department
Center for Academic Innovation
Posting Begin/End Date
9/13/2026 - 10/13/2026
Salary
$72,000.00 - $78,000.00
Career Interest
Information Technology
See all 290+ OPT Platform Developer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Platform Developer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Platform Developer
Target companies with active H-1B filing histories
Employers who file H-1B visa petitions for platform and infrastructure roles are far more likely to sponsor you after OPT. Focus your applications on companies with a documented history of sponsoring engineers in DevOps, SRE, or cloud platform functions.
Apply your STEM extension strategically
Platform Developer roles almost universally fall under STEM-eligible degree fields. If you hold a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline, you qualify for 24 additional months of OPT, giving you up to three years total to find sponsorship.
Frame your cloud certifications prominently
AWS, GCP, and Azure certifications significantly strengthen your profile for platform roles. Employers evaluating OPT candidates want signals of technical depth. Certifications demonstrate initiative and reduce perceived onboarding risk, making sponsorship conversations easier to initiate early.
Negotiate your start date around OPT approval timing
OPT authorization can take two to five months from your I-765 filing date. Apply early and communicate your expected Employment Authorization Document approval date to hiring managers upfront. Most tech employers will hold offers for candidates with confirmed pending authorization.
Clarify sponsorship timelines before accepting offers
Some employers sponsor H-1B only after one to two years on the job. Ask directly during the offer stage whether the company participates in the H-1B lottery and at what point in your tenure they typically file. Ambiguity here has real consequences for your immigration status.
Emphasize infrastructure ownership in interviews
Platform Developer roles involve significant system design and ownership, which strengthens H-1B specialty occupation arguments. Highlight projects where you owned CI/CD pipelines, platform reliability, or cloud architecture decisions. Demonstrated technical ownership makes sponsorship paperwork more straightforward for immigration attorneys.
Platform Developer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Platform Developer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in almost all cases. Platform Developer roles require degrees in computer science, software engineering, information systems, or related STEM fields, all of which are on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. If your degree qualifies, you can apply for a 24-month STEM extension before your initial 12-month OPT expires, giving you up to 36 months of authorized work.
How do I find Platform Developer jobs where employers are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so every role on the platform is filtered for sponsorship openness. Searching there saves you from applying to companies that screen out OPT candidates at the resume stage. For platform and infrastructure roles specifically, look for postings that mention H-1B sponsorship or that list cloud or DevOps tools as core requirements, since those teams tend to hire internationally.
Can I switch employers during my OPT period if I'm working as a Platform Developer?
Yes, you can change employers during OPT, but your new job must be directly related to your degree field and you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days. For Platform Developer roles, this usually isn't difficult to document given the clear connection to computer science and engineering degrees. Be aware that any gap between jobs counts against your 90-day unemployment limit.
What happens to my OPT status if my employer doesn't file an H-1B petition in time?
If your employer doesn't file an H-1B before your OPT expires and you haven't secured alternative status, you'll need to leave the U.S. or find another visa pathway. The H-1B lottery opens each March for an October 1 start date, so timing matters significantly. Some Platform Developers pursue O-1 visas as an alternative if they have a strong technical track record, but that requires demonstrating extraordinary ability.
Are contract or freelance Platform Developer roles allowed on OPT?
Self-employment and independent contracting are permitted on standard OPT, but the rules are strict under STEM OPT. During the 24-month STEM extension, you must have a formal employer-employee relationship with an E-Verify enrolled company. Freelance or 1099 arrangements do not satisfy STEM OPT requirements, so contract-to-hire roles structured through a staffing agency with a proper employer relationship are generally safer than direct self-employment.