OPT Python Engineer Jobs
Python Engineer roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions in tech. Most employers filing H-1B visa petitions for software engineers list Python as a core requirement, which makes this a strong starting point for F-1 students building a long-term visa strategy. STEM OPT gives you up to three years of work authorization, enough runway to clear the H-1B lottery.
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ICF is seeking a software developer to be part of a talented, technical, and dynamic team. Our team excels in the delivery of technical competency and capabilities in dynamic resource constrained environments. The ideal candidate will support development and evaluation of machine learning cyber defense algorithms and resilience methods for resource constrained devices such as Unmanned Air/Ground Vehicles (UAV/UGV) in tactical environments. This work will include developing cyber defenses, supporting physical and network simulation of UAV/UGV platforms, and evaluating the resilience platforms in simulated tactical scenarios and field tests.
Key Responsibilities:
- Development of software using DevOps best practices within a team of scientists, software developers, and hardware engineers.
- Develop scenarios using 3D simulation/visualization engines such as Unreal Engine or similar to support dynamic evaluation of platform resilience.
- Documenting and publishing the results of tests in technical reports.
- Delivering progress updates, insights, and deliverables in technical briefings and demonstrations.
- Working in a multi-team development project.
Basic Qualifications:
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to maintain active DoD clearance.
- Must be DoD 8570 compliant and maintain required certifications for an IAT I appointment.
- Education: BS degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physical Science, Information Science, Cyber Security, or Mathematics.
- Six (6) years of research or technical experience in a scientific or technical field relevant to requirements.
Additional Qualifications:
- At least 2 years of experience (3+ years preferred) using Python and Git.
- At least 1 year of experience with Unreal Engine.
- At least 1 year of experience writing code to interact with databases.
- At least 1 year of experience working inside Linux Environments.
- Experience or working knowledge with network simulation tools (e.g., ns-3).
- Strong knowledge of software development best practice.
- Ability to analyze, document, and publish technical reports based on testing.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Familiarity with cyber security principles and terminology.
- Familiarity with UAV/UGV operation.
- Familiarity with radio frequency science and electronic warfare techniques/terminology.
- Familiarity with research environments, e.g., scientific writing, technical writing, experiment design.
- Familiarity with DoD computing environment.
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$81,499.00 - $138,549.00
LOCATION
Maryland Client Office (MD88)
Description
ICF is seeking a software developer to be part of a talented, technical, and dynamic team. Our team excels in the delivery of technical competency and capabilities in dynamic resource constrained environments. The ideal candidate will support development and evaluation of machine learning cyber defense algorithms and resilience methods for resource constrained devices such as Unmanned Air/Ground Vehicles (UAV/UGV) in tactical environments. This work will include developing cyber defenses, supporting physical and network simulation of UAV/UGV platforms, and evaluating the resilience platforms in simulated tactical scenarios and field tests.
Key Responsibilities:
- Development of software using DevOps best practices within a team of scientists, software developers, and hardware engineers.
- Develop scenarios using 3D simulation/visualization engines such as Unreal Engine or similar to support dynamic evaluation of platform resilience.
- Documenting and publishing the results of tests in technical reports.
- Delivering progress updates, insights, and deliverables in technical briefings and demonstrations.
- Working in a multi-team development project.
Basic Qualifications:
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to maintain active DoD clearance.
- Must be DoD 8570 compliant and maintain required certifications for an IAT I appointment.
- Education: BS degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physical Science, Information Science, Cyber Security, or Mathematics.
- Six (6) years of research or technical experience in a scientific or technical field relevant to requirements.
Additional Qualifications:
- At least 2 years of experience (3+ years preferred) using Python and Git.
- At least 1 year of experience with Unreal Engine.
- At least 1 year of experience writing code to interact with databases.
- At least 1 year of experience working inside Linux Environments.
- Experience or working knowledge with network simulation tools (e.g., ns-3).
- Strong knowledge of software development best practice.
- Ability to analyze, document, and publish technical reports based on testing.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Familiarity with cyber security principles and terminology.
- Familiarity with UAV/UGV operation.
- Familiarity with radio frequency science and electronic warfare techniques/terminology.
- Familiarity with research environments, e.g., scientific writing, technical writing, experiment design.
- Familiarity with DoD computing environment.
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$81,499.00 - $138,549.00
LOCATION
Maryland Client Office (MD88)
See all 56+ OPT Python Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Python Engineer
Target companies with H-1B filing history
Employers who have sponsored Python engineers before are far more likely to do it again. Check OFLC disclosure data for Labor Condition Application filings under software developer and engineer job titles to confirm a company's sponsorship track record.
Lead with your Python specialization
Generalist resumes get filtered out. Specify your stack clearly: Django, FastAPI, data pipelines, machine learning backends, or cloud infrastructure. Recruiters searching for Python engineers are matching against specific frameworks, not just the language name.
Apply early in the hiring cycle
Many companies start H-1B visa cap-subject petitions in February for an October start. If you need cap-subject sponsorship, aim to have an offer in place by January. Late applications often miss the annual filing window entirely.
Mention your STEM OPT timeline upfront
Three years of STEM OPT authorization reduces employer urgency around H-1B timing. Stating this clearly in your first recruiter conversation removes a common objection before it becomes a reason to pass on your application.
Prioritize mid-size tech and fintech companies
Large enterprises often have sponsorship freezes or headcount restrictions. Companies between 50 and 500 employees frequently sponsor Python engineers and move faster through hiring, giving you more control over offer timing relative to your OPT expiration.
Build a portfolio that reduces hiring risk
Public GitHub projects, open-source contributions, and deployed applications make sponsorship feel lower-risk to employers. Concrete evidence of shipping production Python code addresses the "is this person worth the visa cost" question before it gets asked.
Python Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Python Engineer roles typically qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Python Engineer positions almost always fall under qualifying STEM degree categories, most commonly computer science, software engineering, or information systems. As long as your degree is on the STEM OPT designated degree list and your employer is E-Verify enrolled, you can apply for the 24-month extension before your initial 12-month OPT expires.
How do I find Python Engineer jobs that offer OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship, so you are not wasting applications on companies that screen out international candidates. Searching there lets you focus on Python Engineer roles where sponsorship is already confirmed rather than discovering the issue after a first-round interview.
Can I work as a Python Engineer as a contractor on OPT?
You can work as an independent contractor on OPT, but it requires careful documentation. You must be able to show that the work is directly related to your degree field, track your hours and projects, and report the engagement to your DSO. Staffing agency placements where you are a W-2 employee are generally cleaner from a compliance standpoint.
What should I do if my OPT expires before I receive an H-1B approval?
If your employer filed an H-1B petition on time and your OPT is covered by cap-gap, you can continue working through September 30 of that year without interruption. If cap-gap does not apply or you missed the lottery, discuss a bridge option with your employer, such as a change of status to another nonimmigrant category or a short leave of absence while an alternative visa is processed.
Does a Python Engineer job title affect my specialty occupation classification for H-1B purposes?
Job title alone does not determine H-1B eligibility. What matters is whether the role requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field as a minimum entry requirement. Python Engineer roles that specify a computer science or engineering degree in the job description are well-positioned for specialty occupation classification. Roles where any degree is accepted regardless of field are more vulnerable to a USCIS request for evidence.