OPT Security Software Engineer Jobs
Security Software Engineer roles are among the most consistently sponsored positions in tech, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students. Employers filing H-1B visa and O-1 visa petitions for this role typically require a degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field. STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to three years of work authorization to build your candidacy.
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Get Access To All JobsHybrid Work:
- 3-4 days per week
We are seeking an application/software engineer with a strong security focus to evaluate, prioritize, and remediate vulnerabilities and compliance findings across custom applications and infrastructure as code (IaC). The engineer will work primarily in VB.NET, SQL, and Python, with IaC authored using AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK), and operate within AWS GovCloud. Core responsibilities include addressing Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEVs), CVE driven issues, internal assessment items, and Security Assessment & Authorization (SA&A) findings to meet regulatory and organizational requirements. This role sits at the intersection of secure application development, cloud security engineering, and risk/compliance, driving both code level fixes and cloud configuration hardening to maintain a strong security posture.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Conduct security assessments using scanning tools and implement recommended remediations
- Evaluate and remediate Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEVs) and Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) in custom applications and infrastructure
- Support Security Assessment and Authorization (SA&A) processes, including documentation and evidence collection
- Analyze Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) findings to identify vulnerable dependencies and recommend updates or alternatives
- Review and remediate security vulnerabilities in custom VB.NET, SQL, and Python code
- Perform security analysis and hardening of AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK) infrastructure as code
- Collaborate with development teams to implement secure coding practices and address identified vulnerabilities
- Maintain security documentation and track remediation efforts through completion
- Ensure compliance with federal security standards and frameworks (NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP, etc.) within AWS GovCloud environment
- Participate in security scanning automation and continuous monitoring initiatives
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field; or equivalent work experience
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in application security or software development with security focus
- Proven experience with vulnerability assessment and remediation methodologies
- Working proficiency with Python, SQL, and VB.NET or legacy .NET frameworks
- Experience with AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK) or similar IaC tools (Terraform, CloudFormation)
- Hands-on experience working in AWS environments, preferably AWS GovCloud
- Experience with AWS security services (GuardDuty, Security Hub, Inspector, Config)
- Understanding of CVE/KEV identification and remediation processes
- Knowledge of SBOM generation and analysis
- Experience with static application security testing (SAST), dynamic application security testing (DAST) and penetration testing
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Professional security certifications (CISSP, CEH, GIAC GSEC, AWS Security Specialty, or equivalent)
- Knowledge of container security (Docker, ECS, EKS)
- Experience with CI/CD pipeline security integration (Jenkins, GitLab CI, AWS CodePipeline)
- Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and tooling
- Knowledge of secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) practices
- Understanding of zero trust architecture principles
- Background in both application development and security operations
Hybrid Work:
- 3-4 days per week
We are seeking an application/software engineer with a strong security focus to evaluate, prioritize, and remediate vulnerabilities and compliance findings across custom applications and infrastructure as code (IaC). The engineer will work primarily in VB.NET, SQL, and Python, with IaC authored using AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK), and operate within AWS GovCloud. Core responsibilities include addressing Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEVs), CVE driven issues, internal assessment items, and Security Assessment & Authorization (SA&A) findings to meet regulatory and organizational requirements. This role sits at the intersection of secure application development, cloud security engineering, and risk/compliance, driving both code level fixes and cloud configuration hardening to maintain a strong security posture.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Conduct security assessments using scanning tools and implement recommended remediations
- Evaluate and remediate Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEVs) and Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) in custom applications and infrastructure
- Support Security Assessment and Authorization (SA&A) processes, including documentation and evidence collection
- Analyze Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) findings to identify vulnerable dependencies and recommend updates or alternatives
- Review and remediate security vulnerabilities in custom VB.NET, SQL, and Python code
- Perform security analysis and hardening of AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK) infrastructure as code
- Collaborate with development teams to implement secure coding practices and address identified vulnerabilities
- Maintain security documentation and track remediation efforts through completion
- Ensure compliance with federal security standards and frameworks (NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP, etc.) within AWS GovCloud environment
- Participate in security scanning automation and continuous monitoring initiatives
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field; or equivalent work experience
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in application security or software development with security focus
- Proven experience with vulnerability assessment and remediation methodologies
- Working proficiency with Python, SQL, and VB.NET or legacy .NET frameworks
- Experience with AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK) or similar IaC tools (Terraform, CloudFormation)
- Hands-on experience working in AWS environments, preferably AWS GovCloud
- Experience with AWS security services (GuardDuty, Security Hub, Inspector, Config)
- Understanding of CVE/KEV identification and remediation processes
- Knowledge of SBOM generation and analysis
- Experience with static application security testing (SAST), dynamic application security testing (DAST) and penetration testing
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Professional security certifications (CISSP, CEH, GIAC GSEC, AWS Security Specialty, or equivalent)
- Knowledge of container security (Docker, ECS, EKS)
- Experience with CI/CD pipeline security integration (Jenkins, GitLab CI, AWS CodePipeline)
- Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and tooling
- Knowledge of secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) practices
- Understanding of zero trust architecture principles
- Background in both application development and security operations
See all OPT Security Software Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Security Software Engineer
Target employers with active security clearance programs
Defense contractors and federal agencies like Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos sponsor security engineers at high rates. These employers run structured hiring pipelines and are accustomed to immigration paperwork, making OPT transitions smoother than at smaller firms.
Align your degree field with the job description
Specialty occupation approval for H-1B visa depends on your degree matching the role. A computer science or cybersecurity degree is the clearest fit. If your degree is in a related field, emphasize coursework in networking, cryptography, or systems security in your application materials.
Get relevant certifications before you apply
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH signal job readiness to hiring managers evaluating OPT candidates. Employers sponsoring H-1B petitions for security roles often cite certifications alongside degree requirements in their LCA filings with the Department of Labor.
Apply to companies mid-H-1B cycle, not just in January
Many OPT students wait until H-1B lottery season to apply, but employers hire security engineers year-round. Starting your job search six to nine months before OPT expiration gives you negotiating time and avoids the last-minute pressure that raises red flags for sponsors.
Highlight security clearance eligibility if you have it
Some OPT holders are eligible for Secret or Top Secret clearances depending on citizenship and background. If you qualify, make this explicit in your resume and applications. Clearance-eligible candidates are significantly harder to replace, which strengthens an employer's case for sponsorship.
Ask about sponsorship policy before the final interview round
Raise OPT and future H-1B sponsorship with the recruiter after an initial positive response, not at the offer stage. Framing it as a timeline question rather than a request signals professionalism and avoids wasting weeks in a process the employer was never going to complete.
Security Software Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Security Software Engineer roles commonly qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Security Software Engineer is classified under CIP code 11.0701 (Computer Science) or 14.0901 (Computer Engineering) when the underlying degree is in those fields, both of which qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your degree must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, and your employer must be E-Verify enrolled to authorize the extension.
How do I find Security Software Engineer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for visa sponsorship and OPT eligibility, so you're not guessing which employers will work with F-1 students. Searching there surfaces Security Software Engineer roles from companies that have actively sponsored similar positions, saving you the time of screening out employers who won't consider OPT candidates.
Can I work as a Security Software Engineer as an independent contractor on OPT?
Yes, but self-employment on OPT has strict requirements. You must be actively engaged in a bona fide business related to your degree field, and you cannot work for a single client in a way that resembles regular employment. You also bear full responsibility for tracking your own work authorization dates. Consulting your DSO before pursuing contractor arrangements is strongly recommended.
What happens to my OPT if my Security Software Engineer employer is acquired or goes through a layoff?
If you're laid off, your 60-day unemployment grace period begins immediately. You can use that time to find a new role, but you cannot work during it. If your employer is acquired and your job continues under the new entity, your OPT authorization generally remains valid as long as your role and degree alignment are unchanged. Notify your DSO in either situation.
Does working in a security software role on OPT affect a future H-1B petition?
It strengthens it. Documented OPT employment in security engineering builds the evidentiary record that USCIS evaluates when assessing specialty occupation status for H-1B. Your employer's LCA filing will reference your job duties, degree requirement, and prevailing wage level. Consistent employment in a well-defined security engineering role with clear degree alignment makes adjudication more straightforward.