OPT Software Applications Engineer Jobs
Software Applications Engineer jobs are strong OPT matches because most require a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, satisfying DSO specialty occupation documentation. STEM OPT extension eligibility is nearly universal for this role, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience.
See All OPT Software Applications Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 431+ Software Applications Engineer jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 431+ Software Applications Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Software Applications Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsAbout Atomic Machines
Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler™ technology. This full-stack technology enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by offering manufacturing processes and a materials library that is inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. It promises to unlock MEMS manufacturing for the many device classes frustrated by semiconductor methods and to open up entirely new product classes. The Matter Compiler™ technology fully realizes the digital manufacturing dream: bits and raw materials go in, and complete, functional micromachines come out. The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device—one that was only made possible by the existence of the Matter Compiler™ technology—that we will be unveiling to the world soon.
Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California.
About The Role
As a Software Applications Engineer, Robotic Systems, you will build the distributed software systems that control the Matter Compiler. These systems coordinate real hardware - sensors, actuators, and manufacturing processes - under real-time and reliability constraints.
You will work across layers of the stack, from low-level device interaction to higher-level APIs that define machine behavior. In one sprint, you might debug a timing issue between devices; in another, you may implement an interface that enables coordination across a fleet of machines.
This role is well-suited for engineers with strong fundamentals, hands-on curiosity, and a desire to grow into systems-level thinking through exposure to real-world, hardware-driven systems. This role is based in either our Santa Clara or Emeryville offices.
- Write, test, and debug software that directly interfaces with robotics and manufacturing systems
- Build and operate distributed systems that coordinate state, timing, and behavior across multiple devices
- Investigate and resolve issues spanning software, firmware, and physical systems
- Contribute to system reliability through logging, observability, and fault handling
- Work across the stack—from device-level interaction to networked APIs
- Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to define system behavior
- 2+ years of experience (including internships, research, robotics projects, or relevant industry work)
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
- Strong proficiency in Python for building and debugging production systems (our stack primarily includes Python, C++, and Go)
- Experience with at least one systems or strongly typed language such as C++, Rust, or Go
- Solid understanding of core computer science fundamentals (data structures, concurrency, systems basics)
- Experience building or debugging systems that interact with hardware or other external systems
What Makes You Stand Out
- Experience working with robotics, embedded systems, or hardware-adjacent software
- Familiarity with real-time systems or resource-constrained environments
- Experience debugging complex issues across multiple layers (software, firmware, hardware)
- Exposure to distributed systems or networked device coordination
- Interest in how physical systems behave under real-world constraints (latency, noise, failure, safety)
- Experience with observability, testing, or infrastructure tools
About Atomic Machines
Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler™ technology. This full-stack technology enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by offering manufacturing processes and a materials library that is inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. It promises to unlock MEMS manufacturing for the many device classes frustrated by semiconductor methods and to open up entirely new product classes. The Matter Compiler™ technology fully realizes the digital manufacturing dream: bits and raw materials go in, and complete, functional micromachines come out. The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device—one that was only made possible by the existence of the Matter Compiler™ technology—that we will be unveiling to the world soon.
Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California.
About The Role
As a Software Applications Engineer, Robotic Systems, you will build the distributed software systems that control the Matter Compiler. These systems coordinate real hardware - sensors, actuators, and manufacturing processes - under real-time and reliability constraints.
You will work across layers of the stack, from low-level device interaction to higher-level APIs that define machine behavior. In one sprint, you might debug a timing issue between devices; in another, you may implement an interface that enables coordination across a fleet of machines.
This role is well-suited for engineers with strong fundamentals, hands-on curiosity, and a desire to grow into systems-level thinking through exposure to real-world, hardware-driven systems. This role is based in either our Santa Clara or Emeryville offices.
- Write, test, and debug software that directly interfaces with robotics and manufacturing systems
- Build and operate distributed systems that coordinate state, timing, and behavior across multiple devices
- Investigate and resolve issues spanning software, firmware, and physical systems
- Contribute to system reliability through logging, observability, and fault handling
- Work across the stack—from device-level interaction to networked APIs
- Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to define system behavior
- 2+ years of experience (including internships, research, robotics projects, or relevant industry work)
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
- Strong proficiency in Python for building and debugging production systems (our stack primarily includes Python, C++, and Go)
- Experience with at least one systems or strongly typed language such as C++, Rust, or Go
- Solid understanding of core computer science fundamentals (data structures, concurrency, systems basics)
- Experience building or debugging systems that interact with hardware or other external systems
What Makes You Stand Out
- Experience working with robotics, embedded systems, or hardware-adjacent software
- Familiarity with real-time systems or resource-constrained environments
- Experience debugging complex issues across multiple layers (software, firmware, hardware)
- Exposure to distributed systems or networked device coordination
- Interest in how physical systems behave under real-world constraints (latency, noise, failure, safety)
- Experience with observability, testing, or infrastructure tools
See all 431+ OPT Software Applications Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Software Applications Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Software Applications Engineer
Target employers with established visa sponsorship history
Companies that have filed H-1B visa petitions for software engineers before are far more likely to sponsor your OPT and future visa. Check employer sponsorship patterns before applying to avoid wasting time on companies that won't convert.
Apply before your OPT start date is imminent
Most hiring managers need eight to twelve weeks to complete interviews and extend an offer. Starting your search three to four months before your program end date gives employers enough runway to comfortably hire you.
Make your OPT authorization explicit in your resume header
Add a concise work authorization line near your name stating your OPT status and STEM extension eligibility. Software hiring managers scan dozens of applications and may skip yours if authorization status isn't immediately clear.
Emphasize your STEM OPT extension window in conversations
Three years of authorized work significantly reduces employer risk. Framing your STEM extension as a long runway before any H-1B decision reframes the sponsorship conversation from a burden into a reasonable planning horizon.
Align your portfolio with the employer's technology stack
Software Applications Engineers are hired for specific environments. Tailoring your GitHub projects and case studies to match the company's primary stack, whether cloud-native, embedded, or enterprise software, improves your interview conversion rate noticeably.
Prepare documentation your DSO will need for STEM extension
Your employer must submit a formal training plan using Form I-983. Knowing this in advance and discussing it with HR early prevents last-minute delays that could interrupt your employment authorization before the extension is approved.
Software Applications Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Applications Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Software Applications Engineer roles almost always qualify because they require a degree in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related STEM field. Your DSO will confirm eligibility based on your degree and the employer's formal training plan. Most graduates in this field qualify without issue.
Can I work as a contractor or on a project basis while on OPT?
Yes, but with important conditions. Your employment must be directly related to your degree field and meet the minimum hours threshold, generally at least 20 hours per week. Short-term project contracts are permitted as long as each engagement is documented. Self-employment through your own LLC is also allowed if your work is degree-related and properly structured.
What should I do if my OPT application is still pending when I get a job offer?
You can accept the offer and set a start date after your OPT card arrives. USCIS processing times range from three to five months, so apply as early as your DSO allows, typically 90 days before your program end date. Do not begin work until your EAD card is physically in hand and the start date printed on it has passed.
How do I find Software Applications Engineer jobs where employers are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT and visa-sponsored roles, so you're not manually screening hundreds of postings for sponsorship willingness. Searching on Migrate Mate surfaces Software Applications Engineer positions from employers who have already indicated openness to international candidates, which saves significant time during a period when your timeline is tight.
What documents should I have ready when a Software Applications Engineer employer asks about my work authorization?
Prepare your EAD card, your I-20 with OPT authorization notation, and your SEVIS ID number. If you are applying for a STEM extension, also have your degree transcripts and the completed Form I-983 training plan ready to share with HR. Having these organized before the question arises signals professionalism and prevents delays in the onboarding process.