Software Design Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
Software Design Engineer jobs are among the most OPT-friendly roles in tech. Employers across software, hardware, and embedded systems regularly sponsor F-1 students, and the role's specialized degree requirement makes it a strong fit for STEM OPT's 24-month extension, giving you up to three years of authorized work.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are seeking a world class, self-directed Software Design Engineer to build software solutions from the ground up to support the development, manufacturing, and testing of cutting edge high-speed electrical interconnects. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas including scientific programming, information/databases, test & verification. As a software engineer you will employ Python and innovative development techniques, working collaboratively with other team members and our global manufacturing centers to build software solutions to solve challenges in any area of the business. To succeed in this role, a candidate must utilize entrepreneurial thinking and a strong passion for software engineering.
OUR TEAM
Join the Software Solution Group (SSG), the central nervous system of the Copper Solutions Business Unit (CSBU) within the Datacom & Specialty Solutions (DSS) division. As the core software team, we collaborate across the organization to deliver production setup applications for product families and stand-alone tools that address challenges in every area of the business.
We value creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, offering opportunities to make a real impact while working with innovative applications.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Apply software expertise and entrepreneurial thinking to solve business challenges across design, manufacturing, testing, and verification.
- Design, develop, modify, and maintain Python software modules for product testing and qualification throughout product development and manufacturing.
- Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and signal integrity engineers to create software solutions for testing high-speed and low-speed electrical performance.
- Build and enhance desktop software (Python) to optimize and expand capabilities in global manufacturing centers.
- Partner with engineering teams to develop tools that improve the design process and engineering efficiency, focusing on feature implementation, configuration, and application development.
- Continuously learn and adopt new technologies to keep software skills current.
- Conduct code reviews, design reviews, and unit testing to improve software reliability and performance.
- Analyze test results, prepare reports, and implement necessary software modifications.
- Document software solutions and share knowledge internally with other engineers.
- Demonstrate proficiency in Python development and standard software verification and validation techniques.
- Explore and contribute to new concepts and innovative solutions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical or Electronics/Computer Science/Systems Engineering.
- 3-5 years of experience designing Python based desktop applications.
- Minimum 2 years of practical software development experience in Python with demonstrated ability to design and build tools and applications that support testing and validation workflows.
- Knowledge of software architecture and design principles, emphasizing usability, extensibility, and performance for tools.
- Extensive experience with source control tools such as Git or SVN.
- Understanding of bug tracking software (i.e. JIRA).
- Ability to develop/maintain software in Python.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of standard techniques for software verification and validation.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Exposure to hardware systems, electrical interconnects, or manufacturing processes, especially related to testing and quality assurance.
- Exposure on writing strong test cases.
- Experience with scientific Python libraries and tools like NumPy, Pandas, and Anaconda.
- Proven ability to develop reusable software libraries, APIs, and frameworks designed for use by other engineers and testers.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
HIRING PHILOSOPHY
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.
WHO WE ARE
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
OUR BENEFITS
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí, or tu).
#LI-MS6
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking a world class, self-directed Software Design Engineer to build software solutions from the ground up to support the development, manufacturing, and testing of cutting edge high-speed electrical interconnects. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas including scientific programming, information/databases, test & verification. As a software engineer you will employ Python and innovative development techniques, working collaboratively with other team members and our global manufacturing centers to build software solutions to solve challenges in any area of the business. To succeed in this role, a candidate must utilize entrepreneurial thinking and a strong passion for software engineering.
OUR TEAM
Join the Software Solution Group (SSG), the central nervous system of the Copper Solutions Business Unit (CSBU) within the Datacom & Specialty Solutions (DSS) division. As the core software team, we collaborate across the organization to deliver production setup applications for product families and stand-alone tools that address challenges in every area of the business.
We value creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, offering opportunities to make a real impact while working with innovative applications.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Apply software expertise and entrepreneurial thinking to solve business challenges across design, manufacturing, testing, and verification.
- Design, develop, modify, and maintain Python software modules for product testing and qualification throughout product development and manufacturing.
- Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and signal integrity engineers to create software solutions for testing high-speed and low-speed electrical performance.
- Build and enhance desktop software (Python) to optimize and expand capabilities in global manufacturing centers.
- Partner with engineering teams to develop tools that improve the design process and engineering efficiency, focusing on feature implementation, configuration, and application development.
- Continuously learn and adopt new technologies to keep software skills current.
- Conduct code reviews, design reviews, and unit testing to improve software reliability and performance.
- Analyze test results, prepare reports, and implement necessary software modifications.
- Document software solutions and share knowledge internally with other engineers.
- Demonstrate proficiency in Python development and standard software verification and validation techniques.
- Explore and contribute to new concepts and innovative solutions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical or Electronics/Computer Science/Systems Engineering.
- 3-5 years of experience designing Python based desktop applications.
- Minimum 2 years of practical software development experience in Python with demonstrated ability to design and build tools and applications that support testing and validation workflows.
- Knowledge of software architecture and design principles, emphasizing usability, extensibility, and performance for tools.
- Extensive experience with source control tools such as Git or SVN.
- Understanding of bug tracking software (i.e. JIRA).
- Ability to develop/maintain software in Python.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of standard techniques for software verification and validation.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Exposure to hardware systems, electrical interconnects, or manufacturing processes, especially related to testing and quality assurance.
- Exposure on writing strong test cases.
- Experience with scientific Python libraries and tools like NumPy, Pandas, and Anaconda.
- Proven ability to develop reusable software libraries, APIs, and frameworks designed for use by other engineers and testers.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
HIRING PHILOSOPHY
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.
WHO WE ARE
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
OUR BENEFITS
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí, or tu).
#LI-MS6
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Software Design Engineer
Target companies with E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before accepting an offer. Most large tech employers qualify, but smaller studios and startups occasionally don't, which would block your extension filing.
Align your degree field to the job description
Hiring managers and DSOs both need to verify your degree directly relates to the role. Frame your application around engineering coursework, design systems projects, or hardware experience that maps clearly to the Software Design Engineer job description.
Apply before your OPT clock runs out
Filing the STEM OPT extension before your current EAD expires keeps you in authorized work status. Coordinate your job search timeline so you have an E-Verify employer and a signed offer ready at least 90 days before expiration.
Highlight systems-level and cross-functional experience
Software Design Engineers often sit at the intersection of software and hardware. Employers sponsoring OPT want to see depth. Emphasize embedded systems, firmware, or platform-level projects that generalist software engineers typically can't demonstrate.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Design Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Software Design Engineer positions typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they require a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related STEM field. Your DSO will confirm the CIP code match, but the role's technical degree requirement makes it a straightforward fit in most cases.
What does an employer need to do to hire me on OPT as a Software Design Engineer?
For standard OPT, employers don't need to file anything. You work on your existing EAD. For the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan (Form I-983) outlining how the role develops your STEM skills. Most established tech companies already meet both requirements.
Can I work as a Software Design Engineer contractor or through a staffing agency on OPT?
Yes, but the STEM OPT extension adds complexity for third-party placements. For STEM OPT, the end client where you perform work must also have a formal role in your training plan, and your EAD-issuing employer must supervise your training. Short-term contracts at multiple sites can complicate compliance, so discuss the arrangement with your DSO before accepting.
How early should I start applying for Software Design Engineer jobs given my OPT timeline?
Start at least three to four months before your program end date. OPT authorization can take 90 days to process after your DSO issues the I-20 recommendation. For STEM OPT extension, file at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. You can find employers actively hiring OPT students for this role on Migrate Mate.
Does Software Design Engineer experience count toward an H-1B specialty occupation petition later?
Yes. Software Design Engineer roles typically satisfy H-1B specialty occupation requirements because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field. Your OPT work experience also strengthens an H-1B petition by demonstrating you've been performing qualifying specialty occupation work. Employers who already sponsor your OPT extension are often well-positioned to file your H-1B petition as well.
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