OPT Software Design Engineer Jobs
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
SW Design and Release Engineer (DRE) is leading an embedded system software development project with a supplier for a Propulsion System Control Module. Control Modules supported may include Engine, BEV and HEV Supervisory controllers, High Voltage Battery controllers, DCDC Convertors, On Board Charging Modules, Motor Control Processors and other modules controlling propulsion system components. The Design Release Software Engineer is responsible for working with Tier one suppliers and Internal development teams (Base SW and Application SW developers as well as requirements team) for developing and integrating Embedded Software for advanced propulsion system components from initial design concept through full volume production.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead the planning and integration program software requirements that satisfy vehicle and component level functional objectives
- Work cross functionally with SW development (supplier or internal), SW validation, Calibration Diagnostics, FUSA and Architecture teams to manage SW release timing to meet Vehicle build and program timing needs
- Lead interface for SW issue resolution for Software on a component and vehicle level
- Lead technical input for SW coordination and requirements alignment meetings
- Coordinate change management for the component SW
- Support Validation, SW development and troubleshooting as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Understanding of Propulsion Systems for ICE, HEV and BEV applications
- CANALYZER, CANOE and INCA proficiency
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Familiar with electrification architectures including 48V, EV, HEV, PHEV and BSG systems
- Highly motivated with self-motivation
- DVP&R and DFMEA basic understanding
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Electrical, Computer Engineering or a related field
- Advanced automotive battery design and testing experience
- Product Design and Release experience
- Requirements Definition and Management
- Change Control and Issue Management Tracking
INTRODUCTION
SW Design and Release Engineer (DRE) is leading an embedded system software development project with a supplier for a Propulsion System Control Module. Control Modules supported may include Engine, BEV and HEV Supervisory controllers, High Voltage Battery controllers, DCDC Convertors, On Board Charging Modules, Motor Control Processors and other modules controlling propulsion system components. The Design Release Software Engineer is responsible for working with Tier one suppliers and Internal development teams (Base SW and Application SW developers as well as requirements team) for developing and integrating Embedded Software for advanced propulsion system components from initial design concept through full volume production.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead the planning and integration program software requirements that satisfy vehicle and component level functional objectives
- Work cross functionally with SW development (supplier or internal), SW validation, Calibration Diagnostics, FUSA and Architecture teams to manage SW release timing to meet Vehicle build and program timing needs
- Lead interface for SW issue resolution for Software on a component and vehicle level
- Lead technical input for SW coordination and requirements alignment meetings
- Coordinate change management for the component SW
- Support Validation, SW development and troubleshooting as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Understanding of Propulsion Systems for ICE, HEV and BEV applications
- CANALYZER, CANOE and INCA proficiency
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Familiar with electrification architectures including 48V, EV, HEV, PHEV and BSG systems
- Highly motivated with self-motivation
- DVP&R and DFMEA basic understanding
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Electrical, Computer Engineering or a related field
- Advanced automotive battery design and testing experience
- Product Design and Release experience
- Requirements Definition and Management
- Change Control and Issue Management Tracking
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Software Design Engineer
Lead with your STEM OPT eligibility
Software Design Engineer is a STEM-designated role, which means you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mention this upfront in applications. Many hiring managers don't realize STEM OPT reduces their H-1B visa dependency significantly.
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.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship early in the process
STEM OPT gives you up to three years, but H-1B sponsorship determines your long-term path. Ask during the recruiter screen whether the company sponsors H-1B petitions. Established tech employers typically do, and knowing early saves significant time.
Software Design Engineer OPT: Frequently 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.