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
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.
At AMD, we believe technology has the power to solve the world’s most important challenges. From advancing healthcare and scientific discovery to powering AI and the technologies people rely on every day, innovation at AMD is shaping the future.
Whether you’re designing next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, or bringing leading edge products to market, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger — technology that moves the world forward. Join us and, together, we’ll advance your career.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
AMD, Inc., is hiring PMTS Software System Design Engineer to Research, design, develop, and/or test operating systems for semiconductor operations, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Be responsible for providing guidance to upcoming developers, provide long range strategy, and is willing to jump in to help resolve issues quickly. Be involved in all areas that impact the team including performance, automation, and development. Develop software systems and tools in support of design, infrastructure and technology platforms, including operating systems, compilers, routers, networks, utilities, databases, cloud-based and Internet related tools. Responsible for development/design, troubleshoot and debug PC systems. Provide root cause analysis guidance to internal design teams and lead debug efforts and identify root cause and resolution. Improve debug capabilities and methodologies by identifying common challenges or impediments to efficient debug and drive innovation in tools and methods. Determine hardware compatibility and/or influence hardware design. Work in an area of specialization to develop systems-level software, working on problems of complex scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors. Utilize knowledge of computers and electronics, including computer hardware and software, applications, and programming, as well as knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Utilize knowledge of computers and electronics, including circuit boards, processors, chips, and electronic equipment, as well as knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles. Apply knowledge of engineering principles, best practices, and technologies to the design, development, and testing of various AMD semiconductor systems and products.
Multiple openings. Qualified applicants click “APPLY NOW” button to apply online. Travel required: NO
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Degree required
Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field.
Amount and type of experience required
Five (5) years of experience in the job offered or a closely related engineering role.
Alternate combination of education and experience
Employer will accept alternate combination of education and experience: Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field and seven (7) years of progressive, post baccalaureate experience in the job offered or a closely related engineering role.
Specific skills required
The following skills are required:
- x86 computing architecture and microarchitecture
- Upstream Linux kernel maintainer
- Confidential computing and cpu vulnerability mitigations
- Evaluate and co-develop next generation x86 ISA in partnership with IP Arch/Design
- Entire software development lifecycle
- Kernels, virtualization, and security
- Open source projects in particular to Linux KVM and open source VMMs including QEMU.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
N/A
BENEFITS
AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
INTRODUCTION
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.
At AMD, we believe technology has the power to solve the world’s most important challenges. From advancing healthcare and scientific discovery to powering AI and the technologies people rely on every day, innovation at AMD is shaping the future.
Whether you’re designing next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, or bringing leading edge products to market, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger — technology that moves the world forward. Join us and, together, we’ll advance your career.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
AMD, Inc., is hiring PMTS Software System Design Engineer to Research, design, develop, and/or test operating systems for semiconductor operations, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Be responsible for providing guidance to upcoming developers, provide long range strategy, and is willing to jump in to help resolve issues quickly. Be involved in all areas that impact the team including performance, automation, and development. Develop software systems and tools in support of design, infrastructure and technology platforms, including operating systems, compilers, routers, networks, utilities, databases, cloud-based and Internet related tools. Responsible for development/design, troubleshoot and debug PC systems. Provide root cause analysis guidance to internal design teams and lead debug efforts and identify root cause and resolution. Improve debug capabilities and methodologies by identifying common challenges or impediments to efficient debug and drive innovation in tools and methods. Determine hardware compatibility and/or influence hardware design. Work in an area of specialization to develop systems-level software, working on problems of complex scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors. Utilize knowledge of computers and electronics, including computer hardware and software, applications, and programming, as well as knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Utilize knowledge of computers and electronics, including circuit boards, processors, chips, and electronic equipment, as well as knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles. Apply knowledge of engineering principles, best practices, and technologies to the design, development, and testing of various AMD semiconductor systems and products.
Multiple openings. Qualified applicants click “APPLY NOW” button to apply online. Travel required: NO
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Degree required
Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field.
Amount and type of experience required
Five (5) years of experience in the job offered or a closely related engineering role.
Alternate combination of education and experience
Employer will accept alternate combination of education and experience: Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field and seven (7) years of progressive, post baccalaureate experience in the job offered or a closely related engineering role.
Specific skills required
The following skills are required:
- x86 computing architecture and microarchitecture
- Upstream Linux kernel maintainer
- Confidential computing and cpu vulnerability mitigations
- Evaluate and co-develop next generation x86 ISA in partnership with IP Arch/Design
- Entire software development lifecycle
- Kernels, virtualization, and security
- Open source projects in particular to Linux KVM and open source VMMs including QEMU.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
N/A
BENEFITS
AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
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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.