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.

Find OPT Software Design Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs10+
Work Type100% On-site
Top LocationSan Jose, CA
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 10+ Software Design Engineer jobs

Suvoda
Software Design Consultant
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Suvoda
Added 5d ago
Software Design Consultant
Suvoda
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
Consulting & Professional Services
Project & Program Management
Business Analysis
Project Management
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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NVIDIA
Software R&D Engineer, VLSI Physical Design
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NVIDIA
Added 3mo ago
Software R&D Engineer, VLSI Physical Design
NVIDIA
Austin, Texas
Software Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$116k - $219k/yr
On-Site
Master's

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Diodes Incorporated
Design Engineering Manager
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Diodes Incorporated
Added 1w ago
Design Engineering Manager
Diodes Incorporated
Milpitas, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Project & Program Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
Project Management
$150k - $180k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Orthofix
Sr. Quality Engineer, Design Assurance
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Orthofix
Added 1mo ago
Sr. Quality Engineer, Design Assurance
Orthofix
Verona, New Jersey
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Compliance & Legal
Healthcare Administration
Compliance & Risk
$40k - $43k/yr
On-Site
Master's
501-1,000

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Apple
Product Design Engineering Program Manager
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Apple
Added 1mo ago
Product Design Engineering Program Manager
Apple
Cupertino, California
Project & Program Management
Product Management
Specialized Engineering
Project Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
$176k - $312k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips 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.