OPT Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs
Software Development Engineer in Test roles are highly compatible with F-1 OPT, as the position directly applies computer science and software engineering degrees. Most employers expect proficiency in test automation frameworks like Selenium or pytest. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you meaningful runway to prove value and pursue H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout us
We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy.
We’re unique too. We were established to find a better way for the global financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and secure approach that the community can trust, completely. We’re always striving to be better and are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape, without undermining that trust. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.
Education
University degree in computer science or related field.
Experience
- Relevant professional experience in software development, test automation, or system integration.
- Strong hands-on experience working in Linux environments.
- Proficiency in scripting and automation using Python, Shell scripting, or similar technologies.
- Experience with test automation frameworks, qualification testing, and system integration activities is highly desirable.
- Understanding of software development lifecycle, quality assurance processes, and continuous improvement practices.
- Experience with CI/CD technologies such as Cloudbees and CDRO.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, maintain, and enhance test automation solutions supporting SwiftNet Services components.
- Contribute to integration, qualification, and regression testing activities to ensure product quality and system reliability.
- Analyze requirements and translate business and technical needs into effective automation and testing solutions.
- Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues across development, testing, and production-like environments.
- Collaborate with engineers, architects, and stakeholders to identify improvements and implement robust solutions.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, test artifacts, automation frameworks, and operational procedures.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to increase automation coverage, efficiency, and maintainability.
- Provide technical guidance and support to team members and contribute to knowledge sharing within the squad.
- Participate in code reviews, testing reviews, and quality assurance activities to maintain high engineering standards.
- Contribute to the long-term evolution of the squad's automation framework and testing strategy, helping ensure scalability and sustainability of solutions.
The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position in Virginia is $82,361 USD Annual to $152,955 Annual USD. Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. Our compensation packages include a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity for all employees contingent on personal and company performance. Our generous benefits program includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance with no premium costs for our employees and their families, and retirement plan plus matching 401k.
We give you the freedom to be yourself. We are creating an environment of unique individuals – like you – with different perspectives on the financial industry and the world. A diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone’s voice counts and where you can reach your full potential.
We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation related to accessibility during your application or interview, please contact accessibility-Sysgroup@swift.com or indicate this in your application. Please note that this mailbox is not monitored for general recruitment enquiries and should only be used for accessibility or accommodation-related requests (for example related to vision, hearing or neurodiversity). All requests are confidential and will not affect your candidacy. Don’t meet every single requirement? At Swift, we are dedicated to building a workplace where people can bring their full selves and ideas to the team, so if you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification.
About us
We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy.
We’re unique too. We were established to find a better way for the global financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and secure approach that the community can trust, completely. We’re always striving to be better and are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape, without undermining that trust. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.
Education
University degree in computer science or related field.
Experience
- Relevant professional experience in software development, test automation, or system integration.
- Strong hands-on experience working in Linux environments.
- Proficiency in scripting and automation using Python, Shell scripting, or similar technologies.
- Experience with test automation frameworks, qualification testing, and system integration activities is highly desirable.
- Understanding of software development lifecycle, quality assurance processes, and continuous improvement practices.
- Experience with CI/CD technologies such as Cloudbees and CDRO.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, maintain, and enhance test automation solutions supporting SwiftNet Services components.
- Contribute to integration, qualification, and regression testing activities to ensure product quality and system reliability.
- Analyze requirements and translate business and technical needs into effective automation and testing solutions.
- Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues across development, testing, and production-like environments.
- Collaborate with engineers, architects, and stakeholders to identify improvements and implement robust solutions.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, test artifacts, automation frameworks, and operational procedures.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to increase automation coverage, efficiency, and maintainability.
- Provide technical guidance and support to team members and contribute to knowledge sharing within the squad.
- Participate in code reviews, testing reviews, and quality assurance activities to maintain high engineering standards.
- Contribute to the long-term evolution of the squad's automation framework and testing strategy, helping ensure scalability and sustainability of solutions.
The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position in Virginia is $82,361 USD Annual to $152,955 Annual USD. Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. Our compensation packages include a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity for all employees contingent on personal and company performance. Our generous benefits program includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance with no premium costs for our employees and their families, and retirement plan plus matching 401k.
We give you the freedom to be yourself. We are creating an environment of unique individuals – like you – with different perspectives on the financial industry and the world. A diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone’s voice counts and where you can reach your full potential.
We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation related to accessibility during your application or interview, please contact accessibility-Sysgroup@swift.com or indicate this in your application. Please note that this mailbox is not monitored for general recruitment enquiries and should only be used for accessibility or accommodation-related requests (for example related to vision, hearing or neurodiversity). All requests are confidential and will not affect your candidacy. Don’t meet every single requirement? At Swift, we are dedicated to building a workplace where people can bring their full selves and ideas to the team, so if you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification.
See all 33+ OPT Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Software Development Engineer In Test
Target companies with active H-1B filing histories
Large tech employers and mid-size software companies that filed H-1B visa petitions in prior years are your strongest sponsorship bets. SDET roles at these firms often sit within engineering orgs that routinely sponsor international employees after OPT.
Highlight automation depth, not just manual testing experience
Employers weighing sponsorship want engineers who reduce testing costs long-term. Demonstrating ownership of CI/CD-integrated test suites in Python, Java, or JavaScript signals the kind of specialized value that justifies the investment in a visa petition.
Apply before your OPT authorization expires, not after
Start your search at least three months before your EAD end date. Sponsorship timelines vary by employer, and some companies need weeks just to initiate an H-1B or O-1 visa review internally before extending an offer.
Pursue your STEM OPT extension proactively
If your degree is in computer science, software engineering, or a related STEM field, apply for the 24-month extension before your initial OPT expires. The extension nearly triples your authorized work window and is required for E-Verify employers.
Frame your degree field clearly on applications
SDET roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B because they require a directly related bachelor's degree or higher. Listing your exact degree field on your resume makes it easier for hiring managers to confirm sponsorship eligibility early.
Ask about sponsorship during the recruiter screen, not at offer stage
Raising the topic early prevents wasted time on both sides. Phrase it plainly: ask whether the company sponsors H-1B visas for this role. Most technical recruiters at mid-to-large firms will have a direct answer within one business day.
Software Development Engineer In Test OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do SDET roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, Software Development Engineer in Test positions typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, software engineering, or computer engineering. Your degree field, not the job title itself, determines eligibility. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
How do I find SDET jobs that sponsor OPT or H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers willing to sponsor work visas. Searching there surfaces SDET roles at companies with documented H-1B filing histories, so you avoid spending time on applications where sponsorship was never on the table. Standard job boards don't surface this information reliably.
Can I work as an SDET on OPT if my degree is in computer science but I have no formal testing experience?
Yes. OPT authorizes work that is directly related to your degree field, and software testing is firmly within the scope of a computer science degree. Employers hiring entry-level SDETs generally care more about programming skills and familiarity with testing concepts than prior industry testing experience specifically.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I'm laid off from an SDET role?
F-1 OPT students have a 90-day unemployment allowance, which is cumulative across the full OPT period. If you're on a STEM OPT extension, the allowance increases to 150 days total. You must report the unemployment to your DSO and begin your job search immediately, as exceeding the limit puts your F-1 status at risk.
Is an SDET role considered a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
SDET positions generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field such as computer science or software engineering. USCIS has approved H-1B petitions for software testing and quality engineering roles consistently. Your employer's attorney will assess the specific job description, but most well-defined SDET roles clear the specialty occupation standard without issue.