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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Build the next generation of ArcGIS Enterprise, a suite of products delivering state-of-the-art mapping and analytics capability to thousands of customers and millions of users worldwide.
Our team builds cutting-edge, highly scalable, and reliable distributed software for on-premises and the cloud to make maps, geographic information, and analyses available on any device, anywhere, at any time. Our Software Development Engineer in Test provides a strong voice in the automated quality assurance process and uses the best tools available to design and develop integration, UI, and performance tests. As a SDET, you will work with our cross-functional global team of product engineers, software engineers, designers, product managers, and release engineers to understand functional and non-functional requirements and have them recorded in your automated tests. You will be actively involved in designing and developing automated test frameworks in Java, Python, as well as its reporting infrastructure and dashboards.
If you are passionate about software quality and automation and validating complex distributed systems, join us!
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Product Engineers to establish test plans, identify gaps in plans, and prioritize manual tests suited for automation
- Create tests for functional, performance, scalability, and durability testing of Knowledge Graph and link analysis
- Design and develop automated integration and regression test cases on software components through the API
- Deploy and schedule integration tests to run daily against the supported graph DBMS platforms and share test results
- Manage and refactor the suite of integration tests and results dashboards as needed
- Perform rigorous and in-depth peer reviews of test code
- Collaborate with Software Development Engineers to improve software quality by understanding the design and writing automated tests for various possible user workflows
- Measure test coverage and analyze continuous integration test results
- Define, implement, maintain, and document automated test frameworks
- Advocate for quality throughout the software development process and advise on test optimization
Requirements
- 2+ years of experience in a similar position
- Programming proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Java, C++, C#, or Python
- Strong understanding of object-oriented programming concepts
- Applied knowledge of testing principles including experience designing and executing test cases
- Experience using test automation frameworks such as Selenium WebDriver, Appium, Junit, or Pyunit
- Understanding of deployment tools such as Jenkins or Chef
- Developer sensibilities in software design, refactoring, and authoring
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate and resolve software issues
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, GIS, data science, network science, mathematics, or related field
Recommended Qualifications
- Master's degree in computer science, engineering, GIS, data science, network science, mathematics, or related field
- Knowledge of ArcGIS Enterprise or other GIS products
- Experience writing technical documents for a variety of audiences
- Experience in authoring and reporting test results in graphical forms and dashboards
The Company
At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life's best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology.
If you don't meet all of the preferred qualifications for this position, we encourage you to still apply!
Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email askcareers@esri.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Esri takes our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously. We are committed to respecting your privacy by providing transparency in how we acquire and use your information, giving you control of your information and preferences, and holding ourselves to the highest national and international standards, including CCPA and GDPR compliance.
Overview
Build the next generation of ArcGIS Enterprise, a suite of products delivering state-of-the-art mapping and analytics capability to thousands of customers and millions of users worldwide.
Our team builds cutting-edge, highly scalable, and reliable distributed software for on-premises and the cloud to make maps, geographic information, and analyses available on any device, anywhere, at any time. Our Software Development Engineer in Test provides a strong voice in the automated quality assurance process and uses the best tools available to design and develop integration, UI, and performance tests. As a SDET, you will work with our cross-functional global team of product engineers, software engineers, designers, product managers, and release engineers to understand functional and non-functional requirements and have them recorded in your automated tests. You will be actively involved in designing and developing automated test frameworks in Java, Python, as well as its reporting infrastructure and dashboards.
If you are passionate about software quality and automation and validating complex distributed systems, join us!
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Product Engineers to establish test plans, identify gaps in plans, and prioritize manual tests suited for automation
- Create tests for functional, performance, scalability, and durability testing of Knowledge Graph and link analysis
- Design and develop automated integration and regression test cases on software components through the API
- Deploy and schedule integration tests to run daily against the supported graph DBMS platforms and share test results
- Manage and refactor the suite of integration tests and results dashboards as needed
- Perform rigorous and in-depth peer reviews of test code
- Collaborate with Software Development Engineers to improve software quality by understanding the design and writing automated tests for various possible user workflows
- Measure test coverage and analyze continuous integration test results
- Define, implement, maintain, and document automated test frameworks
- Advocate for quality throughout the software development process and advise on test optimization
Requirements
- 2+ years of experience in a similar position
- Programming proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Java, C++, C#, or Python
- Strong understanding of object-oriented programming concepts
- Applied knowledge of testing principles including experience designing and executing test cases
- Experience using test automation frameworks such as Selenium WebDriver, Appium, Junit, or Pyunit
- Understanding of deployment tools such as Jenkins or Chef
- Developer sensibilities in software design, refactoring, and authoring
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate and resolve software issues
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, GIS, data science, network science, mathematics, or related field
Recommended Qualifications
- Master's degree in computer science, engineering, GIS, data science, network science, mathematics, or related field
- Knowledge of ArcGIS Enterprise or other GIS products
- Experience writing technical documents for a variety of audiences
- Experience in authoring and reporting test results in graphical forms and dashboards
The Company
At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life's best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology.
If you don't meet all of the preferred qualifications for this position, we encourage you to still apply!
Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email askcareers@esri.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Esri takes our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously. We are committed to respecting your privacy by providing transparency in how we acquire and use your information, giving you control of your information and preferences, and holding ourselves to the highest national and international standards, including CCPA and GDPR compliance.
See all 38+ OPT Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs
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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.