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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences. The Internet Technologies QE & Ops team is seeking an experienced and passionate Software Development Engineer in Test to help us write software to push and defend our high standard of quality and privacy. We work on some of the most vitally used features at Apple like AirDrop, ShareSheet and anything that makes Apple magic happen for all platforms: iOS, macOS, visionOS, watchOS and tvOS. We need someone who is comfortable working in an exciting environment with rapidly changing priorities, and someone creative and inspired to invent new ways to help build better products.
DESCRIPTION
As a Software Development Engineer in Test, you will be implementing a mix of functional, performance, reliability, and end-to-end automated tests to support Mail, Messages, FaceTime, Phone, Safari, AirDrop, ShareSheet and Applied Networking. During the design process you will work with different engineering teams to create robust and valuable tests as well as advocate for testable development practices. Code review and design discussions are a vital expectation of this process. Moreover, we also care deeply for the maintenance and the triage of the test results where you will have the chance to detect and drive complex software issues to resolution as well as developing tools to analyze and report test result trends. Finally, it’s vital to share your story with demos and discussions to continue furthering our obsession with quality.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop and maintain automation test framework and tests for new features that span across multiple platforms
- Streamline automated test reporting leveraging various communication mediums
- Perform root cause analysis on bugs found via automation
- Investigate issues blocking automated runs and resolve in timely manner
- Ensure scalability and efficiency of the test infrastructure
- Collaborate cross functionally with various teams to achieve strategic quality goals
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in Computer Science or equivalent
- Experience developing in Python, Java, Swift or C/C++ or Objective-C
- Experience in software development lifecycle and development tools like git
- Experience in testing and automating APIs, UIs and Native Applications for Mobile and/or Desktop
- Experience working with Continuous Integration systems
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Proficiency in Swift or Objective-C
- Proficiency in XCTest, XCUITest and Xcode
- Familiar with databases, SQL, and scripting languages
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to drive an automated testing project
- Strong understanding of Quality Engineering methodologies and practices
- Ability to build effective working relationships
- Proficient in refactoring, test automation, testable and modular code, and build infrastructure
PAY & BENEFITS
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $142,300 and $263,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
INTRODUCTION
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences. The Internet Technologies QE & Ops team is seeking an experienced and passionate Software Development Engineer in Test to help us write software to push and defend our high standard of quality and privacy. We work on some of the most vitally used features at Apple like AirDrop, ShareSheet and anything that makes Apple magic happen for all platforms: iOS, macOS, visionOS, watchOS and tvOS. We need someone who is comfortable working in an exciting environment with rapidly changing priorities, and someone creative and inspired to invent new ways to help build better products.
DESCRIPTION
As a Software Development Engineer in Test, you will be implementing a mix of functional, performance, reliability, and end-to-end automated tests to support Mail, Messages, FaceTime, Phone, Safari, AirDrop, ShareSheet and Applied Networking. During the design process you will work with different engineering teams to create robust and valuable tests as well as advocate for testable development practices. Code review and design discussions are a vital expectation of this process. Moreover, we also care deeply for the maintenance and the triage of the test results where you will have the chance to detect and drive complex software issues to resolution as well as developing tools to analyze and report test result trends. Finally, it’s vital to share your story with demos and discussions to continue furthering our obsession with quality.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop and maintain automation test framework and tests for new features that span across multiple platforms
- Streamline automated test reporting leveraging various communication mediums
- Perform root cause analysis on bugs found via automation
- Investigate issues blocking automated runs and resolve in timely manner
- Ensure scalability and efficiency of the test infrastructure
- Collaborate cross functionally with various teams to achieve strategic quality goals
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in Computer Science or equivalent
- Experience developing in Python, Java, Swift or C/C++ or Objective-C
- Experience in software development lifecycle and development tools like git
- Experience in testing and automating APIs, UIs and Native Applications for Mobile and/or Desktop
- Experience working with Continuous Integration systems
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Proficiency in Swift or Objective-C
- Proficiency in XCTest, XCUITest and Xcode
- Familiar with databases, SQL, and scripting languages
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to drive an automated testing project
- Strong understanding of Quality Engineering methodologies and practices
- Ability to build effective working relationships
- Proficient in refactoring, test automation, testable and modular code, and build infrastructure
PAY & BENEFITS
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $142,300 and $263,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
See all 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.