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
The Software Development Engineer in Test 2 is an entry to intermediate-level professional role that participates in developing and maintaining test software source code to support a solution under the supervision of an assigned technical lead. As a member of a development team, specific work direction will be given, and the individual will be expected to solve moderately sophisticated technical issues and complete programming and quality assurance tasks with limited supervision.
This individual works with divine guidance to provide or support technology that furthers the mission of the Church and reflects the eternal impact of the gospel.
We value early, mid and late-career candidates and encourage all applicants with the posted skills and abilities to apply.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Help improve a centralized automated testing harness and testing framework to execute tests and provide automated quality reports
- Develop automated test code for software development projects
- Draft test plans and scripts to ensure alignment with standards and IT strategy
- Create test data with valid and invalid records to thoroughly test program logic and verify system flow
- Coordinate with users to plan user acceptance testing, alpha and beta testing
- Ensure that tests are successfully completed and documented, and problems are resolved using a Continuous Delivery model
- Provide estimates for QA tasks
- Participate in code reviews
- Contribute to the development of technical documentation
- Participate in our Defect Management process to identify and resolve issues
- Influence the design, testing, and measures required to protect solutions from security compromise or system failure
- Align with policies, standards, and regulatory requirements and help ensure all others are doing the same
- Assess risk and test for robustness and functionality in a Continuous Delivery model
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent professional work experience
- Three years of progressive relevant professional experience or significant internship
- Verifiable knowledge of the applicable technical systems and functions
- Ability to communicate clearly both orally and written
- Moderate ability to solve problems in a timely manner
- Intermediate skill in engineering/programming, analytical/diagnostic/troubleshooting, web technology, and programming methodology
- This job operates in a professional office environment
- To successfully perform the essential functions of the job there may be physical requirements which need to be met such as sitting for long periods of time and using computer monitors/equipment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience testing cloud-based applications in Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery in a service-oriented architecture
- Experience in testing systems for scalability, fault tolerance, load, and other operational areas for a data center-based service is beneficial
Church employees find joy and satisfaction in using their unique talents and abilities to further the Lord’s work. From the IT professional who develops an app that sends the gospel message worldwide, to the facilities manager who maintains our buildings—giving Church members places to worship, teach, learn, and receive sacred ordinances—our employees seek innovative ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. They are literally working in His kingdom.
Only members of the Church who are worthy of a temple recommend qualify for employment. Apart from this, the Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on any basis that would violate U.S. or local law.
Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, national origin, color, gender, pregnancy, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other legally protected categories that apply to the Church. The Church will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.
INTRODUCTION
The Software Development Engineer in Test 2 is an entry to intermediate-level professional role that participates in developing and maintaining test software source code to support a solution under the supervision of an assigned technical lead. As a member of a development team, specific work direction will be given, and the individual will be expected to solve moderately sophisticated technical issues and complete programming and quality assurance tasks with limited supervision.
This individual works with divine guidance to provide or support technology that furthers the mission of the Church and reflects the eternal impact of the gospel.
We value early, mid and late-career candidates and encourage all applicants with the posted skills and abilities to apply.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Help improve a centralized automated testing harness and testing framework to execute tests and provide automated quality reports
- Develop automated test code for software development projects
- Draft test plans and scripts to ensure alignment with standards and IT strategy
- Create test data with valid and invalid records to thoroughly test program logic and verify system flow
- Coordinate with users to plan user acceptance testing, alpha and beta testing
- Ensure that tests are successfully completed and documented, and problems are resolved using a Continuous Delivery model
- Provide estimates for QA tasks
- Participate in code reviews
- Contribute to the development of technical documentation
- Participate in our Defect Management process to identify and resolve issues
- Influence the design, testing, and measures required to protect solutions from security compromise or system failure
- Align with policies, standards, and regulatory requirements and help ensure all others are doing the same
- Assess risk and test for robustness and functionality in a Continuous Delivery model
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent professional work experience
- Three years of progressive relevant professional experience or significant internship
- Verifiable knowledge of the applicable technical systems and functions
- Ability to communicate clearly both orally and written
- Moderate ability to solve problems in a timely manner
- Intermediate skill in engineering/programming, analytical/diagnostic/troubleshooting, web technology, and programming methodology
- This job operates in a professional office environment
- To successfully perform the essential functions of the job there may be physical requirements which need to be met such as sitting for long periods of time and using computer monitors/equipment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience testing cloud-based applications in Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery in a service-oriented architecture
- Experience in testing systems for scalability, fault tolerance, load, and other operational areas for a data center-based service is beneficial
Church employees find joy and satisfaction in using their unique talents and abilities to further the Lord’s work. From the IT professional who develops an app that sends the gospel message worldwide, to the facilities manager who maintains our buildings—giving Church members places to worship, teach, learn, and receive sacred ordinances—our employees seek innovative ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. They are literally working in His kingdom.
Only members of the Church who are worthy of a temple recommend qualify for employment. Apart from this, the Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on any basis that would violate U.S. or local law.
Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, national origin, color, gender, pregnancy, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other legally protected categories that apply to the Church. The Church will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.
See all 30+ 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.