OPT Software Test Engineer Jobs
Software Test Engineer jobs are consistently sponsored for OPT, with companies regularly filing LCAs for quality assurance and testing roles. STEM OPT extension eligibility is strong here since most positions require a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field, giving you up to three years of authorized work.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute in a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Applied Medical is seeking a Software Test Engineer I or II to join the Technology and Development Electrical team, which oversees product development for the Advanced Surgical Device systems, including the Voyant Intelligent Energy System. This position is available at the Software Test Engineer I or Software Test Engineer II level, with placement determined by experience. The Software Test Engineer tests embedded systems and components for medical devices, collaborating with cross-functional teams to confirm that electrical systems meet product requirements and comply with regulatory standards. This role focuses on software testing and does not involve writing software that ships as part of the medical device.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Verifies and validates embedded software for medical devices and PC software.
- Reads, analyzes, and supports requirements reviews, decomposing requirements for independent test development.
- Writes test protocols per defined process and participates in design reviews, evaluating test coverage and adequacy.
- Executes test protocols and conducts manual and automated testing at the system level.
- Logs and tracks issues to closure, working closely with software development and engineering teams to resolve them.
- Collects and analyzes data and trends to inform testing decisions.
- Supports submission of test protocols, test reports, traceability matrices, and other engineering documentation.
SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE
- Delivers accurate, well documented test protocols and reports that meet regulatory standards.
- Identifies and resolves issues quickly through strong collaboration with development teams.
- Maintains full requirements traceability across test coverage.
- Builds working technical depth at the hardware software boundary of embedded devices.
- Contributes reliable data and trend analysis that strengthens product quality.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
- Holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline, or brings equivalent experience.
- Applies working knowledge of programming languages, including C, C++, and Python, and writes basic programs.
- Understands software development life cycles.
- Communicates effectively in verbal, written, and interpersonal formats.
- Demonstrates strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrates eagerness to learn and work at the hardware software boundary of embedded devices.
- Applies working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
PREFERRED
THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES ARE PREFERRED
- Brings programming experience with C, assembly, or comparable languages, scripting languages, compilers, debuggers, test automation systems, and bug tracking systems.
- Brings experience with embedded firmware and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
- Brings industry experience in medical device or embedded device design and testing.
- Understands electronic test equipment and embedded devices, including reading schematics.
- Brings experience supporting development or manufacturing electronics teams.
- Brings experience with content management and document management systems.
BENEFITS
- Competitive compensation range: $71000 - $85000 / year (California).
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Training and mentorship opportunities.
- On-campus wellness activities.
- Education reimbursement program.
- 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
- Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.
Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.
Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life. All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.
INTRODUCTION
Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute in a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Applied Medical is seeking a Software Test Engineer I or II to join the Technology and Development Electrical team, which oversees product development for the Advanced Surgical Device systems, including the Voyant Intelligent Energy System. This position is available at the Software Test Engineer I or Software Test Engineer II level, with placement determined by experience. The Software Test Engineer tests embedded systems and components for medical devices, collaborating with cross-functional teams to confirm that electrical systems meet product requirements and comply with regulatory standards. This role focuses on software testing and does not involve writing software that ships as part of the medical device.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Verifies and validates embedded software for medical devices and PC software.
- Reads, analyzes, and supports requirements reviews, decomposing requirements for independent test development.
- Writes test protocols per defined process and participates in design reviews, evaluating test coverage and adequacy.
- Executes test protocols and conducts manual and automated testing at the system level.
- Logs and tracks issues to closure, working closely with software development and engineering teams to resolve them.
- Collects and analyzes data and trends to inform testing decisions.
- Supports submission of test protocols, test reports, traceability matrices, and other engineering documentation.
SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE
- Delivers accurate, well documented test protocols and reports that meet regulatory standards.
- Identifies and resolves issues quickly through strong collaboration with development teams.
- Maintains full requirements traceability across test coverage.
- Builds working technical depth at the hardware software boundary of embedded devices.
- Contributes reliable data and trend analysis that strengthens product quality.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
- Holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline, or brings equivalent experience.
- Applies working knowledge of programming languages, including C, C++, and Python, and writes basic programs.
- Understands software development life cycles.
- Communicates effectively in verbal, written, and interpersonal formats.
- Demonstrates strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrates eagerness to learn and work at the hardware software boundary of embedded devices.
- Applies working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
PREFERRED
THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES ARE PREFERRED
- Brings programming experience with C, assembly, or comparable languages, scripting languages, compilers, debuggers, test automation systems, and bug tracking systems.
- Brings experience with embedded firmware and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
- Brings industry experience in medical device or embedded device design and testing.
- Understands electronic test equipment and embedded devices, including reading schematics.
- Brings experience supporting development or manufacturing electronics teams.
- Brings experience with content management and document management systems.
BENEFITS
- Competitive compensation range: $71000 - $85000 / year (California).
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Training and mentorship opportunities.
- On-campus wellness activities.
- Education reimbursement program.
- 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
- Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.
Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.
Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life. All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.
See all 318+ OPT Software Test Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Software Test Engineer
Target companies with active QA teams
Large software companies and enterprises with dedicated QA departments file LCAs for test engineers far more consistently than early-stage startups. Look for organizations where software quality is a core function, not an afterthought assigned to developers.
Emphasize automation over manual testing
Employers sponsoring OPT students for test engineering roles strongly prefer candidates with automation experience. Proficiency in Selenium, Cypress, or Pytest signals a specialty occupation requiring your specific degree, which strengthens your authorization case at interview.
Confirm your role qualifies as a specialty occupation
Your job offer letter should specify a bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering as a requirement, not a preference. Roles where any degree suffices create complications for cap-gap and future H-1B visa sponsorship, so verify this before accepting.
Start the H-1B conversation before your OPT expires
If you're targeting the H-1B lottery, raise sponsorship with your employer by October of your first OPT year. Employers filing in March need several months to prepare LCAs and petitions, and many won't sponsor candidates who bring it up too late.
Document your STEM degree field carefully
STEM OPT extension requires your degree to appear on the DHS STEM list. Computer science, software engineering, and electrical engineering all qualify. Confirm your exact degree title matches the list before applying, as minor wording differences can delay DSO approval.
Use offer letters that specify testing responsibilities
When negotiating your offer, ensure the job description references test design, test automation, or software quality assurance explicitly. Vague titles like 'engineer' without defined testing duties can complicate I-983 training plan submissions for STEM OPT.
Software Test Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Software Test Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, most Software Test Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided your degree is in a DHS-designated STEM field such as computer science, software engineering, or information systems. The key requirement is that your employer is E-Verify enrolled and willing to complete the I-983 training plan. Confirm your exact degree title appears on the official STEM designation list before applying.
How do I know if a company will sponsor my OPT as a Software Test Engineer?
The most reliable signal is whether the company has filed Labor Condition Applications for similar roles before. Companies with established QA or software engineering teams and H-1B sponsorship history are far more likely to support OPT students than those with no prior record. Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, making it straightforward to focus your search on companies already open to sponsorship.
Can I do contract or consulting work as a Software Test Engineer on OPT?
Yes, but with restrictions. On standard OPT, you can work for a staffing agency or consulting firm as long as the work is directly related to your degree and you're not classified as self-employed. For STEM OPT extension, the employer of record must be the E-Verify enrolled company signing your I-983, which complicates typical third-party consulting arrangements. Discuss the structure carefully with your DSO before accepting.
What testing skills make OPT candidates most competitive for sponsorship?
Employers consistently prioritize automation skills for sponsored roles. Experience with frameworks like Selenium, Cypress, Appium, or Pytest, combined with knowledge of CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions, positions you as a specialist rather than a generalist. This specificity matters because specialty occupation status requires your degree to be directly tied to the role, which automation-heavy positions demonstrate more clearly than manual testing jobs.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Software Test Engineer job ends?
On standard OPT, you have a 90-day unemployment limit across your entire authorization period. On STEM OPT extension, the limit is 150 days total, but it accumulates across both periods combined. You must report any job separation to your DSO promptly. If you're actively searching for a new role, Migrate Mate lists Software Test Engineer positions from employers open to OPT candidates, which can help shorten the gap.