OPT Systems Development Engineer Jobs
Systems Development Engineer jobs are among the strongest OPT fits in tech: most roles require a CS or software engineering degree, align directly with STEM OPT's 24-month extension, and attract employers experienced with F-1 work authorization. Roles span cloud infrastructure, automation, and distributed systems across some of the most active OPT sponsors in the industry.
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The Amazon Robotics Infrastructure Engineering team is looking for a Systems Development Engineer to join our team. We build and operate the network and services that enable Amazon Fulfillment Centers, Middle and Last Mile facilities, including Air hubs, and PrimeNow to deliver packages to Amazon retail customers. From two million square foot automated robotics fulfillment centers to small last-mile delivery stations in emerging markets, these networks are the backbone of Amazon Operations. Hundreds of thousands of associates rely upon these networks at thousands of locations, and are critical to the delivery of shipments to Amazon retail customers.
Our mission is to design, deploy, and enable networks that sets the global standard for performance, availability, security and cost, enabling Fulfillment and Logistic operations to deliver on time, every customer order. We are looking for a Systems Development Engineer to create next-generation network products. The team is focused on creating in-house networks from leveraging open source tools and projects. We partner closely with IT support teams to ensure that simplicity in our product designs translate to operational readiness in the field. Information security rigor is at the core of everything we do. You will tackle complex, novel situations every day and have the opportunity to work with multiple technical teams at Amazon in different locations. You should be comfortable with a high degree of ambiguity and relish the idea of solving problems that haven't been solved at scale before. It is expected that you will be technically pioneering, while at the same time being balanced and pragmatic in your approach. Along the way, we guarantee that you will learn a lot and make a positive impact on millions of people.
The right candidate will have demonstrated experience leading large projects and have an expert level technical background in current networking technologies. You must be able to thrive and succeed in an entrepreneurial environment, and not be hindered by ambiguity or multiple priorities. This means you are not only able to develop and drive high-level strategic initiatives, but can also roll up your sleeves, dig in and get the job done. As a Systems Development Engineer, you will anticipate bottlenecks, influence external vendors and internal team roadmaps, provide escalation management, anticipate and make tradeoffs, and balance the business needs versus technical constraints.
Key job responsibilities
As a Systems Development Engineer you will be expected to:
- Write code for our most demanding, cross-functional networking projects.
- Functionally decompose complex problems into simple, straight-forward solutions.
- Fully and completely comprehend system inter-connections and limitations.
- Effectively research and benchmark Amazon technology against other systems in the industry.
- Contribute intellectual property through patents.
- Assist in the career development of others, actively mentoring individuals and the community on advanced technical issues and helping managers guide the career growth of their team members.
A day in the life
You will partner with Network, Software and Systems development Engineers to deliver automation for building and decommissioning the network infrastructure. Additionally create new tools or improve existing ones for network operators.
Amazon offers a full range of benefits for you and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. Benefits can vary by location, the number of regularly scheduled hours you work, length of employment, and job status such as seasonal or temporary employment. The benefits that generally apply to regular, full-time employees include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Maternity and Parental Leave Options
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) Plan
If you are not sure that every qualification on the list above describes you exactly, we'd still love to hear from you! At Amazon, we value people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets. If you’re passionate about this role and want to make an impact on a global scale, please apply!
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of designing or architecting (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience in automating, deploying, and supporting large-scale infrastructure
- Experience with Linux/Unix
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines build processes
- Experience programming with at least one modern language such as C++, C#, Java, Python, Golang, PowerShell, Ruby
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with distributed systems at scale
- Experience with networking fundamentals including hands-on experience with load balancers, switches, routers, etc.
- Experience working in an Agile environment
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, TX, Austin - 129,200.00 - 174,800.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Bellevue - 129,200.00 - 174,800.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
The Amazon Robotics Infrastructure Engineering team is looking for a Systems Development Engineer to join our team. We build and operate the network and services that enable Amazon Fulfillment Centers, Middle and Last Mile facilities, including Air hubs, and PrimeNow to deliver packages to Amazon retail customers. From two million square foot automated robotics fulfillment centers to small last-mile delivery stations in emerging markets, these networks are the backbone of Amazon Operations. Hundreds of thousands of associates rely upon these networks at thousands of locations, and are critical to the delivery of shipments to Amazon retail customers.
Our mission is to design, deploy, and enable networks that sets the global standard for performance, availability, security and cost, enabling Fulfillment and Logistic operations to deliver on time, every customer order. We are looking for a Systems Development Engineer to create next-generation network products. The team is focused on creating in-house networks from leveraging open source tools and projects. We partner closely with IT support teams to ensure that simplicity in our product designs translate to operational readiness in the field. Information security rigor is at the core of everything we do. You will tackle complex, novel situations every day and have the opportunity to work with multiple technical teams at Amazon in different locations. You should be comfortable with a high degree of ambiguity and relish the idea of solving problems that haven't been solved at scale before. It is expected that you will be technically pioneering, while at the same time being balanced and pragmatic in your approach. Along the way, we guarantee that you will learn a lot and make a positive impact on millions of people.
The right candidate will have demonstrated experience leading large projects and have an expert level technical background in current networking technologies. You must be able to thrive and succeed in an entrepreneurial environment, and not be hindered by ambiguity or multiple priorities. This means you are not only able to develop and drive high-level strategic initiatives, but can also roll up your sleeves, dig in and get the job done. As a Systems Development Engineer, you will anticipate bottlenecks, influence external vendors and internal team roadmaps, provide escalation management, anticipate and make tradeoffs, and balance the business needs versus technical constraints.
Key job responsibilities
As a Systems Development Engineer you will be expected to:
- Write code for our most demanding, cross-functional networking projects.
- Functionally decompose complex problems into simple, straight-forward solutions.
- Fully and completely comprehend system inter-connections and limitations.
- Effectively research and benchmark Amazon technology against other systems in the industry.
- Contribute intellectual property through patents.
- Assist in the career development of others, actively mentoring individuals and the community on advanced technical issues and helping managers guide the career growth of their team members.
A day in the life
You will partner with Network, Software and Systems development Engineers to deliver automation for building and decommissioning the network infrastructure. Additionally create new tools or improve existing ones for network operators.
Amazon offers a full range of benefits for you and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. Benefits can vary by location, the number of regularly scheduled hours you work, length of employment, and job status such as seasonal or temporary employment. The benefits that generally apply to regular, full-time employees include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Maternity and Parental Leave Options
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) Plan
If you are not sure that every qualification on the list above describes you exactly, we'd still love to hear from you! At Amazon, we value people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets. If you’re passionate about this role and want to make an impact on a global scale, please apply!
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of designing or architecting (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience in automating, deploying, and supporting large-scale infrastructure
- Experience with Linux/Unix
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines build processes
- Experience programming with at least one modern language such as C++, C#, Java, Python, Golang, PowerShell, Ruby
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with distributed systems at scale
- Experience with networking fundamentals including hands-on experience with load balancers, switches, routers, etc.
- Experience working in an Agile environment
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, TX, Austin - 129,200.00 - 174,800.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Bellevue - 129,200.00 - 174,800.00 USD annually
See all 44+ OPT Systems Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Systems Development Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Systems Development Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers first
Companies that regularly file H-1B visa petitions for engineering roles are far more likely to support OPT and STEM OPT extensions. Look for employers with consistent engineering hiring patterns rather than one-off technical hires.
Frame your degree field precisely
Systems Development Engineer roles typically require Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Software Engineering. Confirm your degree CIP code qualifies for STEM OPT before applying, since your DSO uses it to authorize the 24-month extension.
Start your STEM OPT extension application early
File Form I-765 for your STEM OPT extension at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. A timely filing grants a 180-day automatic extension, protecting your authorization while USCIS processes the application.
Know your employer's E-Verify status
STEM OPT requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before accepting an offer. Most large tech employers already participate, but smaller startups and consulting firms sometimes do not.
Prepare a technical portfolio that signals long-term value
Employers weighing sponsorship costs want confidence in your trajectory. A portfolio showing systems design work, infrastructure projects, or open-source contributions demonstrates the depth that justifies investing in your visa process beyond OPT.
Understand the I-983 training plan requirement
STEM OPT requires a signed I-983 training plan outlining your learning objectives, supervision structure, and how the role relates to your degree. Discuss this with your employer during onboarding so it's ready when your DSO needs it.
Systems Development Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Development Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, in most cases. STEM OPT eligibility is based on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your degree is in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field, and the role aligns with that training, you qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Systems Development Engineer jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT students, making it straightforward to find Systems Development Engineer roles with employers experienced in work authorization. Searching broadly and then filtering manually is inefficient when OPT status narrows the field significantly. Migrate Mate is built for exactly this search.
Can I work as a Systems Development Engineer at a staffing agency on OPT?
Standard OPT permits third-party placements, but STEM OPT has stricter rules. For STEM OPT, the employer of record must sign the I-983, be enrolled in E-Verify, and provide real supervision and training. If a staffing agency is placing you at a client site, the regulatory requirements around who qualifies as your employer become complex and worth clarifying with your DSO.
What happens if my OPT expires before I receive an H-1B approval?
If your employer files an H-1B petition by April 1 of the relevant cap year and you have valid STEM OPT at that point, your work authorization is automatically extended through September 30 under the cap-gap provision. This covers the gap between OPT expiration and the October 1 H-1B start date, as long as the petition remains pending or approved.
How many hours per week can I work as a Systems Development Engineer on OPT?
Post-completion OPT requires at least 20 hours of work per week to maintain valid status. Full-time Systems Development Engineer roles at 40 hours per week are well within the limit. Working fewer than 20 hours, or going unemployed for more than 90 cumulative days during your OPT period, puts your status at risk.