Systems Development Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
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 AWS Hardware Engineering team creates server designs for Amazon’s innovative web services. Our designs are industry-leading in frugality and operational excellence, and are critical to the success of the AWS business and the more than one million customers who use AWS today. Our engineers solve challenging technology problems, and build architecturally sound, high-quality components to enable AWS to realize critical business strategies.
The ideal candidate for this role will be an innovative self-starter. You will work with engineers across the company as well as external companies and lead test automation and server test content bring-up efforts. You will use your broad experience using and developing automated testing tools, programming languages and expertise on hardware to test prototype servers. AWS Engineers are shaping the way people use computers and designing the future of cloud computing technology – come help us make history!
What you will do: You will be a member of the HWEng qualification team and will interact with engineers across the company to lead the testing of AWS server platforms and devices. You will also lead design, development and automation of the test content used to qualify hardware with Amazon requirements. You will recommend product improvements based on your testing results. Finally, you will work closely with AWS engineers to automate reporting of test coverage in the lab qualifications.
Why it matters: Public cloud IT services represent the majority of growth in the overall IT services market and will continue to do so for several years to come. The scale of AWS, combined with an understanding of how our hardware is used, creates a unique opportunity for component customization that will directly benefit customers.
Why you will love it: You will work with engineers across the company to build next-generation servers. You will have a direct impact on our bottom line and the ability to deliver improvements for our developers. You will be part of a growing, fast paced, and fun team. You will have ownership for the implementation of your work. You will see direct product improvements based on the results of your work.
Key job responsibilities
- Knowledge of In Rack Power Systems and developing electrical and system tests to support those rack and power designs.
- Knowledge of Thermal Chamber and TAPP testing process.
- Design testing platforms for both host based and rack based Hardware Engineering platforms current and future state.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 1+ years of designing or architecting (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- 7+ years of administrative experience in networking, storage systems, operating systems and hands-on systems engineering experience
- Knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals (networking, storage, operating systems)
- Experience programming with at least one modern language such as C++, C#, Java, Python, Golang, PowerShell, Ruby
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with PowerShell (preferred), Python, Ruby, or Java
- Experience working in an Agile environment using the Scrum methodology
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, WA, Kent
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $129,200.00 - $174,800.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
The AWS Hardware Engineering team creates server designs for Amazon’s innovative web services. Our designs are industry-leading in frugality and operational excellence, and are critical to the success of the AWS business and the more than one million customers who use AWS today. Our engineers solve challenging technology problems, and build architecturally sound, high-quality components to enable AWS to realize critical business strategies.
The ideal candidate for this role will be an innovative self-starter. You will work with engineers across the company as well as external companies and lead test automation and server test content bring-up efforts. You will use your broad experience using and developing automated testing tools, programming languages and expertise on hardware to test prototype servers. AWS Engineers are shaping the way people use computers and designing the future of cloud computing technology – come help us make history!
What you will do: You will be a member of the HWEng qualification team and will interact with engineers across the company to lead the testing of AWS server platforms and devices. You will also lead design, development and automation of the test content used to qualify hardware with Amazon requirements. You will recommend product improvements based on your testing results. Finally, you will work closely with AWS engineers to automate reporting of test coverage in the lab qualifications.
Why it matters: Public cloud IT services represent the majority of growth in the overall IT services market and will continue to do so for several years to come. The scale of AWS, combined with an understanding of how our hardware is used, creates a unique opportunity for component customization that will directly benefit customers.
Why you will love it: You will work with engineers across the company to build next-generation servers. You will have a direct impact on our bottom line and the ability to deliver improvements for our developers. You will be part of a growing, fast paced, and fun team. You will have ownership for the implementation of your work. You will see direct product improvements based on the results of your work.
Key job responsibilities
- Knowledge of In Rack Power Systems and developing electrical and system tests to support those rack and power designs.
- Knowledge of Thermal Chamber and TAPP testing process.
- Design testing platforms for both host based and rack based Hardware Engineering platforms current and future state.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 1+ years of designing or architecting (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- 7+ years of administrative experience in networking, storage systems, operating systems and hands-on systems engineering experience
- Knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals (networking, storage, operating systems)
- Experience programming with at least one modern language such as C++, C#, Java, Python, Golang, PowerShell, Ruby
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with PowerShell (preferred), Python, Ruby, or Java
- Experience working in an Agile environment using the Scrum methodology
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, WA, Kent
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $129,200.00 - $174,800.00 USD annually
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Systems Development Engineer
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.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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