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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Get Access To All JobsAftertreatment Systems Development Engineer
Mossville, IL
Diversified Services Network, Inc. (DSN) is seeking a full-time Aftertreatment Systems Development Engineer to join our team in Mossville, IL. We offer full benefits, PTO, 401k, and more! If you're looking to grow your career within an extremely reputable, stable Fortune 100 company - let's talk!
Position Overview
The Aftertreatment Systems Development Engineer advances the development and application of aftertreatment systems for diesel engine programs. This role combines catalyst simulation, system analysis, and validation testing to guide product development decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform catalyst performance modeling and sizing for aftertreatment applications
- Evaluate catalyst sizing alternatives and aftertreatment capability across a range of operating conditions
- Analyze test-cell and field data to assess aftertreatment performance
- Combine simulation results with experimental data to identify performance gaps and recommend technical solutions
- Support catalyst and aftertreatment system selection, sizing, and application decisions
- Communicate results and issues to team members, suppliers, and engine system development partners
Requirements Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field from an accredited program, and 2–4 years of engineering experience
- Experience with engine or aftertreatment testing
- Knowledge of catalyst technology
- Background in product design and development
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey technical information to team members, other departments, customers, and suppliers
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands
- Quick learner
Preferred
- Proficiency with data analysis tools
- Experience with engine and/or aftertreatment performance data reduction and analysis
- Strong understanding of engine and aftertreatment systems
- Ability to draw conclusions from analysis and make sound technical decisions
- Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
- Self-starter with strong technical leadership skills
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid Holidays
Salary expectations: 70,000-78,000 per annual
Aftertreatment Systems Development Engineer
Mossville, IL
Diversified Services Network, Inc. (DSN) is seeking a full-time Aftertreatment Systems Development Engineer to join our team in Mossville, IL. We offer full benefits, PTO, 401k, and more! If you're looking to grow your career within an extremely reputable, stable Fortune 100 company - let's talk!
Position Overview
The Aftertreatment Systems Development Engineer advances the development and application of aftertreatment systems for diesel engine programs. This role combines catalyst simulation, system analysis, and validation testing to guide product development decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform catalyst performance modeling and sizing for aftertreatment applications
- Evaluate catalyst sizing alternatives and aftertreatment capability across a range of operating conditions
- Analyze test-cell and field data to assess aftertreatment performance
- Combine simulation results with experimental data to identify performance gaps and recommend technical solutions
- Support catalyst and aftertreatment system selection, sizing, and application decisions
- Communicate results and issues to team members, suppliers, and engine system development partners
Requirements Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field from an accredited program, and 2–4 years of engineering experience
- Experience with engine or aftertreatment testing
- Knowledge of catalyst technology
- Background in product design and development
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey technical information to team members, other departments, customers, and suppliers
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands
- Quick learner
Preferred
- Proficiency with data analysis tools
- Experience with engine and/or aftertreatment performance data reduction and analysis
- Strong understanding of engine and aftertreatment systems
- Ability to draw conclusions from analysis and make sound technical decisions
- Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
- Self-starter with strong technical leadership skills
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid Holidays
Salary expectations: 70,000-78,000 per annual
See all 40+ OPT Systems Development Engineer Jobs
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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.