STEM OPT AI Specialist Jobs

AI Specialist roles in machine learning, NLP, and computer vision sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility for graduates holding degrees in computer science, data science, or a related STEM field. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.

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Overview

Open Jobs20+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type45% On-site
Median Salary$117K
Top LocationLos Alamitos, CA
Most JobsEpson America Inc.

Showing 5 of 20+ AI Specialist jobs

University of Hawaii system
IT Specialist - AI Application Developer
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University of Hawaii system
Added 5d ago
IT Specialist - AI Application Developer
University of Hawaii system
Kapolei, Hawaii
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Data Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Data Science
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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RealPage Inc
AI Compliance Specialist
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RealPage Inc
Added 1mo ago
AI Compliance Specialist
RealPage Inc
Richardson, Texas
Compliance & Legal
Finance
Accounting
Compliance & Risk
Legal Counsel
Audit
Tax
$62,900/yr - $107,100/yr
Hybrid
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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CBIZ
AI Solutions Specialist
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CBIZ
Added 2mo ago
AI Solutions Specialist
CBIZ
Washington, Washington DC
Software Engineering
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Project & Program Management
Partnerships & Business Development
Learning & Development
Project Management
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Kumo
AI/ML Specialist
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Kumo
Added 2mo ago
AI/ML Specialist
Kumo
Mountain View, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Consulting & Professional Services
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
Data Analytics
$125,000/yr - $185,000/yr
Hybrid
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Blackbaud
AI Governance Specialist
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Blackbaud
Added 3mo ago
AI Governance Specialist
Blackbaud
Charleston, South Carolina
Compliance & Legal
Project & Program Management
Human Resources
Compliance & Risk
Project Management
$117,200/yr - $157,500/yr
Remote (US)
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an AI Specialist

Verify your CIP code matches AI roles

Pull your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code from your I-20 and confirm it maps to an eligible STEM field. Computer science, data science, and electrical engineering CIP codes all support AI Specialist roles under STEM OPT.

Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment

Before applying, check that any AI team you target is registered with E-Verify. An employer can hire you on OPT but cannot sponsor your STEM extension unless E-Verify enrollment is active at the specific worksite.

Align your I-983 training plan to AI deliverables

Draft your Form I-983 goals around concrete outputs: model deployment pipelines, benchmark improvements, or production ML systems. Vague learning objectives invite DSO pushback and weaken your case if USCIS audits the training plan.

Target companies with dedicated ML infrastructure teams

AI Specialist roles at companies running their own model training infrastructure are far easier to frame as STEM-qualifying than roles where AI is a peripheral function. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers whose LCA filings match AI and data science job codes.

Research prevailing wages before your offer stage

Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for AI Specialist roles in your target metro before salary negotiations. Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the applicable wage level, and knowing the floor protects you.

Time your extension filing to avoid gap in authorization

Submit your STEM OPT extension application to your DSO at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. USCIS must receive the I-765 before expiration for your 180-day cap-gap rule to apply if an H-1B petition is pending.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does an AI Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes, if your degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as computer science, data science, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, and the AI Specialist role directly applies that knowledge. Your DSO confirms eligibility by matching your CIP code to the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by DHS. Roles focused on ML engineering, NLP research, or computer vision consistently qualify.

What does the I-983 training plan need to include for an AI Specialist position?

The I-983 must describe specific learning objectives tied to the AI Specialist role, the correlation between those objectives and your STEM degree, how your employer will supervise and evaluate your training, and the connection between your tasks and your long-term career goals. For AI roles, that means naming concrete technical outputs such as model performance targets, dataset work, or system integrations. Generic descriptions of daily duties won't satisfy USCIS review standards.

How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an AI Specialist offer?

Ask your hiring contact or HR team directly whether the company holds an active E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding and whether the specific worksite where you'll be employed is covered. E-Verify enrollment is employer-wide but must be active at your actual work location. STEM OPT authorization is invalid if your employer isn't enrolled, so confirm this before your start date, not after.

What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my AI Specialist employer is acquired or restructures?

If your employer undergoes a material change, such as an acquisition, merger, or relocation to a new legal entity, you and your employer must update your I-983 training plan within five business days and notify your DSO. USCIS requires the new or restructured employer to also be enrolled in E-Verify. Failing to report changes is a compliance violation that can terminate your STEM OPT status.

Where can I find AI Specialist jobs where employers are already set up for STEM OPT hiring?

Migrate Mate filters AI Specialist listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and active LCA filings for relevant job codes, so you're not wasting applications on companies unprepared for STEM OPT candidates. You can search by location, degree field, and role type to surface positions where the employer has already demonstrated familiarity with work authorization requirements.

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