STEM OPT Automation Specialist Jobs
Automation Specialist roles in manufacturing, robotics, and process control are strong fits for F-1 students with STEM degrees in engineering, computer science, or related fields. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you under this authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsSUMMARY
At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Every single day, people do amazing things at Apple. Do you want to impact billions of users by developing extraordinary products with a prime focus on accuracy, understandability and performance of the product? You will become part of a hands-on development team that furthers engineering perfection, creativity and innovation. Dynamic, inspiring people and innovative technologies are the norm here. We want you to join our team if you are a resourceful software engineer with the desire to research and develop solutions that do not yet exist. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish.
DESCRIPTION
We are looking for a motivated and experienced software engineer with in-depth knowledge in designing and developing software solutions. This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Wireless Firmware and RF HW teams, and will give you an opportunity to solve complex problems across various technologies and environments.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent.
- Strong knowledge in designing and developing software frameworks using Python.
- Experience in debugging software issues using interactive debuggers (Xcode/IntelliJ) for client/server applications.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of data structures, algorithms, design patterns, concurrency, multi-threading and scalability.
- Experience with Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
- Experience with code versioning tools such as Git.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in computer science or equivalent.
- Develop and maintain web applications, databases, and data visualization tools.
- Develop REST APIs to ensure the availability of data and services.
- Knowledge of SQL and NoSQL databases, including PostgreSQL and MongoDB.
- Experience working with Jenkins and Docker for setting up build servers and CI/CD pipelines.
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $129,300 and $225,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Apple believes accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
SUMMARY
At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Every single day, people do amazing things at Apple. Do you want to impact billions of users by developing extraordinary products with a prime focus on accuracy, understandability and performance of the product? You will become part of a hands-on development team that furthers engineering perfection, creativity and innovation. Dynamic, inspiring people and innovative technologies are the norm here. We want you to join our team if you are a resourceful software engineer with the desire to research and develop solutions that do not yet exist. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish.
DESCRIPTION
We are looking for a motivated and experienced software engineer with in-depth knowledge in designing and developing software solutions. This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Wireless Firmware and RF HW teams, and will give you an opportunity to solve complex problems across various technologies and environments.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent.
- Strong knowledge in designing and developing software frameworks using Python.
- Experience in debugging software issues using interactive debuggers (Xcode/IntelliJ) for client/server applications.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of data structures, algorithms, design patterns, concurrency, multi-threading and scalability.
- Experience with Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
- Experience with code versioning tools such as Git.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in computer science or equivalent.
- Develop and maintain web applications, databases, and data visualization tools.
- Develop REST APIs to ensure the availability of data and services.
- Knowledge of SQL and NoSQL databases, including PostgreSQL and MongoDB.
- Experience working with Jenkins and Docker for setting up build servers and CI/CD pipelines.
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $129,300 and $225,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Apple believes accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
See all 481+ STEM OPT Automation Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Automation Specialist
Verify your CIP code covers automation
Your STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code mapping to a STEM-designated field. Electrical, mechanical, industrial, and computer engineering codes all qualify. Confirm your code with your DSO before applying, since a mismatch delays your I-983 approval.
Check E-Verify status before accepting offers
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension starts, not just at offer. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name to confirm active enrollment. A non-enrolled employer cannot legally onboard you under STEM OPT.
Target employers with active automation LCA filings
Companies that file Labor Condition Applications for automation or controls engineer roles have documented H-1B visa sponsorship pipelines. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with verified STEM OPT hiring history so your 36 months align with a realistic H-1B visa transition path.
Build an I-983 training plan around your role
Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your automation work, not generic job duties. Document skills like PLC programming, SCADA configuration, or robotics integration. Employers unfamiliar with STEM OPT often draft vague plans that USCIS flags during review.
Benchmark your offer against OFLC Wage Search data
STEM OPT doesn't require prevailing wage compliance the way H-1B does, but your I-983 requires that your compensation is commensurate with similarly situated U.S. workers. Pull the Level I and Level II wage for your SOC code using OFLC Wage Search before negotiating.
Identify cap-gap risk in your hiring timeline
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap protects your authorization through September 30. Automation roles at large manufacturers often run 6-to-12-month hiring cycles, so align your application timeline to allow petition filing before your EAD end date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my engineering degree qualify me for STEM OPT as an Automation Specialist?
Most Automation Specialist roles accept degrees in electrical, mechanical, industrial, or computer engineering, all of which carry STEM-designated CIP codes. Your DSO confirms your specific code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in automation technology or systems engineering also qualify if the CIP code appears on that list. Verify this before your DSO recommends the STEM OPT extension to USCIS.
What must my employer include in the I-983 training plan for an automation role?
Your I-983 must identify concrete learning objectives directly tied to your day-to-day automation work, such as PLC ladder logic development, motion control systems, or industrial network configuration. Vague descriptions like 'gaining engineering experience' are insufficient. The plan must also confirm your compensation matches similarly situated U.S. workers in the same occupation and geographic area, and your employer must agree to report material changes within five business days.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before my STEM OPT extension begins?
Use the E-Verify employer search tool on the E-Verify website to look up your employer by company name or EIN before your extension start date. Enrollment must be active, not pending. If your employer isn't yet enrolled, they can register directly through E-Verify, but the process takes time. Don't wait until your EAD arrives to check.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my Automation Specialist employer loses E-Verify enrollment?
If your employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses or is terminated after your STEM OPT extension begins, your work authorization becomes invalid at that employer. USCIS requires continuous E-Verify enrollment throughout your employment period. You'd need to either find a new E-Verify-enrolled employer or stop working immediately. Your DSO must be notified within five business days of any material change to your employment.
Where can I find Automation Specialist jobs where employers are already set up to hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Automation Specialist listings by employers with active E-Verify enrollment and documented STEM OPT hiring history, so you're not cold-applying to companies that have never sponsored international students. Automation roles in manufacturing, energy, and industrial controls are well represented, and you can narrow by industry sector or company size to match your H-1B transition goals.