STEM OPT Backend Software Developer Jobs
Backend Software Developer roles in server-side languages, APIs, and databases qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total to build your U.S. career in software engineering.
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Get Access To All JobsSoar with us at Wawa. We believe we can make life a little better every day – one smile, hoagie, or experience at a time. And there’s one secret ingredient that truly sets Wawa apart: Our Associates. At Wawa, you’ll be part of a caring team that’s dedicated to helping all of us fly high – together. We’re team players, day-brighteners, and go-getters: and we know that Wawa is a place where we can build skills to thrive and open doors to new career opportunities. We’re proud to be a part of a winning team of Associate owners who shape our success. We’re committed to helping our communities and one another at every turn, because we know that when we fly together, there’s no limit to how far we can go. Ready to be part of a team that helps you reach new heights? Join our flock and get ready to soar.
Job Description
Job Title: Lead Backend Engineer
Department: Information Technology
Location: Red Roof
Pay Band: Specialist
Job Summary: The Lead Backend Engineer will build the next generation technologies that handle increasing amounts of information at a massive scale in real-time. The Lead Backend Engineer will bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking, data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile. The Lead Backend Engineer shall work on specific projects critical to Wawa’s needs.
Principal Duties:
- Provide leadership on projects, technical assistance, and strategic vision and facilitate the definition of project deliverables. Complete project deliverables or provide consulting work efforts based on the agreed scope; estimates work effort, duration, resources and requirements. Ensure that requirements are being met. Research, identify and develop solutions to business challenges and opportunities. Develop project plans to design, install, and upgrade and manage systems and utility software.
- Define tracking mechanisms and ensure IT standards and methodology are met. Manage expectations and project scope. Appropriately report status and deliver quality results. Develop and maintain support documentation with up to date processes and procedures.
- Translate complex functional specifications to detail technical designs regarding Test Case, Testing Automation, User Interfaces (UI), Custom Software Applications, middleware technologies, API, API orchestration/choreography, deployment artifacts, artifact packaging, and application monitoring automation, logging and performance metrics. Provide input, guidance and recommendations on technical designs developed by other team members. Develop creative solutions for complex enhancements.
- Follow standard development processes and transport process including Agile, SDLC methodologies, DevOps, Source Code Management, etc. Ability to apply IT security standards and practices as well as adhere to these standards in the development and design of new and existing technologies within our corporate and store infrastructure.
- Technical consultant for the team and internal business teams. Serve as an expert in technical field of knowledge.
- Develop unit test plans, test cases/scripts, UI components, application source code, and application packaging configuration scripts, deployment scripts, configuration of API infrastructure, artifact packaging configurations, all automation configurations and performance monitoring and debugging component configurations where applicable.
- Create and establish performance baselines via performance testing and application profiling. Monitor system performance and tune for peak performance of application/system components built or procured from vendors.
- Research technology related products and make objective recommendations based on business or operational requirements. Anticipate potential problem situations/risks and address with effective objective responses.
- Maintain a very high degree of decision impact due to system privileges and responsibilities.
- Integrate enterprise-wide tools for automating, monitoring, and managing the current and future technology environments in a proactive manner.
- Develop, document, implement and maintain system management strategies, policies and procedures, including security, support, training and installation procedures.
- Recommend, design, implement and support infrastructure integration into business solutions, while meeting the business goals and objectives. This includes supporting documentation and diagrams detailing the specific infrastructure.
- Engage with Engineering team and other ITPS departments to establish appropriate security models for enhancements and changes as well as training downstream support personnel on technology components around custom API Middle Tier services.
- Drive issue resolution associated with the implementation and testing of new system management software (i.e., Communication Services, APIs). Support and deploy Mid-tier APIs and App. Services based processes for system servers within the Enterprise.
- Work with IT and outside vendors to resolve technology issues. Develop and maintain processes and procedures as appropriate.
- Coordinate with other IT departments in the execution of system reboots, maintenance, upgrades/implementations, system and data restorations, mass data changes and system cleanup. Investigate and remedy the root cause of service delivery incidents.
- Coach and mentor other team members in their development of IT Applications. Serve as a resource and knowledge expert to Applications Development Manager in the project areas.
Essential Functions:
- Ability to work well individually as well as in a team environment
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, customer service skills
- Detail oriented and excellent organizational, time and stress management skills
- Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and independently
- Proven self-starter with leadership skills and demonstrated ability to make decisions
- Proven Project Management skills. Lead large cross-functional projects
- Ability to be on-call 24/7 when required
- Demonstrate consistency in continuous learning and develop other technical Associates
- Ability to learn new technologies quickly and independently
- When prioritizing work, considers the bigger picture, ensuring alignment with department objectives
- Able to effectively utilize multiple tactics based on situational variables
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a technical discipline preferred (e.g., engineering) or equivalent.
- Proficient in programming languages and concepts around API services and Interfaces: Java SE and EE, JavaScript, API development concepts and abstracts (JSON, XML, WADL, RAML, Swagger, RESTful).
- General knowledge around endpoint protocols and security components (SFTP/FTP, File, OAuth2, SSL, SSH, LDAP etc.)
- Fluent in multiple technologies (Frameworks, Java, JavaScript, SpringBoot, REST API, Graph QL, SQL, NoSQL, Graph DB’s, etc.).
- Test Driven development or Behavior Driven development with a clear understanding of the tool stack. Expertise in unit test, building Integration, smoke and regression testing suite, code coverage process, and pipeline setup.
- Understanding of common design patterns, data structures and algorithms and experience in cloud computing with expertise on at least one cloud infrastructure.
- Experience with statistics and data processing algorithms.
- Experience with securing real-time data pipelines (e.g. Kafka, Storm, Flink, etc.) and batch processing (Spark, Hadoop, etc.).
Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at asc@wawa.com.
Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.
Soar with us at Wawa. We believe we can make life a little better every day – one smile, hoagie, or experience at a time. And there’s one secret ingredient that truly sets Wawa apart: Our Associates. At Wawa, you’ll be part of a caring team that’s dedicated to helping all of us fly high – together. We’re team players, day-brighteners, and go-getters: and we know that Wawa is a place where we can build skills to thrive and open doors to new career opportunities. We’re proud to be a part of a winning team of Associate owners who shape our success. We’re committed to helping our communities and one another at every turn, because we know that when we fly together, there’s no limit to how far we can go. Ready to be part of a team that helps you reach new heights? Join our flock and get ready to soar.
Job Description
Job Title: Lead Backend Engineer
Department: Information Technology
Location: Red Roof
Pay Band: Specialist
Job Summary: The Lead Backend Engineer will build the next generation technologies that handle increasing amounts of information at a massive scale in real-time. The Lead Backend Engineer will bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking, data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile. The Lead Backend Engineer shall work on specific projects critical to Wawa’s needs.
Principal Duties:
- Provide leadership on projects, technical assistance, and strategic vision and facilitate the definition of project deliverables. Complete project deliverables or provide consulting work efforts based on the agreed scope; estimates work effort, duration, resources and requirements. Ensure that requirements are being met. Research, identify and develop solutions to business challenges and opportunities. Develop project plans to design, install, and upgrade and manage systems and utility software.
- Define tracking mechanisms and ensure IT standards and methodology are met. Manage expectations and project scope. Appropriately report status and deliver quality results. Develop and maintain support documentation with up to date processes and procedures.
- Translate complex functional specifications to detail technical designs regarding Test Case, Testing Automation, User Interfaces (UI), Custom Software Applications, middleware technologies, API, API orchestration/choreography, deployment artifacts, artifact packaging, and application monitoring automation, logging and performance metrics. Provide input, guidance and recommendations on technical designs developed by other team members. Develop creative solutions for complex enhancements.
- Follow standard development processes and transport process including Agile, SDLC methodologies, DevOps, Source Code Management, etc. Ability to apply IT security standards and practices as well as adhere to these standards in the development and design of new and existing technologies within our corporate and store infrastructure.
- Technical consultant for the team and internal business teams. Serve as an expert in technical field of knowledge.
- Develop unit test plans, test cases/scripts, UI components, application source code, and application packaging configuration scripts, deployment scripts, configuration of API infrastructure, artifact packaging configurations, all automation configurations and performance monitoring and debugging component configurations where applicable.
- Create and establish performance baselines via performance testing and application profiling. Monitor system performance and tune for peak performance of application/system components built or procured from vendors.
- Research technology related products and make objective recommendations based on business or operational requirements. Anticipate potential problem situations/risks and address with effective objective responses.
- Maintain a very high degree of decision impact due to system privileges and responsibilities.
- Integrate enterprise-wide tools for automating, monitoring, and managing the current and future technology environments in a proactive manner.
- Develop, document, implement and maintain system management strategies, policies and procedures, including security, support, training and installation procedures.
- Recommend, design, implement and support infrastructure integration into business solutions, while meeting the business goals and objectives. This includes supporting documentation and diagrams detailing the specific infrastructure.
- Engage with Engineering team and other ITPS departments to establish appropriate security models for enhancements and changes as well as training downstream support personnel on technology components around custom API Middle Tier services.
- Drive issue resolution associated with the implementation and testing of new system management software (i.e., Communication Services, APIs). Support and deploy Mid-tier APIs and App. Services based processes for system servers within the Enterprise.
- Work with IT and outside vendors to resolve technology issues. Develop and maintain processes and procedures as appropriate.
- Coordinate with other IT departments in the execution of system reboots, maintenance, upgrades/implementations, system and data restorations, mass data changes and system cleanup. Investigate and remedy the root cause of service delivery incidents.
- Coach and mentor other team members in their development of IT Applications. Serve as a resource and knowledge expert to Applications Development Manager in the project areas.
Essential Functions:
- Ability to work well individually as well as in a team environment
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, customer service skills
- Detail oriented and excellent organizational, time and stress management skills
- Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and independently
- Proven self-starter with leadership skills and demonstrated ability to make decisions
- Proven Project Management skills. Lead large cross-functional projects
- Ability to be on-call 24/7 when required
- Demonstrate consistency in continuous learning and develop other technical Associates
- Ability to learn new technologies quickly and independently
- When prioritizing work, considers the bigger picture, ensuring alignment with department objectives
- Able to effectively utilize multiple tactics based on situational variables
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a technical discipline preferred (e.g., engineering) or equivalent.
- Proficient in programming languages and concepts around API services and Interfaces: Java SE and EE, JavaScript, API development concepts and abstracts (JSON, XML, WADL, RAML, Swagger, RESTful).
- General knowledge around endpoint protocols and security components (SFTP/FTP, File, OAuth2, SSL, SSH, LDAP etc.)
- Fluent in multiple technologies (Frameworks, Java, JavaScript, SpringBoot, REST API, Graph QL, SQL, NoSQL, Graph DB’s, etc.).
- Test Driven development or Behavior Driven development with a clear understanding of the tool stack. Expertise in unit test, building Integration, smoke and regression testing suite, code coverage process, and pipeline setup.
- Understanding of common design patterns, data structures and algorithms and experience in cloud computing with expertise on at least one cloud infrastructure.
- Experience with statistics and data processing algorithms.
- Experience with securing real-time data pipelines (e.g. Kafka, Storm, Flink, etc.) and batch processing (Spark, Hadoop, etc.).
Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at asc@wawa.com.
Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.
See all 36+ STEM OPT Backend Software Developer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Backend Software Developer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Backend Software Developer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code, not just your major title. Cross-check your I-20 CIP code against USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program List before targeting backend roles requiring specific degree fields.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask recruiters for the employer's E-Verify Company ID or check enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool. An employer who isn't enrolled can't legally hire you on STEM OPT, regardless of how enthusiastic they are about sponsorship.
Target backend teams inside larger engineering organizations
Companies running dedicated platform, infrastructure, or API teams are structurally accustomed to I-983 training plans because they can document distinct learning objectives by system or stack. Smaller shops with generalist engineers often struggle to write compliant training plans.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for STEM OPT employers
Search Migrate Mate for Backend Software Developer roles filtered to E-Verify-enrolled employers with active STEM OPT hiring history. This cuts the time you'd otherwise spend manually vetting employers who've never navigated the I-983 process.
Draft your I-983 training plan around your tech stack
Don't wait for your employer to write the I-983 from scratch. Prepare a draft that maps your role's learning goals to specific backend skills, such as distributed systems design or database optimization, so the employer can review and sign quickly after an offer is extended.
Apply during cap-gap if your H-1B is selected
If you're selected in the H-1B lottery before your STEM OPT expires, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year. Confirm your DSO updates your I-20 to reflect cap-gap status so backend employers see continuous authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which STEM degrees qualify for the STEM OPT extension in backend software development roles?
Degrees in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information technology, and applied mathematics commonly qualify because their CIP codes appear on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Your eligibility is determined by your degree's CIP code on your I-20, not your job title. If your degree was in a related field like electrical engineering or data science, verify the exact CIP code with your DSO before applying to backend roles.
Does my backend software developer employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes, E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. Your employer must be enrolled before your STEM OPT extension is approved, not just at the time of your offer. You can confirm enrollment by asking your recruiter for the company's E-Verify Company ID or by searching the E-Verify employer database directly. Working for a non-enrolled employer would violate your STEM OPT terms.
What should the I-983 training plan include for a backend software developer role?
The I-983 must document specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not just a general job description. For a backend role, that means listing concrete training goals such as designing RESTful APIs, optimizing relational database queries, or implementing microservices architecture. It must also include a supervision structure showing how your manager will mentor you, along with a salary confirmation that meets DOL standards. Both you and your employer sign it, and your DSO certifies it.
How does cap-gap work if I receive an H-1B selection while on STEM OPT as a backend developer?
Cap-gap bridges the period between your STEM OPT expiration and October 1, when your H-1B status begins. If your H-1B petition is filed and accepted before your STEM OPT ends, your work authorization extends automatically through September 30. You don't need to file a separate extension, but your DSO must issue an updated I-20 reflecting cap-gap status, and you should share that document with your backend employer's HR team to update your employment records.
Where can I find backend software developer jobs where employers are already set up for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters backend software developer roles by employers enrolled in E-Verify and experienced with STEM OPT hiring. This matters because employers unfamiliar with the I-983 process can create delays even after extending an offer. Targeting companies with existing STEM OPT infrastructure, which you can identify through Migrate Mate, significantly reduces the risk of onboarding complications tied to training plan approval.