STEM OPT C Software Engineer Jobs

C Software Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT because the work maps directly to Computer Science and Computer Engineering CIP codes. Your F-1 status gives you up to 36 months of work authorization total, with the 24-month extension requiring your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your I-983 training plan.

Find STEM OPT C Software Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs60+
Work Type75% On-site
Top LocationKnoxville, TN
Most JobsMesa Associates, Inc.

Showing 5 of 60+ C Software Engineer jobs

Garmin
C# Software Engineer 2
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Garmin
Added 2d ago
C# Software Engineer 2
Garmin
Yarmouth, Maine
Software Engineering
Backend Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Esri
C/C++ Software Development Engineer II
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Esri
Added 2w ago
C/C++ Software Development Engineer II
Esri
Redlands, California
Software Engineering
$101k - $167k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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NVIDIA
Senior C++ Software Engineer
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NVIDIA
Added 3w ago
Senior C++ Software Engineer
NVIDIA
Austin, Texas
Software Engineering
Cloud & DevOps
Backend Engineering
DevOps
$152k - $288k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Amazon.com
C++ Software Engineer
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Amazon.com
Added 1mo ago
C++ Software Engineer
Amazon.com
San Francisco, California
Software Engineering
Embedded Systems Engineering
Backend Engineering
$165k - $224k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tower Research Capital
Software Engineer, Trading Systems (C++)
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Tower Research Capital
Added 2w ago
Software Engineer, Trading Systems (C++)
Tower Research Capital
New York, New York
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Backend Engineering
$120k - $285k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a C Software Engineer

Verify your CIP code before applying

Check O*NET for the official SOC code tied to C Software Engineer roles, then confirm your degree's CIP code qualifies for STEM OPT through USCIS. A mismatch between your degree field and the role's classification can block your extension before it starts.

Filter job listings by E-Verify status

Before sending any application, confirm the employer is actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Use Migrate Mate to search C Software Engineer openings filtered for E-Verify employers so you're not chasing roles that can't sponsor your extension.

Target embedded systems and systems-level teams

C developer roles in firmware, OS kernels, and real-time systems sit in engineering orgs that file far more STEM OPT training plans than product teams. Prioritizing these groups inside larger companies puts you in front of managers familiar with the I-983 process.

Draft your I-983 training plan before the offer

Prepare a draft training plan that maps C programming projects, performance benchmarks, and mentorship structures to your STEM degree objectives. Arriving with a near-complete I-983 removes friction for hiring managers who have never supervised an OPT student before.

Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage

Your 24-month STEM OPT extension ends, and you'll need H-1B visa sponsorship to stay. Raise this directly when negotiating your offer so both sides are aligned before you start, not six months before your extension expires.

Cross-reference DOL wage data before negotiating

Pull the prevailing wage for your specific C Software Engineer SOC code and geographic area using the OFLC Wage Search. Your offered salary must meet this threshold for your employer's E-Verify and any future LCA filing to hold up under DOL review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a C Software Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT?

Yes, provided your degree falls under a qualifying STEM CIP code and the role's responsibilities align with that field. C Software Engineer positions typically map to Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering degree programs. USCIS evaluates the connection between your specific degree and the job duties described in your I-983 training plan, so the role description matters as much as the job title.

What does my employer need to do to support my STEM OPT extension?

Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. They also need to co-sign your I-983 training plan, which documents your learning objectives, supervision structure, and how the C Software Engineer role relates to your STEM degree. USCIS requires your Designated School Official to approve the I-983 before your extension takes effect, so the employer's cooperation is required at the start, not optional.

What happens to my work authorization if my H-1B is selected but not yet effective?

If your H-1B is selected in the lottery and your STEM OPT is still active on April 1, cap-gap protection automatically extends your OPT authorization through September 30 of that year. Your employer does not need to take additional action for cap-gap to apply, but your EAD must still be valid on the date your H-1B petition is filed. Confirm the timeline with your DSO to avoid a gap.

How do I find C Software Engineer employers who are actually enrolled in E-Verify?

Use Migrate Mate to search C Software Engineer roles filtered for employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment. E-Verify status is a binary requirement for STEM OPT, and many smaller embedded systems and firmware shops are not enrolled despite hiring engineers regularly. Verifying enrollment before you apply saves significant time during the offer stage.

Can I work on a contract or third-party placement as a STEM OPT C Software Engineer?

USCIS requires that STEM OPT employers maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with you, which means direct oversight and supervision. Third-party staffing arrangements where a client company controls your day-to-day work can put your extension at risk if the entity signing your I-983 is not the entity supervising you. Clarify the employment structure with your DSO before accepting any contract role.