STEM OPT Data Scientist Jobs
Data Scientist roles in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data engineering qualify for the STEM OPT extension when your degree is in a STEM-designated field. The 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, but your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can start.
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Join Amazon's Global FP&A Technology (GFT) team as a Data Scientist, where you'll shape the future of FP&A operations by building the forecasting and AI capabilities behind Amazon's financial planning.
As part of GFT's mission to streamline, optimize, and drive financial excellence through technology, you'll work closely with Corporate FP&A teams and cross-functional stakeholders to develop scalable data science solutions that support strategic finance objectives. Your work will contribute directly to enhancing reporting, planning, cost allocations, and business enablement tools that empower finance teams across the organization.
The models you build here ship to production and directly influence how Amazon plans its finances. Our forecasts drive stock-based compensation — a P&L expense of over $20B a year — and the headcount outlook spanning Amazon's ~1.5M employees, feeding the OP1, OP2, and Board-level planning cycles. A growing part of our charter is building AI capabilities that take on repetitive work in finance. Today this work takes many manual hours per cycle, spans disconnected tools and relies on repeated handoffs. This is the forward-looking edge of GFT, and a space where you can build agents and AI systems that finance teams use directly.
We are looking for a results-driven scientist to join our team in Seattle. You will work with FP&A teams, product managers, software engineers, data engineers, UX designers, and front-end engineers to understand key requirements, and you'll lead the design and development of data science products and services. The ideal candidate brings strong problem-solving skills, stakeholder communication skills, and the ability to balance technical rigor with delivery speed and customer impact. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to drive the next generation of data science architecture, design, and development that scales to support Amazon's business growth and the FP&A function.
Key job responsibilities
-
Apply a range of data science methodologies — statistical modeling, machine learning, and time series analysis — to solve complex forecasting challenges.
-
Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of forecasting models — from research and experimentation through production launch — including defining success metrics, obtaining stakeholder sign-off, and managing rollout in collaboration with software and data engineering.
-
Run large-scale exploratory data analysis and rigorous experiments at scale to uncover patterns, evaluate models, and improve performance.
-
Partner with finance stakeholders, engineers, and other scientists to understand customer needs and deliver solutions that meet them.
-
Translate complex research findings into clear, factually correct documents and explain technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
About the team
GFT team is a Finance Technology team within Corp FP&A. On our team, we enjoy a unique vantage point into everything happening within Amazon. As part of that, this role would be part of a team that is responsible for Company’s enterprise-wide financial planning & analytics environment. The data flowing through our platform directly contributes to decision-making by our CFO and all levels of finance leadership. If you’re passionate about building tools that enhance productivity, improve financial accuracy, reduce waste, and improve work-life harmony for a large and rapidly growing finance user base, come join us!
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of data querying languages (e.g. SQL), scripting languages (e.g. Python) or statistical/mathematical software (e.g. R, SAS, Matlab, etc.) experience
- 2+ years of data scientist experience
- 3+ years of machine learning/statistical modeling data analysis tools and techniques, and parameters that affect their performance experience
- Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a Ph.D. in Math, Statistics, Computer Science, or related science field
- Experience applying theoretical models in an applied environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Python, Perl, or another scripting language
- Experience in a ML or data scientist role with a large technology company
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, WA, Seattle
SALARY
136,000.00 - 184,000.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Join Amazon's Global FP&A Technology (GFT) team as a Data Scientist, where you'll shape the future of FP&A operations by building the forecasting and AI capabilities behind Amazon's financial planning.
As part of GFT's mission to streamline, optimize, and drive financial excellence through technology, you'll work closely with Corporate FP&A teams and cross-functional stakeholders to develop scalable data science solutions that support strategic finance objectives. Your work will contribute directly to enhancing reporting, planning, cost allocations, and business enablement tools that empower finance teams across the organization.
The models you build here ship to production and directly influence how Amazon plans its finances. Our forecasts drive stock-based compensation — a P&L expense of over $20B a year — and the headcount outlook spanning Amazon's ~1.5M employees, feeding the OP1, OP2, and Board-level planning cycles. A growing part of our charter is building AI capabilities that take on repetitive work in finance. Today this work takes many manual hours per cycle, spans disconnected tools and relies on repeated handoffs. This is the forward-looking edge of GFT, and a space where you can build agents and AI systems that finance teams use directly.
We are looking for a results-driven scientist to join our team in Seattle. You will work with FP&A teams, product managers, software engineers, data engineers, UX designers, and front-end engineers to understand key requirements, and you'll lead the design and development of data science products and services. The ideal candidate brings strong problem-solving skills, stakeholder communication skills, and the ability to balance technical rigor with delivery speed and customer impact. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to drive the next generation of data science architecture, design, and development that scales to support Amazon's business growth and the FP&A function.
Key job responsibilities
-
Apply a range of data science methodologies — statistical modeling, machine learning, and time series analysis — to solve complex forecasting challenges.
-
Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of forecasting models — from research and experimentation through production launch — including defining success metrics, obtaining stakeholder sign-off, and managing rollout in collaboration with software and data engineering.
-
Run large-scale exploratory data analysis and rigorous experiments at scale to uncover patterns, evaluate models, and improve performance.
-
Partner with finance stakeholders, engineers, and other scientists to understand customer needs and deliver solutions that meet them.
-
Translate complex research findings into clear, factually correct documents and explain technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
About the team
GFT team is a Finance Technology team within Corp FP&A. On our team, we enjoy a unique vantage point into everything happening within Amazon. As part of that, this role would be part of a team that is responsible for Company’s enterprise-wide financial planning & analytics environment. The data flowing through our platform directly contributes to decision-making by our CFO and all levels of finance leadership. If you’re passionate about building tools that enhance productivity, improve financial accuracy, reduce waste, and improve work-life harmony for a large and rapidly growing finance user base, come join us!
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of data querying languages (e.g. SQL), scripting languages (e.g. Python) or statistical/mathematical software (e.g. R, SAS, Matlab, etc.) experience
- 2+ years of data scientist experience
- 3+ years of machine learning/statistical modeling data analysis tools and techniques, and parameters that affect their performance experience
- Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a Ph.D. in Math, Statistics, Computer Science, or related science field
- Experience applying theoretical models in an applied environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Python, Perl, or another scripting language
- Experience in a ML or data scientist role with a large technology company
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, WA, Seattle
SALARY
136,000.00 - 184,000.00 USD annually
See all 1,002+ STEM OPT Data Scientist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Data Scientist
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Not every data-related degree qualifies for STEM OPT. Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Statistics, computer science, and applied mathematics all qualify; general business analytics often does not.
Verify E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension begins. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name and location before signing. A company that intends to enroll but hasn't yet cannot legally employ you under STEM OPT.
Target employers with active data science LCA filings
Companies that have filed Labor Condition Applications for data scientist or machine learning engineer roles have already navigated the DOL process for STEM workers. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with verified STEM OPT hiring history in your field.
Build your I-983 training plan before day one
Your I-983 must map specific job duties to the STEM learning objectives USCIS requires. For data scientists, tie modeling and pipeline work to measurable outcomes. DSOs routinely flag vague plans, so draft it with your hiring manager during the offer negotiation stage.
Apply 90 days before your OPT end date
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. Late filing forfeits the extension window and breaks your work authorization, so align your job search timeline to that deadline.
Check prevailing wage levels for your target metro
Data scientist prevailing wages vary significantly by geography and experience level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to see DOL wage levels for your SOC code before negotiating an offer. An employer offering below Level I wages may face LCA compliance problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension as a data scientist?
Your degree must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List by its Classification of Instructional Programs code. Degrees in statistics, computer science, mathematics, and most engineering fields qualify. Applied data analytics or business intelligence degrees may not, depending on how your institution classified the program. Confirm the CIP code on your transcript or with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
Does my data scientist employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT, not a preference. Your employer must be enrolled before your extension period starts, not at some point during your employment. You can verify enrollment through the E-Verify employer search. If your employer is a staffing agency placing you at a client site, both entities may need to be enrolled depending on who controls your day-to-day work.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a data scientist role?
The I-983 must describe how your specific job duties produce practical training in your STEM field. For data scientists, that means documenting how work on model development, data pipelines, or statistical analysis connects to learning objectives tied to your degree. Vague descriptions like 'analyze data' get flagged. Your manager signs off, your DSO reviews it, and USCIS can audit it, so specificity matters from the start.
How does cap-gap protection work if I'm waiting for H-1B approval?
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as a data scientist during this period without a new EAD. USCIS publishes cap-gap guidance each spring confirming the extension rules for that cycle.
Where can I find data scientist jobs at employers that hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters data scientist listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT hiring history, so you're not applying to companies that can't legally bring you on. This matters because many job postings don't disclose E-Verify status upfront, and finding out after an offer wastes weeks of your authorization window.