STEM OPT Embedded Jobs
Embedded roles in firmware, real-time systems, and hardware-software integration qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related STEM field must align with the role's CIP code.
Find STEM OPT Embedded JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 421+ Embedded jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 421+ Embedded Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Embedded roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob: Firmware Engineer Level 3
Location: Cleveland, Ohio or Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Duration: 6+ months Contract
Schedule: Monday & Friday
Client: Rockwell Automation
Job Description:
Rockwell Automation is looking for an innovative engineer to join our global embedded software organization based in Cleveland, Ohio. In this role, you will have the opportunity to grow your career in embedded software by solving challenging problems using modern technologies, tools, and practices.
Essential Functions
- Develop safety- and security-critical embedded software for new Programmable Logic Controllers
- Work in a variety of hardware and software environments, ranging from commercial off-the-shelf to custom System on Chip architectures, and from general purpose to embedded real-time operating systems
- Use modern continuous integration and development tools, and promote continuous improvement of engineering tools and practices across the global development organization
- Participate as a member of an agile team within the Scaled Agile Framework, promoting agile practices within the team
- Perform detailed-level design and implementation of controller features and subsystems with technical guidance from senior engineering personnel
- Participate in all aspects of the embedded software quality process, including design and code review, and developing unit and functional testware
- Implement automated tests; expand and improve automated test coverage, practices, and procedures
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or equivalent knowledge in the application of software engineering principles, theories, concepts, and techniques
Minimum Qualifications
- 2+ years of software engineering experience in a professional setting, or an equivalent graduate degree
- Experience developing software for embedded systems, especially using an embedded RTOS or Linux
Desired Qualifications
- Experience debugging software systems using either an on-chip debugger, or a software based debugger such as GDB
- Experience developing automated tests and tools in a high level language such as Python
- Knowledge of industrial protocols, especially Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)
- Knowledge of communication protocols and technologies such as Ethernet, USB, or PCI Express
- Experience developing device drivers or other similar low-level embedded software
- Knowledge of modern Intel and ARM architectures
- Advanced coursework related to software engineering, embedded systems, operating systems, or computer architecture
Pay: $50.00 - $60.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Job: Firmware Engineer Level 3
Location: Cleveland, Ohio or Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Duration: 6+ months Contract
Schedule: Monday & Friday
Client: Rockwell Automation
Job Description:
Rockwell Automation is looking for an innovative engineer to join our global embedded software organization based in Cleveland, Ohio. In this role, you will have the opportunity to grow your career in embedded software by solving challenging problems using modern technologies, tools, and practices.
Essential Functions
- Develop safety- and security-critical embedded software for new Programmable Logic Controllers
- Work in a variety of hardware and software environments, ranging from commercial off-the-shelf to custom System on Chip architectures, and from general purpose to embedded real-time operating systems
- Use modern continuous integration and development tools, and promote continuous improvement of engineering tools and practices across the global development organization
- Participate as a member of an agile team within the Scaled Agile Framework, promoting agile practices within the team
- Perform detailed-level design and implementation of controller features and subsystems with technical guidance from senior engineering personnel
- Participate in all aspects of the embedded software quality process, including design and code review, and developing unit and functional testware
- Implement automated tests; expand and improve automated test coverage, practices, and procedures
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or equivalent knowledge in the application of software engineering principles, theories, concepts, and techniques
Minimum Qualifications
- 2+ years of software engineering experience in a professional setting, or an equivalent graduate degree
- Experience developing software for embedded systems, especially using an embedded RTOS or Linux
Desired Qualifications
- Experience debugging software systems using either an on-chip debugger, or a software based debugger such as GDB
- Experience developing automated tests and tools in a high level language such as Python
- Knowledge of industrial protocols, especially Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)
- Knowledge of communication protocols and technologies such as Ethernet, USB, or PCI Express
- Experience developing device drivers or other similar low-level embedded software
- Knowledge of modern Intel and ARM architectures
- Advanced coursework related to software engineering, embedded systems, operating systems, or computer architecture
Pay: $50.00 - $60.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
See all 421+ STEM OPT Embedded Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Embedded Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Embedded
Verify your CIP code before applying
Pull your degree's CIP code from your DSO and cross-check it against USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program list. Embedded roles often map to electrical engineering or computer engineering codes, but firmware-heavy positions sometimes require a closer match review.
Filter jobs by E-Verify enrollment status
Before applying, confirm each employer is enrolled in E-Verify by searching the E-Verify employer search tool. Many small embedded systems shops and defense subcontractors operate without E-Verify, which disqualifies them from hiring STEM OPT students outright.
Tailor your I-983 training plan to embedded deliverables
Work with your hiring manager to map your training objectives to specific embedded systems outcomes, such as RTOS integration milestones or hardware bring-up cycles. Vague plans that don't connect job duties to your degree field draw DSO scrutiny and can delay authorization.
Use O*NET to align your job description language
Look up the Embedded Systems Engineer occupation profile on O*NET and mirror its task and skill language in your resume and I-983. Matching USCIS-recognized occupational terminology strengthens the connection between your STEM degree and the role during any compliance review.
Target employers filing LCAs for embedded roles
Search the OFLC Wage Search to find companies that have filed Labor Condition Applications for embedded or firmware engineering positions. Employers with active LCA filings already understand work authorization processes and are more likely to have HR infrastructure for STEM OPT paperwork.
Use Migrate Mate to find E-Verify employers hiring now
Search Migrate Mate for embedded engineering roles filtered to E-Verify-enrolled employers actively hiring STEM OPT students. The platform surfaces companies with verified sponsorship history, so you're not wasting applications on employers who can't legally hire you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my STEM degree qualify me for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in embedded engineering roles?
It depends on your specific degree and its CIP code, not just your job title. Degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science are commonly listed on USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program list and align well with embedded roles. Your DSO must verify the CIP code match before authorizing the extension, so confirm eligibility with them before you accept an offer.
Does every employer hiring for embedded positions need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. Many embedded systems employers, particularly small defense subcontractors and hardware startups, are not enrolled. You can confirm enrollment through the E-Verify employer search before applying. If an employer isn't listed, they cannot legally hire you on STEM OPT, regardless of the role's qualifications.
What should the I-983 training plan include for an embedded engineering position?
Your I-983 must connect your specific job duties to your STEM degree field with concrete learning objectives and performance evaluation criteria. For embedded roles, this means documenting outcomes like low-level driver development, real-time operating system work, or hardware-software interface projects. Generic descriptions like 'software development' are insufficient. Your DSO and employer both sign the plan, and USCIS can audit it, so specificity protects you.
How does cap-gap protection apply if my employer files an H-1B petition while I'm on STEM OPT?
If your STEM OPT authorization expires between April 1 and September 30 and your employer has filed a timely H-1B visa cap-subject petition on your behalf, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. You don't need to apply separately. Your I-20 must be updated by your DSO to reflect cap-gap status, and you should carry it with your EAD when working during this period.
Where can I find embedded engineering jobs with employers already set up for STEM OPT hiring?
Migrate Mate lists embedded engineering roles filtered to E-Verify-enrolled employers with demonstrated sponsorship history. This saves significant time compared to researching each company individually, since STEM OPT eligibility depends entirely on the employer's E-Verify status, not just the job's technical requirements. You can search by role type and filter for employers already familiar with STEM OPT compliance obligations.