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.
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Get Access To All JobsDo you have a passion for invention and self-challenge? Do you thrive on pushing the limits of what’s considered feasible? As part of a world class modem team, you’ll craft sophisticated groundbreaking embedded firmware that delivers more performance in our products than ever before. You’ll work across fields to transform improved hardware elements into a single, integrated design. Join us, and you’ll help us innovate new cellular technologies that continually outperform the previous iterations! By collaborating with other product development groups across Apple, you’ll push the industry boundaries of what wireless systems can do and improve the product experience for our customers across the world. Do you want to have an impact on every single Apple product?
As a Wireless Firmware Engineer on the physical layer development team, you will be at the center of the embedded 5G/4G/multimode cellular firmware effort within a silicon design group responsible for designing and productizing state-of-the-art cellular SoCs.
Description
This position requires someone comfortable with all aspects of embedded software design and development, that thrives in a dynamic cross-functional organization, is not afraid to debate ideas openly, and is flexible enough to pivot on constantly evolving requirements.
Responsibilities
- Specify, design, and develop the physical layer embedded software architecture of a state-of-the-art mobile wireless communications system.
- Design, develop and optimize the cellular modem processing algorithms pertaining to Baseband and RF components in a cellular system.
- Work with Baseband & RF systems and hardware designers to define hardware architecture and software computing requirements.
- Work with cross functional teams to manage dependencies while driving the key Radio features.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum requirement of a bachelor's degree.
- Knowledge of mobile communications in 4G/5G 3GPP protocols and physical layer & radio aspects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Solid understanding of Digital signal processing and RF fundamentals.
- Solid understanding of software engineering principles, and core computer science fundamentals.
- Excellent command of C and C++, and working experience with compilers, build and source code control tools.
- Working knowledge of CPU architecture, HW/SW interfaces and memory management.
- Proficiency with debugging in embedded software systems. Familiarity with JTAG and ETM Trace tools.
- Knowledge of Communication theory, Wireless standards, Radio architecture and Interfaces.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $122,700 and $214,300, 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. Learn more about Apple Benefits.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Do you have a passion for invention and self-challenge? Do you thrive on pushing the limits of what’s considered feasible? As part of a world class modem team, you’ll craft sophisticated groundbreaking embedded firmware that delivers more performance in our products than ever before. You’ll work across fields to transform improved hardware elements into a single, integrated design. Join us, and you’ll help us innovate new cellular technologies that continually outperform the previous iterations! By collaborating with other product development groups across Apple, you’ll push the industry boundaries of what wireless systems can do and improve the product experience for our customers across the world. Do you want to have an impact on every single Apple product?
As a Wireless Firmware Engineer on the physical layer development team, you will be at the center of the embedded 5G/4G/multimode cellular firmware effort within a silicon design group responsible for designing and productizing state-of-the-art cellular SoCs.
Description
This position requires someone comfortable with all aspects of embedded software design and development, that thrives in a dynamic cross-functional organization, is not afraid to debate ideas openly, and is flexible enough to pivot on constantly evolving requirements.
Responsibilities
- Specify, design, and develop the physical layer embedded software architecture of a state-of-the-art mobile wireless communications system.
- Design, develop and optimize the cellular modem processing algorithms pertaining to Baseband and RF components in a cellular system.
- Work with Baseband & RF systems and hardware designers to define hardware architecture and software computing requirements.
- Work with cross functional teams to manage dependencies while driving the key Radio features.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum requirement of a bachelor's degree.
- Knowledge of mobile communications in 4G/5G 3GPP protocols and physical layer & radio aspects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Solid understanding of Digital signal processing and RF fundamentals.
- Solid understanding of software engineering principles, and core computer science fundamentals.
- Excellent command of C and C++, and working experience with compilers, build and source code control tools.
- Working knowledge of CPU architecture, HW/SW interfaces and memory management.
- Proficiency with debugging in embedded software systems. Familiarity with JTAG and ETM Trace tools.
- Knowledge of Communication theory, Wireless standards, Radio architecture and Interfaces.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $122,700 and $214,300, 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. Learn more about Apple Benefits.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
See all 91+ STEM OPT Embedded Jobs
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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.