STEM OPT Embedded Software Engineer Jobs
Embedded Software Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree is in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor the 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months total to build your U.S. career in firmware, RTOS development, and hardware-software integration.
Find STEM OPT Embedded Software Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 91+ Embedded Software Engineer jobs










See all 91+ Embedded Software Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Embedded Software Engineer roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
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 Software Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Embedded Software Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Embedded Software Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to an approved STEM field under the DHS STEM designated degree list. Electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science codes are the most common matches for Embedded Software Engineer roles, but applied mathematics degrees can also qualify.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask your recruiter directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you reach the offer stage. Defense contractors and automotive OEMs almost universally are enrolled, but smaller IoT startups often are not, which disqualifies them from sponsoring your STEM OPT extension.
Build your I-983 training plan around firmware deliverables
Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. For embedded roles, map objectives to areas like bare-metal programming, RTOS configuration, or hardware bring-up so your DSO and employer can validate the connection between your coursework and your on-the-job training.
Target employers with hardware product pipelines
Companies shipping physical products, whether automotive ECUs, medical devices, or industrial PLCs, need sustained embedded engineering headcount and plan hiring 12 to 18 months out. That timeline aligns well with STEM OPT extensions and makes them more likely to support your full authorization period.
Search Migrate Mate to filter for E-Verify employers
Use Migrate Mate to find Embedded Software Engineer roles at employers already verified as E-Verify participants, so you're not wasting applications on companies that can't support your extension. Filter by STEM OPT to surface roles where the authorization path is already established.
Time your extension filing against your OPT end date
File your STEM OPT extension with USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. If your application is pending on your end date, cap-gap protections don't apply to OPT the way they do to H-1B visa transitions, so a late filing creates an unauthorized gap in employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Embedded Software Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM field listed on the DHS designated degree list, such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science, and your role involves applying that technical knowledge. The job title alone doesn't determine eligibility; what matters is the direct connection between your degree's CIP code and the engineering work you're performing. Your DSO confirms this connection when approving your I-983.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for this role?
Your I-983 must describe specific goals, direct supervision, and a clear link between your embedded engineering work and your STEM degree. For this role, that typically means listing objectives around firmware development, debugging embedded systems, or hardware-software integration. Your employer's supervisor signs the form, and both you and your employer are responsible for reporting any material changes in your position or training goals to your DSO within five business days.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor STEM OPT?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for any employer sponsoring a STEM OPT extension, with no exceptions. Before you accept an offer, ask the recruiter or HR team to confirm their E-Verify company ID. If the company isn't enrolled, they cannot legally employ you on a STEM OPT extension. You can find Embedded Software Engineer roles at confirmed E-Verify employers through Migrate Mate.
How does cap-gap work if I apply for an H-1B during my STEM OPT period?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. Your EAD and F-1 status both remain valid during this gap period. USCIS does not issue a new document for cap-gap; your existing EAD combined with the H-1B receipt notice serves as evidence of continued authorization.
What STEM degrees qualify for the extension in embedded software engineering?
Degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, and systems engineering are the most common qualifiers for Embedded Software Engineer roles. Some applied mathematics and physics degrees also qualify depending on the specific CIP code. Your degree must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, and your DSO verifies the match when you apply for the extension. Degrees in general business or non-technical disciplines do not qualify regardless of job title.