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.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Meta, we're building innovative products that make it easier for people to connect with each other and enjoy immersive experiences. Our team of experienced experts is developing and shipping products at the intersection of hardware, software, and content, pushing the future of computing platforms and redefining the way people work, play, and connect. As an Embedded Software Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to design, develop, and optimize embedded firmware systems for our AR, VR, and wearable devices, working on low-level systems software, device drivers, and connectivity protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Core Android networking. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems and drive innovation in areas such as computer vision, machine learning, and graphics, helping to shape the future of technology and create new experiences for augmented reality, virtual reality, and social/family products.
Embedded Software Engineer, BSP/Kernel - Reality Labs Responsibilities:
- Design and implement software components at all layers of the system, including kernel, synchronization primitives, resource allocators, memory management, security, I/O systems, persistence, etc.
- Develop drivers and services that operate efficiently in constrained environments and deliver large volumes of data with low-latency and high-bandwidth.
- Lead hardware bring-up, peripheral drivers and communication, silicon integration, and power and performance management and optimization efforts.
- Debug complex, system-level, multi-component issues that span multiple layers from kernel to application.
- Profile performance problems and drive optimizations across the entire software stack.
- Analyze, design, develop, and debug firmware for a wide variety of devices, including novel sensing and imaging systems, haptic devices, and audio prototypes.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including silicon architects, hardware designers, OS team, and algorithm and model development teams.
- Understand and implement power-management, boot loaders, scheduling, inter-processor communication, computer vision, and firmware/system interfaces on RTOS and/or bare-metal environments.
- Design, develop, and architect models and infrastructure building blocks of Virtual Platforms, integrating internal models and vendor IP models.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 3+ years embedded software development experience in industry settings.
- 5+ years of software development experience in embedded systems, systems programming, or a related technical field, or PhD with 2+ years of experience.
- Demonstrated experience working across disciplines to drive optimal solutions.
- Experience in large-scale C/C++ code base.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in hardware bring up using interfaces like Analog-to-Digital (ADC), General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), etc.
- Device driver development, embedded systems, or operating systems.
- Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: Board Support Package (BSP), Operating Systems, Android OS, Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), Bootloader, Power Management, Linux, Graphics and Display Drivers, Microcontroller Unit (MCU).
- Demonstrate specialized experience in two or more of the following areas: BSP/Board Support Package, Operating Systems, CoreOS, Kernel, Android Kernel, Bootloader, Power Management, RTOS, Linux, Graphics and Display Drivers, Microcontroller Unit (MCU).
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
- Experience with Software Development processes including: source control, bug tracking, and design documentation.
- Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews).
- Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements).
- Experience developing, debugging, and shipping software products on large code bases that span platforms and tools.
About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$154,000/year to $217,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
At Meta, we're building innovative products that make it easier for people to connect with each other and enjoy immersive experiences. Our team of experienced experts is developing and shipping products at the intersection of hardware, software, and content, pushing the future of computing platforms and redefining the way people work, play, and connect. As an Embedded Software Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to design, develop, and optimize embedded firmware systems for our AR, VR, and wearable devices, working on low-level systems software, device drivers, and connectivity protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Core Android networking. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems and drive innovation in areas such as computer vision, machine learning, and graphics, helping to shape the future of technology and create new experiences for augmented reality, virtual reality, and social/family products.
Embedded Software Engineer, BSP/Kernel - Reality Labs Responsibilities:
- Design and implement software components at all layers of the system, including kernel, synchronization primitives, resource allocators, memory management, security, I/O systems, persistence, etc.
- Develop drivers and services that operate efficiently in constrained environments and deliver large volumes of data with low-latency and high-bandwidth.
- Lead hardware bring-up, peripheral drivers and communication, silicon integration, and power and performance management and optimization efforts.
- Debug complex, system-level, multi-component issues that span multiple layers from kernel to application.
- Profile performance problems and drive optimizations across the entire software stack.
- Analyze, design, develop, and debug firmware for a wide variety of devices, including novel sensing and imaging systems, haptic devices, and audio prototypes.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including silicon architects, hardware designers, OS team, and algorithm and model development teams.
- Understand and implement power-management, boot loaders, scheduling, inter-processor communication, computer vision, and firmware/system interfaces on RTOS and/or bare-metal environments.
- Design, develop, and architect models and infrastructure building blocks of Virtual Platforms, integrating internal models and vendor IP models.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 3+ years embedded software development experience in industry settings.
- 5+ years of software development experience in embedded systems, systems programming, or a related technical field, or PhD with 2+ years of experience.
- Demonstrated experience working across disciplines to drive optimal solutions.
- Experience in large-scale C/C++ code base.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in hardware bring up using interfaces like Analog-to-Digital (ADC), General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), etc.
- Device driver development, embedded systems, or operating systems.
- Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: Board Support Package (BSP), Operating Systems, Android OS, Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), Bootloader, Power Management, Linux, Graphics and Display Drivers, Microcontroller Unit (MCU).
- Demonstrate specialized experience in two or more of the following areas: BSP/Board Support Package, Operating Systems, CoreOS, Kernel, Android Kernel, Bootloader, Power Management, RTOS, Linux, Graphics and Display Drivers, Microcontroller Unit (MCU).
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
- Experience with Software Development processes including: source control, bug tracking, and design documentation.
- Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews).
- Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements).
- Experience developing, debugging, and shipping software products on large code bases that span platforms and tools.
About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$154,000/year to $217,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
See all 444+ 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.