STEM OPT Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs
Embedded Systems Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT because they sit squarely within STEM CIP codes covering electrical, computer, and software engineering. Your 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and you complete an I-983 training plan tied to your engineering degree.
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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 Systems Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Embedded Systems Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code maps to a STEM-designated field, electrical engineering (14.10), computer engineering (14.09), or computer science (11.07) are the most common matches for embedded systems roles. Your DSO confirms the mapping before approving your extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you negotiate an offer. STEM OPT extensions are invalid without it, and many smaller embedded systems firms, including defense contractors, aren't enrolled despite being eligible employers.
Target employers with active LCA filings in hardware roles
Search DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data filtered by SOC code 17-2061 (Electrical Engineers) or 15-1252 (Software Developers, Embedded) to find companies that routinely file for these roles. Migrate Mate surfaces this data so you can filter employers by filing history before applying.
Build your I-983 training plan around specific engineering deliverables
Don't use a generic job description. Your I-983 must list measurable learning objectives tied to embedded systems work, firmware development cycles, hardware validation protocols, or RTOS integration tasks. USCIS expects concrete technical milestones, not broad role summaries.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark offers by metro area
Embedded systems salaries vary sharply between defense corridors like the D.C. metro and tech hubs like San Jose. Run the OFLC Wage Search by SOC code and location to confirm any offer meets prevailing wage Level I or II before you sign, since underpaid offers create LCA compliance risk.
Flag cap-gap timing when switching roles mid-OPT
If you're changing embedded systems employers after an H-1B visa petition is filed on your behalf, your cap-gap protection runs through September 30 of the fiscal year. Coordinate your I-983 update with your DSO immediately on day one at the new employer to avoid a gap in authorized training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my engineering degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as an Embedded Systems Engineer?
Your degree qualifies if it carries a STEM-designated CIP code. Electrical engineering (14.10), computer engineering (14.09), and computer science (11.07) all support embedded systems work and appear on the STEM OPT CIP code list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Your DSO verifies the match and authorizes the extension on your I-20. Degrees in general business or communications do not qualify regardless of your job title.
Can I start working as an Embedded Systems Engineer at a company that isn't enrolled in E-Verify?
No. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. If your employer isn't enrolled before your extension begins, your work authorization for that job is invalid. Ask your HR contact to confirm enrollment status in writing before your start date, and verify it yourself through the E-Verify employer search tool maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.
What should my I-983 training plan include for an Embedded Systems Engineer role?
Your I-983 must describe how the job directly relates to your STEM degree with specific, measurable training goals. For embedded systems work, that means listing concrete objectives like developing firmware for a specific microcontroller family, implementing real-time operating system modules, or conducting hardware-in-the-loop testing. USCIS expects technical detail tied to your degree field, not a copy of your job description. Your employer signs off, and your DSO approves it before your extension starts.
How does cap-gap protection work if my employer files an H-1B petition while I'm on STEM OPT?
If your employer files a timely H-1B cap-subject petition before your STEM OPT expires, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You don't need a new EAD. Your I-983 training plan remains in effect during cap-gap, and you must stay at the same employer. If the petition isn't selected or is denied, your work authorization ends and you must stop working immediately.
Where can I find Embedded Systems Engineer jobs at companies already enrolled in E-Verify?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and active DOL filing history, so you're not wasting applications on companies that can't legally hire you as a STEM OPT student. You can also cross-reference O*NET for the occupation profile under SOC code 17-2061 to understand which industries employ the most embedded systems engineers and target your search by sector.