STEM OPT Lead Software Engineer Jobs
Lead Software Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree maps to an eligible CIP code in computer science, engineering, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build seniority, negotiate equity, and work toward long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
As a member of this world class team, the Lead Controls Engineer will lead and execute the protection and control aspects of Flexible AC (Alternating Current) Transmission System (FACTS) projects. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, testing, start-up and commissioning of the protection and control aspects of Fixed Series Capacitors (FSC) and Synchronous Condenser (SC) solutions within GE Vernova’s Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) portfolio.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Controls Software Engineer to join our GSI FACTS Controls Software team in Saratoga Springs, NY. In this role, you will lead the design and implementation of advanced control systems for Synchronous Condensers, which provide inertia, steady state and dynamic support to the power system.
The Lead Controls Engineer will bring expertise in power system controls, strong experience with simulation and real-time testing in both the lab and field, the ability to lead and mentor a team of engineers, and interface with customers and cross-functional stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of control systems for FACTS devices, including power generation, transmission, and distribution.
- Participate in the testing and validation of control systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and project managers, to ensure the successful integration of control systems.
- Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and user manuals.
- Conduct system modeling, simulation, and analysis to optimize control strategies and improve system performance.
- Develop and maintain coding libraries for both system software and HMI.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and support their professional development.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to control systems.
- Stay current with the latest advancements in control systems engineering and power systems technology.
- Support business development activities by providing technical expertise and contributing to proposal development.
- Participate in Lean training and lead Lean initiatives.
- Lead problem solving efforts for field issues, using tools such as Root Cause Analysis or Problem Solving Reports.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in control systems engineering, with a focus on power transmission systems.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to work in the FACTS office 4 days per week located in Saratoga Springs, NY. No fully remote options available for this role.
Ability and willingness to travel 20% of the time, including international, and must comply with all relevant company travel and tax policies.
DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:
- Strong knowledge of control theory, power system dynamics, and real-time control systems.
- Proficient with GE Vernova’s MarkVIe product family including Toolbox ST and Cimplicity software (SCADA).
- Familiar with GE Vernova Excitation systems, such as EX2100E.
- Expert in PLC programming.
- Experience with industrial/utility-grade protection relays and protective relaying coordination.
- Working knowledge of grid interconnection requirements (NERC/FERC).
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think analytically and strategically.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Proven track record of successfully leading and managing engineering projects.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Yes
For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $98,400.00 and $164,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.
Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.
This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on October 26, 2026.
Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.
GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.
Candidates should be aware that this role involves a client's critical infrastructure; shortlisted candidates would therefore be subject to heightened security checks as directed by our clients. All personal data will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and in accordance with our data protection policies, solely for recruitment and security purposes.
INTRODUCTION
As a member of this world class team, the Lead Controls Engineer will lead and execute the protection and control aspects of Flexible AC (Alternating Current) Transmission System (FACTS) projects. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, testing, start-up and commissioning of the protection and control aspects of Fixed Series Capacitors (FSC) and Synchronous Condenser (SC) solutions within GE Vernova’s Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) portfolio.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Controls Software Engineer to join our GSI FACTS Controls Software team in Saratoga Springs, NY. In this role, you will lead the design and implementation of advanced control systems for Synchronous Condensers, which provide inertia, steady state and dynamic support to the power system.
The Lead Controls Engineer will bring expertise in power system controls, strong experience with simulation and real-time testing in both the lab and field, the ability to lead and mentor a team of engineers, and interface with customers and cross-functional stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of control systems for FACTS devices, including power generation, transmission, and distribution.
- Participate in the testing and validation of control systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and project managers, to ensure the successful integration of control systems.
- Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and user manuals.
- Conduct system modeling, simulation, and analysis to optimize control strategies and improve system performance.
- Develop and maintain coding libraries for both system software and HMI.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and support their professional development.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to control systems.
- Stay current with the latest advancements in control systems engineering and power systems technology.
- Support business development activities by providing technical expertise and contributing to proposal development.
- Participate in Lean training and lead Lean initiatives.
- Lead problem solving efforts for field issues, using tools such as Root Cause Analysis or Problem Solving Reports.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in control systems engineering, with a focus on power transmission systems.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to work in the FACTS office 4 days per week located in Saratoga Springs, NY. No fully remote options available for this role.
Ability and willingness to travel 20% of the time, including international, and must comply with all relevant company travel and tax policies.
DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:
- Strong knowledge of control theory, power system dynamics, and real-time control systems.
- Proficient with GE Vernova’s MarkVIe product family including Toolbox ST and Cimplicity software (SCADA).
- Familiar with GE Vernova Excitation systems, such as EX2100E.
- Expert in PLC programming.
- Experience with industrial/utility-grade protection relays and protective relaying coordination.
- Working knowledge of grid interconnection requirements (NERC/FERC).
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think analytically and strategically.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Proven track record of successfully leading and managing engineering projects.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROVIDED: Yes
For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $98,400.00 and $164,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.
Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.
This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on October 26, 2026.
Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.
GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.
Candidates should be aware that this role involves a client's critical infrastructure; shortlisted candidates would therefore be subject to heightened security checks as directed by our clients. All personal data will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and in accordance with our data protection policies, solely for recruitment and security purposes.
See all 213+ STEM OPT Lead Software Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Lead Software Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the official STEM OPT designated degree program list. A mismatch between your transcript field and the approved list is the most common reason DSOs deny extension requests before you ever reach an employer.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Before signing anything, ask your recruiter for the company's E-Verify employer ID or look up their enrollment status directly through E-Verify. A company that isn't enrolled cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT, regardless of how willing they are to sponsor later.
Target engineering orgs with existing I-129 filing history
Lead Software Engineer roles almost always require H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT ends. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with active STEM OPT hiring and H-1B visa filing history, so you're joining teams already familiar with the extension and transition process.
Structure your I-983 around engineering deliverables
Your training plan must tie each learning objective to a specific technical goal, such as system design ownership or platform architecture decisions. Generic plans citing 'software development' without role-specific milestones draw scrutiny from USCIS during compliance checks.
Time your extension request against your OPT end date
File your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. If your card expires while the application is pending, you're covered by a 180-day automatic cap-gap provision, but only if you filed on time.
Negotiate H-1B sponsorship terms before day one
Engineering offers at the lead level often include multi-year vesting and promotion tracks. Get written confirmation that your employer will file an H-1B petition during your STEM OPT window, and clarify which filing fees they cover versus what falls to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lead Software Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, electrical engineering, or information systems, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. The Lead Software Engineer role falls under SOC code 15-1252 (Software Developers) in O*NET, which consistently maps to STEM OPT eligible positions. Confirm your specific degree CIP code with your DSO before filing.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Lead Software Engineer?
Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your engineering responsibilities, such as leading system architecture reviews, mentoring junior engineers, or owning end-to-end delivery for a product area. Vague objectives like 'improve coding skills' won't satisfy USCIS compliance standards. Your employer's engineering manager typically co-signs the plan, and USCIS can audit it at any point during your 24-month extension.
How do I verify that a company is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting a Lead Software Engineer offer?
Ask your recruiter for the company's E-Verify employer ID number directly. You can also search the public E-Verify employer search tool maintained by the Department of Homeland Security, which lists enrolled companies by name and location. If a company can't provide enrollment confirmation, they can't legally hire you on STEM OPT, and the offer isn't compatible with your status.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my Lead Software Engineer employer withdraws sponsorship mid-extension?
You have a 60-day grace period after your employment ends to find a new E-Verify enrolled employer, transfer your training plan to them, and update your DSO. If you can't secure a new position within that window, your STEM OPT authorization lapses. This is why targeting employers with strong H-1B filing history matters from the start. Migrate Mate lets you filter Lead Software Engineer roles by employers who have active sponsorship records.
Can I use my STEM OPT extension to bridge to H-1B sponsorship as a Lead Software Engineer?
Yes, and the math works in your favor at the lead level. The 24-month STEM OPT extension gives your employer two H-1B lottery cycles to get you selected. If you're in cap-gap status when your extension is pending and the H-1B is filed before your EAD expires, USCIS automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year. Confirm your employer will file during your first eligible cycle, not your second.