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 JobsAt Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.
Role Overview
The Sigrity R&D team is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Software Engineer to help drive innovation and technical excellence across our product line. This is a unique opportunity to work on state-of-the-art technologies and make a meaningful impact on both the Sigrity platform and Cadence’s broader product ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize high-performance algorithms
- Contribute to the development and enhancement of field solvers for large-scale, complex systems
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable, and high-quality software solutions
- Improve performance, accuracy, and scalability of tools
- Participate in architecture and technical decision-making for next-generation products
Qualifications
- MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field + 3 years experience OR PhD + 0 years
- Strong foundation in computational electromagnetics and circuit theory
- Proficiency in C++ with experience in performance-critical software development
- Experience developing and maintaining electromagnetic field solvers
- Working knowledge of signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI), electromagnetic interference (EMI), and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
What Sets You Apart
- Passion for solving complex, large-scale engineering problems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced R&D environment
The annual salary range for California is $114,800 to $213,200. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.
We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.
At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.
Role Overview
The Sigrity R&D team is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Software Engineer to help drive innovation and technical excellence across our product line. This is a unique opportunity to work on state-of-the-art technologies and make a meaningful impact on both the Sigrity platform and Cadence’s broader product ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize high-performance algorithms
- Contribute to the development and enhancement of field solvers for large-scale, complex systems
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable, and high-quality software solutions
- Improve performance, accuracy, and scalability of tools
- Participate in architecture and technical decision-making for next-generation products
Qualifications
- MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field + 3 years experience OR PhD + 0 years
- Strong foundation in computational electromagnetics and circuit theory
- Proficiency in C++ with experience in performance-critical software development
- Experience developing and maintaining electromagnetic field solvers
- Working knowledge of signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI), electromagnetic interference (EMI), and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
What Sets You Apart
- Passion for solving complex, large-scale engineering problems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced R&D environment
The annual salary range for California is $114,800 to $213,200. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.
We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.
See all 223+ STEM OPT Lead Software Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Lead Software Engineer Jobs.
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.