STEM OPT Machine Learning Research Jobs

Machine Learning Research roles at E-Verify-enrolled employers qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of F-1 work authorization. Eligible degrees span computer science, statistics, electrical engineering, and related STEM CIP codes. Your employer must file a formal I-983 training plan with your DSO before your extension begins.

Find STEM OPT Machine Learning Research Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs184+
Work Type86% On-site
Top LocationSan Jose, CA
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 184+ Machine Learning Research jobs

Qualcomm
Machine Learning Researcher
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Qualcomm
Added 1d ago
Machine Learning Researcher
Qualcomm
San Diego, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Research & Academia
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
$159k - $239k/yr
On-Site
Master's
10,000+

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Optimal Inc.
Machine Learning Research Engineer
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Optimal Inc.
Added 1w ago
Machine Learning Research Engineer
Optimal Inc.
Warren, Michigan
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Science
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
On-Site
Doctorate

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Liquid AI
ML Research Engineer
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Liquid AI
Added 1w ago
ML Research Engineer
Liquid AI
San Francisco, California
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Engineering
Data Science
Hybrid
Master's

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Apple
Machine Learning Research Engineer
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Apple
Added 1w ago
Machine Learning Research Engineer
Apple
Seattle, Washington
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Data Engineering
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
$140k - $258k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Nuro
Machine Learning Research Scientist
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Nuro
Added 2w ago
Machine Learning Research Scientist
Nuro
Mountain View, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Data Science
$160k - $241k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate

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See all 184+ STEM OPT Machine Learning Research Jobs

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Machine Learning Research

Verify your CIP code before applying

Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Computer science, statistics, and applied mathematics codes typically qualify, but interdisciplinary programs sometimes don't. Confirm with your DSO before targeting roles.

Search employers through Migrate Mate first

Filter your Machine Learning Research job search on Migrate Mate to surface employers with verified E-Verify enrollment. This cuts out the manual legwork of cross-checking each company before you apply and saves you from pursuing dead-end opportunities.

Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting any offer

Ask your hiring contact directly whether the employer is enrolled in E-Verify and request their E-Verify Company ID number. An employer that can't provide this cannot legally employ STEM OPT students, regardless of how willing they are to support your extension.

Draft your I-983 training plan before your start date

USCIS requires a completed I-983 on file with your DSO before your STEM OPT extension activates. For Machine Learning Research roles, map specific projects and deliverables to learning objectives that align with your STEM degree field. Generic plans get rejected.

Target research labs with existing OPT infrastructure

University-affiliated research centers, national labs, and large tech R&D divisions process STEM OPT extensions regularly and have HR staff familiar with the I-983 requirements. First-time STEM OPT employers often cause delays because they're unfamiliar with their obligations under the training plan.

Use O*NET to frame your role's specialty occupation credentials

Pull the Machine Learning Research occupation profile from O*NET and match your degree field to the listed knowledge and skills requirements. This documentation strengthens your case if your employer or DSO needs to justify how your degree directly relates to the role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Machine Learning Research role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes, provided your degree falls under a STEM-designated CIP code and the role directly applies skills from that field. Machine Learning Research positions typically satisfy this because they require quantitative reasoning, algorithm development, and statistical modeling rooted in computer science, mathematics, or engineering disciplines. Confirm your specific degree's eligibility with your DSO using the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List.

What E-Verify obligation does my employer have for my STEM OPT?

Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify at the time your STEM OPT extension begins. Enrollment alone isn't sufficient if it lapsed. You can ask your employer to show you their E-Verify Company ID or employer participation page. If they're not enrolled, they cannot legally employ you under a STEM OPT extension, and you'd need to find an enrolled employer before your initial OPT period ends.

What goes into the I-983 training plan for a research role?

The I-983 requires a description of the research objectives, the specific skills you'll develop, how those skills connect to your STEM degree, and measurable goals your employer will evaluate. For Machine Learning Research, this typically means documenting model development cycles, experimental design responsibilities, and technical mentorship structures. Both you and a company supervisor must sign it, and your DSO must receive it before your extension is approved.

How does cap-gap protection work if I'm in a Machine Learning Research role during H-1B season?

If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. You can continue working in your Machine Learning Research role without interruption during this period. USCIS issues no separate document for cap-gap, your I-20 noting the cap-gap extension serves as proof of authorized status.

Where can I find Machine Learning Research jobs at E-Verify employers?

Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers enrolled in E-Verify, so you're not wasting applications on companies that can't support your STEM OPT extension. Machine Learning Research roles at qualifying employers span university research divisions, national laboratories, and technology companies with active R&D programs. Searching through Migrate Mate surfaces only employers who meet the E-Verify requirement before you apply.