STEM OPT ML Software Engineer Jobs
ML Software Engineer roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, letting you work for up to 36 months total on your F-1 authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you on the 24-month extension. A degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related STEM field qualifies.
Find STEM OPT ML Software Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 414+ ML Software Engineer jobs










See all 414+ ML Software Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new ML Software Engineer roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
SUMMARY
The Gatos team is a cross-discipline production and research data annotation team within Video Engineering. We deliver the labeled data that algorithm teams use to build and evaluate features for millions of devices and users around the world. We're looking for an operations engineer who will own annotation projects from the first request to delivered data. That includes a growing set of AI-assisted and agent-based workflows, where models do much of the labeling and people guide, review and verify the results.
DESCRIPTION
In this role you will: Work with algorithm teams to define what success looks like for each data request, and translate it into a clear task specification, labeling guidelines and a quality bar. Own annotation projects end to end, from pilot through production to delivery, and be accountable for quality, schedule and the usefulness of the data to the customer. Design, implement, and run AI-assisted labeling workflows: models pre-label, automated steps handle routine work, and people focus on judgment and verification. Measure the impact on quality, throughput and cost. Set acceptance criteria, run quality checks and audits, analyze error patterns, and close the loop with guideline owners and labeling teams. Track project status and risks, and raise issues early with a clear ask and a root cause. Collaborate with data scientists, software and infrastructure engineers, data collection teams, business operations, and external labeling teams across time zones. Improve how the team works by building and sharing tools and workflows that use AI.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
- Experience delivering data for machine learning, such as data annotation, data operations, or technical program management.
- Experience defining annotation tasks, labeling guidelines, and quality metrics.
- Experience serving as the accountable owner for projects that span multiple teams, from ambiguous requirements to delivery.
- Experience working hands-on with data and technical tools, such as writing basic SQL queries or scripts, analyzing data in spreadsheets, or configuring labeling platforms.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with model-assisted labeling, pseudo-labeling, or agent-based workflows, including judging where people must stay in the loop.
- Experience with Python or SQL for data analysis and automation.
- Familiarity with computer vision data such as images, video, depth, or 3D.
- Experience building reports or dashboards for cross-functional partners.
- Clear written and verbal communication, including status updates and escalations to senior leaders.
- Works effectively across time zones with internal teams and external partners.
- Defines success with customers before starting the work, and adapts as their needs change.
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $142,300 and $263,300, 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.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
See all 414+ STEM OPT ML Software Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT ML Software Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a ML Software Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code must fall under an approved STEM field. Cross-check it against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before you target roles, so you don't discover an eligibility gap after an offer.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask recruiters directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify, not just whether they 'sponsor' OPT. An employer can sponsor your initial OPT but still be ineligible for the 24-month STEM extension if they haven't completed E-Verify enrollment.
Use Migrate Mate to target verified STEM OPT employers
Search ML Software Engineer roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment. This cuts the time you'd spend manually vetting companies and lets you focus applications on roles you're actually authorized to take.
Prepare your I-983 training plan before day one
Your employer must sign a Form I-983 outlining your training goals, duties, and learning objectives before your STEM OPT extension begins. Draft the ML-specific learning milestones in advance so the hiring manager isn't surprised by the paperwork requirement.
Target research-intensive ML roles for stronger I-983 alignment
Roles involving model development, research engineering, or applied ML research map more cleanly to the I-983's requirement that training relate directly to your STEM degree. Purely ops-focused or data-labeling roles can draw DSO scrutiny during reporting cycles.
File the STEM OPT extension at least 90 days early
USCIS recommends filing your I-765 extension application 90 days before your current EAD expires. ML hiring cycles can run long, so coordinating your offer timeline with your filing window prevents gaps in authorization between positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as an ML Software Engineer?
Your degree qualifies if it appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which covers fields like computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, and statistics. Most ML Software Engineer roles require exactly these backgrounds. Confirm your specific Classification of Instructional Programs code with your DSO before filing, since the CIP code on your transcript determines eligibility, not just the degree name.
Does every employer hiring ML Software Engineers on STEM OPT need to be in E-Verify?
Yes, E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, not optional. Your employer must be enrolled before your extension is approved, and they must remain enrolled throughout your authorization period. If a company withdraws from E-Verify while you're employed, your STEM OPT authorization is at risk. Always verify enrollment status before accepting an offer. You can find ML Software Engineer roles from confirmed E-Verify employers on Migrate Mate.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an ML Software Engineer role?
The I-983 requires your employer to describe the specific training you'll receive, how your duties relate to your STEM degree, and measurable learning objectives. For ML Software Engineer positions, this typically covers model architecture development, applied research methods, or ML systems engineering tied to your coursework. Both you and a company supervisor must sign it, and your DSO must receive it before your extension period begins.
Can I change ML Software Engineer jobs while on the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, you can change employers, but the new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, and you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days. A new I-983 training plan must be completed with the new employer before you start. Your existing EAD remains valid, but working for a non-E-Verify employer, even briefly, violates your status. Plan job transitions carefully around your authorization end date.
How does cap-gap protection work if I'm an ML Software Engineer with a pending H-1B?
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your OPT or STEM OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. This means you can continue working in your ML Software Engineer role without interruption while the H-1B is pending. USCIS governs cap-gap rules, and your DSO can issue an updated I-20 reflecting the extension.