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.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Apple Services Engineering (ASE) powers the platforms behind the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Books, and more. ASE Media Platform Quality is the organization responsible for testing the systems that support commerce across these services - including activities like purchasing, subscribing, redeeming offers, and more. We are looking for a highly technical Software Development Engineer in Test to drive the design and development of internal tools and infrastructure that empower our engineering teams.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
With customers in over 155 countries, we power a global marketplace for music, movies, TV shows, books, and apps. We are looking for a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to join our team - someone who is passionate about building robust internal tools and automation frameworks that elevate product quality and engineering productivity at scale. In this role, you'll work closely with teams across Apple Services Engineering to develop and maintain scalable internal systems that support e-commerce features, including consumer-facing user interfaces and backend data. You'll focus primarily on building full stack internal tools - from intuitive React-based frontends to powerful Node.js backend services - and integrating AI capabilities to make those tools smarter and more impactful. You'll create reusable, reliable tooling and automated infrastructure for continuous integration and deployment pipelines. You'll contribute directly to the development of internal platforms supporting API and UI workflows, collaborate with engineering teams to define tooling strategies, and work on infrastructure projects aimed at improving the scalability and reliability of our internal systems. This is a highly collaborative and technical role suited for engineers who enjoy solving complex problems through code and infrastructure innovation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field. Two years of directly related work experience can substitute for the education requirement.
- Strong full stack development skills, including React, Node.js, JavaScript, Python, Java, and AI integration
- Experience integrating LLM APIs
- Familiarity with REST APIs, Shell scripting, SQL
- Experience with CI/CD pipeline design and maintenance
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with evolving requirements
- Proven ability to deliver high-quality work within established timelines
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within diverse teams
- Experience gathering requirements from internal stakeholders and translating them into product decisions
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with prompt engineering and AI-assisted developer workflows
- Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp technical concepts across a range of fields
- Experience creating concise and accurate summaries of project status
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 $139,500 and $258,100, 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.
INTRODUCTION
Apple Services Engineering (ASE) powers the platforms behind the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Books, and more. ASE Media Platform Quality is the organization responsible for testing the systems that support commerce across these services - including activities like purchasing, subscribing, redeeming offers, and more. We are looking for a highly technical Software Development Engineer in Test to drive the design and development of internal tools and infrastructure that empower our engineering teams.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
With customers in over 155 countries, we power a global marketplace for music, movies, TV shows, books, and apps. We are looking for a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to join our team - someone who is passionate about building robust internal tools and automation frameworks that elevate product quality and engineering productivity at scale. In this role, you'll work closely with teams across Apple Services Engineering to develop and maintain scalable internal systems that support e-commerce features, including consumer-facing user interfaces and backend data. You'll focus primarily on building full stack internal tools - from intuitive React-based frontends to powerful Node.js backend services - and integrating AI capabilities to make those tools smarter and more impactful. You'll create reusable, reliable tooling and automated infrastructure for continuous integration and deployment pipelines. You'll contribute directly to the development of internal platforms supporting API and UI workflows, collaborate with engineering teams to define tooling strategies, and work on infrastructure projects aimed at improving the scalability and reliability of our internal systems. This is a highly collaborative and technical role suited for engineers who enjoy solving complex problems through code and infrastructure innovation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field. Two years of directly related work experience can substitute for the education requirement.
- Strong full stack development skills, including React, Node.js, JavaScript, Python, Java, and AI integration
- Experience integrating LLM APIs
- Familiarity with REST APIs, Shell scripting, SQL
- Experience with CI/CD pipeline design and maintenance
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with evolving requirements
- Proven ability to deliver high-quality work within established timelines
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within diverse teams
- Experience gathering requirements from internal stakeholders and translating them into product decisions
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with prompt engineering and AI-assisted developer workflows
- Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp technical concepts across a range of fields
- Experience creating concise and accurate summaries of project status
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 $139,500 and $258,100, 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 1,015+ STEM OPT ML Software Engineer Jobs
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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.