STEM OPT Performance Engineer Jobs
Performance Engineer roles in software systems, infrastructure, and load testing qualify for STEM OPT when your degree is in computer science, software engineering, or a related STEM field. The 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total to build specialized experience, as long as your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.
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INTRODUCTION
The Vision Product Group is working on exciting new technologies. We are looking for a driven and dedicated performance engineer. This team is building the core foundational platform for some of Apple's most advanced technologies in spatial computing. As part of our creative organization, you will have a uniquely rewarding opportunity to craft future products that will delight and inspire millions of people every day.
DESCRIPTION
As an engineer in this role you will help with ANE efficiency as well as improving overall visionOS responsiveness. You will work closely with Computer Vision and Foundation Model teams to diagnose performance bottlenecks and develop innovative solutions to optimize compute and memory footprint. Your responsibilities will include:
- Analyze, benchmark and identify performance bottlenecks for ML/Foundation models in Vision Pro
- Develop in-house performance solutions (such as analysis tools) to optimize inference stack & identify performance wins
- Conduct deep-dive analysis to identify & reduce bottlenecks and measure inference improvements in terms of memory, compute and latency
- Partner with feature and product teams to consult on algorithm and SW architectural design decisions to achieve visionOS performance goals
- Optimize SW and HW via tunable parameters & integrate research findings into product implementation
- Designing and implementing computer vision and machine learning algorithm optimizations; CPU C++ implementations and python bridge to TensorFlow/Pytorch
- Identify performance bottlenecks in software C++ code using advanced CPU profiling technologies and in ML networks
- Analyzing performance issues and resolving performance regressions reported by Apple’s users around the world
- Developing microbenchmarks and performance validation tests to catch performance regressions in computer vision and machine learning algorithms to preserve the performance quality of Apple’s products
- Working on integration of Foundation Models (including LLMs) into Apple Vision Pro and making sure it meets power and performance targets
- Working with Apple’s customers to troubleshoot performance issues and suggest optimizations across a variety of use cases
- Working on analytical and simulation models to predict application, algorithm, OS and real time interactive graphics performance and power
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum BS and 1+ years of relevant industry experience
- Familiarity with Operating Systems, embedding programming, parallel programming
- Academic or industry experience using C/C++, Python or Swift
- Understanding of compilers, runtimes, system performance, system software engineering and ML architectures
- Familiarity with optimizing inference latency, memory and compute
- Familiarity with Gen AI coding tools. Demonstrated ability to use them for design, code generation, and debugging
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with PyTorch, Tensorflow or CoreML
- Knowledge of AI/ML fundamentals including model evaluation and deployment/inference
- Familiarity with optimizing model architectures for on-device inference
- Familiarity with Computer Vision, Transformers and LLM architectures
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
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 $126,800 and $220,900, 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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Performance Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program List. Computer science, software engineering, and computer engineering codes typically qualify, but information technology programs vary by institution.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Search the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm your target company is actively enrolled before you sign anything. A company that isn't enrolled cannot legally employ STEM OPT students, regardless of their intent to sponsor later.
Tailor your I-983 to performance engineering deliverables
Your training plan must map learning objectives to measurable performance outcomes, such as reducing latency benchmarks or improving throughput under load. Generic objectives like 'gain software experience' raise DSO red flags and delay approval.
Target teams with dedicated performance tooling budgets
Performance engineering roles at companies running large-scale distributed systems are more likely to support long-term STEM OPT timelines, since 24 months aligns with typical improvement cycles for capacity planning and reliability programs.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for E-Verify employers hiring Performance Engineers
Search Migrate Mate to surface Performance Engineer roles at employers verified to be E-Verify enrolled. This removes the manual step of cross-referencing job postings against the E-Verify database before you spend time on applications.
Request your H-1B petition before your OPT expires
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your STEM OPT end date, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30. Coordinate with HR at least 90 days before your EAD expiration to meet the April filing window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Performance Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or electrical engineering, and the Performance Engineer role directly uses that training. USCIS evaluates the connection between your degree and the job duties, so the role should involve quantitative analysis, systems modeling, or engineering methods rather than general IT support.
What must my employer do to hire me on STEM OPT?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify, sign your I-983 training plan, and provide a formal mentoring structure with a supervisor who holds at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. USCIS requires the employer to report any material changes to your training plan to your DSO within five business days.
How do I find Performance Engineer jobs at E-Verify enrolled employers?
Migrate Mate filters Performance Engineer listings by E-Verify enrollment status, so you're only seeing roles at employers who can legally hire STEM OPT students. You can also cross-check any employer using the E-Verify employer search tool before applying, which is especially useful for startups and mid-size companies that may not advertise their enrollment status.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a Performance Engineer position?
Your I-983 should describe specific learning goals tied to measurable engineering outcomes: load testing methodologies, latency profiling, capacity modeling, or reliability engineering frameworks. Vague objectives won't satisfy DSO review. The plan must also detail how your supervisor will evaluate your progress, the tools and environments you'll work in, and how the role connects to your STEM degree field.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my employer files an H-1B petition for me?
If your employer files a timely H-1B cap-subject petition before your STEM OPT EAD expires, cap-gap protection under INA section 214(f) automatically extends your work authorization until October 1 of that fiscal year. You can continue working in your Performance Engineer role without interruption as long as the petition remains pending or is approved.