STEM OPT Principal Software Engineer Jobs
Principal Software Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT if your degree maps to an approved CIP code in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to authorize your 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months total to build senior-level experience before pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship.
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INTRODUCTION
We create possibilities that move life and commerce forward. Welcome to Manhattan. Every day, our supply chain commerce technology connects two billion people to 20 billion consumer choices. In the warehouse, on the road and in the store, we make what was once impossible, possible. If you want to tackle complex problems and redefine markets, you’ve come to the right place.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Principal Software Engineer, R& D, Cloud Platform (Atlanta, Georgia)
Principal Software Engineer, R&D, Cloud Platform positions offered by Manhattan Associates, Inc. (Atlanta, Georgia). Manage projects and development of detailed design specifications in connection with the development and implementation processes for Manhattan’s supply chain products and services. Exercise discretion to determine optimal and efficient designs for multiple areas of the software system. Project manage development and unit testing of assigned software areas following R&D development processes. Ensure projects are on schedule and within budget. Oversee the facilitation of technology and skills knowledge transfer.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Requires a four-year bachelor’s or foreign equivalent degree in computer science, engineering or a related technical field and 5 years of experience in the position offered or 5 years of experience developing, supporting or implementing application software.
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Also requires 5 years of experience:
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Developing with Java; and
- Working in Linux or UNIX operating systems.
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Requires 4 years of experience:
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Working with Oracle, MySQL or DB2 databases;
- Developing with Spring or similar frameworks; and
- Utilizing WebSphere, Jboss, Tomcat or WebLogic application servers.
- Requires 1 year of experience using containerization tools.
- Employee reports to office in Atlanta, GA. Position may work from home, but must live within commuting distance of stated office.
- Experience may be, but need not be, acquired concurrently.
COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Manhattan, it’s about more than just the work. From cultural celebrations to interest groups to volunteer opportunities, your true self is always welcome here. Our team members’ backgrounds, experiences and perspectives add to us as a whole and make us unique.
We are proudly an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a veteran. In the United States, Manhattan Associates participates in the Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify) operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration. Participation in the E-Verify Program allows Manhattan to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees after the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9) has been completed.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Principal Software Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your STEM degree's CIP code appears on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List. A mismatch between your transcript's listed field and an approved code will disqualify you from the 24-month extension, regardless of your job title.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask the recruiter for the company's E-Verify Company ID or search the E-Verify employer database directly. A Principal Engineer offer from a non-enrolled employer means you can't activate your STEM OPT extension, even if the role and degree match perfectly.
Use O*NET to frame your training plan
The I-983 requires specific learning objectives tied to your role. Pull the Principal Software Engineer occupation profile from O*NET to identify the core tasks and skills DOL expects, then map your planned work assignments to those categories when completing Section 3.
Target employers with structured H-1B sponsorship pipelines
Principal-level roles often come with longer hiring cycles. Prioritize companies whose job postings explicitly reference visa sponsorship or whose engineering leadership tracks have a history of filing LCAs, since your 36-month window still requires eventual H-1B selection to maintain status.
Search for verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Filter for Principal Software Engineer openings on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers verified against E-Verify enrollment and DOL Labor Condition Application filing history, so you're applying to companies already set up to support your STEM OPT authorization.
File your STEM OPT extension well before OPT expires
USCIS recommends filing Form I-765 at least 90 days before your initial OPT end date. If your extension application is pending when OPT expires, a timely-filed application gives you up to 180 days of continued authorization while USCIS adjudicates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Principal Software Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in an approved STEM field such as computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline with an eligible CIP code. The job itself must also constitute practical training in that field. Principal Software Engineer roles typically qualify because they require and directly apply a STEM degree's core competencies, but your DSO confirms the match before endorsing the I-20.
How do I verify that a hiring employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
You can search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name or E-Verify Company ID to confirm enrollment status before you sign an offer. Enrollment must be active at the time your STEM OPT extension begins. If a company is not enrolled, your extension cannot be authorized regardless of how well the role aligns with your degree, so confirm this before the offer stage, not after.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Principal Software Engineer?
The I-983 requires you and your employer to document the specific duties, learning objectives, and supervision structure for your role. For a Principal Software Engineer, this typically covers system architecture responsibilities, technical leadership activities, and the engineering competencies you'll develop. Your employer's supervising engineer signs the plan, and your DSO must approve it before your extension is authorized. USCIS may audit the plan, so objectives should be concrete and tied to your degree field.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my H-1B petition is selected in the lottery?
If your H-1B petition is selected and filed for an October 1 start date, the cap-gap rule extends your STEM OPT authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working under cap-gap status if your employer filed before your STEM OPT end date. USCIS issues an updated I-20 reflecting the cap-gap extension period, which serves as your work authorization documentation during that time.
Where can I find Principal Software Engineer jobs that support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Principal Software Engineer openings filtered for employers with E-Verify enrollment and active LCA filing history, which are the two baseline requirements for STEM OPT authorization. Searching there reduces the risk of pursuing roles at companies that can't legally support your extension, saving time during a period when your authorization timeline is fixed and non-negotiable.