STEM OPT QA Test Engineer Jobs
QA Test Engineer roles in software testing, automation, and quality assurance qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your I-983 training plan before your extension starts.
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JOB SUMMARY
Voted a Top Cincinnati Workplace for 4 years running, Medpace is growing rapidly, and we are currently seeking a full-time, office-based Software QA Engineer to join our Information Technology (IT) team. The Medpace IT department creates custom software solutions for our internal and external business users. The Software QA Engineer is responsible for the planning and execution of software testing for one or more of these web-based applications. They will work with developers and end users to understand requirements and write test plans, execute manual and automated tests, and create summary reports.
Responsibilities:
- Review and analyze functional requirements specifications to provide feedback and ensure requirements are testable;
- Create test plans and test cases per documented requirements;
- Participate in constructive peer review of test cases;
- Execute functional test cases to ensure the system is robust and fit for purpose;
- Report defects and work with the development team toward resolution of the defects;
- Write test summary reports;
- Help facilitate execution of acceptance test scripts by end users;
- Attend regular project meetings (daily stand-ups, refinement meetings, etc.); and
- Work closely with developers and end users throughout the software life cycle to ensure that applications meet the needs of the users.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field;
- Excellent computer skills;
- Excellent analytical thinking skills; and
- Excellent written, and oral communication skills.
MEDPACE OVERVIEW:
Medpace is a full-service clinical contract research organization (CRO). We provide Phase I-IV clinical development services to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Our mission is to accelerate the global development of safe and effective medical therapeutics through its scientific and disciplined approach. We leverage local regulatory and therapeutic expertise across all major areas including oncology, cardiology, metabolic disease, endocrinology, central nervous system, anti-viral and anti-infective. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, employing more than 6,000 people across 40+ countries.
WHY MEDPACE?:
People. Purpose. Passion. Make a Difference Tomorrow. Join Us Today.
The work we’ve done over the past 30+ years has positively impacted the lives of countless patients and families who face hundreds of diseases across all key therapeutic areas. The work we do today will improve the lives of people living with illness and disease in the future.
CINCINNATI PERKS:
- Flexible work environment
- Competitive PTO packages, starting at 20+ days
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
- Company-sponsored employee appreciation events
- Employee health and wellness initiatives
- Community involvement with local nonprofit organizations
- Discounts on local sports games, fitness gyms and attractions
- Modern, ecofriendly campus with an on-site fitness center
- Structured career paths with opportunities for professional growth
- Discounted tuition for UC online programs
AWARDS:
- Named a Top Workplace in 2024 by The Cincinnati Enquirer
- Recognized by Forbes as one of America's Most Successful Midsize Companies in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Continually recognized with CRO Leadership Awards from Life Science Leader magazine based on expertise, quality, capabilities, reliability, and compatibility
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT
A Medpace team member will review your qualifications and, if interested, you will be contacted with details for next steps.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a QA Test Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your STEM degree's CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list. Computer science, information systems, and software engineering codes routinely qualify QA Test Engineer roles, but some IT management degrees don't.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Search the E-Verify employer database to confirm any prospective employer is actively enrolled, not just registered. An employer must have a valid E-Verify participation before USCIS will approve your STEM OPT extension application.
Target employers with active LCA filings for QA roles
Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for QA Test Engineer or software quality positions. LCA history signals an employer already understands work authorization requirements and has HR infrastructure in place.
Draft your I-983 training plan around measurable goals
Work with your DSO and hiring manager to tie your I-983 learning objectives to specific QA deliverables, such as building automated test suites or reducing defect escape rates. Vague plans draw scrutiny during USCIS review.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Run the QA Test Engineer SOC code through the OFLC Wage Search to find the DOL prevailing wage for your metro area. Your offer must meet or exceed that figure for your employer's LCA certification to clear, which directly affects your extension timeline.
File your extension application 90 days before OPT expires
Submit your STEM OPT extension to USCIS at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. Filing inside that window gives you cap-gap protection and keeps your work authorization continuous while USCIS adjudicates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a QA Test Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your degree carries an eligible CIP code. QA Test Engineer positions typically fall under SOC code 15-1253 (Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers), which USCIS recognizes as a STEM occupation. Confirm your specific degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list before your DSO submits your extension request.
What STEM degrees make you eligible for a QA Test Engineer STEM OPT extension?
Degrees in computer science, computer engineering, information systems, software engineering, and related STEM fields generally support eligibility. The degree must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list by its CIP code. Applied computing or IT management degrees sometimes fall outside the list, so verify your specific program with your DSO rather than assuming eligibility based on department name.
How does the I-983 training plan work for a QA Test Engineer position?
Your employer and DSO co-sign the I-983, which maps your QA role to specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. For a QA Test Engineer, that means documenting skills you'll develop, such as test automation frameworks, performance testing methods, or CI/CD pipeline integration. USCIS can audit the plan, so objectives must be concrete and directly connected to your degree field, not just a job description reprint.
Does the E-Verify requirement apply to every employer that hires STEM OPT students?
Yes, without exception. Any employer hiring you on a STEM OPT extension must be enrolled in E-Verify before your extension is approved, not just willing to enroll later. Search the E-Verify employer database to confirm active enrollment status before you sign an offer. Employers who hire through staffing agencies face additional rules: the end-client site must also meet E-Verify requirements.
Where can I find QA Test Engineer jobs from employers who already support STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters QA Test Engineer listings by employers with documented LCA filing history, so you can identify companies that have already navigated work authorization paperwork for similar roles. Targeting employers with that history reduces the risk of discovering mid-offer that an employer's HR team isn't set up to handle your STEM OPT extension requirements.