STEM OPT Research Engineer Jobs
Research Engineer roles in areas like machine learning, materials science, and biomedical systems are strong fits for STEM OPT. Your 24-month extension applies if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your extension start date.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Meta is seeking AI research engineers to help us build the data foundation for Meta's most advanced Large Language Models. We're looking for engineers with LLM expertise to join us on working with data at scale and to push beyond the data ceiling. Our team contributes to data curation across all stages of LLM development (pre-training, mid-training, post-training) and all domains/modalities (e.g., web, code, agent, multilingual). We tackle the hardest challenges at trillion-scale, including organic data curation, synthetic data generation, agent and interaction data, and frontier paradigms that redefine what's possible. Based in Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL) within the Fundamental AI Research Organization (FAIR), you'll directly contribute to Meta’s frontier models like Llama, while having the chance to collaborate with researchers and engineers across MSL.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop Meta’s next foundational models
- Architect efficient and scalable data curation systems and pipelines
- Fundamentally improve our data velocity across workflows and projects by contributing to the advancement of data tooling
- Execute on high priority projects in pre-training, mid-training, or post-training data curation
- Apply specialized expertise in agentic data, synthetic data, reasoning data, web parser, coding data, data scaling laws, or datamix optimization
- Lead complex technical projects end-to-end
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
- 1+ year of industry research experience in LLM/NLP or related AI/ML models
- Experience owning and/or driving complex technical projects from end-to-end
- Practical experience with pre-training or mid-training data curation for large foundational models and experience working with organic, synthetic, agentic, or reasoning data for LLMs
- Demonstrated data infrastructure and software background, and experience building data tooling and services
- Published research in leading peer-reviewed conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL, EMNLP) and/or demonstrated significant industry influence in the field of AI
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working on frontier-quality/state-of-the-art Large Language Models
- Masters degree or PhD in Computer Science or a related technical field
- Hands-on experience with modeling frameworks like PyTorch
- Hands-on experience on SQL and large-scale data handling, with familiarity of frameworks like Spark and Hive
ABOUT META:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $154,003/year to $217,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
INTRODUCTION
Meta is seeking AI research engineers to help us build the data foundation for Meta's most advanced Large Language Models. We're looking for engineers with LLM expertise to join us on working with data at scale and to push beyond the data ceiling. Our team contributes to data curation across all stages of LLM development (pre-training, mid-training, post-training) and all domains/modalities (e.g., web, code, agent, multilingual). We tackle the hardest challenges at trillion-scale, including organic data curation, synthetic data generation, agent and interaction data, and frontier paradigms that redefine what's possible. Based in Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL) within the Fundamental AI Research Organization (FAIR), you'll directly contribute to Meta’s frontier models like Llama, while having the chance to collaborate with researchers and engineers across MSL.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop Meta’s next foundational models
- Architect efficient and scalable data curation systems and pipelines
- Fundamentally improve our data velocity across workflows and projects by contributing to the advancement of data tooling
- Execute on high priority projects in pre-training, mid-training, or post-training data curation
- Apply specialized expertise in agentic data, synthetic data, reasoning data, web parser, coding data, data scaling laws, or datamix optimization
- Lead complex technical projects end-to-end
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
- 1+ year of industry research experience in LLM/NLP or related AI/ML models
- Experience owning and/or driving complex technical projects from end-to-end
- Practical experience with pre-training or mid-training data curation for large foundational models and experience working with organic, synthetic, agentic, or reasoning data for LLMs
- Demonstrated data infrastructure and software background, and experience building data tooling and services
- Published research in leading peer-reviewed conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL, EMNLP) and/or demonstrated significant industry influence in the field of AI
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working on frontier-quality/state-of-the-art Large Language Models
- Masters degree or PhD in Computer Science or a related technical field
- Hands-on experience with modeling frameworks like PyTorch
- Hands-on experience on SQL and large-scale data handling, with familiarity of frameworks like Spark and Hive
ABOUT META:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $154,003/year to $217,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Research Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Research Engineer roles typically align with engineering, computer science, or physical science codes, but a mismatch disqualifies your extension regardless of your job duties.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before signing
Ask your hiring contact for the company's E-Verify company ID number before you accept an offer. An employer can't sponsor your STEM OPT extension without active E-Verify enrollment, and not every research lab or university spinout is enrolled.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan early
Draft your Form I-983 training plan during the offer stage, not after you start. Research Engineer roles need a plan that maps specific lab activities, project milestones, and skill outcomes to your STEM degree field, which takes time to do accurately.
Target employers with active DOL LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Research Engineer postings by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications. LCA history signals that a company has navigated federal work authorization requirements before and understands what STEM OPT compliance involves.
Check prevailing wage against your offer
Look up the wage level for your research role using the OFLC Wage Search before finalizing compensation. Your employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for your job title and location, which USCIS reviews when evaluating your STEM OPT extension application.
Start your DSO application 90 days out
File your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS no later than 90 days before your initial OPT end date. Your DSO must update your SEVIS record first, and USCIS processing can extend beyond your OPT expiration, so early filing protects your continuous work authorization.
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Find Research Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Research Engineer positions qualify if your degree's CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and the role directly relates to that field of study. O*NET classifies research engineering work under STEM occupations, but your DSO must confirm the CIP code match before authorizing your extension. The job title alone isn't enough.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a research role?
Your Form I-983 must describe specific learning objectives tied to your degree field, identify the employer supervisor responsible for your training, and outline how each project or lab activity develops practical STEM skills. Generic job descriptions don't satisfy the requirement. Both you and your employer must sign the plan, and your DSO must review it before submitting your extension application to USCIS.
How do I verify that a research employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask your recruiter or HR contact directly for the company's E-Verify company ID. You can also search the E-Verify employer database by company name. Government-funded research labs, national laboratories, and university-affiliated research centers are often enrolled, but smaller startup labs and contract research organizations sometimes are not, so always confirm before your extension start date.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my research employer loses E-Verify enrollment?
If your employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses or is terminated after your extension begins, your authorization is at risk. USCIS requires employers to maintain active E-Verify enrollment for the full duration of your STEM OPT period. You should report the change to your DSO immediately and begin evaluating whether to transfer to a new employer before your status is affected.
Where can I find Research Engineer jobs where employers are already prepared for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters Research Engineer postings by employers with verified Labor Condition Application filing history, which indicates familiarity with federal work authorization requirements. Searching there reduces the time you spend vetting employers who have never sponsored OPT or don't know what E-Verify enrollment or an I-983 training plan involves.
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