STEM OPT Security Researcher Jobs
Security Researcher roles in vulnerability research, threat intelligence, and penetration testing qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree is in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your start date.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are now looking for Senior Research Scientist, Security and Privacy. NVIDIA is seeking exceptional security and privacy researchers to contribute to the development of secure, private, and safe AI systems. Security, privacy, and safety concerns are increasingly limiting the access and use of data in AI as well as the use of AI in critical use cases. In order to enable trustworthy AI systems in the future, all layers of AI systems need to be co-designed and co-optimized to provide strong, verifiable protection while still maximizing performance and energy efficiency. We are seeking candidates that have a proven track record of research excellence, a broad perspective on security/privacy across the full hardware/software stack, and depth in one of the layers such as computer architecture, programming languages, software systems, applied cryptography, and AI/ML algorithms. NVIDIA has pioneered programmable GPUs and the CUDA language, and is a world leader in accelerated computing and AI systems, with aggressive plans for future system developments. This position offers you the opportunity to have a real impact in a dynamic, technology-focused company.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Understand and analyze the potential vulnerabilities and risks in future systems for AI and AI-based systems.
- Develop creative hardware, software, and algorithms to enable trustworthy AI systems with strong and verifiable security, privacy, and safety guarantees.
- Collaborate with a diverse set of teams across the company, spanning software, hardware, research, and product groups.
- Publish original research and speak at conferences and events.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- You have a Ph.D. in CE/CS/EE (or equivalent experience) with a strong background in computer architecture, operating systems, programming languages/compilers, applied cryptography, and/or AI/ML. A strong publication, patent, and research collaboration history is a huge advantage.
- At least 4 years of relevant research and work experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in at least one specific security area (applied cryptography, programming languages, software systems, AI/ML algorithms, computer architecture, etc.) with the ability to become the go-to resource within a team having varied backgrounds.
- Experience with experimental research and development.
- Strengths coding in C, C++, Python, and/or scripting languages.
- Strong communication skills needed. Being a creative and dynamic presenter is a big advantage.
COMPENSATION
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 192,000 USD - 304,750 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until January 13, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes. NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
We are now looking for Senior Research Scientist, Security and Privacy. NVIDIA is seeking exceptional security and privacy researchers to contribute to the development of secure, private, and safe AI systems. Security, privacy, and safety concerns are increasingly limiting the access and use of data in AI as well as the use of AI in critical use cases. In order to enable trustworthy AI systems in the future, all layers of AI systems need to be co-designed and co-optimized to provide strong, verifiable protection while still maximizing performance and energy efficiency. We are seeking candidates that have a proven track record of research excellence, a broad perspective on security/privacy across the full hardware/software stack, and depth in one of the layers such as computer architecture, programming languages, software systems, applied cryptography, and AI/ML algorithms. NVIDIA has pioneered programmable GPUs and the CUDA language, and is a world leader in accelerated computing and AI systems, with aggressive plans for future system developments. This position offers you the opportunity to have a real impact in a dynamic, technology-focused company.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Understand and analyze the potential vulnerabilities and risks in future systems for AI and AI-based systems.
- Develop creative hardware, software, and algorithms to enable trustworthy AI systems with strong and verifiable security, privacy, and safety guarantees.
- Collaborate with a diverse set of teams across the company, spanning software, hardware, research, and product groups.
- Publish original research and speak at conferences and events.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- You have a Ph.D. in CE/CS/EE (or equivalent experience) with a strong background in computer architecture, operating systems, programming languages/compilers, applied cryptography, and/or AI/ML. A strong publication, patent, and research collaboration history is a huge advantage.
- At least 4 years of relevant research and work experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in at least one specific security area (applied cryptography, programming languages, software systems, AI/ML algorithms, computer architecture, etc.) with the ability to become the go-to resource within a team having varied backgrounds.
- Experience with experimental research and development.
- Strengths coding in C, C++, Python, and/or scripting languages.
- Strong communication skills needed. Being a creative and dynamic presenter is a big advantage.
COMPENSATION
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 192,000 USD - 304,750 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until January 13, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes. NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Security Researcher
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to an approved STEM field on the ICE STEM-designated degree list. Cybersecurity, computer science, and information assurance CIP codes all qualify, but "general IT" programs sometimes don't.
Confirm E-Verify status before accepting offers
Ask HR directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you sign anything. Federal contractors are required to participate, but many private-sector security research teams aren't. USCIS won't approve your STEM OPT extension if the employer isn't enrolled at the time of filing.
Build a training plan tied to security research skills
Your I-983 must list concrete learning objectives: reverse engineering, malware analysis, or CVE research are defensible. Vague goals like "gain professional experience" get flagged during DSO review. Align each objective to a deliverable your manager can assess at the 12-month evaluation.
Target employers with cleared research programs
Many Security Researcher roles sit inside cleared facilities or support cleared programs, which can complicate STEM OPT timing. Identify employers that sponsor both the work authorization and any required clearance pathway upfront, since clearance processing rarely aligns with OPT deadlines.
Search Migrate Mate for verified STEM OPT employers
Filter your Security Researcher job search on Migrate Mate to surface employers already verified for STEM OPT hiring. Seeing a company's prior authorization history tells you whether their HR team knows the I-983 and E-Verify process before you spend time on applications.
File your extension at least 90 days before OPT ends
Your DSO must recommend the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS, and USCIS recommends submitting your I-765 at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. If the application is pending on your end date, the cap-gap provision keeps you authorized while USCIS adjudicates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a Security Researcher?
Your degree qualifies if its CIP code appears on the ICE STEM-designated degree list. Degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, information assurance, electrical engineering, and mathematics all typically qualify. If your degree is in a field like criminal justice with a cybersecurity concentration, check the CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility, since the listed field of study controls, not the job title.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Security Researcher role?
The I-983 must connect your day-to-day Security Researcher work to the STEM field of your degree. List specific learning goals such as vulnerability assessment methodology, exploit development, or threat modeling. Your supervisor signs off on evaluations at 12 months and again at the end of the extension. Generic descriptions won't satisfy DSO review, so tie each objective to a measurable outcome.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly whether the company is an E-Verify participant. You can also search the E-Verify employer search tool on the E-Verify website to look up participating employers by name. Enrollment must be active before your STEM OPT extension is approved, and your I-983 must name the employer's E-Verify company identification number.
Where can I find Security Researcher jobs where employers already understand STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Security Researcher openings filtered for employers who are familiar with STEM OPT authorization and E-Verify enrollment. Searching there lets you focus on roles where the hiring process is already set up for F-1 candidates, rather than educating employers about the extension requirements from scratch.
What happens to my work authorization if my H-1B is selected in the lottery before my STEM OPT ends?
If your H-1B visa petition is filed while your STEM OPT EAD is valid and your status remains in F-1, the cap-gap provision extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of the fiscal year the H-1B takes effect. You can continue working as a Security Researcher during the gap without a new EAD, as long as your employer filed before your OPT expired.