STEM OPT Senior AI Software Engineer Jobs
Senior AI Software Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. With 36 months of total OPT work authorization, you have a meaningful runway to build experience while pursuing H-1B sponsorship.
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KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
KLA has always had a close relationship with physics and data. Our optical and electron beam inspection and measurement tools use cutting edge physics models, both for hardware design and as part of their algorithms. AI, including several traditional machine learning techniques and deep learning are routinely used to process this data to meet application requirements. The AI & Modeling Center of Excellence was setup with the mission of advancing KLA’s traditional strengths in physics and data and providing implementation solutions for multiple KLA Inspection and Metrology products targeted at the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The AI & Modeling Center of Excellence is part of the company’s Central Engineering organization providing product development expertise in a critical area for a wide variety KLA products. As a part of this group, you will be part of a world class team of physicists, HPC system designers, machine learning and application engineers who build cutting edge solutions for modeling complex imaging techniques and semiconductor processes. You will also work with a data scientists and AI infrastructure engineers whose mission is to build and scale machine learning based solutions for our semiconductor customers. We are looking for engineers in a few different fields. If you are passionate about Physics Modeling, High Performance Computing - HPC (including GPU), Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Data Sciences, or cutting-edge Cloud technologies – this is the place for you!
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Sr. AI Infrastructure Software Engineer – C++ Focus
Love C++? Fascinated by GPUs? Curious about how AI frameworks with CUDA, TensorFlow, JAX and PyTorch really work under the hood? We’re building the next-gen software stack that powers the future of AI and we’re looking for sharp, curious engineers who want to get close to the product, and grow to the architect level. If you’re passionate about low system-level development, this is your chance to make a real impact in AI infrastructure. You’ll work alongside a world-class team, top-notch architects, solving tough problems at the intersection of software and hardware, and growing your skills in a space that’s shaping the future of computing.
What You’ll Do
- Design and implement core infrastructure components that support AI/ML workloads across multiple frameworks and hardware platforms.
- Write high-performance, maintainable C++ code for system-level software that interfaces directly with GPUs and low-level hardware.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI frameworks into a unified development environment.
- Contribute to build systems and toolchains using Makefiles, CMake, Clang, and GCC.
- Learn from experienced engineers and grow into broader architectural and leadership responsibilities over time.
What We’re Looking For
- Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong C++ programming skills and solid software engineering fundamentals.
- Solid experience and hands-on knowledge with GPU programming (e.g., CUDA) and Linux development environments.
- Familiarity with build tools (Makefile, CMake) and compilers (Clang, GCC).
- Hands-on skills on Python programming.
- Bonus: Exposure to AI/ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX.
- Bonus: Experience with embedded systems or companies building physical products.
- Excellent attention to detail, planning, and execution skills—especially for multi-month projects.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, customer-focused mindset.
- A plus if you’ve transitioned from software development into technical project coordination or aspire to do so.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years
Base Pay Range: $166,700.00 - $283,400.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
KLA has always had a close relationship with physics and data. Our optical and electron beam inspection and measurement tools use cutting edge physics models, both for hardware design and as part of their algorithms. AI, including several traditional machine learning techniques and deep learning are routinely used to process this data to meet application requirements. The AI & Modeling Center of Excellence was setup with the mission of advancing KLA’s traditional strengths in physics and data and providing implementation solutions for multiple KLA Inspection and Metrology products targeted at the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The AI & Modeling Center of Excellence is part of the company’s Central Engineering organization providing product development expertise in a critical area for a wide variety KLA products. As a part of this group, you will be part of a world class team of physicists, HPC system designers, machine learning and application engineers who build cutting edge solutions for modeling complex imaging techniques and semiconductor processes. You will also work with a data scientists and AI infrastructure engineers whose mission is to build and scale machine learning based solutions for our semiconductor customers. We are looking for engineers in a few different fields. If you are passionate about Physics Modeling, High Performance Computing - HPC (including GPU), Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Data Sciences, or cutting-edge Cloud technologies – this is the place for you!
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Sr. AI Infrastructure Software Engineer – C++ Focus
Love C++? Fascinated by GPUs? Curious about how AI frameworks with CUDA, TensorFlow, JAX and PyTorch really work under the hood? We’re building the next-gen software stack that powers the future of AI and we’re looking for sharp, curious engineers who want to get close to the product, and grow to the architect level. If you’re passionate about low system-level development, this is your chance to make a real impact in AI infrastructure. You’ll work alongside a world-class team, top-notch architects, solving tough problems at the intersection of software and hardware, and growing your skills in a space that’s shaping the future of computing.
What You’ll Do
- Design and implement core infrastructure components that support AI/ML workloads across multiple frameworks and hardware platforms.
- Write high-performance, maintainable C++ code for system-level software that interfaces directly with GPUs and low-level hardware.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI frameworks into a unified development environment.
- Contribute to build systems and toolchains using Makefiles, CMake, Clang, and GCC.
- Learn from experienced engineers and grow into broader architectural and leadership responsibilities over time.
What We’re Looking For
- Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong C++ programming skills and solid software engineering fundamentals.
- Solid experience and hands-on knowledge with GPU programming (e.g., CUDA) and Linux development environments.
- Familiarity with build tools (Makefile, CMake) and compilers (Clang, GCC).
- Hands-on skills on Python programming.
- Bonus: Exposure to AI/ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX.
- Bonus: Experience with embedded systems or companies building physical products.
- Excellent attention to detail, planning, and execution skills—especially for multi-month projects.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, customer-focused mindset.
- A plus if you’ve transitioned from software development into technical project coordination or aspire to do so.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years
Base Pay Range: $166,700.00 - $283,400.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
See all 515+ Senior AI Software Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Senior AI Software Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Senior AI Software Engineer
Verify your degree's CIP code eligibility
Check that your STEM degree maps to an approved CIP code before applying. Computer science, electrical engineering, and data science degrees typically qualify, but your DSO confirms the exact classification using your official transcript and program details.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension is approved. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name to confirm enrollment status, and ask recruiters to provide the company's E-Verify ID during the offer stage.
Target employers with active H-1B LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Senior AI Software Engineer roles by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for AI and machine learning occupations, so you're applying to companies with a documented track record of sponsoring roles like yours.
Build your I-983 training plan around ML deliverables
Your I-983 must connect your daily work to your STEM degree field. For AI engineering roles, document specific learning goals tied to model development, data pipelines, or systems architecture. Vague plans draw scrutiny from USCIS during OPT extension adjudication.
Negotiate role scope to match your degree field
Offers that title you as a generalist software engineer rather than an AI or ML specialist can complicate your I-983 and future H-1B specialty occupation case. Get the job description to reflect AI-specific responsibilities before signing, not after.
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Find Senior AI Software Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior AI Software Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your degree maps to an approved STEM CIP code. Computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, and data science degrees are the most common qualifying fields for AI engineering roles. Your DSO verifies your CIP code and recommends the STEM OPT extension through SEVIS before USCIS adjudicates your I-765 application.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for an AI engineering role?
Your I-983 must describe how your day-to-day work applies your STEM degree directly. For Senior AI Software Engineer positions, that means documenting specific learning objectives around model training, inference optimization, data infrastructure, or AI systems design. Generic descriptions like 'software development' are not sufficient. Your employer signs the plan, so align the language with your actual job responsibilities before submission.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify before I start work on STEM OPT?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT authorization, not a recommendation. If your employer is not enrolled at the time your extension is approved, your STEM OPT is not valid for that position. Confirm enrollment before accepting an offer by searching the E-Verify employer database by company name, and ask the recruiter for the company's E-Verify employer identification number to be certain.
How does cap-gap work if my STEM OPT ends before October 1?
If your STEM OPT expires after your H-1B petition is filed but before October 1, the cap-gap rule automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. Your EAD card may expire, but your authorization to work for the same employer continues. USCIS confirms cap-gap status through your employer's timely filing receipt, so your employer needs to file before your OPT end date.
Where can I find Senior AI Software Engineer jobs at E-Verify enrolled employers?
Migrate Mate lists Senior AI Software Engineer roles filtered for employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and active Labor Condition Application filings in AI and machine learning occupations. That combination lets you target companies that are both legally eligible to hire you on STEM OPT and have already demonstrated a willingness to sponsor roles at this level.
See which Senior AI Software Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
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