STEM OPT Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs
Senior Simulation Engineer roles in aerospace, automotive, and defense align directly with STEM OPT eligibility, giving you up to 24 additional months of work authorization after your initial OPT year. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your STEM degree in engineering, computer science, or a closely related field qualifies you to apply.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB DESCRIPTION: Shield AI is building autonomous aircraft that push the limits of aviation. The Software Integration & Operations (SIO) team builds and sustains the release systems that make safe, rapid, and repeatable deployment of aircraft software possible. As a Simulation Applications Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and developing our operator training platform. A successful applicant will bring multifaceted backend and simulation tools expertise to create comprehensive training applications used to train Operators of Shield AI’s UAVs in the field.
- Perform generalist backend development for our operator training platform (OTT)
- Work with our training team to align on designs that bring about the best user experience and our internal engineering teams to support their development.
- Build out containers and integrate with other software applications to make the simplest workflows as possible on Linux and Windows.
- Perform DevOps for deployment, testing, containerization, and ongoing support of the OTT using both Windows and Linux
- Optimize performance and scalability of the simulation application to support complex training scenarios and multiple concurrent users.
- Rapidly prototype and evaluate new technologies to keep the training system at the cutting edge.
Required Qualifications
- BS in Computer Science or related engineering field with 3+ years of professional experience.
- Strong foundation in Python.
- Passion for creating an amazing user experience in a complex system.
- Backend experience with standalone and web-based applications
- Eagerness to learn, adapt, and grow in a collaborative team environment, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and communication.
- Eligible to obtain a clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with TypeScript, Java, and C++
- Experience creating and modifying DevOps pipelines
- Experience with Data Analysis tactics and designs
- Experience with Containerization
- Interest in aerospace and autonomous vehicles
Compensation
- Salary Range: $105,000 - $200,000 a year
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Shield AI is building autonomous aircraft that push the limits of aviation. The Software Integration & Operations (SIO) team builds and sustains the release systems that make safe, rapid, and repeatable deployment of aircraft software possible. As a Simulation Applications Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and developing our operator training platform. A successful applicant will bring multifaceted backend and simulation tools expertise to create comprehensive training applications used to train Operators of Shield AI’s UAVs in the field.
- Perform generalist backend development for our operator training platform (OTT)
- Work with our training team to align on designs that bring about the best user experience and our internal engineering teams to support their development.
- Build out containers and integrate with other software applications to make the simplest workflows as possible on Linux and Windows.
- Perform DevOps for deployment, testing, containerization, and ongoing support of the OTT using both Windows and Linux
- Optimize performance and scalability of the simulation application to support complex training scenarios and multiple concurrent users.
- Rapidly prototype and evaluate new technologies to keep the training system at the cutting edge.
Required Qualifications
- BS in Computer Science or related engineering field with 3+ years of professional experience.
- Strong foundation in Python.
- Passion for creating an amazing user experience in a complex system.
- Backend experience with standalone and web-based applications
- Eagerness to learn, adapt, and grow in a collaborative team environment, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and communication.
- Eligible to obtain a clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with TypeScript, Java, and C++
- Experience creating and modifying DevOps pipelines
- Experience with Data Analysis tactics and designs
- Experience with Containerization
- Interest in aerospace and autonomous vehicles
Compensation
- Salary Range: $105,000 - $200,000 a year
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Senior Simulation Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your STEM OPT extension depends on your degree's CIP code appearing on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Engineering and computer science codes typically qualify, but applied mathematics or physics variants may not. Confirm with your DSO before targeting simulation roles.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
STEM OPT requires your employer to be actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Use the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment before investing time in an application. Defense contractors and aerospace firms almost universally participate, making them reliable targets.
Align your training plan to simulation-specific competencies
Your I-983 training plan must tie learning objectives to your job duties. For Senior Simulation Engineers, map plan goals to specific skills such as finite element analysis, real-time simulation, or model-based systems engineering rather than generic engineering language, which strengthens DSO approval.
Check prevailing wage levels using OFLC Wage Search
Employers sponsoring STEM OPT workers must pay at least the prevailing wage for your occupation and location. Run your SOC code through OFLC Wage Search before negotiating an offer so you know the wage floor and can identify whether an offer meets DOL requirements.
Use Migrate Mate to find E-Verify-enrolled employers
Targeting the right employers is faster when you can filter by E-Verify status and role type simultaneously. Migrate Mate surfaces simulation engineering roles at employers already enrolled in E-Verify, cutting the manual verification step out of your search entirely.
Request the 60-day job search period strategically
If your simulation engineering position ends unexpectedly, USCIS allows a single 60-day unemployment window during your STEM OPT extension. Notify your DSO immediately when employment ends so your authorized unemployment period starts correctly and you don't lose days through delayed reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Simulation Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree falls under a DHS-designated STEM CIP code and the role directly applies that training. Simulation engineering positions in aerospace, automotive, defense, and semiconductor industries routinely qualify because they require specialized engineering or computer science degrees. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO and verify that your job duties map to your degree field before submitting the STEM OPT extension application to USCIS.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a simulation engineering role?
The I-983 must document specific learning objectives tied to your actual duties as a Senior Simulation Engineer. Generic descriptions won't satisfy USCIS requirements. Include technical goals such as developing physics-based simulation models, validating real-time systems, or applying finite element methods. Your employer's supervisor signs the plan, and your DSO must approve it before your extension is authorized. Both parties must also submit a six-month evaluation during the extension period.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer?
Use the official E-Verify employer search tool to look up your prospective employer by company name or location. Enrollment status must be active, not simply registered or expired. Many defense and aerospace contractors maintain continuous E-Verify enrollment due to federal contracting requirements, but smaller simulation software firms may not. If a company isn't enrolled, they can't legally employ you on STEM OPT, and enrolling takes additional time that can delay your start date.
How does cap-gap protection apply if I'm on STEM OPT and get selected in the H-1B lottery?
If your STEM OPT end date falls before October 1 of the fiscal year your H-1B visa petition targets, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization and F-1 status until your H-1B status begins. Your employer doesn't need to take additional action beyond having filed a timely H-1B petition. USCIS issues updated guidance each lottery cycle, so confirm current cap-gap rules with your DSO after selection results are announced.
Where can I find Senior Simulation Engineer jobs at employers who support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Senior Simulation Engineer openings filtered for employers with E-Verify enrollment and visa sponsorship history, so you're not sorting through companies that can't hire you on STEM OPT. You can also cross-reference the O*NET occupation profile for this role to identify related job titles and industries where simulation engineering demand is highest, then target your applications accordingly.