STEM OPT Software Architect Jobs
Software Architect roles qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in computer science, software engineering, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your I-983 training plan before your extension begins. That's 36 months total to build your architecture career in the U.S.
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Get Access To All JobsSCOPE OF THE PROJECT:
As an artificial intelligence (AI) subject-matter expert, this position will support OTIS and the State's AI Center of Excellence by providing technical expertise for the evaluation and responsible implementation of AI solutions. The role will assist state agencies and other government entities in assessing AI use cases, tools, risks and opportunities and developing secure, reusable technical approaches. The position will also contribute to statewide AI strategies and guidance that align with organizational goals and established governance, security and privacy requirements.
DAILY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Support the development and implementation of AI strategies that align with organization's goals and objectives
-
Contribute to the AI review and approval process for use cases and vendors, ensuring they meet established compliance and operational requirements across the state.
-
Support and promote the adoption of standardized AI processes.
-
Support the State's AI Center of Excellence by contributing technical expertise to the design of secure architectures, development of reusable technical patterns, use case development, prototyping, feasibility assessments and responsible implementation of AI solutions.
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Develop and maintain a high level of expertise in AI, positioning Office of Information Technology Services as a leader.
REQUIRED SKILLS
(Please ensure candidate's relevant experience is listed with appropriate supporting documentation)
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1 year of proven experience with establishing proof of concept success criteria and evaluating AI solutions against criteria
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2 years of hands-on experience with ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and comparable generative AI platforms.
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2 years of experience designing and implementing AI agents and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) solutions.
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1 year of experience using AI-assisted coding tools to accelerate development, testing, debugging, and documentation.
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1 year of experience defining AI use case success criteria, key performance indicators (KPIs) and production monitoring measures for AI use cases.
-
1 year of experience building dashboards and reporting for AI adoption, performance, cost, risk, and operational outcomes.
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1 year of hands-on experience integrating AI capabilities with Azure and AWS
PREFERRED SKILLS
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Background in a variety of programming languages and principals.
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Familiarity with the foundations of artificial neural networks (ANNs), transformers, natural language processing, image classification and time-series data.
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Experience with data tools and techniques for storing, retrieving, and cleaning data.
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
Undergraduate degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
OTHER SKILLS/DUTIES:
-
Strong communication and knowledge-transfer skills.
-
Advanced report writing ability.
-
Excellent communication skills and relevant public speaking.
-
Experience working on complex projects
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT:
As an artificial intelligence (AI) subject-matter expert, this position will support OTIS and the State's AI Center of Excellence by providing technical expertise for the evaluation and responsible implementation of AI solutions. The role will assist state agencies and other government entities in assessing AI use cases, tools, risks and opportunities and developing secure, reusable technical approaches. The position will also contribute to statewide AI strategies and guidance that align with organizational goals and established governance, security and privacy requirements.
DAILY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Support the development and implementation of AI strategies that align with organization's goals and objectives
-
Contribute to the AI review and approval process for use cases and vendors, ensuring they meet established compliance and operational requirements across the state.
-
Support and promote the adoption of standardized AI processes.
-
Support the State's AI Center of Excellence by contributing technical expertise to the design of secure architectures, development of reusable technical patterns, use case development, prototyping, feasibility assessments and responsible implementation of AI solutions.
-
Develop and maintain a high level of expertise in AI, positioning Office of Information Technology Services as a leader.
REQUIRED SKILLS
(Please ensure candidate's relevant experience is listed with appropriate supporting documentation)
-
1 year of proven experience with establishing proof of concept success criteria and evaluating AI solutions against criteria
-
2 years of hands-on experience with ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and comparable generative AI platforms.
-
2 years of experience designing and implementing AI agents and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) solutions.
-
1 year of experience using AI-assisted coding tools to accelerate development, testing, debugging, and documentation.
-
1 year of experience defining AI use case success criteria, key performance indicators (KPIs) and production monitoring measures for AI use cases.
-
1 year of experience building dashboards and reporting for AI adoption, performance, cost, risk, and operational outcomes.
-
1 year of hands-on experience integrating AI capabilities with Azure and AWS
PREFERRED SKILLS
-
Background in a variety of programming languages and principals.
-
Familiarity with the foundations of artificial neural networks (ANNs), transformers, natural language processing, image classification and time-series data.
-
Experience with data tools and techniques for storing, retrieving, and cleaning data.
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
Undergraduate degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
OTHER SKILLS/DUTIES:
-
Strong communication and knowledge-transfer skills.
-
Advanced report writing ability.
-
Excellent communication skills and relevant public speaking.
-
Experience working on complex projects
See all 35+ STEM OPT Software Architect Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Software Architect
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list. Software engineering, computer science, and information systems degrees typically qualify, but interdisciplinary programs sometimes don't. Confirm with your DSO before targeting roles.
Filter for E-Verify employers in your search
Any employer that hires you on STEM OPT must be enrolled in E-Verify. Ask recruiters directly during the screening call, or search the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment before investing time in the interview process.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan early
Software Architect roles require a detailed I-983 showing how your day-to-day work relates to your STEM degree. Draft the learning objectives section before your offer letter is finalized so your employer's HR team isn't scrambling after you sign.
Target companies with active H-1B filing history
Employers who've sponsored H-1B visa petitions for software roles have already built the compliance infrastructure to support STEM OPT. Use Migrate Mate to surface companies with DOL Labor Condition Application filing history for software architect-level positions.
Apply before your OPT end date to trigger cap-gap
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30. For Software Architect roles, coordinate with your employer to submit the USCIS registration during the March lottery window.
Benchmark your offer against prevailing wage tiers
Your I-983 must reflect a bona fide employment relationship, and low offers can draw scrutiny. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for Software Architect under SOC code 15-1243 in your metro area before evaluating any offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension if I'm applying for Software Architect jobs?
Your degree qualifies if its CIP code appears on the DHS STEM designated degree list. Degrees in computer science, software engineering, information technology, and related fields typically qualify. Your DSO can confirm your specific CIP code. The qualification is tied to your degree program, not the job title itself, so a qualifying STEM degree supports your extension even in a senior architecture role.
How do I confirm a Software Architect employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
You can search the official E-Verify employer search tool by company name to confirm enrollment before you accept an offer. Ask your recruiter directly as well, since E-Verify enrollment is a legal requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. If the employer isn't enrolled, they can't legally hire you on the STEM OPT extension, and USCIS can terminate your authorization.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Software Architect role?
Your I-983 must describe how your day-to-day Software Architect responsibilities connect to your STEM degree, including specific learning objectives and supervision structure. For architecture roles, this typically covers system design methodologies, technical leadership, and engineering principles tied to your field of study. Both you and your employer's authorized representative must sign it, and your DSO must approve it before USCIS processes your extension.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my employer loses E-Verify enrollment during my extension?
USCIS requires your employer to maintain E-Verify enrollment for the full duration of your STEM OPT extension. If your employer loses enrollment, you must stop working and either find a new E-Verify enrolled employer or risk falling out of status. USCIS can terminate your STEM OPT authorization if the employer is no longer compliant, so monitor your employer's status and notify your DSO immediately if enrollment lapses.
Where can I find Software Architect jobs where the employer already understands STEM OPT requirements?
Migrate Mate lists Software Architect positions filtered for employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and active DOL LCA filing history, so you're not spending time on companies that haven't sponsored STEM workers before. Employers with existing STEM OPT or H-1B infrastructure are less likely to stall on I-983 preparation or E-Verify compliance, which matters when your authorization window is fixed.