STEM OPT Software Design Engineer Jobs
Software Design Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in computer science, engineering, or a related STEM field. The 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build U.S. work experience, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
SW Design and Release Engineer (DRE) is leading an embedded system software development project with a supplier for a Propulsion System Control Module. Control Modules supported may include Engine, BEV and HEV Supervisory controllers, High Voltage Battery controllers, DCDC Convertors, On Board Charging Modules, Motor Control Processors and other modules controlling propulsion system components. The Design Release Software Engineer is responsible for working with Tier one suppliers and Internal development teams (Base SW and Application SW developers as well as requirements team) for developing and integrating Embedded Software for advanced propulsion system components from initial design concept through full volume production.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead the planning and integration program software requirements that satisfy vehicle and component level functional objectives
- Work cross functionally with SW development (supplier or internal), SW validation, Calibration Diagnostics, FUSA and Architecture teams to manage SW release timing to meet Vehicle build and program timing needs
- Lead interface for SW issue resolution for Software on a component and vehicle level
- Lead technical input for SW coordination and requirements alignment meetings
- Coordinate change management for the component SW
- Support Validation, SW development and troubleshooting as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Understanding of Propulsion Systems for ICE, HEV and BEV applications
- CANALYZER, CANOE and INCA proficiency
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Familiar with electrification architectures including 48V, EV, HEV, PHEV and BSG systems
- Highly motivated with self-motivation
- DVP&R and DFMEA basic understanding
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Electrical, Computer Engineering or a related field
- Advanced automotive battery design and testing experience
- Product Design and Release experience
- Requirements Definition and Management
- Change Control and Issue Management Tracking
INTRODUCTION
SW Design and Release Engineer (DRE) is leading an embedded system software development project with a supplier for a Propulsion System Control Module. Control Modules supported may include Engine, BEV and HEV Supervisory controllers, High Voltage Battery controllers, DCDC Convertors, On Board Charging Modules, Motor Control Processors and other modules controlling propulsion system components. The Design Release Software Engineer is responsible for working with Tier one suppliers and Internal development teams (Base SW and Application SW developers as well as requirements team) for developing and integrating Embedded Software for advanced propulsion system components from initial design concept through full volume production.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead the planning and integration program software requirements that satisfy vehicle and component level functional objectives
- Work cross functionally with SW development (supplier or internal), SW validation, Calibration Diagnostics, FUSA and Architecture teams to manage SW release timing to meet Vehicle build and program timing needs
- Lead interface for SW issue resolution for Software on a component and vehicle level
- Lead technical input for SW coordination and requirements alignment meetings
- Coordinate change management for the component SW
- Support Validation, SW development and troubleshooting as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Understanding of Propulsion Systems for ICE, HEV and BEV applications
- CANALYZER, CANOE and INCA proficiency
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Familiar with electrification architectures including 48V, EV, HEV, PHEV and BSG systems
- Highly motivated with self-motivation
- DVP&R and DFMEA basic understanding
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Electrical, Computer Engineering or a related field
- Advanced automotive battery design and testing experience
- Product Design and Release experience
- Requirements Definition and Management
- Change Control and Issue Management Tracking
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Software Design Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Computer science, electrical engineering, and software engineering degrees almost always qualify, but interdisciplinary programs sometimes carry codes that don't.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting
Before signing an offer, search the E-Verify employer database to confirm active enrollment. A company that isn't enrolled cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT, regardless of how willing they are to sponsor.
File your I-983 training plan early
Work with your DSO and hiring manager to complete the I-983 before your STEM OPT start date. Software Design Engineer roles should document specific technical training goals tied to your degree field, not just generic job duties.
Target companies with active H-1B filing history
Use Migrate Mate to filter Software Design Engineer roles by employers with documented H-1B visa Labor Condition Application filings. These employers already understand work authorization timelines and are structured to support the transition beyond OPT.
Request an updated I-20 with your STEM OPT dates
Your DSO must issue a new I-20 recommending the 24-month STEM extension before you file I-765 with USCIS. Submit your application no later than 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires to avoid a gap in authorization.
Benchmark your offer against prevailing wage data
Look up the Software Design Engineer wage level for your work location using the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating. STEM OPT doesn't require a prevailing wage filing, but knowing the DOL benchmark protects you from offers that could create problems if you later pursue H-1B sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a Software Design Engineer?
Your degree qualifies if it appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which is tied to your CIP code rather than your job title. Degrees in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, and information systems commonly qualify. Check your I-20 for your CIP code and cross-reference the DHS list to confirm eligibility before your DSO files the STEM OPT recommendation.
What is the E-Verify requirement for STEM OPT Software Design Engineer jobs?
Every employer who hires you on STEM OPT must be actively enrolled in E-Verify, the federal employment eligibility verification system. You can search the public E-Verify employer search tool to check enrollment status before accepting an offer. If your employer isn't enrolled, they must complete enrollment before your STEM OPT period begins. Failure to work for an enrolled employer jeopardizes your authorization and your future status.
How does the I-983 training plan work for a Software Design Engineer role?
The I-983 form documents how your day-to-day work as a Software Design Engineer relates directly to your STEM degree. You and your employer complete it together before your extension starts, and you must update it every six months or whenever your role changes significantly. USCIS requires that the training objectives be specific and degree-connected, so generic job descriptions without technical detail risk a compliance issue.
What happens to my work authorization during the H-1B cap-gap period?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, the cap-gap provision automatically extends your OPT authorization through September 30. This keeps you legally employed during the gap between your EAD expiration and the October 1 H-1B start date. USCIS confirms cap-gap eligibility through your I-797 receipt notice, which your employer should provide to you promptly.
Where can I find Software Design Engineer jobs with E-Verify enrolled employers?
Migrate Mate filters Software Design Engineer listings specifically for STEM OPT students, surfacing roles at employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and documented work authorization sponsorship history. This removes the guesswork of vetting employers manually and helps you target companies already familiar with the I-983 training plan and STEM OPT compliance requirements.