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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Overview

Open Jobs1,034+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type89% On-site
Median Salary$123K
Top LocationSan Jose, CA
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 1,034+ Software Design Engineer jobs

Molex
Software Design Engineer
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Molex
Added 3mo ago
Software Design Engineer
Molex
Conway, Arkansas
Software Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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The University of Texas at Austin
Software Design Engineering Scientist Associate
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The University of Texas at Austin
Added 2mo ago
Software Design Engineering Scientist Associate
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Backend Engineering
Not listed
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Abbott
Software Design Quality Engineer
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Abbott
Added 2w ago
Software Design Quality Engineer
Abbott
Westford, Massachusetts
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Software Engineering
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$61,300/yr - $122,700/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Becton, Dickinson and Company
Software Design Assurance Engineer
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Becton, Dickinson and Company
Added 1mo ago
Software Design Assurance Engineer
Becton, Dickinson and Company
San Diego, California
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Compliance & Legal
Cybersecurity
Compliance & Risk
$102,000 - $168,200/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Associate's

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Fluor Corp.
Associate Design Engineer I
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Fluor Corp.
Added 1d ago
Associate Design Engineer I
Fluor Corp.
Aliso Viejo, California
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$56,500/yr - $104,500/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips 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 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.

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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.

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