STEM OPT Software Development Manager Jobs
Software Development Manager roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree aligns with a STEM-designated CIP code and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. The 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build your management track record while your employer evaluates long-term sponsorship options.
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Get Access To All JobsSUMMARY
Are you a big-picture problem solver who loves setting high-reaching goals? Do you have a passion for understanding how each line of code affects all the others? In the Core Operating Systems group, you'll help make the operating system inseparable from the identity of every device it runs on. This group brings hardware, software, and apps together into one seamless Apple experience and your commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration will help validate the foundational Darwin runtimes and system services that every Apple operating system, from iOS and macOS to watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, is built upon. Apple's CoreOS organization is seeking a highly motivated Software Development Engineer in Test to join the Darwin Ecosystem Quality Engineering team. We recognize that the quality of our software is only as good as that of our testing. The right candidate for this position enjoys finding creative and unexpected ways to torture bits.
DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to help drive quality across the Darwin Ecosystem of projects. Our QE team owns the quality of features and projects across the userspace runtime and concurrency libraries (libdispatch/GCD, libpthread, libplatform, libmalloc, libSystem), inter-process communication (XPC), process lifecycle and launch (launchd, RunningBoard), diagnostics and unified logging (os_log/libtrace, sysdiagnose), app installation and runtime services (MobileInstallation, MobileContainerManager, InstallCoordination), server operating system foundations and the BSD userland that ships across every Apple platform. In this role, you will partner closely with these development teams to proactively define test strategy, develop robust automation, execute validation plans, and deliver clear, trustworthy quality signals for complex, low-level systems. You will be responsible for investigating and triaging test failures, diagnosing issues that span userspace and kernel boundaries and the test infrastructure itself, extending our shared test frameworks, and building automation that enables fast, reliable feedback throughout the development lifecycle. This role requires strong technical depth, excellent communication skills, and a systems-level mindset. You will work independently on ambiguous problems, influence quality decisions across teams, and help raise the overall bar for Darwin Ecosystem validation. The ideal candidate is technically curious, detail-oriented, and motivated to make a measurable impact on the stability and reliability of Apple's system software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Solid understanding of the fundamentals of operating systems and UNIX, with excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills
- 3+ years of experience with programming languages such as C and Python, and experience developing automated tests and test infrastructure
- Skilled in testing methodologies, test planning, and defining validation strategies, with the ability to independently manage QA efforts across cross-functional teams
- Excellent collaborative skills with outstanding verbal and written communication abilities, including communicating quality status to stakeholders
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience using a debugger (e.g., LLDB) to diagnose low-level failures across userspace/kernel boundaries, and familiarity with security testing practices and tools
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
SUMMARY
Are you a big-picture problem solver who loves setting high-reaching goals? Do you have a passion for understanding how each line of code affects all the others? In the Core Operating Systems group, you'll help make the operating system inseparable from the identity of every device it runs on. This group brings hardware, software, and apps together into one seamless Apple experience and your commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration will help validate the foundational Darwin runtimes and system services that every Apple operating system, from iOS and macOS to watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, is built upon. Apple's CoreOS organization is seeking a highly motivated Software Development Engineer in Test to join the Darwin Ecosystem Quality Engineering team. We recognize that the quality of our software is only as good as that of our testing. The right candidate for this position enjoys finding creative and unexpected ways to torture bits.
DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to help drive quality across the Darwin Ecosystem of projects. Our QE team owns the quality of features and projects across the userspace runtime and concurrency libraries (libdispatch/GCD, libpthread, libplatform, libmalloc, libSystem), inter-process communication (XPC), process lifecycle and launch (launchd, RunningBoard), diagnostics and unified logging (os_log/libtrace, sysdiagnose), app installation and runtime services (MobileInstallation, MobileContainerManager, InstallCoordination), server operating system foundations and the BSD userland that ships across every Apple platform. In this role, you will partner closely with these development teams to proactively define test strategy, develop robust automation, execute validation plans, and deliver clear, trustworthy quality signals for complex, low-level systems. You will be responsible for investigating and triaging test failures, diagnosing issues that span userspace and kernel boundaries and the test infrastructure itself, extending our shared test frameworks, and building automation that enables fast, reliable feedback throughout the development lifecycle. This role requires strong technical depth, excellent communication skills, and a systems-level mindset. You will work independently on ambiguous problems, influence quality decisions across teams, and help raise the overall bar for Darwin Ecosystem validation. The ideal candidate is technically curious, detail-oriented, and motivated to make a measurable impact on the stability and reliability of Apple's system software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Solid understanding of the fundamentals of operating systems and UNIX, with excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills
- 3+ years of experience with programming languages such as C and Python, and experience developing automated tests and test infrastructure
- Skilled in testing methodologies, test planning, and defining validation strategies, with the ability to independently manage QA efforts across cross-functional teams
- Excellent collaborative skills with outstanding verbal and written communication abilities, including communicating quality status to stakeholders
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience using a debugger (e.g., LLDB) to diagnose low-level failures across userspace/kernel boundaries, and familiarity with security testing practices and tools
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
See all 417+ STEM OPT Software Development Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Software Development Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Software Development Manager
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Computer science, software engineering, and information systems codes qualify, but your DSO must confirm the match before approving your STEM OPT extension request.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Search the E-Verify employer database to confirm enrollment before you sign anything. A company that isn't enrolled cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT, regardless of their willingness to sponsor future visas.
Build your I-983 training plan around management competencies
Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. For a Software Development Manager role, document goals around engineering process design, technical team leadership, and systems architecture oversight rather than generic management skills.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Use Migrate Mate to filter Software Development Manager openings by employers who have filed H-1B visa LCAs, giving you visibility into which companies have a documented pattern of sponsoring engineering management roles rather than relying on recruiter claims.
Time your application around cap-gap eligibility
If your STEM OPT expires during an H-1B cap year, a timely H-1B petition filed before October 1 extends your work authorization automatically through cap-gap. Discuss this timeline with your employer's HR team during the offer stage, not after.
Use the OFLC Wage Search to validate your offer level
Look up your SOC code for Software Development Manager in the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating. Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the prevailing wage for your region, and knowing the threshold strengthens your negotiating position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Development Manager role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your degree carries a STEM-designated CIP code and the role requires applying that technical knowledge directly. Software Development Manager positions typically qualify under computer science, software engineering, or information systems CIP codes. Your DSO confirms eligibility when approving the extension, and your I-983 training plan must document how the role connects to your STEM field.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a management role?
The I-983 must list concrete learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not just job responsibilities. For a Software Development Manager, that means documenting goals such as applying software engineering methodologies at the team level, evaluating system architecture decisions, or building technical process frameworks. Generic management objectives without a STEM connection can cause your DSO or ICE to reject the plan.
How do I check whether a hiring company is enrolled in E-Verify?
Search the official E-Verify employer search tool maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Enter the company name or employer identification number to confirm active enrollment. E-Verify enrollment is a legal prerequisite for STEM OPT employment, so verify this before you reach the offer stage, not after. Some large companies enroll by subsidiary, so confirm the specific legal entity on your offer letter.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my employer loses E-Verify enrollment?
Your work authorization becomes invalid if your employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses during your STEM OPT period. USCIS requires continuous enrollment for the full duration of your extension. If your employer is decertified or voluntarily withdraws, you must stop working immediately and either find a new enrolled employer or apply for a change of status. Report the change to your DSO within the required reporting window.
Where can I find Software Development Manager jobs from employers set up for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Software Development Manager openings filtered for employers enrolled in E-Verify, which is the baseline requirement for STEM OPT. You can also cross-reference employer LCA filing history to identify companies that have previously sponsored engineering and management roles, reducing the time you spend on employers who aren't structured to support OPT-to-H-1B transitions.