STEM OPT Software Engineer Jobs
Software Engineer roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, letting you work for up to 36 months total on your F-1 authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree in computer science, engineering, or a related STEM field qualifies you for the 24-month extension. Use that runway to build U.S. experience and transition to long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for an Embedded Software Engineer 2 – Engine Controls & Software Testing Automation in Mossville, Illinois. The work will be performed 100% onsite, with core hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is a 12-month position that can lead to permanent employment with our client. Compensation is $58 W-2 hourly pay plus full benefits (vision, dental, health insurance, 401k, and holiday pay).
JOB SUMMARY
The Embedded Software Engineer 2 will support the development, integration, and validation of embedded software for electronic control systems used in diesel engine applications. This role focuses on developing automated test scripts, performing Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing, and verifying embedded control software in bench and simulation environments. The engineer will collaborate with software developers, systems engineers, and validation teams to troubleshoot software defects, improve testing processes, and ensure reliable software performance. The ideal candidate will have strong C programming experience, familiarity with model-based development, and hands-on embedded software debugging and testing skills.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, integrate, and maintain embedded software test scripts and automation solutions supporting diesel engine electronic control systems.
- Perform Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing, software verification, and validation using simulation environments and hardware test benches.
- Analyze software requirements, develop test plans, execute manual and automated tests, and document results to ensure software quality and functionality.
- Support embedded software configuration, builds, software library development, and validation of electronic control system software flash files.
- Troubleshoot embedded software and system defects, investigate failures, and collaborate with software developers, systems engineers, and validation teams to implement solutions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, with a focus on embedded software or embedded systems.
- Minimum 3 years of professional industry experience in embedded software development, embedded control systems, or closely related engineering work. Internships do not count toward the required experience.
- Strong hands-on experience with C programming for embedded software applications.
- Experience with model-based development and/or embedded control software development.
- Familiarity with embedded software debuggers and demonstrated troubleshooting and debugging skills.
- Understanding of the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, development, integration, testing, and validation.
- Experience developing or executing embedded software test plans, test scripts, and verification procedures.
- Ability to read and interpret electronic schematics, component data sheets, and technical specifications.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical issues and development progress effectively.
- Ability to work collaboratively with application engineers, systems engineers, software developers, and validation teams.
- Ability to work full-time onsite in Mossville, Illinois.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, or Stateflow for model-based development.
- Experience developing automated test scripts for embedded control software.
- Familiarity with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing and embedded software simulation environments.
- Experience with embedded operating systems and real-time software applications.
- Knowledge of embedded communication software, protocols, and interfaces.
- Experience using Python for scripting, testing automation, or engineering tools.
- Familiarity with software build configuration, embedded software integration, and electronic control module validation.
- Experience supporting diesel engines, powertrain controls, automotive electronics, industrial equipment, or heavy machinery systems.
WHY THIS ROLE?
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to advanced embedded software development and validation supporting a global leader in heavy machinery and manufacturing. You will gain hands-on experience with engine electronic control systems, software testing automation, and simulation-based validation while collaborating with experienced software engineering teams. Cullerton Group provides a professional environment with growth potential, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to expand your expertise in embedded software engineering and industrial control technologies.
INTRODUCTION
Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for an Embedded Software Engineer 2 – Engine Controls & Software Testing Automation in Mossville, Illinois. The work will be performed 100% onsite, with core hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is a 12-month position that can lead to permanent employment with our client. Compensation is $58 W-2 hourly pay plus full benefits (vision, dental, health insurance, 401k, and holiday pay).
JOB SUMMARY
The Embedded Software Engineer 2 will support the development, integration, and validation of embedded software for electronic control systems used in diesel engine applications. This role focuses on developing automated test scripts, performing Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing, and verifying embedded control software in bench and simulation environments. The engineer will collaborate with software developers, systems engineers, and validation teams to troubleshoot software defects, improve testing processes, and ensure reliable software performance. The ideal candidate will have strong C programming experience, familiarity with model-based development, and hands-on embedded software debugging and testing skills.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, integrate, and maintain embedded software test scripts and automation solutions supporting diesel engine electronic control systems.
- Perform Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing, software verification, and validation using simulation environments and hardware test benches.
- Analyze software requirements, develop test plans, execute manual and automated tests, and document results to ensure software quality and functionality.
- Support embedded software configuration, builds, software library development, and validation of electronic control system software flash files.
- Troubleshoot embedded software and system defects, investigate failures, and collaborate with software developers, systems engineers, and validation teams to implement solutions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, with a focus on embedded software or embedded systems.
- Minimum 3 years of professional industry experience in embedded software development, embedded control systems, or closely related engineering work. Internships do not count toward the required experience.
- Strong hands-on experience with C programming for embedded software applications.
- Experience with model-based development and/or embedded control software development.
- Familiarity with embedded software debuggers and demonstrated troubleshooting and debugging skills.
- Understanding of the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, development, integration, testing, and validation.
- Experience developing or executing embedded software test plans, test scripts, and verification procedures.
- Ability to read and interpret electronic schematics, component data sheets, and technical specifications.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical issues and development progress effectively.
- Ability to work collaboratively with application engineers, systems engineers, software developers, and validation teams.
- Ability to work full-time onsite in Mossville, Illinois.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, or Stateflow for model-based development.
- Experience developing automated test scripts for embedded control software.
- Familiarity with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing and embedded software simulation environments.
- Experience with embedded operating systems and real-time software applications.
- Knowledge of embedded communication software, protocols, and interfaces.
- Experience using Python for scripting, testing automation, or engineering tools.
- Familiarity with software build configuration, embedded software integration, and electronic control module validation.
- Experience supporting diesel engines, powertrain controls, automotive electronics, industrial equipment, or heavy machinery systems.
WHY THIS ROLE?
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to advanced embedded software development and validation supporting a global leader in heavy machinery and manufacturing. You will gain hands-on experience with engine electronic control systems, software testing automation, and simulation-based validation while collaborating with experienced software engineering teams. Cullerton Group provides a professional environment with growth potential, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to expand your expertise in embedded software engineering and industrial control technologies.
See all 1,644+ STEM OPT Software Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Software Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List published by ICE. Mismatches between your transcript and the approved CIP list are the most common reason DSOs can't authorize a STEM OPT extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask recruiters for the company's E-Verify Company ID during the offer stage, not after. Employers can look legitimate but still be unenrolled, and you can't start STEM OPT without E-Verify active on your first day.
Target companies with active H-1B filing history
Use Migrate Mate to filter Software Engineer roles by employers who have filed H-1B visa petitions, so you're targeting companies already familiar with sponsoring international engineers rather than educating a recruiter from scratch.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan before day one
Get your supervisor to review the I-983 learning objectives before you sign the offer, not after onboarding. Software engineering plans should name specific technical skills, project milestones, and mentorship structures tied directly to your degree field.
Check prevailing wage alignment for your job title
Run your Software Engineer title and work location through the OFLC Wage Search to see the DOL wage level your role falls under. If your offer is below Level I for your metro area, raise it before signing since underpayment can complicate later H-1B LCA filings.
File your extension at least 90 days before OPT expires
Submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS no later than 90 days before your current EAD end date. A timely pending application gives you a 180-day automatic extension while USCIS adjudicates, keeping you continuously authorized to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a computer science or software engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Computer science (CIP 11.07xx), computer engineering (CIP 14.09xx), and software engineering (CIP 14.42xx) are all listed. Degrees in information technology or MIS may qualify depending on the specific CIP code your institution assigned, so confirm with your DSO before applying.
What does the I-983 training plan require for a Software Engineer role?
The I-983 must describe how your day-to-day work directly relates to your STEM degree. For Software Engineer roles, this means naming specific technical competencies you'll develop, the projects or systems you'll work on, your supervisor's qualifications, and a mentorship or evaluation structure. Your employer signs it and your DSO must approve it before USCIS processes your extension.
Does my Software Engineer employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT. Your employer must be enrolled before your extension is authorized, and the enrollment must cover the specific site where you'll work. You can ask recruiters for the company's E-Verify Company ID to verify enrollment during the offer stage, before you accept.
How does cap-gap work if my H-1B is selected while I'm on STEM OPT?
If your H-1B petition is filed before your STEM OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Your STEM OPT status and employment conditions remain in effect during that bridge period. You don't need a new EAD to keep working, but your employer must remain E-Verify enrolled throughout.
Where can I find Software Engineer jobs with employers who sponsor STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Software Engineer listings by employers enrolled in E-Verify and with documented H-1B filing history, so you're not cold-applying to companies that have never sponsored an international hire. You can search by role, location, and visa history to prioritize companies already set up to support your STEM OPT authorization and a future H-1B transition.