STEM OPT Software Engineer Intern Jobs
Software Engineer Intern roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree is in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total to build real engineering experience while on F-1 status.
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Get Access To All JobsSoftware Engineer Intern (AI-Native) — Summer 2026
We’re looking for engineers who don’t just use AI tools — you build with them.
At Kognitos, you’ll work on real product problems using tools like Claude Code, Cursor, and other AI-assisted workflows. You’ll ship fast, learn faster, and operate in a highly iterative environment alongside experienced engineers.
This is not a “watch and learn” internship — you’ll be writing production code, contributing to core systems, and helping shape how we build.
What You’ll Do
- Build and ship features end-to-end with the engineering team
- Use AI-native tooling (Claude, Cursor, etc.) to accelerate development workflows
- Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code
- Participate in code reviews and technical discussions
- Debug issues and improve system performance
- Contribute to projects across AI, automation, and data systems
- Move quickly, test ideas, and iterate in a fast-paced environment
What We’re Looking For
- Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Strong fundamentals in programming (Python, JavaScript, or similar)
- Comfortable building with modern dev tools and workflows
- Familiar with Git and collaborative development
- Solid understanding of core CS concepts (data structures, algorithms, systems basics)
- Strong problem-solving ability and curiosity
- Clear communicator and team-oriented
Bonus Points
- Experience using AI coding tools (Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, etc.)
- Built projects using LLMs, APIs, or automation workflows
- Familiarity with modern web stacks (React, Node, etc.)
- Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
- Prior internship, startup, or side project experience
You do not need to match all of the listed expectations to apply for this position. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
Kognitos is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Software Engineer Intern (AI-Native) — Summer 2026
We’re looking for engineers who don’t just use AI tools — you build with them.
At Kognitos, you’ll work on real product problems using tools like Claude Code, Cursor, and other AI-assisted workflows. You’ll ship fast, learn faster, and operate in a highly iterative environment alongside experienced engineers.
This is not a “watch and learn” internship — you’ll be writing production code, contributing to core systems, and helping shape how we build.
What You’ll Do
- Build and ship features end-to-end with the engineering team
- Use AI-native tooling (Claude, Cursor, etc.) to accelerate development workflows
- Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code
- Participate in code reviews and technical discussions
- Debug issues and improve system performance
- Contribute to projects across AI, automation, and data systems
- Move quickly, test ideas, and iterate in a fast-paced environment
What We’re Looking For
- Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Strong fundamentals in programming (Python, JavaScript, or similar)
- Comfortable building with modern dev tools and workflows
- Familiar with Git and collaborative development
- Solid understanding of core CS concepts (data structures, algorithms, systems basics)
- Strong problem-solving ability and curiosity
- Clear communicator and team-oriented
Bonus Points
- Experience using AI coding tools (Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, etc.)
- Built projects using LLMs, APIs, or automation workflows
- Familiarity with modern web stacks (React, Node, etc.)
- Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
- Prior internship, startup, or side project experience
You do not need to match all of the listed expectations to apply for this position. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
Kognitos is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
See all 199+ STEM OPT Software Engineer Intern Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Software Engineer Intern
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in computer science, software engineering, and information systems typically qualify, but a mismatched CIP code can disqualify your extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask recruiters directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you sign anything. Internship roles at startups and small studios often lack enrollment even when the engineering team wants to hire you. E-Verify enrollment is a legal requirement, not a preference.
Target companies with LCA filings in software roles
Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with active Labor Condition Application filings in software engineering. A company that has filed LCAs for software roles has already navigated the DOL process and is far more likely to handle your STEM OPT I-983 training plan without friction.
Draft your I-983 training plan alongside your offer letter
Start your I-983 training plan the moment you receive a written offer. Map each planned project or rotation to a specific learning objective tied to your STEM degree. Engineering managers rarely know what the form requires, so arriving with a draft saves weeks of back-and-forth.
Apply 90 days before your OPT end date for the extension
USCIS allows you to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your current EAD expires. File late and you risk a gap in work authorization. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS before USCIS can process your I-765.
Use O*NET to align your job duties with STEM OPT requirements
Pull the Software Developer occupation profile from O*NET and match the listed tasks to your actual internship responsibilities before writing your I-983. ICE auditors compare training plan duties against the O*NET profile, so alignment reduces your risk of a compliance finding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer Intern role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, as long as your degree is on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List and the internship duties are directly related to that field. Computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, and closely related majors typically qualify. The role must also meet the I-983 training plan requirements, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. A general internship with only administrative duties would not qualify.
How do I know if a software internship employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly and request written confirmation before accepting an offer. You can also cross-reference through your DSO, who can flag enrollment issues before you start the STEM OPT extension process. Many startups and early-stage companies are not yet enrolled, even if they want to hire you. E-Verify enrollment is mandatory for all STEM OPT employers under ICE regulations, and there are no exceptions.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Software Engineer Intern?
The I-983 requires a detailed description of how each project or task in your internship connects to your STEM degree. You'll need to document specific learning objectives, the engineering skills you'll develop, and how the employer will evaluate your progress. Your supervisor signs the form and takes on compliance responsibility. ICE can audit training plans, so generic job descriptions copied from a posting are not sufficient. Tie every duty back to a concrete skill from your degree program.
Can I start a Software Engineer Intern job while my STEM OPT extension is pending?
Yes, if your STEM OPT extension application was filed before your current EAD expired and your previous OPT was authorized for the same employer, cap-gap rules may protect your authorization. USCIS issues a cap-gap extension automatically for H-1B visa registrants, but for STEM OPT specifically, your 60-day grace period and timely filing are what maintain status. Confirm your exact situation with your DSO before your EAD expiration date.
Where can I find Software Engineer Intern roles that accept STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters software engineering internship listings by employers with documented Labor Condition Application filings, which signals prior experience working with international students on work authorization. That narrows the field to companies that have already engaged with DOL processes rather than employers encountering sponsorship questions for the first time. Search by role and review employer filing history before applying.