STEM OPT Software QA Engineer Jobs
Software QA Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 24 additional months of work authorization beyond your initial OPT period. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related STEM field makes you eligible to apply.
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INTRODUCTION
The Quality Assurance Specialist I is responsible for supporting, coordinating, and executing quality assurance activities at the local department or facility level. Under the guidance of QA leadership, this role assists in ensuring that all pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes are consistent with Quest Diagnostics' standard operating policies and procedures. This role focuses on data collection, maintaining databases, auditing departmental activities, licensure support, investigations, regulatory compliance activities, tracking employee training and competency records, and ensuring inspection readiness.
The QA Specialist I position is hybrid and can work from the Quest/Corewell hospital lab based in Grand Rapids or Royal Oak, MI. The team will consider additional Quest/Corewell lab sites depending on a candidate's location in MI.
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Quality Management
- Collects, tracks, and supports monthly departmental Quality Indicators and daily management system data.
- Assists with monitoring data collection for performance reportables.
- Formats and presents data summaries to key stakeholders.
Compliance & Audit Management
- Conducts routine internal audits including in laboratory inspection/GEMBA and desk audits; documents observations and recommendations.
- Prepares for external inspections (CAP, CLIA, etc.) and may support safety standard oversight.
- Gathers data for report approvals and processes QA payments/invoices for key materials such as proficiency testing surveys.
Continuous Improvement
- Performs routine QA data pulls and tracks quality trends.
- Flags local issues (revised reports, complaints) and supports quality investigations / quality event investigations and inquiries.
- Executes non-complex corrective actions.
- Performs data transmission electronic interface tests as required.
Quality Systems Oversight
- Assists with document control program including enterprise software applications.
- Supports local SOP routing, forms development and distribution.
- Tracks PT enrollment, compiles results, executes PT processes (e.g., ordering, cancelling), and supports comparison studies.
- Supports basic tasks and reviews competency completion and identifies gaps.
- Periodic assessment activities such as monitoring equipment issues, preventative maintenance, temperature logs, water cultures, validation reviews, and routine laboratory activities.
- Supports government agency reporting as needed.
Other duties
- Other duties as assigned to meet business needs. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 1+ year in a Clinical Laboratory setting or healthcare/life sciences.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1+ years of exposure to basic quality systems, point of care coordination, or specimen processing QA.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- Primarily an office-based position requiring extensive screen time, report generation, and meeting leadership. Ability to walk and stand in laboratory environments during audit processes. Occasional lifting, up to 20 lbs.
KNOWLEDGE
- Basic working knowledge of laboratory regulations and standards (i.e., CMS, CAP, CLIA) and the accreditation processes.
- Working understanding of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
SKILLS
- Detail-oriented.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
- Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to track and closely monitor records management.
- Ability to interact collaboratively with lab management and influence change and outcomes.
- Intermediate analytical and problem-solving skills.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Professional corporate office and clinical laboratory environment. Active biohazard precautions as required when accessing clinical laboratory areas.
Occasional travel between Quest/Corewell sites required.
Education
- BS/BA in Medical Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or related Science field. (Required)
TECHNICAL TRAINING OR PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
- State clinical laboratory licensure and/or certification where applicable, required.
- ASCP (MLT/MT) or equivalent, preferred.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Software QA Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Cross-check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. QA engineering roles often require a computer science or information systems degree, and a mismatched CIP code disqualifies your extension before you file.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you sign anything. E-Verify participation is a hard legal requirement for STEM OPT employers, and onboarding with an unenrolled company invalidates your extension authorization.
Use O*NET to frame your QA qualifications
Pull the Software Quality Assurance Analyst occupation profile from O*NET to identify the exact knowledge areas and skills USCIS expects this role to require. Framing your resume and training plan around these criteria strengthens your I-983 documentation.
Draft your I-983 training plan with QA specifics
Your training plan must map QA engineering tasks, such as test case design, automation scripting, and defect tracking, to your STEM degree learning outcomes. Generic training plans draw scrutiny; role-specific goals tied to your coursework hold up under DSO review.
Search Migrate Mate to target verified STEM OPT employers
Filter your Software QA Engineer job search on Migrate Mate to surface employers with documented E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT hiring history. This cuts the time you'd otherwise spend cold-screening companies that can't legally support your extension.
Track your cap-gap window if H-1B is next
If you file an H-1B visa petition before your STEM OPT expires, cap-gap rules extend your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. Submit your I-983 training plan renewal with your DSO well before your EAD end date to stay continuously authorized during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software QA Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your degree falls under a DHS-designated STEM field such as computer science, software engineering, or information systems. The role itself must also involve training directly related to that degree. USCIS evaluates both the job duties and the degree match, so confirm both criteria with your DSO before filing.
What STEM degrees are eligible for a Software QA Engineer STEM OPT extension?
Degrees in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, software engineering, and closely related fields typically qualify because their CIP codes appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in business information systems or management information systems may qualify depending on the specific CIP code. Your DSO can verify whether your exact degree program is listed before you submit your extension application.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Software QA Engineer position?
Your I-983 must describe how your QA engineering duties, such as writing automated test scripts, executing regression cycles, and analyzing defect patterns, connect to your STEM degree's academic goals. It should include measurable learning objectives, supervisor oversight details, and a timeline tied to your 24-month extension period. Both you and your employer's authorized representative must sign the form before your DSO can recommend the extension in SEVIS.
How do I confirm that a Software QA Engineer employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
You can ask the recruiter or HR contact directly for the company's E-Verify employer ID or confirmation of current enrollment status. E-Verify enrollment is a public record for federal contractors, but private employers aren't listed in a searchable public directory. Migrate Mate surfaces employers with verified STEM OPT hiring history so you can identify E-Verify-enrolled companies before you apply.
How does cap-gap protection work if my STEM OPT ends while an H-1B petition is pending?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT EAD expires, cap-gap rules automatically extend your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working in your Software QA Engineer role during this period without any gap in authorization. Confirm with your DSO that your SEVIS record reflects the cap-gap extension and that your employer's petition receipt notice is on file.