STEM OPT Software Support Specialist Jobs
Software Support Specialist roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in computer science, information technology, or a related field. The 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total to work for an E-Verify-enrolled employer while building hands-on experience in technical support and systems troubleshooting.
Find STEM OPT Software Support Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 48+ Software Support Specialist jobs










See all 48+ Software Support Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Software Support Specialist roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
The Software Support Specialist, Public Safety, provides advanced technical support for Tyler Technologies’ mission-critical public safety software applications, modules, and supporting infrastructure. This highly collaborative role serves as a primary liaison between clients, product development, implementation, and internal support teams.
The Software Support Specialist investigates, diagnoses, and resolves complex technical issues in a demanding environment while delivering an exceptional customer experience. This role requires strong analytical ability, technical troubleshooting skills, clear communication, and a commitment to continuous learning.
LOCATION
College Station, TX or Troy, MI
Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality inbound phone, chat, web, and email support for Public Safety and Enforcement Mobiles software applications.
- Troubleshoot complex software, hardware, database, and infrastructure issues to resolution.
- Take ownership of technical incidents and manage issues to closure while keeping clients and internal stakeholders informed.
- Provide high-level diagnosis to staff and take over open or escalated issues as needed.
- Replicate complex customer issues to support diagnosis, testing, and resolution.
- Analyze data reports, forms, web technologies, and related system functionality.
- Use Tyler’s client management system to create, track, update, and document client issues.
- Submit client issues to development, implementation, or other internal teams for resolution when necessary.
- Coordinate with product development and implementation teams to resolve client issues efficiently.
- Train client end-users on system operation and software functionality by phone, webinar, or other remote methods.
- Create, update, and enhance documentation throughout the support process.
- Review release documentation and provide feedback to appropriate teams.
- Participate in Early Adopter activities, User Group meetings, and related client-facing activities as needed.
- Participate in transitional services for new clients during their initial post-live period as needed.
- Commit to expanding technical skills and knowledge of Tyler products, tools, and supported technologies.
- Demonstrate awareness of and adherence to company policies, including Safety, Equal Employment Opportunity, Business Ethics, Anti-Harassment, and other policies outlined in the Employee Handbook and Safety Handbook.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Ability to work various shifts to support core business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EDT.
- Ability to participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation, Monday through Monday from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to manage multiple complex technical issues while maintaining effective communication with clients and internal teams.
- Ability to make sound, effective, and timely decisions in a fast-paced technical support environment.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in MIS, CIS, Computer Science, related technical field, or equivalent training and experience.
- General technical knowledge of Microsoft products and technologies, including Windows Servers and Microsoft Office.
- Proficiency working with relational databases or SQL preferred.
- Experience working with the .NET framework and related technologies, including HTML, XSL, XML, and web technologies, preferred.
- Knowledge and understanding of software development tools a plus.
- Strong analytical ability, particularly in a technical environment.
- Excellent troubleshooting skills, including root-cause analysis and creative problem-solving.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational, time management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to resolve complex client inquiries and technical problems effectively and efficiently.
- Readiness to learn new technologies quickly.
- Commitment to providing an exceptional experience to clients and internal stakeholders.
See all 48+ STEM OPT Software Support Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Software Support Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Software Support Specialist
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Software Support Specialist roles typically align with CIP codes in computer science, IT, or information systems. A mismatch blocks your extension eligibility before it starts.
Target employers already enrolled in E-Verify
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension begins. Ask recruiters directly or have HR confirm enrollment status during the offer stage. An employer not yet enrolled can enroll, but delays in that process can push back your start date.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified employers
Search for Software Support Specialist roles on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers with documented OPT and STEM OPT hiring history. This cuts the time you'd otherwise spend cold-screening companies for E-Verify enrollment and prior STEM OPT experience.
Build a support-specific skills portfolio early
Software support roles often require demonstrated experience with ticketing systems, APIs, or enterprise software platforms. Assemble documentation of projects, certifications, or coursework before your job search so you can respond quickly when employers ask for proof of technical competency.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan before your start date
The I-983 must be signed by both you and your employer before USCIS approves your extension. Work with your hiring manager to define concrete learning objectives tied to your Software Support Specialist duties. Vague training plans draw scrutiny from your DSO and can delay your I-20 update.
Understand cap-gap if your H-1B is pending
If you're selected in the H-1B lottery while on STEM OPT, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. You can continue in your Software Support Specialist role during that window without interruption, as long as your H-1B visa petition was filed before your EAD expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Support Specialist role qualify for STEM OPT?
It depends on your employer's job description and your degree's CIP code. Software Support Specialist roles typically qualify when the position requires applying knowledge from a STEM field such as computer science or information technology and your degree is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Your DSO confirms eligibility before issuing the updated I-20 for your extension application.
How do I verify that a Software Support employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly to confirm E-Verify enrollment and provide their E-Verify company ID if possible. You can also cross-reference by searching the E-Verify employer search tool on the E-Verify website. Enrollment must be active before your STEM OPT extension start date, not just by the time your EAD arrives. Migrate Mate surfaces employers with confirmed STEM OPT hiring history, which typically indicates active E-Verify enrollment.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Software Support Specialist?
The I-983 requires a detailed description of how your day-to-day duties connect to your STEM degree. For Software Support Specialists, this means documenting specific technical responsibilities such as troubleshooting software systems, analyzing error logs, or supporting API integrations, and linking each to learning objectives tied to your field of study. Both you and a company supervisor must sign the form before your DSO can update your I-20.
Can I switch employers mid-extension if a better Software Support role comes up?
Yes, but the process restarts with the new employer. The new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, you need a new signed I-983 with them, and your DSO must issue a new I-20 reflecting the change before you begin working. You have a five-day reporting window once you leave your current employer. Gaps in employment during STEM OPT can jeopardize your status if not reported promptly to your DSO.
What STEM degrees typically support a Software Support Specialist STEM OPT application?
Degrees in computer science, information technology, software engineering, computer information systems, and related fields with matching CIP codes on the DHS STEM list are the most common qualifiers for Software Support Specialist roles. Applied STEM degrees such as management information systems also qualify in many cases. O*NET classifies Software Support Specialists under a job zone that emphasizes technical knowledge, which reinforces degree-role alignment when your DSO and USCIS review your application.