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.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Software Support Specialist ensures timely resolution of easy-moderate client software issues through data analysis and functionality troubleshooting using multiple development tools, best practice communication, team coordinated testing, and other available tools for resolving issues. The Software Support Specialist is expected to continually grow and expand knowledge of the product.
Responsibilities
- Provides inbound phone, web or email software support to resolve easy-moderate client inquiries and problems effectively and efficiently.
- Analyzes data reports, forms, and web technologies.
- Responsibly communicates to all parties involved in issue resolution to meet and manage client expectations.
- Uses Tyler’s client management system to create, track, and/or update details on the specifics of client issue(s).
- May assist with writing estimates for software modification specifications and documentation of support processes.
- May submit client issues to development team for resolution as needed.
- Performs Quality Assurance testing for software module upgrades/changes. Analyzes results to ensure that software performs as required.
- May provide training to client end-users (typically via webinar).
- Creates or enhances documentation throughout the support process.
- Contributes to company knowledge library and/or Tyler Community.
- May participate in Early Adopter activities.
- May participate in User Group meetings and activities.
- Commits to expanding technological skills and knowledge of the Tyler products.
- Demonstrates awareness of and adherence to Company policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook. These include, but are not limited to, Safety, Equal Employment Opportunity, Business Ethics, and Anti-Harassment policies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
- A minimum of 12 months previous experience required in an Associate Software Support Specialist position, or in a position which demonstrates systems knowledge and experience.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Effective decision making and problem solving skills involving troubleshooting basic to moderate issues.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Effective analytical ability, particularly in a technical environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Basic knowledge and understanding of database structures including fields, tables, views, database objects, etc.
- Experience working with .NET framework (involving HTML, XSL, XML, and related technologies) preferred.
- Knowledgeable with Microsoft Office.
- Knowledge and understanding of software development tools a plus.
- Ability to travel preferred.
INTRODUCTION
The Software Support Specialist ensures timely resolution of easy-moderate client software issues through data analysis and functionality troubleshooting using multiple development tools, best practice communication, team coordinated testing, and other available tools for resolving issues. The Software Support Specialist is expected to continually grow and expand knowledge of the product.
Responsibilities
- Provides inbound phone, web or email software support to resolve easy-moderate client inquiries and problems effectively and efficiently.
- Analyzes data reports, forms, and web technologies.
- Responsibly communicates to all parties involved in issue resolution to meet and manage client expectations.
- Uses Tyler’s client management system to create, track, and/or update details on the specifics of client issue(s).
- May assist with writing estimates for software modification specifications and documentation of support processes.
- May submit client issues to development team for resolution as needed.
- Performs Quality Assurance testing for software module upgrades/changes. Analyzes results to ensure that software performs as required.
- May provide training to client end-users (typically via webinar).
- Creates or enhances documentation throughout the support process.
- Contributes to company knowledge library and/or Tyler Community.
- May participate in Early Adopter activities.
- May participate in User Group meetings and activities.
- Commits to expanding technological skills and knowledge of the Tyler products.
- Demonstrates awareness of and adherence to Company policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook. These include, but are not limited to, Safety, Equal Employment Opportunity, Business Ethics, and Anti-Harassment policies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
- A minimum of 12 months previous experience required in an Associate Software Support Specialist position, or in a position which demonstrates systems knowledge and experience.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Effective decision making and problem solving skills involving troubleshooting basic to moderate issues.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Effective analytical ability, particularly in a technical environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Basic knowledge and understanding of database structures including fields, tables, views, database objects, etc.
- Experience working with .NET framework (involving HTML, XSL, XML, and related technologies) preferred.
- Knowledgeable with Microsoft Office.
- Knowledge and understanding of software development tools a plus.
- Ability to travel preferred.
See all STEM OPT Software Support Specialist Jobs
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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.