STEM OPT Software Systems Engineer Jobs
Software Systems Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT because they fall under computer science and engineering CIP codes, making you eligible for the 24-month extension beyond your initial 12-month OPT. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a Form I-983 training plan before your extension is approved.
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The Product Integrity group is seeking a System Validation Software Engineer to help validate and debug future products. As part of the OS Diagnostics team, you will be responsible for crafting and maintaining software applied for characterizing, calibrating, and testing novel hardware. Your duties will also include debugging software and hardware independently and multi-functionally, and working with numerous other teams within company and with various contract manufacturers. Your proficiency in writing and debugging software across diverse hardware platforms will be instrumental in your success.
DESCRIPTION
In this role you will develop firmware and drivers for common firmware interfaces, chipsets, communications protocols and various SoC IPs. You will also implement features to support hardware testing and diagnosis of devices, helping with new technology exploration and proof of concept development. This is a highly multi-functional role and you'll work closely with various teams, like EE, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Hardware Testing, QA, Factory, Manufacturing and Operations. The environment is dynamic, fast-paced, are you ready for your next challenge?
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- 4 - 5 years of validated experience in a similar role.
- Experience with Python/Lua/Bash.
- Understanding and experience with ARM platform and architecture/instruction set.
- Experience with one or more of the standard hardware protocols (USB, UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, PCIe, MIPI, LPDP).
- Experience developing drivers/applications in Unix, Linux, or MacOS.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- Familiar with C++/Objective-C/Swift.
- Experience with debuggers such as gdb, lid, etc.
- Able to comprehend hardware specs and schematics.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
COMPENSATION
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Apple believes accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
SUMMARY
The Product Integrity group is seeking a System Validation Software Engineer to help validate and debug future products. As part of the OS Diagnostics team, you will be responsible for crafting and maintaining software applied for characterizing, calibrating, and testing novel hardware. Your duties will also include debugging software and hardware independently and multi-functionally, and working with numerous other teams within company and with various contract manufacturers. Your proficiency in writing and debugging software across diverse hardware platforms will be instrumental in your success.
DESCRIPTION
In this role you will develop firmware and drivers for common firmware interfaces, chipsets, communications protocols and various SoC IPs. You will also implement features to support hardware testing and diagnosis of devices, helping with new technology exploration and proof of concept development. This is a highly multi-functional role and you'll work closely with various teams, like EE, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Hardware Testing, QA, Factory, Manufacturing and Operations. The environment is dynamic, fast-paced, are you ready for your next challenge?
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- 4 - 5 years of validated experience in a similar role.
- Experience with Python/Lua/Bash.
- Understanding and experience with ARM platform and architecture/instruction set.
- Experience with one or more of the standard hardware protocols (USB, UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, PCIe, MIPI, LPDP).
- Experience developing drivers/applications in Unix, Linux, or MacOS.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- Familiar with C++/Objective-C/Swift.
- Experience with debuggers such as gdb, lid, etc.
- Able to comprehend hardware specs and schematics.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
COMPENSATION
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Apple believes accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Software Systems Engineer
Verify your degree's CIP code eligibility
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List published by USCIS. Computer science, electrical engineering, and computer engineering codes qualify, but interdisciplinary degrees sometimes don't match without a DSO review.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before applying
Before accepting an offer, ask the employer's HR team for their E-Verify Company ID. Employers can also self-verify enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool. A company that isn't enrolled cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT, regardless of intent to sponsor.
Build a systems portfolio with documented outcomes
Hiring managers for Software Systems Engineer roles expect evidence of end-to-end system design work, not just code contributions. Document architecture decisions, performance benchmarks, and trade-off reasoning from academic or internship projects to strengthen your candidacy at E-Verify enrolled employers.
Target employers with active I-983 experience
Some employers are unfamiliar with the I-983 training plan requirement and delay offers when they discover it late. Ask recruiters directly whether their company has onboarded STEM OPT students before, since experienced employers complete the training plan faster and reduce your authorization gap risk.
Search STEM OPT roles on Migrate Mate
Filter your Software Systems Engineer job search on Migrate Mate to surface employers already enrolled in E-Verify. This cuts hours of manual verification and surfaces roles where the employer understands STEM OPT requirements and has the infrastructure to file your training plan promptly.
Time your application around cap-gap protection
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your OPT EAD expires, cap-gap extends your work authorization through September 30 automatically. Submit your STEM OPT extension application to your DSO at least 90 days before your OPT end date to keep this option open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Systems Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, provided your degree falls under a qualifying CIP code on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by USCIS. Computer science, systems engineering, and electrical engineering degrees typically qualify. Your DSO confirms eligibility before filing the extension, and the role itself must provide practical training directly related to your degree field.
What is the I-983 training plan and how does it apply to this role?
The I-983 is a formal training agreement between you and your employer that outlines how the Software Systems Engineer position provides training in your STEM field. Your employer signs it, your DSO countersigns it, and USCIS requires it before approving the 24-month extension. The plan must describe specific learning objectives tied to your degree, not just general job duties.
How do I verify that a Software Systems Engineer employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact for the company's E-Verify Company ID during the offer stage, before you accept. You can also use the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment independently. If the employer isn't enrolled, they cannot legally hire you on STEM OPT, and enrollment cannot be completed retroactively after your start date.
How does cap-gap protection work if my OPT expires before an H-1B decision?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your current OPT EAD expires, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as a Software Systems Engineer during this period without interruption. USCIS provides cap-gap guidance, and your DSO issues an updated I-20 reflecting the extension.
Where can I find Software Systems Engineer jobs where employers already understand STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters Software Systems Engineer listings to show employers enrolled in E-Verify, which is the baseline requirement for STEM OPT. This saves you from applying to roles where you'll need to educate the employer about I-983 requirements from scratch. Employers familiar with STEM OPT can move faster on training plan completion and reduce delays in your authorization start date.