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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JOB TITLE Software Systems Analyst
LOCATION Bangor, MI
JOB SUMMARY
The Software System Analyst’s primary focus will be on the ERP system and database analysis, administration in Microsoft SQL Server and Business Intelligence analytics. This role will also provide technical analysis, design, installation, maintenance, customization, and modification of broad/complex computer systems.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and modify complex systems and/or design and develop integrations.
- Assist users in formulating system requirements; analyze resulting user proposals and conduct feasibility studies.
- Recommend best approach, advise on alternatives and implications of new or altered business processes within the ERP system and other systems.
- Perform problem analysis to resolve system or application issues.
- Provide staff and users with assistance, including training, to solve computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
- Create new and maintain ERP customizations.
- Create/modify SQL queries for ad hoc data requests.
- Use object-oriented programming languages to develop/customize client and server applications, processes, and Internet technology.
- Develop scalable and maintainable Business Intelligence applications to meet business objectives.
- Provides backup for other IT staff as required.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor degree from an accredited technical school with emphasis on software design, or equivalent experience. Applicable degrees would be in the following curriculums: Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Systems or Information Technology.
- 1 year related work experience.
- 1 year experience with Microsoft SQL Server Database and SQL querying language.
Skills, Talents and/or Characteristics
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Knowledge of object-oriented programming language(s) (C#, C++, or JAVA)
- Knowledge of ERP systems a plus (preferably Epicor)
- Knowledge or experience writing reports in SSRS a plus
- Knowledge or experience creating BI visualizations a plus (preferably Power BI)
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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.