STEM OPT Software Test Engineer Jobs
Software Test Engineer roles fall squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, giving you up to 24 months of extended 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 must align with the role's CIP code.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute in a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Applied Medical is seeking a Software Test Engineer I or II to join the Technology and Development Electrical team, which oversees product development for the Advanced Surgical Device systems, including the Voyant Intelligent Energy System. This position is available at the Software Test Engineer I or Software Test Engineer II level, with placement determined by experience. The Software Test Engineer tests embedded systems and components for medical devices, collaborating with cross-functional teams to confirm that electrical systems meet product requirements and comply with regulatory standards. This role focuses on software testing and does not involve writing software that ships as part of the medical device.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Verifies and validates embedded software for medical devices and PC software.
- Reads, analyzes, and supports requirements reviews, decomposing requirements for independent test development.
- Writes test protocols per defined process and participates in design reviews, evaluating test coverage and adequacy.
- Executes test protocols and conducts manual and automated testing at the system level.
- Logs and tracks issues to closure, working closely with software development and engineering teams to resolve them.
- Collects and analyzes data and trends to inform testing decisions.
- Supports submission of test protocols, test reports, traceability matrices, and other engineering documentation.
SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE
- Delivers accurate, well documented test protocols and reports that meet regulatory standards.
- Identifies and resolves issues quickly through strong collaboration with development teams.
- Maintains full requirements traceability across test coverage.
- Builds working technical depth at the hardware software boundary of embedded devices.
- Contributes reliable data and trend analysis that strengthens product quality.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
- Holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline, or brings equivalent experience.
- Applies working knowledge of programming languages, including C, C++, and Python, and writes basic programs.
- Understands software development life cycles.
- Communicates effectively in verbal, written, and interpersonal formats.
- Demonstrates strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrates eagerness to learn and work at the hardware software boundary of embedded devices.
- Applies working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
PREFERRED
THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES ARE PREFERRED
- Brings programming experience with C, assembly, or comparable languages, scripting languages, compilers, debuggers, test automation systems, and bug tracking systems.
- Brings experience with embedded firmware and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
- Brings industry experience in medical device or embedded device design and testing.
- Understands electronic test equipment and embedded devices, including reading schematics.
- Brings experience supporting development or manufacturing electronics teams.
- Brings experience with content management and document management systems.
BENEFITS
- Competitive compensation range: $71000 - $85000 / year (California).
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Training and mentorship opportunities.
- On-campus wellness activities.
- Education reimbursement program.
- 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
- Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.
Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.
Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life. All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.
INTRODUCTION
Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute in a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Applied Medical is seeking a Software Test Engineer I or II to join the Technology and Development Electrical team, which oversees product development for the Advanced Surgical Device systems, including the Voyant Intelligent Energy System. This position is available at the Software Test Engineer I or Software Test Engineer II level, with placement determined by experience. The Software Test Engineer tests embedded systems and components for medical devices, collaborating with cross-functional teams to confirm that electrical systems meet product requirements and comply with regulatory standards. This role focuses on software testing and does not involve writing software that ships as part of the medical device.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Verifies and validates embedded software for medical devices and PC software.
- Reads, analyzes, and supports requirements reviews, decomposing requirements for independent test development.
- Writes test protocols per defined process and participates in design reviews, evaluating test coverage and adequacy.
- Executes test protocols and conducts manual and automated testing at the system level.
- Logs and tracks issues to closure, working closely with software development and engineering teams to resolve them.
- Collects and analyzes data and trends to inform testing decisions.
- Supports submission of test protocols, test reports, traceability matrices, and other engineering documentation.
SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE
- Delivers accurate, well documented test protocols and reports that meet regulatory standards.
- Identifies and resolves issues quickly through strong collaboration with development teams.
- Maintains full requirements traceability across test coverage.
- Builds working technical depth at the hardware software boundary of embedded devices.
- Contributes reliable data and trend analysis that strengthens product quality.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
- Holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline, or brings equivalent experience.
- Applies working knowledge of programming languages, including C, C++, and Python, and writes basic programs.
- Understands software development life cycles.
- Communicates effectively in verbal, written, and interpersonal formats.
- Demonstrates strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrates eagerness to learn and work at the hardware software boundary of embedded devices.
- Applies working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
PREFERRED
THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES ARE PREFERRED
- Brings programming experience with C, assembly, or comparable languages, scripting languages, compilers, debuggers, test automation systems, and bug tracking systems.
- Brings experience with embedded firmware and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
- Brings industry experience in medical device or embedded device design and testing.
- Understands electronic test equipment and embedded devices, including reading schematics.
- Brings experience supporting development or manufacturing electronics teams.
- Brings experience with content management and document management systems.
BENEFITS
- Competitive compensation range: $71000 - $85000 / year (California).
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Training and mentorship opportunities.
- On-campus wellness activities.
- Education reimbursement program.
- 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
- Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.
Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.
Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life. All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.
See all 168+ STEM OPT Software Test Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Software Test Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Software Test Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code maps to the Software Test Engineer SOC code (15-1253) through O*NET before your DSO approves your STEM OPT extension. A mismatch between your field of study and the role delays or blocks your I-983 approval.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you sign anything. Employers can look up their own status through the E-Verify employer search, and you need written confirmation before your DSO can approve the training plan.
Build a testing portfolio that signals STEM depth
Recruiters screening STEM OPT candidates for QA and test engineering roles expect evidence of automated testing frameworks, scripting in Python or Java, and CI/CD pipeline experience. A GitHub portfolio of test suites is a concrete credential, not just a resume claim.
Target employers with existing I-983 training plan templates
Companies that have hired STEM OPT students before often have a pre-approved I-983 template and an HR contact familiar with the 10-day reporting requirement. Ask in your first recruiter screen whether the company has sponsored STEM OPT students in a software testing role previously.
Use Migrate Mate to filter roles by E-Verify enrollment
Search for Software Test Engineer roles on Migrate Mate, which filters listings by verified E-Verify employer status so you don't waste applications on companies that can't legally sponsor your STEM OPT extension.
Negotiate your start date around cap-gap protection
If your OPT expires while an H-1B visa petition is pending on your behalf, cap-gap protection through USCIS extends your work authorization automatically. Push start dates to align with this window rather than accepting a gap in employment that could complicate your training plan continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Test Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, Software Test Engineer maps to SOC code 15-1253 under the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list. Your degree must be in a qualifying STEM field, such as computer science, computer engineering, or information systems, and the CIP code on your diploma must align with that SOC code. Your DSO confirms the match when approving your I-983 training plan.
What does the employer need to do to hire me on STEM OPT?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT start date. They also co-sign your I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, which outlines your learning objectives, supervision structure, and compensation. Employers who haven't hired STEM OPT students before sometimes delay at this step, so confirm their E-Verify enrollment and willingness to complete the I-983 early in the offer process.
How do I find Software Test Engineer employers who accept STEM OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters Software Test Engineer listings by E-Verify employer enrollment, which is the minimum legal requirement for STEM OPT sponsorship. This lets you focus applications on companies already set up to hire you, rather than discovering E-Verify gaps after an offer is extended. You can also cross-reference OFLC Wage Search to confirm an employer's prior DOL filings in this occupation.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses?
If your employer loses E-Verify enrollment after your STEM OPT begins, your work authorization is at risk. USCIS requires the employer to remain enrolled for the full duration of your extension. You'd need to either transfer to a new qualifying employer and update your I-983, or risk falling out of status. Report any change in employer enrollment to your DSO within 10 days.
Does cap-gap coverage apply if I'm working as a Software Test Engineer on STEM OPT?
Yes. If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT expires, cap-gap protection under USCIS rules extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year, or until USCIS adjudicates the petition, whichever comes first. You can continue working as a Software Test Engineer in the same role during this period without interruption, provided the petition was filed before your EAD expired.