STEM OPT Systems Development Engineer Jobs
Systems Development Engineer roles in infrastructure, automation, and distributed systems align directly with the STEM degrees that qualify for the 24-month OPT extension. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor your training plan. Degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, and related CIP-coded fields make you eligible to apply.
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As part of the AWS Applied AI Solutions organization, we have a vision to provide business applications, leveraging Amazon’s unique experience and expertise, that are used by millions of companies worldwide to manage day-to-day operations. We will accomplish this by accelerating our customers’ businesses through delivery of intuitive and differentiated technology solutions that solve enduring business challenges. We blend vision with curiosity and Amazon’s real-world experience to build opinionated, turnkey solutions. Where customers prefer to buy over build, we become their trusted partner with solutions that are no-brainers to buy and easy to use.
Come change the way the world sees the cloud! Amazon WorkSpaces is a managed desktop computing service in the cloud. Amazon WorkSpaces allows customers to easily provision cloud-based desktops that allow end-users to access the documents, applications and resources they need with the device of their choice, including laptops, iPad, Kindle Fire, Android tablets, and zero clients. With a few clicks in the AWS Management Console, customers can provision a high-quality cloud desktop experience (for Windows or Linux) for any number of users at a cost that is highly competitive with traditional desktops and half the cost of most virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions.
We are looking for cross platform systems development engineers who are passionate about building, maintaining, and automating the systems that underpin the robust WorkSpaces-fleet system. On any given day, we use Python, Lambda, DynamoDB, CloudFormation, PowerShell as well as other public AWS services and a host of Amazon-internal tools. We don’t expect you to be an expert in, or necessarily even be familiar with, all of the technologies listed above, but we do expect you to be excited to learn about them!
In this role you’ll help WorkSpaces-Fleet expand into new regions, remove development friction through automation, and collaborate with a team of Systems Developers to help shape the future for the next generation of services to help customers reduce the mean-time-to manage their WorkSpaces. You’ll apply your creative and critical problem solving skills to develop and run multi-tenant at massive scale services.
WorkSpaces is changing the way that people use computers - come help us make history!
About the team
ABOUT AWS:
Diverse Experiences
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
Why AWS
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why flexible work hours and arrangements are part of our culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Mentorship and Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 1+ years of designing or architecting (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- 7+ years of administrative experience in networking, storage systems, operating systems and hands-on systems engineering experience
- Knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals (networking, storage, operating systems)
- Experience programming with at least one modern language such as C++, C#, Java, Python, Golang, PowerShell, Ruby
- Bachelor's degree
- Experience debugging and systems analysis to identify and quickly resolve or mitigate issues
- 5+ years of provisioning, migrating, and managing end user computing and related services experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with PowerShell (preferred), Python, Ruby, or Java
- Experience working in an Agile environment using the Scrum methodology
- Knowledge of infrastructure automation delivered through the software development lifecycle in an API-enabled environment, including agile development, software architecture/patterns, and modern cloud services
- Knowledge of fundamentals of networking, security, databases (relational or NoSQL), operating systems (Unix, Linux, and/or Windows)
- Experience with AWS technologies like Redshift, S3, AWS Glue, EMR, Kinesis, FireHose, Lambda, and IAM roles and permissions
- Good understanding of Active Directory and other identity providers such as Jump cloud, Azure Entra.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, WA, Seattle - 129,200.00 - 174,800.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
As part of the AWS Applied AI Solutions organization, we have a vision to provide business applications, leveraging Amazon’s unique experience and expertise, that are used by millions of companies worldwide to manage day-to-day operations. We will accomplish this by accelerating our customers’ businesses through delivery of intuitive and differentiated technology solutions that solve enduring business challenges. We blend vision with curiosity and Amazon’s real-world experience to build opinionated, turnkey solutions. Where customers prefer to buy over build, we become their trusted partner with solutions that are no-brainers to buy and easy to use.
Come change the way the world sees the cloud! Amazon WorkSpaces is a managed desktop computing service in the cloud. Amazon WorkSpaces allows customers to easily provision cloud-based desktops that allow end-users to access the documents, applications and resources they need with the device of their choice, including laptops, iPad, Kindle Fire, Android tablets, and zero clients. With a few clicks in the AWS Management Console, customers can provision a high-quality cloud desktop experience (for Windows or Linux) for any number of users at a cost that is highly competitive with traditional desktops and half the cost of most virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions.
We are looking for cross platform systems development engineers who are passionate about building, maintaining, and automating the systems that underpin the robust WorkSpaces-fleet system. On any given day, we use Python, Lambda, DynamoDB, CloudFormation, PowerShell as well as other public AWS services and a host of Amazon-internal tools. We don’t expect you to be an expert in, or necessarily even be familiar with, all of the technologies listed above, but we do expect you to be excited to learn about them!
In this role you’ll help WorkSpaces-Fleet expand into new regions, remove development friction through automation, and collaborate with a team of Systems Developers to help shape the future for the next generation of services to help customers reduce the mean-time-to manage their WorkSpaces. You’ll apply your creative and critical problem solving skills to develop and run multi-tenant at massive scale services.
WorkSpaces is changing the way that people use computers - come help us make history!
About the team
ABOUT AWS:
Diverse Experiences
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
Why AWS
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why flexible work hours and arrangements are part of our culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Mentorship and Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 1+ years of designing or architecting (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- 7+ years of administrative experience in networking, storage systems, operating systems and hands-on systems engineering experience
- Knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals (networking, storage, operating systems)
- Experience programming with at least one modern language such as C++, C#, Java, Python, Golang, PowerShell, Ruby
- Bachelor's degree
- Experience debugging and systems analysis to identify and quickly resolve or mitigate issues
- 5+ years of provisioning, migrating, and managing end user computing and related services experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with PowerShell (preferred), Python, Ruby, or Java
- Experience working in an Agile environment using the Scrum methodology
- Knowledge of infrastructure automation delivered through the software development lifecycle in an API-enabled environment, including agile development, software architecture/patterns, and modern cloud services
- Knowledge of fundamentals of networking, security, databases (relational or NoSQL), operating systems (Unix, Linux, and/or Windows)
- Experience with AWS technologies like Redshift, S3, AWS Glue, EMR, Kinesis, FireHose, Lambda, and IAM roles and permissions
- Good understanding of Active Directory and other identity providers such as Jump cloud, Azure Entra.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, WA, Seattle - 129,200.00 - 174,800.00 USD annually
See all 90+ STEM OPT Systems Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Systems Development Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Systems Development Engineer
Verify your CIP code matches STEM eligibility
Pull your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code from your DSO before applying. Systems Development Engineer roles typically require computer science or engineering degrees, and your CIP code must appear on the official STEM Designated Degree Program list to qualify for the 24-month extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask your recruiter for the company's E-Verify Company ID or check employer status through the E-Verify portal directly. A company that isn't enrolled can't legally serve as your STEM OPT employer, regardless of how far along you are in the hiring process.
Target teams running infrastructure or platform engineering
Systems Development Engineer openings concentrate in platform, reliability, and developer tooling teams at companies filing LCAs under SOC codes like 15-1252. Filter by these technical org types early so you're not chasing postings where the role scope won't satisfy your I-983 training plan objectives.
Use Migrate Mate to find employers with active STEM OPT history
Search Migrate Mate to surface employers who have previously hired STEM OPT students into engineering roles. Targeting companies with that track record shortens the compliance conversation and reduces the risk of late-stage offer rescissions tied to unfamiliarity with the E-Verify requirement.
Draft your I-983 training plan before your start date
Work with your DSO and hiring manager to complete the I-983 before your STEM OPT extension is approved. Systems Development Engineer roles require specific learning objectives tied to your degree field. Vague training plans draw scrutiny from your DSO and can delay the I-20 update you need to begin work.
Negotiate your offer timeline around cap-gap protection
If your OPT expires while an H-1B visa petition is pending, cap-gap extends your work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year. Align your Systems Development Engineer offer letter start date with this window so you don't face an unauthorized gap between your OPT end date and H-1B approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Development Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM field with a qualifying CIP code and the role directly applies that field of study. Systems Development Engineer positions in infrastructure, automation, and distributed systems commonly satisfy this requirement when paired with degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, or software engineering. Your DSO confirms eligibility based on your specific degree and CIP code before issuing the updated I-20.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my Systems Development Engineer employer?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify for the specific site where you'll work before your STEM OPT extension begins. This isn't optional. If the employer acquired your hiring entity through a merger or restructuring, verify that the employing legal entity, not just the parent company, holds E-Verify enrollment. You can confirm status directly through the E-Verify employer search tool before signing an offer.
How does the I-983 training plan work for a Systems Development Engineer?
The I-983 requires you and your employer to document specific learning goals tied to your STEM degree, your supervisor's qualifications, and a 12-month self-evaluation schedule. For Systems Development Engineer roles, training objectives should connect engineering tasks like system design, performance optimization, or reliability work to your degree field. USCIS can request this document during an audit, so vague or generic plans create real compliance risk.
What happens to my STEM OPT if I switch employers mid-extension?
You can change employers during your STEM OPT period, but you must stop working immediately if the new employer isn't E-Verify enrolled. Your DSO must update your I-20 with the new employer information, and you're required to report the change to SEVIS within 10 days. The new employer also takes on the I-983 training plan obligation, so you'll need to draft a revised plan before or shortly after your start date.
Where can I find Systems Development Engineer jobs from E-Verify enrolled employers?
Migrate Mate lists Systems Development Engineer openings filtered for employers with STEM OPT hiring history and E-Verify compliance. Searching there reduces the time you spend vetting companies that can't legally employ STEM OPT students. You can also cross-reference any employer against the E-Verify employer search tool before engaging with a recruiter to confirm enrollment status independently.