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.
Find STEM OPT Systems Development Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ Systems Development Engineer jobs










See all Systems Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Systems Development Engineer roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
DESCRIPTION
The Amazon Robotics Infrastructure Engineering team is looking for a Systems Development Engineer to join our team. We build and operate the network and services that enable Amazon Fulfillment Centers, Middle and Last Mile facilities, including Air hubs, and PrimeNow to deliver packages to Amazon retail customers. From two million square foot automated robotics fulfillment centers to small last-mile delivery stations in emerging markets, these networks are the backbone of Amazon Operations. Hundreds of thousands of associates rely upon these networks at thousands of locations, and are critical to the delivery of shipments to Amazon retail customers.
Our mission is to design, deploy, and enable networks that sets the global standard for performance, availability, security and cost, enabling Fulfillment and Logistic operations to deliver on time, every customer order. We are looking for a Systems Development Engineer to create next-generation network products. The team is focused on creating in-house networks from leveraging open source tools and projects. We partner closely with IT support teams to ensure that simplicity in our product designs translate to operational readiness in the field. Information security rigor is at the core of everything we do. You will tackle complex, novel situations every day and have the opportunity to work with multiple technical teams at Amazon in different locations. You should be comfortable with a high degree of ambiguity and relish the idea of solving problems that haven't been solved at scale before. It is expected that you will be technically pioneering, while at the same time being balanced and pragmatic in your approach. Along the way, we guarantee that you will learn a lot and make a positive impact on millions of people.
The right candidate will have demonstrated experience leading large projects and have an expert level technical background in current networking technologies. You must be able to thrive and succeed in an entrepreneurial environment, and not be hindered by ambiguity or multiple priorities. This means you are not only able to develop and drive high-level strategic initiatives, but can also roll up your sleeves, dig in and get the job done. As a Systems Development Engineer, you will anticipate bottlenecks, influence external vendors and internal team roadmaps, provide escalation management, anticipate and make tradeoffs, and balance the business needs versus technical constraints.
Key job responsibilities
As a Systems Development Engineer you will be expected to:
- Write code for our most demanding, cross-functional networking projects.
- Functionally decompose complex problems into simple, straight-forward solutions.
- Fully and completely comprehend system inter-connections and limitations.
- Effectively research and benchmark Amazon technology against other systems in the industry.
- Contribute intellectual property through patents.
- Assist in the career development of others, actively mentoring individuals and the community on advanced technical issues and helping managers guide the career growth of their team members.
A day in the life
You will partner with Network, Software and Systems development Engineers to deliver automation for building and decommissioning the network infrastructure. Additionally create new tools or improve existing ones for network operators.
Amazon offers a full range of benefits for you and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. Benefits can vary by location, the number of regularly scheduled hours you work, length of employment, and job status such as seasonal or temporary employment. The benefits that generally apply to regular, full-time employees include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Maternity and Parental Leave Options
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) Plan
If you are not sure that every qualification on the list above describes you exactly, we'd still love to hear from you! At Amazon, we value people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets. If you’re passionate about this role and want to make an impact on a global scale, please apply!
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of designing or architecting (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience in automating, deploying, and supporting large-scale infrastructure
- Experience with Linux/Unix
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines build processes
- Experience programming with at least one modern language such as C++, C#, Java, Python, Golang, PowerShell, Ruby
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with distributed systems at scale
- Experience with networking fundamentals including hands-on experience with load balancers, switches, routers, etc.
- Experience working in an Agile environment
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, TX, Austin - 129,200.00 - 174,800.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Bellevue - 129,200.00 - 174,800.00 USD annually
See all 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.