STEM OPT Systems Programmer Jobs
Systems Programmer roles fall squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to build your career in low-level systems, OS development, or embedded software. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related STEM field must align with the role's CIP code.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: San Antonio, TX
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 15877
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Salary Range: Up to $83,600/Annualized, commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.
Job Type: Full Time
Posting Close Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 08/19/2026. At the discretion of the hiring department, this posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Required Application Materials:
- Resume is required.
- Cover letter is preferred.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Position Information
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence — advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has also been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UT San Antonio Today or on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.
Job Summary
The Enterprise Systems Programmer, under minimal supervision, is responsible for the development and maintenance of large-scale applications, databases and ETL processes by evaluating client needs, analyzing requirements, and developing and maintaining new and existing software systems to support achieving university business needs.
Core Responsibilities
- Develops and helps to architect large-scale web-based applications and SQL ETL Processes using 3-tier software architecture and Agile methodology.
- Supports the project through the entire lifecycle (SDLC), including design, development, testing, and production release, using different methodologies in the Software Development Life Cycle.
- Develops MS SQL SSIS packages, web services, Web Services Description Language (WSDL), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), AML, and Windows Communication Foundation classes (WCF).
- Works with Data Architect and Sr. Systems Analyst to design and develop layouts for web, mobile and SSIS applications.
- Develops prototypes using the functional specification for software projects.
- Assists in Use Case Analysis and UML diagramming.
- Supports and maintains the implementation of complex off-the-shelf components or applications requiring development.
- Assists in consulting with key customers and external entities to define business requirements, create and document technical strategies to support the development of the solution in support of the University's business function, and provide technical support for driving the solution to implementation.
- Utilizes source control management tools.
- Provides feedback on testing functionality requirements and performance, as well as usability and design principles; follows and provides feedback on applicable software development processes, policies, procedures, and coding standards.
- Assists in the collaboration of database administrators and the Database Architect on the design, development, testing, and implementation of custom applications and SSIS packages.
- Identifies systems deficiencies and works on developing and implementing solutions.
- Proactively initiates, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with team members; follows through with commitment and fosters mutual trust with fellow employees; cooperates with a variety of people to achieve desired results.
- Mentors junior developers in best practices, appropriate use of design patterns, coding standards, and security guidelines.
- Assists in architecting and developing software solutions utilized university-wide to support areas such as, but not limited to, student, faculty, and staff services, ERP system, and applications to support business functions.
- Troubleshoots and corrects performance problems related to web, desktop, and mobile applications; provides technical assistance and training by responding to inquiries regarding errors, problems, or questions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
- Three (3) years of related work experience.
- Experience with SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services).
- This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Project Development
- Systems Design, Programming, and Scripting
- Escalation
- Documentation
- Customer Service
- Adaptable
- Organizational
- Time Management
- Deadline-driven
- Prioritization
- Problem Solving
- Independent Judgment
- Collaboration
- Stays Informed
- Verbal and Written communication
- Microsoft Office
Working Conditions
Office and Data Processing Environment. Computers, servers, hardware, and standard office equipment. Occasional evening and weekend work. Occasional travel to and from meetings, training sessions, or multiple university-owned campuses and leased spaces.
Physical Demands
Light work: physical ability to lift and or move computer equipment occasionally (laptop, monitors, etc.). Required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
This position will work primarily on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.
This position is contingent upon a successful background check. Verification of a valid driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) may be completed as applicable. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
Equal Employment Opportunity
As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination.
Location: San Antonio, TX
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 15877
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Salary Range: Up to $83,600/Annualized, commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.
Job Type: Full Time
Posting Close Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 08/19/2026. At the discretion of the hiring department, this posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Required Application Materials:
- Resume is required.
- Cover letter is preferred.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Position Information
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence — advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has also been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UT San Antonio Today or on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.
Job Summary
The Enterprise Systems Programmer, under minimal supervision, is responsible for the development and maintenance of large-scale applications, databases and ETL processes by evaluating client needs, analyzing requirements, and developing and maintaining new and existing software systems to support achieving university business needs.
Core Responsibilities
- Develops and helps to architect large-scale web-based applications and SQL ETL Processes using 3-tier software architecture and Agile methodology.
- Supports the project through the entire lifecycle (SDLC), including design, development, testing, and production release, using different methodologies in the Software Development Life Cycle.
- Develops MS SQL SSIS packages, web services, Web Services Description Language (WSDL), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), AML, and Windows Communication Foundation classes (WCF).
- Works with Data Architect and Sr. Systems Analyst to design and develop layouts for web, mobile and SSIS applications.
- Develops prototypes using the functional specification for software projects.
- Assists in Use Case Analysis and UML diagramming.
- Supports and maintains the implementation of complex off-the-shelf components or applications requiring development.
- Assists in consulting with key customers and external entities to define business requirements, create and document technical strategies to support the development of the solution in support of the University's business function, and provide technical support for driving the solution to implementation.
- Utilizes source control management tools.
- Provides feedback on testing functionality requirements and performance, as well as usability and design principles; follows and provides feedback on applicable software development processes, policies, procedures, and coding standards.
- Assists in the collaboration of database administrators and the Database Architect on the design, development, testing, and implementation of custom applications and SSIS packages.
- Identifies systems deficiencies and works on developing and implementing solutions.
- Proactively initiates, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with team members; follows through with commitment and fosters mutual trust with fellow employees; cooperates with a variety of people to achieve desired results.
- Mentors junior developers in best practices, appropriate use of design patterns, coding standards, and security guidelines.
- Assists in architecting and developing software solutions utilized university-wide to support areas such as, but not limited to, student, faculty, and staff services, ERP system, and applications to support business functions.
- Troubleshoots and corrects performance problems related to web, desktop, and mobile applications; provides technical assistance and training by responding to inquiries regarding errors, problems, or questions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
- Three (3) years of related work experience.
- Experience with SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services).
- This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Project Development
- Systems Design, Programming, and Scripting
- Escalation
- Documentation
- Customer Service
- Adaptable
- Organizational
- Time Management
- Deadline-driven
- Prioritization
- Problem Solving
- Independent Judgment
- Collaboration
- Stays Informed
- Verbal and Written communication
- Microsoft Office
Working Conditions
Office and Data Processing Environment. Computers, servers, hardware, and standard office equipment. Occasional evening and weekend work. Occasional travel to and from meetings, training sessions, or multiple university-owned campuses and leased spaces.
Physical Demands
Light work: physical ability to lift and or move computer equipment occasionally (laptop, monitors, etc.). Required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
This position will work primarily on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.
This position is contingent upon a successful background check. Verification of a valid driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) may be completed as applicable. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
Equal Employment Opportunity
As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination.
See all 2,179+ STEM OPT Systems Programmer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Systems Programmer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Systems Programmer
Verify your degree's CIP code match
Cross-reference your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the Systems Programmer role on O*NET before applying. A mismatch between your field of study and the job's STEM classification is the most common reason STEM OPT extensions get rejected.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask recruiters directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you advance to offer negotiation. Many smaller software shops and government contractors assume enrollment but haven't completed registration, which disqualifies them as STEM OPT employers under USCIS rules.
Target employers with active systems-level LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter for companies that have filed Labor Condition Applications for systems programming or software infrastructure roles. Employers with a history of LCA filings for these job titles already understand the technical degree requirements and E-Verify obligations.
Build your I-983 training plan around systems work
Draft your I-983 training plan to map specific systems programming tasks, such as kernel development, memory management, or firmware debugging, to the learning objectives your DSO will approve. Vague descriptions like 'software development' increase the risk of a rejection from your DSO.
Time your application around cap-gap protections
If your OPT expires while an H-1B visa petition is pending, cap-gap rules extend your work authorization automatically through September 30. File your STEM OPT extension at least 90 days before your OPT end date to avoid a gap that would interrupt active systems projects.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark prevailing wages by region
Look up the prevailing wage for Systems Programmer roles in your target metro using OFLC Wage Search before negotiating offers. An offer below the DOL wage level for your region can block LCA certification and stall the entire authorization process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a computer science or computer engineering degree qualify me for STEM OPT as a Systems Programmer?
Yes, computer science and computer engineering degrees are among the most directly aligned fields for Systems Programmer roles under STEM OPT. The key requirement is that your degree's CIP code maps to the STEM designation list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Degrees in electrical engineering, mathematics, or information systems can also qualify depending on how the employer defines the role in the I-983 training plan. Confirm the match with your DSO before applying.
What E-Verify requirement applies to employers hiring me on STEM OPT?
Every employer that hires you on a STEM OPT extension must be actively enrolled in E-Verify at the time you start work. Enrollment by a parent company does not automatically cover subsidiaries or separate legal entities, so confirm that the specific hiring entity, not just a parent organization, is enrolled. USCIS treats unenrolled employers as ineligible regardless of company size or intent, and working for an unenrolled employer can jeopardize your status.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a Systems Programmer position?
Your I-983 should describe concrete technical learning objectives tied to the Systems Programmer role, such as proficiency in low-level memory management, operating system internals, or real-time embedded systems. Generic descriptions like 'improve software skills' are insufficient. The plan must show how the work experience directly relates to your STEM degree and must include a supervision structure with a named manager. Your DSO reviews and signs the I-983 before your extension is filed with USCIS.
How does cap-gap protection work if my OPT expires while I'm working as a Systems Programmer?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT end date and USCIS selects it in the lottery, cap-gap rules automatically extend your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working in your Systems Programmer role without interruption during this period. If the petition is not selected or not timely filed, no cap-gap extension applies and your employment authorization ends with your OPT.
Where can I find Systems Programmer jobs where employers are already set up to hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Systems Programmer listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and a history of STEM OPT or H-1B filings for technical roles. This lets you focus your applications on companies that already understand the I-983 process, the prevailing wage requirements, and the timeline involved, rather than spending time educating employers who have never sponsored work authorization before.