STEM OPT Test Automation Engineer Jobs
Test Automation Engineer roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, typically supported by degrees in computer science, software engineering, or information systems. Your F-1 STEM OPT extension adds 24 months of work authorization beyond your initial OPT, but your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your extension can be approved.
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About us:
One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
We have a great opportunity for a System Test Automation Engineer to join our Government team! In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the automation framework and test automation development for all components of a global SATCOM network.
The day-to-day:
You will work closely with the engineering and automation teams to automate everything about the software development lifecycle that can be automated. This includes requirements test coverage and continuous integration. The successful candidate will have a strong systems understanding, comfort with numerous tools and languages, and advanced debugging/troubleshooting skills.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
- 3+ years’ experience with programming/scripting languages
- Ability to comprehend complex system architectures and find creative approaches to automating repetitive tasks and activities
- Familiar with software configuration management tools: Perforce, Git, Artifactory
- Strong proficiency in Python; working knowledge of C/C++
- Networking knowledge (IP, TCP, UDP, Multicast, MPLS, REST etc.)
- Familiarity with RF test equipment (ex: spectrum analyzers, signal generators, etc.)
- Comfortable with the Linux environment and common tools
- Excellent communication and team skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related discipline
- US Citizenship
- Must be able to work onsite in our Carlsbad, CA office; hybrid role
WHAT WILL HELP YOU ON THE JOB:
- SATCOM or Wireless/RF Communication Systems experience
- Jenkins, Ansible and Docker familiarity with container orchestration
- Familiar with several test & automation tools: Robot, Jenkins, Gradle, Ant, Maven, Cucumber, Selenium, Webdriver
- Familiar with virtualization tools: docker, vagrant, VMware
- Familiar with Agile and Scrum team practices
SALARY RANGE:
$95,000.00 - $149,500.00 / annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $117,500.00 - $176,500.00 / annually. At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness.
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this online application, please click here.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Test Automation Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Cross-reference your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Computer science, software engineering, and information systems CIP codes all support Test Automation Engineer roles, but information technology codes vary by institution.
Build a portfolio around CI/CD and testing frameworks
Employers filing for STEM OPT students in test automation roles expect demonstrated experience with Selenium, Pytest, or similar frameworks. A GitHub portfolio showing automated test suites in real pipelines signals role-fit faster than a resume bullet alone.
Target employers with active H-1B LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Test Automation Engineer roles by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications, which signals both E-Verify enrollment and a track record of sponsoring STEM workers through OPT and beyond.
Draft your I-983 training plan before your start date
Your employer must complete the I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students before USCIS approves your extension. Bring a draft to your offer negotiation that maps your test automation responsibilities to your degree's learning objectives, so HR isn't caught off guard.
File your STEM OPT extension at least 90 days early
USCIS processing for STEM OPT extensions can exceed 90 days. Submit your I-765 at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires so cap-gap protections keep you authorized if approval runs long.
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Find Test Automation Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Test Automation Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your employer classifies the role under a SOC code tied to software quality assurance, software development, or computer and information systems, and your degree appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, and information systems degrees commonly support this role. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before filing.
What happens to my work authorization if my STEM OPT extension is still pending when my current EAD expires?
If you filed your I-765 at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expired, cap-gap protections under USCIS rules extend your work authorization automatically while the application is pending. You can continue working for your E-Verify-enrolled employer during this gap period. Carry your receipt notice and expired EAD together as proof of continued authorization.
What does the I-983 training plan require for a Test Automation Engineer position?
The I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students must connect your day-to-day test automation responsibilities, such as writing automated test scripts, managing CI/CD pipelines, or leading QA strategy, to specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. Your employer signs the form and must conduct formal performance evaluations every six months. Your DSO submits it to SEVIS before USCIS approves the extension.
How do I find Test Automation Engineer employers who are already enrolled in E-Verify?
Migrate Mate filters Test Automation Engineer listings by employers with Labor Condition Application filing history, which confirms E-Verify participation as a byproduct of the LCA process. You can also ask recruiters directly or search the E-Verify employer database by company name before investing time in an application. Never assume enrollment based on company size alone.
Can I switch employers during my STEM OPT extension if I get a better Test Automation Engineer offer?
Yes, but the new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, and you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days so they can update SEVIS. A new I-983 training plan specific to the new role is required before you start. Your existing EAD remains valid for the authorized period, so no new I-765 is needed solely because of the employer change.
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