STEM OPT Test Engineer Jobs
Test Engineer roles in software quality, hardware validation, and embedded systems are strong matches for STEM OPT authorization. Your STEM degree makes you eligible for the 24-month OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months to build U.S. experience, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.
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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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Test Engineer
Verify your CIP code supports STEM OPT
Not every engineering or computer science degree automatically qualifies. Cross-check your program's CIP code against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list before applying, so you can confirm eligibility before your initial 12-month OPT ends.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
STEM OPT requires your employer to be actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Ask your recruiter to confirm current enrollment status during the offer stage, since lapsed enrollment disqualifies an otherwise valid training plan.
Benchmark your test engineer offer against prevailing wages
Your I-983 training plan must show compensation commensurate with similarly situated U.S. workers. Use the OFLC Wage Search to find the DOL prevailing wage for your specific SOC code and metro area before signing your offer.
Target employers with active quality engineering LCA filings
Employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for test or quality engineer roles have already navigated STEM OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship processes. Use Migrate Mate to filter job listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and relevant LCA filing history.
File your I-983 training plan before your OPT end date
Your DSO must receive a complete I-983 and submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Missing that window means a gap in work authorization even if approval eventually comes through.
Map your test engineering duties to O*NET job zones
Your I-983 training plan needs to describe how your daily role directly applies your STEM degree. Pull the O*NET occupation profile for Test Engineers to identify the degree requirements and core tasks that support your training plan narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Test Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT authorization?
Yes, if your degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as electrical engineering, computer science, or mechanical engineering, and your employer assigns duties that directly apply that training. The role's SOC code must align with your degree's CIP code. Review the DHS STEM designated degree list and your I-20 to confirm the pairing before your DSO submits the extension application.
What does the I-983 training plan require for a Test Engineer position?
The I-983 must describe how your test engineering duties, such as developing test cases, analyzing failure data, or validating hardware against specifications, apply your STEM degree to real work. Your employer signs the plan and commits to supervision and mentorship. USCIS and your DSO review it together, and your employer must provide updated evaluations every six months throughout the extension period.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify for STEM OPT?
Ask your recruiter or HR contact to provide their E-Verify company ID or a screenshot of their active enrollment status. E-Verify enrollment must be current at the time you begin working under STEM OPT authorization. An employer that was previously enrolled but allowed their participation to lapse does not satisfy the requirement, so verify this before your start date, not after.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my test engineer employer is acquired or rebranded?
A merger, acquisition, or name change requires a new I-983 to be filed with your DSO, since the legal employing entity has changed. Your USCIS-authorized STEM OPT period itself does not change, but the training plan must reflect the new employer's E-Verify enrollment and updated supervisory structure. Delays in filing an updated I-983 can create compliance gaps, so notify your DSO immediately when a corporate change is announced.
Where can I find Test Engineer jobs where the employer already supports STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Test Engineer jobs filtered for employers with active E-Verify enrollment and documented LCA filing history, so you're not guessing about sponsorship willingness. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you focus your applications on companies that have already demonstrated they understand and support the STEM OPT extension process, including the I-983 training plan requirement.