STEM OPT Jobs in Arizona
Arizona's technology corridor stretching from Phoenix to Tempe, Scottsdale, and Chandler anchors some of the country's most active F-1 STEM OPT sponsors. Semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, financial technology, and healthcare IT employers regularly file E-Verify-verified OPT extensions across the state.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout 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.
This is a role for an Embedded Software Engineer within Space Infrastructure - Viasat, experienced in C/C++/Python and interested in learning the Rust programming language. You will design, develop, and integrate software for satellite payload flight control, embedded cryptographic functions, and automated test solutions. You will interface and collaborate with system, test, and hardware engineers as new capabilities are developed and transitioned into service.
This position requires an experienced software engineer able to work with autonomy and able to lead trade-off studies. The candidate must show expertise in most core software development proficiencies.
The day-to-day
- Design and implementation with embedded software in C/C++ and Rust
- Design and implementation with embedded and system test software in C/C++ and Python
- Design and implementation of Linux OS applications in Python, C/C++, and Rust
- Design and implementation of FreeRTOS applications in C/C++ and Rust
- Design and develop applications for microprocessors, embedded processors, and FPGAs
- Design and implementation of bare metal embedded device drivers
- Debug and resolve complex integration issues
- Design CI/CD infrastructure and automation services
- Find opportunities to improve product reliability and security
- Lead design reviews and documentation tasks
- Agile SCRUM Framework development
- Works autonomously with little instruction to solve well-defined problems
- This is an onsite role
- Bachelor's Degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field
- 2 - 5 years of design and implementation experience with embedded software in C/C++
- 1 - 3 years of design and implementation experience with system test software in Python
- At least 1 year of Linux OS use, ideally for an embedded environment
- Experience with Linux, RTOS, and bare metal applications
- Object-Oriented software design and development experience
- Strong Design Patterns knowledge and practical experience
- Basic understanding of OSI model layers
- Ability to plan, track and report on team progress
- Good oral and written communications skills
- US citizenship
- Ability to travel up to 10%
What will help you on the job
- Experience with Python software development
- Experience with Emulation Environments
- Experience with CI/CD practices
- Experience with AI Toolkits and Platforms (e.g. Copilot, Claude, Cursor, etc.)
- Familiarity with tools and services like Git, GitHub, Jira, Jama, Artifactory, etc.
- Familiarity with Rust software development
- Familiarity with FPGA-based architectures
- Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
- Familiarity with RTOS and standalone embedded applications
- Familiarity with Ethernet standard and protocols
- Familiarity with network security protocols (e.g. IPSec, MACsec, TLS, etc.)
- SCRUM Product Owner and/or SCRUM Master certification
- Familiarity with debuggers (GDB over JTAG)
Salary range
$117,000.00 - $185,000.00 / 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 $145,000.00 - $218,000.00 / 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.
EEO Statement
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.
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.
This is a role for an Embedded Software Engineer within Space Infrastructure - Viasat, experienced in C/C++/Python and interested in learning the Rust programming language. You will design, develop, and integrate software for satellite payload flight control, embedded cryptographic functions, and automated test solutions. You will interface and collaborate with system, test, and hardware engineers as new capabilities are developed and transitioned into service.
This position requires an experienced software engineer able to work with autonomy and able to lead trade-off studies. The candidate must show expertise in most core software development proficiencies.
The day-to-day
- Design and implementation with embedded software in C/C++ and Rust
- Design and implementation with embedded and system test software in C/C++ and Python
- Design and implementation of Linux OS applications in Python, C/C++, and Rust
- Design and implementation of FreeRTOS applications in C/C++ and Rust
- Design and develop applications for microprocessors, embedded processors, and FPGAs
- Design and implementation of bare metal embedded device drivers
- Debug and resolve complex integration issues
- Design CI/CD infrastructure and automation services
- Find opportunities to improve product reliability and security
- Lead design reviews and documentation tasks
- Agile SCRUM Framework development
- Works autonomously with little instruction to solve well-defined problems
- This is an onsite role
- Bachelor's Degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field
- 2 - 5 years of design and implementation experience with embedded software in C/C++
- 1 - 3 years of design and implementation experience with system test software in Python
- At least 1 year of Linux OS use, ideally for an embedded environment
- Experience with Linux, RTOS, and bare metal applications
- Object-Oriented software design and development experience
- Strong Design Patterns knowledge and practical experience
- Basic understanding of OSI model layers
- Ability to plan, track and report on team progress
- Good oral and written communications skills
- US citizenship
- Ability to travel up to 10%
What will help you on the job
- Experience with Python software development
- Experience with Emulation Environments
- Experience with CI/CD practices
- Experience with AI Toolkits and Platforms (e.g. Copilot, Claude, Cursor, etc.)
- Familiarity with tools and services like Git, GitHub, Jira, Jama, Artifactory, etc.
- Familiarity with Rust software development
- Familiarity with FPGA-based architectures
- Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
- Familiarity with RTOS and standalone embedded applications
- Familiarity with Ethernet standard and protocols
- Familiarity with network security protocols (e.g. IPSec, MACsec, TLS, etc.)
- SCRUM Product Owner and/or SCRUM Master certification
- Familiarity with debuggers (GDB over JTAG)
Salary range
$117,000.00 - $185,000.00 / 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 $145,000.00 - $218,000.00 / 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.
EEO Statement
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.
Search F-1 STEM OPT Jobs by Industry in Arizona
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in Arizona
Verify your role qualifies before applying
Check your target job title against O*NET to confirm it falls under a STEM-designated STEM degree classification. Arizona employers in semiconductor and aerospace roles sometimes post titles that sound technical but map to non-STEM STEM degree classifications, which disqualifies the extension.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers directly
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify before your extension is approved. In Phoenix and Chandler, many mid-size defense and chip fabrication contractors are already enrolled, but smaller fintech startups in Tempe often are not.
Search OFLC LCA filings to find active sponsors
Use Migrate Mate to search DOL Labor Condition Application data filtered by Arizona and your occupation code. This surfaces employers who have actively sponsored STEM roles, not just those who say they're open to sponsorship on job postings.
Align your I-983 training plan with real job duties
USCIS scrutinizes I-983 training plans that list generic learning goals. Work with your DSO and the hiring manager in Scottsdale or Tempe to document specific technical projects and measurable outcomes that directly connect to your degree field.
File your extension request 90 days before OPT expires
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be submitted at least 90 days before your post-completion OPT end date. Missing this window in even low-workload periods creates an authorization gap that Arizona employers cannot bridge retroactively.
Use Arizona university networks to reach local sponsors
ASU, University of Arizona, and Arizona State University system career offices maintain lists of employers who have previously hired OPT students. Reaching out through alumni channels in the Phoenix metro often surfaces sponsorship-ready roles before they reach public job boards.
See all 593+ F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Arizona
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Arizona.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Arizona sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Semiconductor and chip manufacturing anchored in Chandler and the greater Phoenix metro, aerospace and defense firms concentrated around Mesa and Tucson, financial technology companies in Scottsdale, and healthcare IT employers across the Valley sponsor the highest volumes of F-1 STEM OPT extensions in Arizona. Software engineering and data analytics roles within these sectors generate the majority of filings.
Which cities in Arizona have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Phoenix and its surrounding East Valley cities, particularly Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Mesa, concentrate the majority of Arizona's F-1 STEM OPT sponsoring employers. Tucson has a secondary cluster tied to University of Arizona spinoffs and defense contractors. Flagstaff has limited sponsorship activity outside of research-adjacent roles.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Arizona?
Roles must map to a STEM-designated STEM degree classification on the DHS STEM OPT designated degree program list. In Arizona, qualifying positions commonly include software engineers, electrical engineers, data scientists, semiconductor process engineers, systems analysts, and biomedical engineers. Verify your specific job title against O*NET to confirm the STEM degree classification qualifies before accepting an offer.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Arizona?
Migrate Mate lets you filter job listings by visa type and state, surfacing Arizona employers with verified DOL LCA filing history for roles. This removes the guesswork of cold-applying to companies that have never sponsored. You can also cross-reference E-Verify enrollment status, which is a hard requirement for any STEM OPT extension approval.
Are there any Arizona-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Arizona has no state-level work authorization requirements beyond federal rules, but the state's heavy defense and semiconductor presence means many employers require security clearance eligibility, which F-1 students on OPT typically cannot obtain. Confirming clearance requirements before applying saves significant time. Additionally, some Arizona employers treat OPT and STEM OPT as separate sponsorship decisions, so confirm the employer is willing to file the E-Verify-backed extension, not just hire on initial OPT.