Technology F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in California
Technology F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in California are concentrated across Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Google, Apple, Meta, and Salesforce have active STEM OPT hiring programs. California hosts more STEM OPT employers than any other U.S. state, making it the primary destination for international tech graduates seeking hands-on training authorization.
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Company Description
It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.
We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.
The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.
If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.
Job Description
Primary Function of the Position
The New Product Verification Department is devoted to assuring safe, reliable, and effective products that exceed patient, surgeon, and hospital expectations. The department plays a vital role in product and process quality, in new product development and production, and in the quality of da Vinci and Ion robotic product lines, including diagnostic systems, endoscopic instrumentation, and supporting accessories. The Senior Test Engineer will work with a team of dedicated individuals within a product development team to assure the quality of new designs, to identify issues related to new designs and processes, and to work with other Test Engineers to develop harmonized test methods.
Essential Job Duties
Test Protocol Development, Execution & Reporting
- Develops high level verification and validation test plans for instrument, accessories, endoluminal, or vision projects
- Generates and takes ownership of test protocols for Design Verification and Life/Reliability tests
- Develops clinically relevant test methods ensure design requirements are sufficiently verified by collaborating with appropriate cross functional partners
- Executes test protocols for clinically-based surgical simulation and automated testing utilizing da Vinci surgical system, Ion Systems and/or other test equipment
- Identifies and presents problems that arise during feasibility and design verification testing, and escalates new or persistent failure modes to appropriate engineering teams
- Proactively engages with appropriate engineering teams on the failure investigation and root cause analysis
- Clearly documents test results and observations in test report.
Test Fixture Development:
- Designs test fixtures and other test aids needed to perform Design Verification and Life/Reliability tests
- Proactively identifies and develops processes and test methods that could benefit from new or updated fixture designs by engaging with design and test engineers
- Perform test fixture qualification as required
- Responsible for documentation of fixtures utilizing SolidWorks; release of documents into Agile
Other Responsibilities
- Effectively translate the functional requirements into appropriate acceptance criteria for testcases and test methods.
- Train test technicians on test methods and procedures
- Ensures successful, on-time completion of department projects; communicates constraints to direct management when successful project completion is at risk
- Complies with company Department and Standard Operating Procedures
- Verifies and ensures adequate supply of test articles and other equipment or material
Qualifications
Required Skills and Experience
- Medical Device Verification/Validation experience is required
- Understanding of design controls used in the Medical device development is required.
- Ability to perform mechanical engineering calculations needed to support equipment design, including dimensional analysis.
- Experience using tools and measuring equipment (Force Gauge, Calipers, Instron, Oscilloscopes etc.).
- Proactive and self-motivated engineer
- Must be a quick learner with the ability understand complex products and processes.
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
- Ability to multitask, and handle tasks with competing priorities effectively.
- Ability to work with biological samples, including blood, tissue and organs.
- Familiar with GDP skills.
- Accepting and adhering to high ethical, moral, and personal values in decisions, communications, actions, and when dealing with others
Required Education and Training
- 4+ years experience working in an engineering organization.
- BS in Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering or similar degree. MS preferred.
Working Conditions
- The employee will spend time at their desk in front of the computer as well as work in a lab environment.
- Lab environment will have exposure to animal blood and tissue; there will also be exposure to detergents and other chemicals used for reprocessing medical devices.
- Hands on testing includes but not limited to using the robotic systems, mechanical test fixtures, microscopes, electrical test fixtures etc.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Prefer experience within medical device or pharmaceutical industry.
- Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
- Experience with MATLAB, Python, Arduino is highly preferred.
- Experience working with electro-mechanical systems is a plus.
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills. Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.
Technology Job Roles in California
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Search Technology Jobs in CaliforniaTechnology Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which technology companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in California?
California's technology sector includes many established STEM OPT employers, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Companies such as Google, Apple, Meta, Salesforce, Nvidia, and Intuit have consistent STEM OPT hiring track records. Startups and mid-size firms in semiconductor design, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise software also frequently participate. Employer willingness varies by team and role, so verifying a specific company's STEM OPT filing history before applying is recommended.
Which cities in California have the most technology F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and San Francisco itself, concentrates the highest volume of technology STEM OPT positions in California. Los Angeles is a growing hub for fintech, gaming, and media technology employers. San Diego has a strong presence in cybersecurity, biotech software, and defense technology. Remote-first California companies also sponsor STEM OPT, expanding opportunities beyond physical office locations.
What types of technology roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify generally involve a direct connection to a STEM-designated degree field. Software engineering, data science, machine learning engineering, cybersecurity analysis, systems architecture, and DevOps positions commonly qualify when paired with degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, or applied mathematics. The position must be a paid, qualifying employer relationship, unpaid internships and independent contractor arrangements do not satisfy STEM OPT requirements under USCIS and ICE guidelines.
How do I find technology F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters technology roles in California by verified STEM OPT sponsorship history, so you're not sorting through listings that won't work for your visa status. Search by city or sub-region, such as Bay Area or Los Angeles, and filter to software, data, or engineering roles. Confirming a company's E-Verify enrollment before applying is important, as STEM OPT employers are required to participate in E-Verify.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in California's technology industry?
California's strict employment classification laws affect how some technology companies structure intern and training roles, which can influence STEM OPT eligibility for certain positions. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify and submit a Training Plan using Form I-983 through your Designated School Official. California's large international student population means DSOs at UC Berkeley, Stanford, UCLA, and UCSD are experienced with STEM OPT logistics, which can make the authorization process more straightforward for students at those institutions.