1

Stem Opt Internship Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

... OPT . Section 1: Position Summary We are hiring for multiple positions on our AI Technology team ... Identify whether issues stem from prompting, retrieval (RAG), tool selection, or backend systems

Stem Opt Internship information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$11

$19

$29

How much do stem opt internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for stem opt internship in Springfield, MA is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a STEM OPT internship?

A STEM OPT internship refers to practical training that F-1 international students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) can undertake in the United States after completing their academic programs. Under the STEM OPT extension, eligible students can work for up to 24 additional months beyond the standard 12-month OPT period, gaining hands-on experience in their field of study. The internship must be with an employer enrolled in E-Verify and related to the student's STEM degree. This extension is designed to provide more opportunities for international students to acquire valuable work experience and contribute to the U.S. workforce.

What is the difference between Stem Opt Internship vs Stem Entry-Level Job?

AspectStem Opt InternshipStem Entry-Level Job
Required CredentialsF-1 visa, STEM OPT extension, relevant degreeBachelor's or higher in STEM field, possibly additional certifications
Work EnvironmentTemporary, training-focused, often part-time or project-basedFull-time, professional setting, ongoing responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by tech, engineering, biotech companies for skill developmentEntry-level roles in similar industries, with more responsibilities

Stem Opt Internships are temporary training positions designed for skill development during OPT, while Stem Entry-Level Jobs are full-time roles with ongoing responsibilities. Internships often serve as a pathway to full employment in STEM fields.

What jobs can I do on stem OPT?

On STEM OPT, eligible roles typically include positions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields such as research assistant, data analyst, software developer, engineer, or lab technician. These jobs must be directly related to the student's field of study and often require the use of specialized skills, tools, or software relevant to the discipline.

What are some common challenges STEM OPT interns face when adapting to a new work environment in the U.S.?

STEM OPT interns often encounter challenges such as adjusting to different workplace cultures, communication styles, and expectations around teamwork and deadlines. Navigating the nuances of professional etiquette and understanding the structure of U.S. companies can also be new experiences. Many interns find it helpful to proactively seek feedback, participate in team meetings, and connect with mentors or colleagues to ease the transition and enhance their professional growth.

Who is eligible for stem internship?

Eligibility for a STEM internship typically requires applicants to be currently enrolled in or recent graduates of a relevant science, technology, engineering, or mathematics program. Candidates often need to demonstrate strong academic performance, relevant skills, and sometimes specific certifications or security clearances, depending on the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a STEM OPT Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a STEM OPT Intern, you typically need a degree in a STEM field, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in relevant subject matter. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, programming languages, or laboratory equipment, as well as compliance with STEM OPT program regulations, is essential. Strong communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills help interns integrate into diverse workplace settings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for contributing effectively to projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building a foundation for long-term career growth.

Can I work as an intern in stem OPT?

Yes, STEM OPT allows eligible F-1 students who have completed a qualifying STEM degree to work as interns or in employment related to their field for up to 24 months beyond their initial OPT period. Internships must be directly related to the student's STEM major and typically require employer participation in the E-Verify program and adherence to reporting requirements.

Can I work for 20 hours on stem OPT?

For STEM OPT, students are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the regular academic year and full-time during breaks, provided the employment is directly related to their STEM degree and approved by their Designated School Official. It is important to follow the specific employment authorization guidelines and report employment details to maintain compliance.
What are popular job titles related to Stem Opt Internship jobs in Springfield, MA? For Stem Opt Internship jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Stem Opt Internship jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Stem Opt Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Stem Opt Internship job openings in Springfield, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,034 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Associate Software Engineer - Java

Associate Software Engineer - Java

The Hartford

Hartford, CT • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


The Hartford rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 298 rated insurance


Job description

Associate Software Engineer - IE08EE

We're determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals - and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.

Position Summary

Middle & Large Business IT is seeking a highly motivated Associate Software Engineer to join our Agile product development team. This role provides an excellent opportunity for early-career software engineers to develop technical expertise while contributing to the design, development, testing, and support of business-critical applications that enable underwriting, policy administration, and digital transformation initiatives.

The ideal candidate is passionate about technology, eager to learn modern software engineering practices, and enjoys working in a collaborative environment to deliver innovative solutions that improve business outcomes.

This role will have a Hybrid work schedule, with the expectation of working in an office (Hartford, CT or Charlotte, NC) 3 days a week (Tuesday through Thursday).

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, test, and maintain high-quality software solutions under the guidance of senior engineers and technical leads.
  • Participate in all Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, backlog refinement, reviews, and retrospectives.
  • Contribute to application enhancements, defect resolution, and performance improvement initiatives.
  • Develop and execute unit tests and assist with integration and system testing activities.
  • Troubleshoot production and non-production issues and support root cause analysis efforts.
  • Collaborate with business partners, product owners, architects, and fellow engineers to understand requirements and develop technical solutions.
  • Participate in code reviews and incorporate feedback to improve code quality and maintainability.
  • Learn and apply modern software engineering practices, including CI/CD, DevOps, automated testing, and secure coding standards.
  • Utilize AI-powered development tools and modern engineering practices to improve productivity, code quality, testing, documentation, and software delivery.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation as required.
  • Support cloud modernization and digital transformation initiatives across the MLB IT portfolio.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related field.
  • 0-3 years of software development experience (internships and co-op experience considered).
  • Understanding of object-oriented programming concepts and software development fundamentals.
  • Experience or coursework in one or more programming languages such as:
    • Java
    • JavaScript / TypeScript
    • Python
    • C#
  • Basic knowledge of:
    • REST APIs
    • SQL and relational databases
    • Git or source control systems
    • Agile development methodologies
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated willingness to learn new technologies and business domains.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Exposure to modern Java frameworks such as Spring Boot.
  • Experience with Angular, React, or modern web development frameworks.
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS.
  • Knowledge of CI/CD tools and DevOps practices.
  • Understanding of microservices architecture and API development.
  • Experience with automated testing frameworks.
  • Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), or AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Microsoft Copilot, or similar technologies.
  • Demonstrated interest in leveraging AI to enhance software development, automate repetitive tasks, and improve engineering efficiency.

Success Factors

  • Strong learning agility and curiosity.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
  • Accountability and ownership mindset.
  • Passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Curiosity and enthusiasm for emerging technologies, including AI-driven software engineering practices and intelligent automation.
  • Commitment to delivering quality solutions that provide business value.

What You'll Gain

  • Opportunity to work on enterprise-scale applications supporting Middle & Large Business operations.
  • Exposure to cloud technologies, APIs, modern application architecture, and AI-enabled development practices.
  • Mentorship from experienced software engineers and technical leaders.
  • Career growth opportunities within the Software Engineering career framework.
  • Hands-on experience with modern Agile, DevOps, cloud, and AI-assisted engineering practices.

Candidate must be authorized to work in the US without company sponsorship.The company will not support the STEM OPT I-983 Training Plan endorsement for this position.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

$70,000 - $105,000

Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age

About Us|Our Culture|What It's Like to Work Here|Perks & Benefits


What The Hartford employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Hartford logo

About Hartford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hartford Financial Services Group, widely recognized as The Hartford, is a renowned company based in Hartford, CT, US. Established in 1810, it has evolved into an industry leader in the insurance and financial services sector, proudly serving more than one million businesses in the US. The Hartford is committed to offering a gamut of insurance products that include homeowners, automobile, and business insurance as well as employee benefits and mutual funds. The company’s core values revolve around customer-focused innovations, diversity and inclusion, and ethical dealings that have earned them a customer-centric reputation. This shapes their mission which revolves around aiding their clients to overcome unforeseen obstacles and enhancing their wealth over time. Among the company's noted accomplishments is being consistently listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies, a testament to their unwavering commitment towards responsible business practices.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Hartford, CT, US

Year founded

1810

Social media