OPT Data Architect Jobs
Data Architect roles on OPT require employers who can sponsor H-1B visa, as the position consistently qualifies as a specialty occupation under USCIS standards. Most roles demand proficiency in cloud platforms, data modeling, and enterprise architecture. STEM OPT extensions are widely available for this role, giving you up to three years of work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The MDHHS/DTMB AS Analytics and Visualization Division is seeking a Senior ETL Developer with extensive experience in IBM DataStage, IBM Cloud Pak for Data (CP4D), and Teradata 20. The resource will support enterprise data modernization efforts, including migration of legacy workloads to CP4D, development of robust ETL pipelines, and technical leadership for data quality, governance, and integration initiatives. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, advanced ETL engineering skills, and the ability to work effectively across complex enterprise environments.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, build, enhance, and optimize ETL pipelines using IBM DataStage (parallel/server jobs, performance tuning, job sequencing).
- Support the migration of DataStage workloads from on-premise environments to IBM Cloud Pak for Data (CP4D), including refactoring, modernization, testing, and validation.
- Develop and optimize complex SQL and BTEQ scripts for Teradata 20, supporting large-scale data integrations and analytics workloads.
- Create automation scripts using Python, Shell scripting, and XML for ETL workflows and data processing.
- Apply Master Data Management (MDM) and data governance principles to ensure consistency, quality, and reliability across systems.
- Work collaboratively with MDHHS data architects, DBAs, analysts, business owners, and technical teams to align deliverables with program objectives.
- Conduct troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and remediation activities for ETL pipeline issues.
- Support Agile delivery, including sprint participation, documentation, testing, and continuous improvement activities.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 1+ years of hands-on experience with IBM Cloud Pak for Data (CP4D).
- 3+ years of strong experience with Teradata 20, including SQL/BTEQ, performance optimization, and working with large enterprise datasets.
- 5+ years of Unix/Linux scripting and system operations.
- 3+ years of Advanced SQL for analysis and ETL support.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Public health, Health Industry, or State Government experience.
REQUIRED EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or related field.
OTHER DESIRED SKILLS
- 5+ years of experience developing ETL solutions using IBM DataStage.
- Proficiency in:
- Python for automation
- MDM, data quality, and data governance methodologies
- Proven ability to translate business and technical requirements into scalable ETL and data integration solutions.
- Experience in large, complex enterprise data environments with multiple data sources.
- Prior experience supporting State of Michigan projects or other public-sector environments.
- Knowledge of IBM Knowledge Catalog (metadata, lineage, governance).
- Exposure to IBM Manta for lineage and impact analysis.
- Familiarity with cloud-native platforms such as OpenShift or Kubernetes.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines, version control, and Agile methodologies.
INTRODUCTION
The MDHHS/DTMB AS Analytics and Visualization Division is seeking a Senior ETL Developer with extensive experience in IBM DataStage, IBM Cloud Pak for Data (CP4D), and Teradata 20. The resource will support enterprise data modernization efforts, including migration of legacy workloads to CP4D, development of robust ETL pipelines, and technical leadership for data quality, governance, and integration initiatives. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, advanced ETL engineering skills, and the ability to work effectively across complex enterprise environments.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, build, enhance, and optimize ETL pipelines using IBM DataStage (parallel/server jobs, performance tuning, job sequencing).
- Support the migration of DataStage workloads from on-premise environments to IBM Cloud Pak for Data (CP4D), including refactoring, modernization, testing, and validation.
- Develop and optimize complex SQL and BTEQ scripts for Teradata 20, supporting large-scale data integrations and analytics workloads.
- Create automation scripts using Python, Shell scripting, and XML for ETL workflows and data processing.
- Apply Master Data Management (MDM) and data governance principles to ensure consistency, quality, and reliability across systems.
- Work collaboratively with MDHHS data architects, DBAs, analysts, business owners, and technical teams to align deliverables with program objectives.
- Conduct troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and remediation activities for ETL pipeline issues.
- Support Agile delivery, including sprint participation, documentation, testing, and continuous improvement activities.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 1+ years of hands-on experience with IBM Cloud Pak for Data (CP4D).
- 3+ years of strong experience with Teradata 20, including SQL/BTEQ, performance optimization, and working with large enterprise datasets.
- 5+ years of Unix/Linux scripting and system operations.
- 3+ years of Advanced SQL for analysis and ETL support.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Public health, Health Industry, or State Government experience.
REQUIRED EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or related field.
OTHER DESIRED SKILLS
- 5+ years of experience developing ETL solutions using IBM DataStage.
- Proficiency in:
- Python for automation
- MDM, data quality, and data governance methodologies
- Proven ability to translate business and technical requirements into scalable ETL and data integration solutions.
- Experience in large, complex enterprise data environments with multiple data sources.
- Prior experience supporting State of Michigan projects or other public-sector environments.
- Knowledge of IBM Knowledge Catalog (metadata, lineage, governance).
- Exposure to IBM Manta for lineage and impact analysis.
- Familiarity with cloud-native platforms such as OpenShift or Kubernetes.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines, version control, and Agile methodologies.
See all 345+ OPT Data Architect Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Data Architect
Target employers with a STEM OPT track record
Companies that have hired data architects on OPT before understand the authorization timeline and STEM extension process. Look for organizations with dedicated immigration support teams, as they're far more likely to navigate H-1B visa sponsorship without hesitation.
Lead with your data stack, not your visa status
Hiring managers at the senior architect level care about your cloud platform expertise, data modeling methodology, and past system scale. Establish technical credibility first. Sponsorship conversations land better once a hiring manager already wants you on the team.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Data Architect roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in computer science, information systems, or a related CIP-coded field. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before accepting any offer.
Address the H-1B timeline early with employers
Data Architect is a well-established specialty occupation, which strengthens H-1B petition approval odds. Raising this proactively with employers signals preparation, not desperation, and lets both sides plan around the April filing and October start timeline.
Prioritize large enterprises and consultancies
Firms like the Big Four, major cloud consultancies, and Fortune 500 technology organizations sponsor data architects regularly. Their in-house immigration counsel and established processes reduce friction compared to smaller companies encountering OPT sponsorship for the first time.
Document your architecture work with measurable outcomes
Sponsoring employers need to justify the hire for an H-1B petition. Portfolio pieces that show data pipeline scale, latency improvements, or cost reductions give the company concrete evidence supporting the specialty occupation classification and wage level determination.
Data Architect OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Architect role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B?
Yes. Data Architect is one of the more straightforward H-1B specialty occupation classifications because USCIS consistently recognizes it as requiring at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a directly related field. The role's technical complexity and degree-specific requirements satisfy the specialty occupation standard without significant evidentiary challenges.
Can I work as a Data Architect on STEM OPT?
Yes, provided your degree falls under a STEM-designated CIP code. Most degrees in computer science, data science, information systems, or software engineering qualify. The STEM OPT extension gives you an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond your initial 12-month OPT period, for up to 36 months total. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before you apply.
How do I find Data Architect jobs where employers are open to OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-eligible candidates, so you're not spending time on roles where sponsorship is a non-starter. Data Architect positions on the platform are sourced from employers familiar with the OPT and H-1B process, which significantly shortens the sponsorship conversation during interviews.
What should I do if my OPT expires before the H-1B start date?
If your employer files an H-1B cap-subject petition by the April 1 deadline for an October 1 start date, and your OPT expires between April and September, the cap-gap rule automatically extends your work authorization. You can continue working legally for the same employer throughout that period without interruption, as long as the petition remains pending or is approved.
Do smaller startups typically sponsor Data Architects on OPT?
Some do, but it's less common than at larger enterprises. Startups without in-house legal teams often lack experience with the H-1B process, which creates risk for your timeline. If you're considering a startup, ask early whether they've sponsored H-1B petitions before and whether they have an immigration attorney relationship in place.