OPT Data Center Jobs
Data center roles in operations, infrastructure, and network engineering are strong fits for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, or information systems. STEM OPT extension eligibility makes these positions especially valuable, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience in a field with consistent employer demand.
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INTRODUCTION
Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career growth at Rosendin. Enjoy a true sense of ownership as you work with a proven industry leader on some of the most exciting and high-profile projects in the nation. We offer a wide range of job opportunities, competitive compensation, full benefits, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and more.
Why Rosendin?
Committed. Innovative. Engaged.
If you're looking to take your career to the next level and work with some of the best and brightest in the industry, we want to hear from you. Since our founding over 100+ years ago, Rosendin has been driven to positively impact the communities where we live and work. We are an organization built on integrity and we have a culture that empowers people, embraces diversity, and inspires everyone to do their best. As one of the largest EMPLOYEE-OWNED electrical contractors in the United States, you will have the unique benefit of being a shareholder at a company that is experiencing tremendous growth and success. When our people succeed and fuel our success, we reward them. We'd love to have you as a shareholder!
YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY:
The Engineer II is a mid-level engineering position responsible for providing technical engineering information and support to the senior engineers to ensure that projects comply with the project requirements and all engineering standards, applicable codes, and specifications. Knowledge of various electrical engineering concepts, including power distribution, lighting, grounding, energy conservation, and value engineering related to designing state-of-the-art, constructible projects.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Oversee junior engineers, designers, and staff assigned to your work or team. In this instance, an Engineer II would feel comfortable and capable of leading projects of limited scope.
- Review, comment, and process equipment and system submittals in coordination with the Engineer of Record.
- Generate electrical specifications appropriate for the project.
- Develop a complete and accurate sequence of operations for all designed systems.
- Working knowledge of equipment and system testing and commissioning.
- Perform process coordination between architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and all electrical trades.
- Prepare designs, check, and specify power, lighting, and auxiliary systems.
- Prepare power system single-line diagrams, including feeder, over current protection sizing, and equipment elevations.
- Conduct short circuit, over current protection device coordination studies, and Arc Flash mitigation Studies.
- Perform calculations to determine distribution capacity due to voltage drop, voltage droop, or underground heat effect (Neher-McGrath).
- Coordinate your work with the project Specifications or equipment buy-out.
- Visit job sites to field survey existing electrical conditions.
- May include on-site field assignments.
- Utilize engineering analysis programs and professional judgment to analyze loads, lighting levels, and short circuit currents.
- Conduct value engineering functions.
- Attend project design team meetings. Interface with various team members, particularly the client, architect, and mechanical contractor/engineer.
- Research and resolve drawing interpretation problems, conflicts, interferences, and errors.
- Represent the design group during the construction to ensure the operations team is provided with proper and timely information for installation. This will include attendance at Owner and Contractor meetings.
- The duties and responsibilities describe this position's general nature and scope of work. This is a partial listing, and other responsibilities will be assigned based on the position's role within the business unit.
WHAT YOU BRING TO US:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, architectural engineering, construction sciences, or equivalent experience.
- Typically requires a minimum of 2 years of Engineering Experience.
- This candidate may have completed the Engineer-In-Training and is encouraged to pursue registration as a Professional Engineer.
- LEED AP® is desired for this position.
- Can be a combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
COMPETENCIES:
- Teamwork
- Productivity
- Strategic thinking
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
- Requires working electrical engineering knowledge, including power distribution, lighting, grounding, energy conservation, and value engineering related to designing state-of-the-art constructible projects.
- Fully competent in the majority of Engineer I skills.
- High-rise residential, Commercial, and Data Center experience is a plus.
- Proficiency in Analytics programs for short circuit and over-current coordination and arc flash analysis programs.
- Fluency with the Codes.
- Working knowledge of the energy efficiency requirements.
- Proficient in Autodesk, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.); illumination software.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, changing priorities as necessary.
- Ability to work to meet deadlines and adapt to changing requirements with a positive attitude.
- Effective oral and written communication skills as required for the position.
- Ability to be self-motivated, proactive, and an effective team player.
- Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of employees, both management and staff alike, vendors, clients, and others.
TRAVEL:
- Up to 25% (Does not include local field visits).
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- General work environment - sitting for long periods, standing, walking, typing, carrying, pushing, bending. Work is conducted primarily indoors with varying environmental conditions, such as fluorescent lighting and air conditioning.
- Noise level is usually low to medium.
- Occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs.
- We fully comply with the ADA and applicable state law, including considering reasonable accommodation measures that may enable qualified disabled applicants and employees to perform essential functions.
Rosendin Electric is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, age (over 40), or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
YOU Matter - Our Benefits
- ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership
- 401K
- Annual bonus program based upon performance, profitability, and achievement
- 17 PTO days per year plus 10 paid holidays
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Term Life, AD&D Insurance, and Voluntary Life Insurance
- Disability Income Protection Insurance
- Pre-tax Flexible Spending Plans (Health and Dependent Care)
- Charitable Giving Match with our Rosendin Foundation
Pay Range
The pay range for this role is what we expect to pay for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this job description. Candidate's pay can vary based on location, job-related experience, skills, and education.
Our success is rooted in our people. We all come together around long-term vision and a sense of shared ownership. As a group, we do whatever it takes to ensure the success of our business and your career.
Rosendin is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, age (over 40), or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
See all 201+ OPT Data Center Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Data Center
Target enterprise operators and hyperscalers
Large-scale data center operators run structured hiring programs and have dedicated immigration teams. They're far more likely to have existing H-1B visa sponsorship infrastructure than regional managed service providers or smaller colocation facilities.
Confirm your role qualifies as a specialty occupation
Data center technician roles vary significantly. Positions requiring a specific engineering or CS degree, network engineer, systems administrator, infrastructure architect, have a clearer path to H-1B sponsorship than general IT support or field operations roles.
Lead with certifications alongside your degree
CompTIA Server+, CCNA, and AWS certifications signal hands-on readiness. Employers sponsoring OPT students in data center roles often use certifications as a secondary filter when academic backgrounds across candidates look similar.
Start your job search before your OPT authorization expires
Data center hiring cycles can run eight to twelve weeks. Build in enough runway to complete interviews and receive an offer while your current OPT period is still valid, especially if you're targeting a STEM OPT extension.
Apply your STEM OPT extension advantage directly
Data center infrastructure, cloud operations, and network engineering roles typically qualify under STEM-eligible CIP codes. Tell employers upfront that your degree qualifies for the extension, reducing their H-1B urgency in the near term.
Prepare documentation proving your degree-to-role connection
Data center employers processing OPT or future H-1B paperwork need to justify your specific degree requirement. Prepare a clear narrative linking your coursework in networking, systems, or engineering directly to your target role's technical responsibilities.
Data Center OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do data center jobs typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most data center roles in network engineering, systems administration, cloud infrastructure, and data center operations qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in fields like computer science or electrical engineering. General facilities or technician roles with no degree requirement may not qualify. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
What degree fields are most relevant for OPT students applying to data center jobs?
Computer science, electrical engineering, information systems, and network engineering are the most directly applicable. Employers hiring OPT students for data center roles need to demonstrate a nexus between your specific degree and the position, so STEM fields tied to infrastructure, systems, or networking create the clearest case for both OPT authorization and eventual H-1B sponsorship.
How can I find data center employers that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, so you're not guessing which companies are willing to work with F-1 students. Searching there lets you focus on data center roles where employers have an established track record of OPT and H-1B sponsorship, rather than cold-applying to postings with no immigration context.
Can I work at a data center on day one of my OPT without waiting for employer paperwork?
Yes. Once USCIS approves your OPT and you receive your EAD card, you're authorized to work for any qualifying employer in your field of study without the employer needing to file anything first. The employer does need to report your job to your DSO within 10 days, and you must work in a role directly related to your degree.
What happens to my OPT status if a data center employer lays me off?
You have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your total OPT period, or 150 days if you're on a STEM OPT extension. If a layoff occurs, that clock starts immediately. You'll need to find a new qualifying data center or tech role within that window or risk falling out of status. Notify your DSO as soon as your employment ends.