OPT Data Center Engineering Jobs
Data Center Engineering jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization while you build hands-on experience in critical infrastructure, power systems, and cooling design.
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AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.
You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
AWS has the world’s largest cloud computing portfolio. As an Amazonian you will work in some of the most sophisticated, safe, and secure data centers in the world. Our Engineering Operations Technicians (EOT’s) help keep them that way by working with the brightest minds from around the globe to help test and implement the newest technology and work practices to meet the demands of a changing market.
We have a passion for learning and evolving, it’s how we have helped define ourselves as leaders in the industry. Let’s work hard, have fun, and make history!
Key job responsibilities
- Daily building rounds to monitor and record information from electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment to ensure 24/7 reliability and availability
- Monitor Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Power Management System (EPMS)
- Assist in troubleshooting of facility and rack-level events within internal Service Level Agreements (SLA)
- Perform rack installs and rack decommissioning within internal SLA
- Perform PM, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and repair of electrical and mechanical equipment
- Technical writing to support change management program
- Monitor daily work requests and manage to resolution, and execute projects from conception to completion
- On-site support of contractors, sub-contractors and vendors, ensuring that all work performed is in accordance with established practices, procedures & local legislation
- Work schedule changes depending on specific site needs. Shifts can be up to 12-hours and may rotate on a predefined schedule. Some locations have on-call rotations.
- Role may support more than one location/site.
Physical Requirements:
Willingness and demonstrated ability to work in the following physical conditions with reasonable accommodations:
- Regularly lift and/or move up to 39 pounds independently
- Participate in group lifts for 40+ pounds
- Maintain balance and perform construction tasks while on a ladder
- Regularly walk, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, climb stairs, twist, bend, work above shoulders, grasp, carry, push and pull objects into position
- Work in an environment requiring provided ear protection
This role supports data centers in various operational stages. The position may be assigned to a facility still under development, which could require travel to established locations for training until your designated site becomes fully operational.
Essential Requirements:
- Ability to travel to or commute between data center locations as needed
- Willingness to temporarily work at alternative sites during training periods or until assigned facility is operational
- Travel frequency will vary based on business needs and operational status of assigned facility
- Candidates must be able to travel (over 50 miles) or commute (less than 50 miles) to active data center sites as required by business needs.
A day in the life
This role acts as Amazon’s front line when it comes to hands-on electrical and mechanical equipment preventative maintenance (PM) and troubleshooting, reporting to a site’s Data Center Facility Manager (FM). They will maintain, operate, and troubleshoot mission-critical data center facility equipment including stand-by diesel generators and related fuel systems, 3 phase electrical systems such as switchgear, UPS units, PDUs, and wet cell batteries and associated systems. Mechanical equipment includes CRAHU units, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, water systems, air handlers and associated systems, pumps, and motors. Additional support equipment is included in the scope of the role which includes fire/life safety equipment, building automation systems, and general facilities equipment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of Microsoft Office products and applications experience
- 2+ years of electrical and mechanical experience
- Ability to work on a flexible schedule including days, nights, and/or weekends.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in a data center or mission critical facility (example: hospital, military facility, public safety facility, etc.)
- Associate or higher education in related field
- Experience with reading and writing procedures, technical documents, and engineering drawings
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, TX, Fort Worth - 37.00 - 65.00 USD hourly
DESCRIPTION
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.
You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
AWS has the world’s largest cloud computing portfolio. As an Amazonian you will work in some of the most sophisticated, safe, and secure data centers in the world. Our Engineering Operations Technicians (EOT’s) help keep them that way by working with the brightest minds from around the globe to help test and implement the newest technology and work practices to meet the demands of a changing market.
We have a passion for learning and evolving, it’s how we have helped define ourselves as leaders in the industry. Let’s work hard, have fun, and make history!
Key job responsibilities
- Daily building rounds to monitor and record information from electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment to ensure 24/7 reliability and availability
- Monitor Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Power Management System (EPMS)
- Assist in troubleshooting of facility and rack-level events within internal Service Level Agreements (SLA)
- Perform rack installs and rack decommissioning within internal SLA
- Perform PM, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and repair of electrical and mechanical equipment
- Technical writing to support change management program
- Monitor daily work requests and manage to resolution, and execute projects from conception to completion
- On-site support of contractors, sub-contractors and vendors, ensuring that all work performed is in accordance with established practices, procedures & local legislation
- Work schedule changes depending on specific site needs. Shifts can be up to 12-hours and may rotate on a predefined schedule. Some locations have on-call rotations.
- Role may support more than one location/site.
Physical Requirements:
Willingness and demonstrated ability to work in the following physical conditions with reasonable accommodations:
- Regularly lift and/or move up to 39 pounds independently
- Participate in group lifts for 40+ pounds
- Maintain balance and perform construction tasks while on a ladder
- Regularly walk, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, climb stairs, twist, bend, work above shoulders, grasp, carry, push and pull objects into position
- Work in an environment requiring provided ear protection
This role supports data centers in various operational stages. The position may be assigned to a facility still under development, which could require travel to established locations for training until your designated site becomes fully operational.
Essential Requirements:
- Ability to travel to or commute between data center locations as needed
- Willingness to temporarily work at alternative sites during training periods or until assigned facility is operational
- Travel frequency will vary based on business needs and operational status of assigned facility
- Candidates must be able to travel (over 50 miles) or commute (less than 50 miles) to active data center sites as required by business needs.
A day in the life
This role acts as Amazon’s front line when it comes to hands-on electrical and mechanical equipment preventative maintenance (PM) and troubleshooting, reporting to a site’s Data Center Facility Manager (FM). They will maintain, operate, and troubleshoot mission-critical data center facility equipment including stand-by diesel generators and related fuel systems, 3 phase electrical systems such as switchgear, UPS units, PDUs, and wet cell batteries and associated systems. Mechanical equipment includes CRAHU units, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, water systems, air handlers and associated systems, pumps, and motors. Additional support equipment is included in the scope of the role which includes fire/life safety equipment, building automation systems, and general facilities equipment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of Microsoft Office products and applications experience
- 2+ years of electrical and mechanical experience
- Ability to work on a flexible schedule including days, nights, and/or weekends.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in a data center or mission critical facility (example: hospital, military facility, public safety facility, etc.)
- Associate or higher education in related field
- Experience with reading and writing procedures, technical documents, and engineering drawings
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, TX, Fort Worth - 37.00 - 65.00 USD hourly
See all 97+ OPT Data Center Engineering Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Data Center Engineering Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Data Center Engineering
Target employers with large infrastructure footprints
Hyperscalers like Amazon Web Services, Google, and Microsoft operate hundreds of data centers globally and have established OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship pipelines. Large colocation providers are similarly structured and sponsor more consistently than smaller operators.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer engineering degrees on the STEM Designated Degree Program List qualify for the 36-month extension. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to avoid surprises.
Emphasize critical systems experience in your application
Employers prioritize candidates with hands-on exposure to UPS systems, HVAC, generators, or power distribution. Even lab projects or internships involving these systems signal job-readiness and reduce the perceived risk of sponsoring an OPT worker.
Apply early relative to your OPT end date
Data center roles often involve background checks and facilities access clearances that extend onboarding timelines. Starting your search at least four months before your OPT expires gives employers time to process paperwork without feeling pressured by your authorization window.
Bring your EAD card to every interview and site visit
Data centers are secure facilities. Employers will verify your identity and work authorization before granting building access. Having your Employment Authorization Document ready, alongside your passport and I-20, removes friction and demonstrates you're prepared to start quickly.
Use your university's industry connections strategically
Many engineering programs have relationships with utilities, construction firms, and technology companies that operate data centers. Career fairs and alumni networks in electrical and mechanical engineering often surface hiring managers who already understand OPT timelines and STEM extensions.
Data Center Engineering OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Data Center Engineering jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do. Data Center Engineering roles typically require degrees in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer engineering, all of which appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. If your degree qualifies and your employer meets the E-Verify requirement, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months, giving you up to 36 months of total work authorization.
What types of employers hire OPT students for Data Center Engineering roles?
The largest employers are hyperscale cloud providers, colocation operators, and construction and engineering firms that design and build data center facilities. Utilities and government contractors also hire for these roles. You can browse OPT-friendly Data Center Engineering positions directly on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers open to sponsoring international students.
Can I work as a Data Center Engineer on OPT if my job involves classified or sensitive facilities?
It depends on the specific clearance level required. Most commercial data center roles do not require a security clearance, and OPT students can work in them without issue. Roles supporting federal government facilities or defense contracts may require a clearance that non-U.S. citizens are ineligible to hold. Confirm the access requirements before applying to avoid disqualification late in the process.
How soon should I start looking for Data Center Engineering jobs before my OPT expires?
At least four months before your OPT end date. Data center employers often run background checks, facilities access clearances, and drug screenings before onboarding, which can add two to four weeks beyond a standard hiring process. Filing a STEM OPT extension application also requires submission at least 90 days before your current EAD expires, so early planning protects you from authorization gaps.
What should I highlight on my resume to get Data Center Engineering interviews as an OPT student?
Focus on technical exposure to power systems, cooling infrastructure, electrical schematics, or building management systems, even from coursework or labs. Certifications such as OSHA 10, BICSI DCDC, or manufacturer training on PDUs and UPS systems strengthen your profile significantly. Employers in this field prioritize demonstrated familiarity with physical infrastructure over software skills, so lead with anything that shows hands-on or design experience in critical systems.