Data Center Engineering Jobs for OPT Students
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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Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Data Center Engineering Operations (DCEO) Facility Manager to join the Global Infrastructure Operations organization and serve as a technical resource and leader within data centers. The position will help ensure overall availability and reliability to meet or exceed defined service level agreements of data center operations in a specific region. The DCEO Operations Facility Manager is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of all electrical, mechanical, and HVAC equipment within the data centers. This role will assist in maintaining high reliability and performance while keeping the operating costs of the facilities at a minimum. This equipment supports mission-critical servers and must maintain better than 99.9999% uptime.
This role acts as Amazon’s front line when it comes to electrical and mechanical equipment troubleshooting. The team will maintain, operate, and troubleshoot mission-critical data center facility equipment including electrical support equipment such as stand-by diesel generators and related fuel systems, 3-phase electrical systems that include switchgear, UPS units, PDUs, and busways, among others. Mechanical equipment may include various types of computer room cooling units, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers/water chemical system, air handlers and associated systems, pumps, and motors. Additional support equipment is included in the scope of the role which includes fire suppression systems, building automation systems, and general facilities equipment.
Key job responsibilities
- Oversee all aspects of the data center's critical infrastructure. Ensure that all work performed within the space is done to high quality and without impact to internal/external customers
- Oversee the safety, security, availability, quality, and performance of the team, while driving a positive customer experience across multiple shift schedules
- Manage teams of 24x7 engineering technicians and Facility Managers in all facets of their career
- Engage in improvement projects, often requiring reaching out to a variety of support teams, and drive them from conception to completion
- Ensure staffing levels are maintained and grow with expansions
- Be actively involved in ongoing construction activities
- Coordinate daily with a multitude of third party vendors ensuring adherence to contracted SLAs
- Effectively and efficiently manage the operations budget and expenditures
About the team
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.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon (diversity) conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree or above in engineering or equivalent
- 3+ years of work in a management position with 5 or more direct reports experience
- Knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems
- 5+ years experience working in data centers or critical infrastructure with an emphasis on building and equipment operation
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of work in data centers with an emphasis on building and equipment operation experience
- Knowledge of the electrical and mechanical systems involved in critical data center operations including systems such as feeders, transformers, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, ATS units, PDU units, chillers, pumps, air handling units, and CRAC units
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, PA, Berwick - 129,200.00 - 193,000.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Data Center Engineering Operations (DCEO) Facility Manager to join the Global Infrastructure Operations organization and serve as a technical resource and leader within data centers. The position will help ensure overall availability and reliability to meet or exceed defined service level agreements of data center operations in a specific region. The DCEO Operations Facility Manager is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of all electrical, mechanical, and HVAC equipment within the data centers. This role will assist in maintaining high reliability and performance while keeping the operating costs of the facilities at a minimum. This equipment supports mission-critical servers and must maintain better than 99.9999% uptime.
This role acts as Amazon’s front line when it comes to electrical and mechanical equipment troubleshooting. The team will maintain, operate, and troubleshoot mission-critical data center facility equipment including electrical support equipment such as stand-by diesel generators and related fuel systems, 3-phase electrical systems that include switchgear, UPS units, PDUs, and busways, among others. Mechanical equipment may include various types of computer room cooling units, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers/water chemical system, air handlers and associated systems, pumps, and motors. Additional support equipment is included in the scope of the role which includes fire suppression systems, building automation systems, and general facilities equipment.
Key job responsibilities
- Oversee all aspects of the data center's critical infrastructure. Ensure that all work performed within the space is done to high quality and without impact to internal/external customers
- Oversee the safety, security, availability, quality, and performance of the team, while driving a positive customer experience across multiple shift schedules
- Manage teams of 24x7 engineering technicians and Facility Managers in all facets of their career
- Engage in improvement projects, often requiring reaching out to a variety of support teams, and drive them from conception to completion
- Ensure staffing levels are maintained and grow with expansions
- Be actively involved in ongoing construction activities
- Coordinate daily with a multitude of third party vendors ensuring adherence to contracted SLAs
- Effectively and efficiently manage the operations budget and expenditures
About the team
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.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon (diversity) conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree or above in engineering or equivalent
- 3+ years of work in a management position with 5 or more direct reports experience
- Knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems
- 5+ years experience working in data centers or critical infrastructure with an emphasis on building and equipment operation
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of work in data centers with an emphasis on building and equipment operation experience
- Knowledge of the electrical and mechanical systems involved in critical data center operations including systems such as feeders, transformers, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, ATS units, PDU units, chillers, pumps, air handling units, and CRAC units
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, PA, Berwick - 129,200.00 - 193,000.00 USD annually
How to Get Visa 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 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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