OPT Data Center Infrastructure Jobs
Data Center Infrastructure jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, or information systems. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in this space regularly sponsor H-1B visas for high performers.
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Transform the backbone of digital infrastructure by leading a dynamic team that builds and maintains the critical networks powering global technology. In this role, you'll drive operational excellence, optimize data center deployment strategies, and create seamless connectivity solutions that support Amazon's massive technological ecosystem.
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 clouds running. We support all AWS data centers and all 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.
Effective May 15, 2017, logical access to the AWS GovCloud region will be restricted to Amazon employees who are U.S. Citizens. (GovCloud may NOT be accessed from outside of the United States)
Key job responsibilities
The ideal candidate will possess a technology background that enables them to understand the complexities of the sophisticated network architecture of Amazon data centers. To be a qualified candidate for this role you must have experience operating in large-scale data center or a background in telecom networks and display a demonstrated ability to think broadly and strategically, as this is needed to align the future of Infrastructure Delivery with the larger objectives of the business.
You will be responsible for managing a group of technicians who are installing and building server rack capacity for our customers. You must be passionate about Customer Experience, think and act globally and want to contribute to innovations in Data Center Infrastructure.
- Managing and developing teams of technicians and engineers, providing both technical and leadership expertise and ensuring the highest levels of performance.
- Delivering capacity to existing Data Centers
- Helping build and bring online new Data Centers
- Constantly improving all our processes and procedures. We believe there is nothing we cannot improve
- Assisting & managing relationships with external vendors & contractors
- Liaising with internal teams & management groups
- Ensuring we adhere to and exceed local Health & Safety standards in all our Data Centers
- Creating and maintaining metrics on all aspects of our Data Centers and utilizing those metrics to drive positive changes
- Assisting in implementing service methodologies including incident management, problem management, change management, capacity management, etc.
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.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of TCP/IP networking, network cabling, fiber, optic types, and test equipment experience
- 2+ years of in a management or team lead function experience
- 2+ years of in a data center technology role experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience installing physical data center equipment such as copper/fiber cabling and racks
- certification in a relevant field (CCENT - Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician, Network+, or CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate)
- Work a flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays
- Bachelor's degree in an IT-related field (e.g., Computer Science, Network Engineering), or experience in professional or military IT-related roles
- Knowledge of networking infrastructure topology
- Behavioral interviewing and hiring experience
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, VA, Herndon - 78,400.00 - 137,300.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Transform the backbone of digital infrastructure by leading a dynamic team that builds and maintains the critical networks powering global technology. In this role, you'll drive operational excellence, optimize data center deployment strategies, and create seamless connectivity solutions that support Amazon's massive technological ecosystem.
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 clouds running. We support all AWS data centers and all 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.
Effective May 15, 2017, logical access to the AWS GovCloud region will be restricted to Amazon employees who are U.S. Citizens. (GovCloud may NOT be accessed from outside of the United States)
Key job responsibilities
The ideal candidate will possess a technology background that enables them to understand the complexities of the sophisticated network architecture of Amazon data centers. To be a qualified candidate for this role you must have experience operating in large-scale data center or a background in telecom networks and display a demonstrated ability to think broadly and strategically, as this is needed to align the future of Infrastructure Delivery with the larger objectives of the business.
You will be responsible for managing a group of technicians who are installing and building server rack capacity for our customers. You must be passionate about Customer Experience, think and act globally and want to contribute to innovations in Data Center Infrastructure.
- Managing and developing teams of technicians and engineers, providing both technical and leadership expertise and ensuring the highest levels of performance.
- Delivering capacity to existing Data Centers
- Helping build and bring online new Data Centers
- Constantly improving all our processes and procedures. We believe there is nothing we cannot improve
- Assisting & managing relationships with external vendors & contractors
- Liaising with internal teams & management groups
- Ensuring we adhere to and exceed local Health & Safety standards in all our Data Centers
- Creating and maintaining metrics on all aspects of our Data Centers and utilizing those metrics to drive positive changes
- Assisting in implementing service methodologies including incident management, problem management, change management, capacity management, etc.
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.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of TCP/IP networking, network cabling, fiber, optic types, and test equipment experience
- 2+ years of in a management or team lead function experience
- 2+ years of in a data center technology role experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience installing physical data center equipment such as copper/fiber cabling and racks
- certification in a relevant field (CCENT - Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician, Network+, or CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate)
- Work a flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays
- Bachelor's degree in an IT-related field (e.g., Computer Science, Network Engineering), or experience in professional or military IT-related roles
- Knowledge of networking infrastructure topology
- Behavioral interviewing and hiring experience
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, VA, Herndon - 78,400.00 - 137,300.00 USD annually
See all 56+ OPT Data Center Infrastructure Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Data Center Infrastructure
Target employers with existing infrastructure footprints
Large cloud providers and colocation companies maintain dedicated infrastructure teams and sponsor work visas regularly. Employers already running data center operations at scale are far more likely to have established H-1B sponsorship pipelines than startups building their first server room.
Confirm your role qualifies as STEM OPT
Data Center Infrastructure roles tied to computer science, electrical engineering, or information systems degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to ensure your degree field covers the role.
Get your E-Verify confirmation before day one
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be E-Verify enrolled. Ask HR to confirm E-Verify participation before signing an offer. Joining a non-enrolled employer on STEM OPT puts your status at risk and cannot be corrected after employment begins.
Highlight certifications that reduce employer training costs
Credentials like CompTIA Server+, Cisco CCNA Data Center, or vendor-specific certifications from AWS or VMware signal immediate operational value. Employers weighing sponsorship costs factor in how quickly a candidate can contribute independently, and certifications compress that timeline significantly.
Apply early relative to your OPT end date
H-1B petitions must be filed before your OPT expires, and cap-subject petitions are tied to October 1 start dates. Starting your sponsorship conversation at least 12 months before your OPT end date gives your employer enough runway to prepare and file on time.
Document your training plan clearly for STEM OPT compliance
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan on Form I-983 signed by your employer. Proactively prepare a draft outlining your learning objectives and performance benchmarks. Employers who see you understand the compliance requirements are more likely to move forward with sponsorship confidently.
Data Center Infrastructure OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Data Center Infrastructure jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Data Center Infrastructure roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in computer science, electrical engineering, information technology, or a related STEM field. The key is that your CIP code must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Confirm eligibility with your DSO before accepting an offer, since the role title alone does not determine qualification.
How do I find Data Center Infrastructure employers that sponsor H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate filters Data Center Infrastructure jobs by employers with active visa sponsorship history, which removes the guesswork of researching each company individually. Focus on cloud providers, colocation operators, and managed services firms, since these employers maintain large infrastructure teams and run recurring H-1B sponsorship cycles rather than sponsoring on a case-by-case basis.
Can I work on-site at a data center facility while on OPT?
Yes. OPT authorizes full-time employment in any work setting consistent with your degree field, including on-site data center environments. There are no restrictions on physical work location. However, if your employer places you at a third-party client site, ensure your employment relationship remains with your direct E-Verify enrolled employer, not the facility operator.
What happens to my OPT status if I'm laid off from a Data Center Infrastructure role?
F-1 OPT students have a 60-day unemployment grace period after losing a job. During that window you must find new qualifying employment or depart the United States. For STEM OPT, total unemployment across the extension cannot exceed 150 days. Report any employment changes to your DSO promptly, since unreported gaps can create compliance issues during future immigration filings.
Do contract or project-based Data Center Infrastructure roles count as valid OPT employment?
Contract and project-based roles can qualify for OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field and you work at least 20 hours per week. Self-employment and independent contractor arrangements are permitted under standard OPT but are not allowed under STEM OPT, which requires a formal employer-employee relationship with an E-Verify enrolled company.