Data Center Infrastructure Jobs for OPT Students
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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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Data Center Infrastructure / Site Support Technician
Location: Hillsboro OR 97124 (Onsite)
Job Type: 12+ months contract (Possible Extension)
Shift: 12-Hour Shift (Rotational/Shift-based)
Pay Range: $22/hr. - $24/hr.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Data Center Infrastructure / Site Support Technician to support the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of data center hardware and network infrastructure. The role focuses on rack and stack deployments, cabling, hardware installation, and physical data center support (Smart Hands) while working closely with remote Level 2 and Level 3 engineering teams. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability and operational efficiency of the data center by supporting incidents, service requests, hardware deployments, and infrastructure maintenance activities.
Key Responsibilities
Data Center Hardware Installation & Support
- Perform rack and stack installations of network and server equipment.
- Install, connect, and manage fiber and copper patch cables.
- Provide console access to remote engineering teams for configuration support.
- Test hardware and network connectivity following installation.
- Rack new servers and decommission/remove legacy servers.
- Perform cable installation, removal, and proper wire management.
Smart Hands / Physical Support
- Provide physical touch support for incident and service requests within the data center.
- Work with remote Level 2/3 teams to troubleshoot outages and deploy new services.
- Perform hardware troubleshooting, replacement, and upgrades as required.
- Support server hardware repairs and component replacement.
Data Center Operations
- Conduct proactive walkthroughs to identify failed hardware.
- Maintain strict inventory control and asset tracking.
- Ensure tickets are addressed within defined SLAs.
- Maintain safe working conditions and comply with data center procedures.
Infrastructure Deployments (Landings & Decommissioning)
- Install new server and network hardware in assigned rack locations.
- Build systems according to customer configuration specifications.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams for deployment tasks.
- Support hardware decommissioning, asset updates, and disposal processes.
Media & Backup Support
- Support backup infrastructure hardware installation.
- Manage tape library operations and media lifecycle, including:
- Tape loading/unloading
- Shipping tapes to offsite storage
- Monitoring tape alerts and errors
- Inventory management
Equipment Handling (Dock to Rack)
- Receive, stage, and move equipment from dock to data center racks.
- Operate manual pallet jacks, server lifts, and related equipment.
- Handle equipment weighing 40-200 lbs with assistance.
- Manage packaging, recycling, and vendor returns.
Required Qualifications
- Associate or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent experience).
- 4-5 years of experience in a Site Support Technician, Infrastructure Technician, or similar role.
- Data center experience is required.
- 3-5 years of experience with server and networking hardware.
- Minimum 4+ years of rack and stack experience with server and network equipment.
- Experience with Windows 10/11 and Windows Server 2019/2022 installation and troubleshooting.
- Strong hardware troubleshooting and diagnostics skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and resolve issues under tight deadlines.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
Technical Skills
Data Center Networking
- Structured cabling installation and troubleshooting:
- Copper: Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6 (RJ45 connectors)
- Fiber: Multimode & Single Mode (ST, SC, LC connectors)
- Experience installing:
- Cable trays and pathways
- Top-of-rack switches
- Network infrastructure hardware
- Knowledge of:
- IP addressing
- Layer 2 VLANs
- Ethernet switching hardware (chassis, supervisors, line cards, power supplies)
- Transceiver types (SX, LX, SR, LR)
Wireless Networking
- Wireless LAN Controllers
- Wireless Access Points
Cable Testing & Troubleshooting
- Experience using diagnostic tools such as:
- Fluke Testers
- OTDR Fiber Testing
- Fluke AirCheck Wireless Testing
Server & Systems Experience
- Intermediate experience with Windows Server 2016/2022 including:
- Role and feature configuration
- Disk management
- User administration
- OS troubleshooting
- SAN drive integration and MPIO
- Network configuration
- Experience with HP server hardware including:
- DL360 / DL380 Gen8-Gen10
- BL460 Gen8-Gen10
- C7000 Blade Enclosures
- Troubleshooting experience with:
- Memory
- RAID controllers
- Disk failures
- HBA
- FlexLOM components
- RAID configuration and logical drive management
- iLO configuration and troubleshooting
Virtualization & Clustering
- Experience with VMware vSphere 6.5/7.0 and vCenter
- Knowledge of:
- MS Failover Clustering
- MS Network Load Balancing (NLB)
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift rack-mounted servers up to 35 lbs.
- Ability to lift or move equipment 40-200 lbs with assistance.
- Ability to:
- Stand, walk, crawl, kneel, or sit for extended periods
- Work in data center hot aisles
- Climb ladders and work at heights
- Comfortable working in enclosed data center environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Cleanroom environment experience.
- Experience reading cable matrix, electrical, or mechanical blueprints.
- Prior experience supporting large enterprise data center environments.
Dexian stands at the forefront of Talent + Technology solutions with a presence spanning more than 70 locations worldwide and a team exceeding 10,000 professionals. As one of the largest technology and professional staffing companies and one of the largest minority-owned staffing companies in the United States, Dexian combines over 30 years of industry expertise with cutting-edge technologies to deliver comprehensive global services and support. Dexian connects the right talent and the right technology with the right organizations to deliver trajectory-changing results that help everyone achieve their ambitions and goals.
Dexian is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
Job Title: Data Center Infrastructure / Site Support Technician
Location: Hillsboro OR 97124 (Onsite)
Job Type: 12+ months contract (Possible Extension)
Shift: 12-Hour Shift (Rotational/Shift-based)
Pay Range: $22/hr. - $24/hr.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Data Center Infrastructure / Site Support Technician to support the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of data center hardware and network infrastructure. The role focuses on rack and stack deployments, cabling, hardware installation, and physical data center support (Smart Hands) while working closely with remote Level 2 and Level 3 engineering teams. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability and operational efficiency of the data center by supporting incidents, service requests, hardware deployments, and infrastructure maintenance activities.
Key Responsibilities
Data Center Hardware Installation & Support
- Perform rack and stack installations of network and server equipment.
- Install, connect, and manage fiber and copper patch cables.
- Provide console access to remote engineering teams for configuration support.
- Test hardware and network connectivity following installation.
- Rack new servers and decommission/remove legacy servers.
- Perform cable installation, removal, and proper wire management.
Smart Hands / Physical Support
- Provide physical touch support for incident and service requests within the data center.
- Work with remote Level 2/3 teams to troubleshoot outages and deploy new services.
- Perform hardware troubleshooting, replacement, and upgrades as required.
- Support server hardware repairs and component replacement.
Data Center Operations
- Conduct proactive walkthroughs to identify failed hardware.
- Maintain strict inventory control and asset tracking.
- Ensure tickets are addressed within defined SLAs.
- Maintain safe working conditions and comply with data center procedures.
Infrastructure Deployments (Landings & Decommissioning)
- Install new server and network hardware in assigned rack locations.
- Build systems according to customer configuration specifications.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams for deployment tasks.
- Support hardware decommissioning, asset updates, and disposal processes.
Media & Backup Support
- Support backup infrastructure hardware installation.
- Manage tape library operations and media lifecycle, including:
- Tape loading/unloading
- Shipping tapes to offsite storage
- Monitoring tape alerts and errors
- Inventory management
Equipment Handling (Dock to Rack)
- Receive, stage, and move equipment from dock to data center racks.
- Operate manual pallet jacks, server lifts, and related equipment.
- Handle equipment weighing 40-200 lbs with assistance.
- Manage packaging, recycling, and vendor returns.
Required Qualifications
- Associate or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent experience).
- 4-5 years of experience in a Site Support Technician, Infrastructure Technician, or similar role.
- Data center experience is required.
- 3-5 years of experience with server and networking hardware.
- Minimum 4+ years of rack and stack experience with server and network equipment.
- Experience with Windows 10/11 and Windows Server 2019/2022 installation and troubleshooting.
- Strong hardware troubleshooting and diagnostics skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and resolve issues under tight deadlines.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
Technical Skills
Data Center Networking
- Structured cabling installation and troubleshooting:
- Copper: Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6 (RJ45 connectors)
- Fiber: Multimode & Single Mode (ST, SC, LC connectors)
- Experience installing:
- Cable trays and pathways
- Top-of-rack switches
- Network infrastructure hardware
- Knowledge of:
- IP addressing
- Layer 2 VLANs
- Ethernet switching hardware (chassis, supervisors, line cards, power supplies)
- Transceiver types (SX, LX, SR, LR)
Wireless Networking
- Wireless LAN Controllers
- Wireless Access Points
Cable Testing & Troubleshooting
- Experience using diagnostic tools such as:
- Fluke Testers
- OTDR Fiber Testing
- Fluke AirCheck Wireless Testing
Server & Systems Experience
- Intermediate experience with Windows Server 2016/2022 including:
- Role and feature configuration
- Disk management
- User administration
- OS troubleshooting
- SAN drive integration and MPIO
- Network configuration
- Experience with HP server hardware including:
- DL360 / DL380 Gen8-Gen10
- BL460 Gen8-Gen10
- C7000 Blade Enclosures
- Troubleshooting experience with:
- Memory
- RAID controllers
- Disk failures
- HBA
- FlexLOM components
- RAID configuration and logical drive management
- iLO configuration and troubleshooting
Virtualization & Clustering
- Experience with VMware vSphere 6.5/7.0 and vCenter
- Knowledge of:
- MS Failover Clustering
- MS Network Load Balancing (NLB)
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift rack-mounted servers up to 35 lbs.
- Ability to lift or move equipment 40-200 lbs with assistance.
- Ability to:
- Stand, walk, crawl, kneel, or sit for extended periods
- Work in data center hot aisles
- Climb ladders and work at heights
- Comfortable working in enclosed data center environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Cleanroom environment experience.
- Experience reading cable matrix, electrical, or mechanical blueprints.
- Prior experience supporting large enterprise data center environments.
Dexian stands at the forefront of Talent + Technology solutions with a presence spanning more than 70 locations worldwide and a team exceeding 10,000 professionals. As one of the largest technology and professional staffing companies and one of the largest minority-owned staffing companies in the United States, Dexian combines over 30 years of industry expertise with cutting-edge technologies to deliver comprehensive global services and support. Dexian connects the right talent and the right technology with the right organizations to deliver trajectory-changing results that help everyone achieve their ambitions and goals.
Dexian is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
How to Get Visa 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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