OPT Data Center Technician Jobs
Data Center Technician roles fall under STEM OPT, giving F-1 students up to 36 months of work authorization without employer lottery risk. These positions involve hardware installation, server maintenance, and network infrastructure work, skills that align directly with computer science and information technology degree programs.
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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 Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Data Center Technician
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Data Center Technician roles typically qualify under CIP codes for computer science, information technology, or electrical engineering. Verify your specific degree program is on the STEM OPT designated degree list before applying to maximize your 36-month authorization window.
Target employers with existing OPT infrastructure
Large cloud providers, colocation companies, and managed service firms hire data center technicians regularly and are experienced with OPT work authorization. Smaller firms may be unfamiliar with the process, so prioritize employers who have previously hired international students.
Highlight hands-on lab and certifications in your application
CompTIA A+, Network+, and CCNA certifications signal job-readiness to hiring managers. Data center roles are skills-based, so practical experience with server hardware, cabling, or ticketing systems often matters more than degree prestige when competing for positions.
Apply before your OPT start date approaches
Data center hiring timelines can run four to eight weeks from application to start date. Begin applying at least three months before your current authorization expires so you have enough runway to complete background checks and onboarding without a work authorization gap.
Be transparent about your OPT end date and extension eligibility
Employers value candidates who clearly communicate their authorization timeline upfront. Explain that you have an initial 12 months plus a potential 24-month STEM extension, giving the employer up to three years of continuous employment before any additional visa decision is needed.
Understand the I-983 training plan requirement for STEM OPT
STEM OPT requires your employer to sign an I-983 training plan documenting how the role relates to your degree. Data center technician duties around network infrastructure, systems administration, or hardware engineering map clearly to most STEM degree programs, making this form straightforward to complete.
Data Center Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Data Center Technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Data Center Technician roles involve applied knowledge in computer science, information technology, or electrical engineering, which are STEM-designated fields. If your degree falls under a qualifying CIP code, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of total work authorization after graduation.
Do employers need to sponsor a visa for OPT students in this role?
Not during your OPT period. You already have work authorization through your F-1 OPT status, so no visa sponsorship is required to start working. Sponsorship only becomes relevant if you want to transition to H-1B visa or another visa after your OPT expires. Many data center employers will consider sponsorship at that point for strong performers.
Where can I find Data Center Technician jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students and lists Data Center Technician roles from employers familiar with work authorization requirements. Searching there filters out listings where OPT is unlikely to be accepted, saving you the time of applying to roles that won't move forward with international candidates.
What does the I-983 training plan involve for a Data Center Technician role?
The I-983 is a STEM OPT form your employer co-signs that documents how your day-to-day work connects to your STEM degree. For data center roles, this typically covers tasks like server provisioning, network troubleshooting, hardware diagnostics, and systems monitoring. Most employers in this space are familiar with the form, and the technical nature of the role makes it easy to complete accurately.
Can I work for a staffing agency or contractor as a Data Center Technician on OPT?
Yes, but with important conditions. On standard OPT, you can work through a staffing agency as long as there is a formal employer-employee relationship and the work is directly related to your degree. For STEM OPT, the end client where you are physically placed must co-sign the I-983 training plan, not just the staffing agency. Confirm both parties understand this before accepting a contract placement.