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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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.
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 management/team lead function experience
- 2+ years of in a data center technology role experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in an IT-related field (e.g., Computer Science, Network Engineering), or experience in professional or military IT-related roles
- Work a flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays
- Knowledge of networking infrastructure topology
- Experience conducting behavioral interviews and hiring
- Certifications in a relevant field (CCENT, Network+, CCNA)
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, IN, New Carlisle - 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.
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 management/team lead function experience
- 2+ years of in a data center technology role experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in an IT-related field (e.g., Computer Science, Network Engineering), or experience in professional or military IT-related roles
- Work a flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays
- Knowledge of networking infrastructure topology
- Experience conducting behavioral interviews and hiring
- Certifications in a relevant field (CCENT, Network+, CCNA)
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, IN, New Carlisle - 78,400.00 - 137,300.00 USD annually
See all 264+ 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.