Data Integration Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
Data Integration Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in computer science, information systems, or data engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers typically require proficiency in ETL tools, SQL, and API integration frameworks.
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Job Description
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and guidance to approximately 200,000 school district staff serving approximately 1.5 million students in public and non-public schools and 39,000 students in special education transition services. In addition, MDE provides administrative support and supervision for the Michigan School for the Deaf and the Library of Michigan.
MDE is responsible for state education leadership in a local control state and works to implement state and federal education laws, disburse state and federal resources, license educators, develop state summative assessments and accountability systems, create state academic standards, and coordinate school health and nutrition programs. In addition, in developing and promoting the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, MDE works with partner education entities and stakeholders to improve public education for children across the state. MDE’s role in the improvement of public education extends to providing information and feedback to public policy-makers, convening educators on public policy issues, recommending draft language on legislation, and developing guidance to districts on statutory changes adopted at the state and federal levels.
Join a team of highly trained and educated individuals committed to supporting learners and learning in Michigan. Serving students, parents, families, educators, and communities within a culture that promotes excellence and respects diversity, our work is meaningful and impactful.
As a State of Michigan employee, you will receive a competitive wage and benefit package that values your experience and skills. You will join a team of more than 400 professionals at the department and almost 50,000 in state government who are committed to excellence in public service.
The Office of Educational Assessment & Accountability (OEAA) is an office within the DASISS. The responsibilities of this office include:
- Developing, administering, and reporting on assessment programs
- Jointly developing and maintaining content standards with OES
- Electronically housing the libraries of content standards developed jointly with OES
- Developing achievement standards (i.e. proficiency standards or cut scores) on the assessment programs for which it is responsible
- Operating the Formative Assessment for Michigan Educators (FAME)
- Program and data management of all OEAA projects
- Management for all the OEAA systems (Secure Site, Item Bank System, etc.)
- Responding to assessment and accountability reports and state analysis requests
Primary Physical Work Address - Position is located at the John Hannah Building, 608 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan. Hybrid flexible schedule of in-person and remote work arrangement.
This position functions as the Data Integration Specialist serving the Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability (OEAA) for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). This position is responsible for developing, documenting, integrating, enhancing, managing and maintaining the data integration of programs and processes that provide access to current and historical assessment and accountability information for all students, schools, and districts in the State of Michigan.
Required Education and Experience
Please review the job specification and the position description for the full list of responsibilities, required education and experience, and knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Alternate Education and Experience
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Additional Requirements and Information
Some positions may require a current or past possession of a Michigan's teacher's certificate or one comparable to the one issued in Michigan.
Your submittal is considered complete with the following required documents:
- Completed Application
- Resume (entered or attached to the job posting)
- Official copy of transcripts (when necessary)
- All applicants for the Education Assessment Specialist 14 must complete and attach the spreadsheet to their application. Failure to complete this step may exclude your application from the selection process. EAS Data Spreadsheet
The Michigan State Employees Retirement System (MSERS) is separate from the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS). If you are currently a MPSERS retiree, there should be no impact to your MPSERS pension due to employment with the Michigan Department of Education. If you are currently eligible for a MPSERS retirement benefit and become the successful candidate for this position, you should contact the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) to determine any impact if you elect to immediately begin receiving your MPSERS retirement benefit.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.

Job Description
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and guidance to approximately 200,000 school district staff serving approximately 1.5 million students in public and non-public schools and 39,000 students in special education transition services. In addition, MDE provides administrative support and supervision for the Michigan School for the Deaf and the Library of Michigan.
MDE is responsible for state education leadership in a local control state and works to implement state and federal education laws, disburse state and federal resources, license educators, develop state summative assessments and accountability systems, create state academic standards, and coordinate school health and nutrition programs. In addition, in developing and promoting the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, MDE works with partner education entities and stakeholders to improve public education for children across the state. MDE’s role in the improvement of public education extends to providing information and feedback to public policy-makers, convening educators on public policy issues, recommending draft language on legislation, and developing guidance to districts on statutory changes adopted at the state and federal levels.
Join a team of highly trained and educated individuals committed to supporting learners and learning in Michigan. Serving students, parents, families, educators, and communities within a culture that promotes excellence and respects diversity, our work is meaningful and impactful.
As a State of Michigan employee, you will receive a competitive wage and benefit package that values your experience and skills. You will join a team of more than 400 professionals at the department and almost 50,000 in state government who are committed to excellence in public service.
The Office of Educational Assessment & Accountability (OEAA) is an office within the DASISS. The responsibilities of this office include:
- Developing, administering, and reporting on assessment programs
- Jointly developing and maintaining content standards with OES
- Electronically housing the libraries of content standards developed jointly with OES
- Developing achievement standards (i.e. proficiency standards or cut scores) on the assessment programs for which it is responsible
- Operating the Formative Assessment for Michigan Educators (FAME)
- Program and data management of all OEAA projects
- Management for all the OEAA systems (Secure Site, Item Bank System, etc.)
- Responding to assessment and accountability reports and state analysis requests
Primary Physical Work Address - Position is located at the John Hannah Building, 608 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan. Hybrid flexible schedule of in-person and remote work arrangement.
This position functions as the Data Integration Specialist serving the Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability (OEAA) for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). This position is responsible for developing, documenting, integrating, enhancing, managing and maintaining the data integration of programs and processes that provide access to current and historical assessment and accountability information for all students, schools, and districts in the State of Michigan.
Required Education and Experience
Please review the job specification and the position description for the full list of responsibilities, required education and experience, and knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Alternate Education and Experience
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Additional Requirements and Information
Some positions may require a current or past possession of a Michigan's teacher's certificate or one comparable to the one issued in Michigan.
Your submittal is considered complete with the following required documents:
- Completed Application
- Resume (entered or attached to the job posting)
- Official copy of transcripts (when necessary)
- All applicants for the Education Assessment Specialist 14 must complete and attach the spreadsheet to their application. Failure to complete this step may exclude your application from the selection process. EAS Data Spreadsheet
The Michigan State Employees Retirement System (MSERS) is separate from the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS). If you are currently a MPSERS retiree, there should be no impact to your MPSERS pension due to employment with the Michigan Department of Education. If you are currently eligible for a MPSERS retirement benefit and become the successful candidate for this position, you should contact the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) to determine any impact if you elect to immediately begin receiving your MPSERS retirement benefit.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Data Integration Specialist
Lead with your ETL and pipeline experience
Hiring managers evaluate data integration candidates on hands-on tool experience first. Highlight specific ETL platforms, data pipeline projects, and API integrations from coursework or internships. Concrete technical examples make your OPT timeline a secondary concern.
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Data Integration Specialist roles almost always fall under STEM OPT when your degree is in computer science, information systems, or a related field. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to avoid authorization gaps later.
Target employers with established OPT processes
Companies that have sponsored OPT students before move faster and ask fewer questions. Look for employers in tech, healthcare data, and financial services, where integration roles are recurring and HR teams are familiar with E-Verify and I-983 requirements.
Address your OPT timeline proactively in interviews
Don't wait for employers to raise your work authorization. Briefly confirm your OPT dates and STEM extension eligibility early in conversations. Framing it as a solved detail, not an open question, reduces hesitation from hiring managers unfamiliar with the process.
Build fluency in cloud-based integration platforms
Employers increasingly use AWS Glue, Azure Data Factory, and Google Cloud Dataflow for integration work. Demonstrating hands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform significantly broadens the pool of companies willing to move forward with OPT candidates.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly roles
Not every data integration posting is open to OPT candidates. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers actively willing to sponsor, so you spend less time screening rejections and more time applying where your work authorization is already acceptable.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Integration Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Data Integration Specialist positions typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, information systems, or data science. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and sign the I-983 training plan. Confirm your CIP code qualifies with your DSO before accepting any offer.
How much time do I need left on my OPT to get hired as a Data Integration Specialist?
Most employers want to see at least six months remaining on your EAD when you start, though requirements vary by company. If your initial OPT is running short, applying for the STEM extension early is critical. USCIS recommends filing the STEM extension application at least 90 days before your current EAD expires, and you maintain work authorization while the application is pending.
What technical skills make OPT candidates more competitive for Data Integration Specialist jobs?
Employers consistently prioritize SQL proficiency, experience with ETL tools like Informatica, Talend, or Apache NiFi, and familiarity with REST APIs. Cloud integration experience on AWS Glue, Azure Data Factory, or Google Cloud Dataflow is increasingly expected. OPT candidates who can demonstrate hands-on pipeline work through academic projects, internships, or personal repositories stand out significantly compared to candidates with only theoretical knowledge.
Will employers ask about my OPT status during the hiring process for this role?
Employers legally cannot ask about your citizenship or visa status before making a conditional offer, but they will ask whether you are authorized to work in the United States. You can answer yes without disclosing OPT specifics. Once an offer is in discussion, you'll confirm your EAD dates and STEM extension eligibility. Using Migrate Mate to find roles from OPT-friendly employers reduces friction at this stage.
Can I work as a Data Integration Specialist on OPT as a contractor or through a staffing agency?
Yes, OPT allows both direct employment and contract arrangements, provided the work is directly related to your degree field. For staffing agency placements, the agency is typically your employer of record and signs the I-983 for STEM OPT. Be cautious with arrangements where you work on-site at a client company indefinitely without a clear employment relationship, as this can raise compliance concerns with USCIS.
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