OPT Data Management Specialist Jobs
Data Management Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in information systems, computer science, or data analytics. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers in healthcare, finance, and tech regularly hire for this title.
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INTRODUCTION
Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.
SUMMARY
The Data Management Specialist is responsible for owning and improving how we manage technical data and controlled documents for our Communications, Navigation, Connectivity, and In-Flight Entertainment systems onboard commercial aircraft. This position sits at the center of Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Compliance — making sure the right data gets to the right people, in the right format, at the right time. The Data Management Specialist also serves as the PMO Information Architect responsible for organizing, governing, and continuously improving the department’s digital workspace and knowledge management ecosystem.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential duties and responsibilities include the following; other duties as may be required from time-to-time.
Data Management & Governance
- Develop and refine data management strategies, policies, and procedures that meet program, customer, and regulatory requirements.
- Own the intake, processing, and fulfillment of data requests from internal teams and external customers.
- Manage the full lifecycle of data submittals (prep, review, approval, delivery) for customers and government agencies.
- Maintain and audit data repositories to ensure accuracy, integrity, and secure access.
- Proactively identify and resolve data discrepancies before they impact schedules or deliverables.
Document Control
- Administer document control systems and workflows supporting program execution and compliance.
- Confirm that all documents have correct revision levels, signatures, and supporting data before transmitting to auditors, customers, and any other 3rd parties.
- Support teams in using document standards, templates, and best practices.
- Respond to document retrieval requests from auditors, customers, and program teams.
Data Submissions & Compliance
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customer/supplier notifications (NOCs, SCNs, offerability documentation, PMA, etc.).
- Build and maintain dashboards and tracking logs to give program teams real-time visibility of submission status.
- Coordinate with Tech Pubs, Engineering, Compliance/Quality, and Program Management to ensure submittals meet schedule, format, and regulatory requirements.
- Flag at-risk deliverables early and drive resolution with program leadership.
Information Architecture & Knowledge Management
- Design, implement, and maintain the information architecture across Sharepoint, Microsoft Teams, network drives, and other collaboration platforms to ensure the information is intuitive, organized, and easily accessible.
- Eliminate redundant files, duplicate dashboards, obsolete documents, and disconnected repositories to create a single source of truth for program and operational information.
- Perform periodic audit of digital repositories to identify outdated, duplicate, or conflicting information and coordinate cleanup activities with content owners.
- Support the implementation and continuous improvement of Sharepoint, Microsoft Teams, Power BI, and other digital collaboration tools to improve organizational effectiveness.
Continuous Improvement & Reporting
- Produce regular reports on submission status, document control metrics, and open actions.
- Identify opportunities to streamline and automate data/document control processes and help lead implementation.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Required:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Program Management, Information Management, Technical Communications, or related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- 3+ years in data management, document control, configuration management, project coordination, or program support.
- Experience supporting customer deliverables in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, government contracting, or other regulated industries preferred.
- Experience managing technical documentation and customer submission requirements.
Preferred:
- Aerospace, defense, FAA, DoD, or government contract experience
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality management system requirements
- Experience with PLM, ERP, or configuration management systems
- Experience developing Power BI dashboards and KPI reporting
- Knowledge of customer data item descriptions (DIDs), contract deliverables, and regulatory submission requirements.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Personal Protective Equipment may be required when working in designated areas. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Analytical Skills – Ability to identify trends, risks, and execution challenges
- Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.
- Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.
- Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Judgment - Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. Maintains Confidentiality.
- Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals.
- Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
- Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Adaptability - Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
- Dependability - Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment.
The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $86,000 to $115,000 per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.
Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.
- Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
- Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a “safe harbor” plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
- Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
- Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
- Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program
ACCOMMODATION REQUEST
Astronics CSC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail CSC.HR@astronics.com or call: 847-244-4500. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Data Management Specialist
Lead with your technical stack
Data Management Specialists are hired for specific tools. List SQL, Python, ETL platforms, and any data governance software prominently on your resume. Recruiters filter by these keywords before they ever read your OPT status.
Target STEM-designated employers first
Companies already filing H-1B visa petitions are far more comfortable with OPT work authorization. Filter your search toward employers in tech, healthcare IT, and financial services, where data roles and visa familiarity overlap most consistently.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Tell employers your OPT start date, end date, and STEM extension eligibility early. Hiring managers often overestimate complexity. A clear one-paragraph explanation in your cover letter removes the biggest objection before the first interview.
Emphasize data governance and compliance experience
Regulated industries like healthcare and finance have constant data management needs tied to compliance requirements. If you have coursework or project experience with HIPAA, GDPR, or SOX data controls, highlight it specifically for these sectors.
Pursue roles with structured onboarding programs
Large enterprises and consulting firms with formal training programs are more likely to sponsor work visas long-term. These organizations have HR infrastructure to handle OPT paperwork and established precedent for transitioning employees to H-1B status.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly openings
Migrate Mate surfaces Data Management Specialist roles from employers with active visa sponsorship history. Searching there saves time you would otherwise spend filtering out companies with no OPT experience or no path to long-term sponsorship.
Data Management Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Data Management Specialist roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but the qualification depends on your degree field, not just the job title. If your degree is in computer science, information systems, data science, or a related STEM field, and the role involves technical data work, it will typically qualify. Your Designated School Official confirms eligibility before you apply for the 24-month extension.
How do I explain my OPT work authorization to a hiring manager unfamiliar with F-1 visas?
Keep it simple and factual. Tell them you have work authorization through the OPT program, that it covers up to three years for STEM roles, and that you need no action from them during that period. Offer to send a short written summary. Most confusion comes from employers assuming they need to file paperwork immediately, which is not accurate for OPT.
Which industries hire the most Data Management Specialists open to OPT students?
Healthcare IT, financial services, and enterprise technology are the most active. These sectors generate large volumes of regulated data and face ongoing compliance requirements, creating consistent demand for data management roles. Federal contractors and consulting firms are also strong options because they frequently work with structured data at scale and have experience sponsoring international employees.
Where is the best place to find Data Management Specialist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job searches. The platform focuses on employers with active sponsorship history, so you avoid wasting applications on companies that will reject you at the work authorization question. Searching on Migrate Mate filters the pool to roles where OPT is already an understood part of the hiring process.
Can I start a Data Management Specialist job before my OPT EAD card arrives?
No. You cannot begin work until your Employment Authorization Document is in hand and your OPT start date has passed. Starting early, even by a single day, is a violation of your F-1 status. Plan your job search and offer acceptance timeline so your anticipated start date gives at least two to four weeks of buffer after your expected EAD delivery date.