OPT Mlops Engineer Jobs
MLOps Engineer jobs on OPT sit at the intersection of machine learning and production infrastructure, making them highly attractive to F-1 students with STEM-designated degrees. Most roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers in this space regularly file H-1B visa petitions, giving you a clear path beyond your initial OPT period.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Title:
MLOps Engineer
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Looking for an opportunity to apply AI and machine learning in ways that truly matter?
If so, the Translational AI Center (TrAC) at Iowa State University is seeking applicants for a MLOps (Machine Learning Operations) Engineer! This position will be classified as a Research and Development Engineer I.
What You'll Do:
- Build and maintain machine learning infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and automated data workflows.
- Implement model tracking, versioning, and reproducibility practices.
- Deploy and manage machine learning models in cloud and production environments.
- Containerize applications and support scalable deployment platforms.
- Develop and maintain APIs, applications, and services that deliver AI solutions.
- Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize reliability.
- Write, test, and maintain high-quality, reusable software.
- Create and maintain technical documentation.
- Participate in code reviews and contribute to shared tools and libraries.
- Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to transition prototypes into production systems.
- Support system integration and communicate technical requirements.
- Provide technical guidance and training as needed.
This is a two-year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or above in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field.
- Two years of related experience in backend software development, AI/ML model deployment, MLOps, DevOps, cloud/platform engineering, or a closely related technical area.
- Experience deploying AI/ML models from prototype to production, including containerization, model versioning, automated deployment, monitoring, and operational support.
- Strong backend development experience, preferably in Python, including APIs, distributed services, databases, testing, and reusable software components.
- Experience with CI/CD, Git-based workflows, containerization, infrastructure automation, experiment tracking, observability, and secure deployment practices.
- Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, including compute, storage, identity management, monitoring, and managed AI/ML services.
- Experience deploying and supporting shared technical platforms, including user access management, upgrades, backups, capacity planning, and user support.
About TrAC:
At the Translational AI Center (TrAC), we bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and real-world applications. Through federally funded initiatives, seed grant projects, and interdisciplinary research thrusts, we drive innovation that shapes the future of AI. To learn more about TrAC, please visit TrAC.
This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications need to be submitted before August 14th, 2026.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
August 31, 2028
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS810
Original Posting Date:
August 7, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19645
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Position Title:
MLOps Engineer
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Looking for an opportunity to apply AI and machine learning in ways that truly matter?
If so, the Translational AI Center (TrAC) at Iowa State University is seeking applicants for a MLOps (Machine Learning Operations) Engineer! This position will be classified as a Research and Development Engineer I.
What You'll Do:
- Build and maintain machine learning infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and automated data workflows.
- Implement model tracking, versioning, and reproducibility practices.
- Deploy and manage machine learning models in cloud and production environments.
- Containerize applications and support scalable deployment platforms.
- Develop and maintain APIs, applications, and services that deliver AI solutions.
- Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize reliability.
- Write, test, and maintain high-quality, reusable software.
- Create and maintain technical documentation.
- Participate in code reviews and contribute to shared tools and libraries.
- Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to transition prototypes into production systems.
- Support system integration and communicate technical requirements.
- Provide technical guidance and training as needed.
This is a two-year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or above in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field.
- Two years of related experience in backend software development, AI/ML model deployment, MLOps, DevOps, cloud/platform engineering, or a closely related technical area.
- Experience deploying AI/ML models from prototype to production, including containerization, model versioning, automated deployment, monitoring, and operational support.
- Strong backend development experience, preferably in Python, including APIs, distributed services, databases, testing, and reusable software components.
- Experience with CI/CD, Git-based workflows, containerization, infrastructure automation, experiment tracking, observability, and secure deployment practices.
- Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, including compute, storage, identity management, monitoring, and managed AI/ML services.
- Experience deploying and supporting shared technical platforms, including user access management, upgrades, backups, capacity planning, and user support.
About TrAC:
At the Translational AI Center (TrAC), we bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and real-world applications. Through federally funded initiatives, seed grant projects, and interdisciplinary research thrusts, we drive innovation that shapes the future of AI. To learn more about TrAC, please visit TrAC.
This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications need to be submitted before August 14th, 2026.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
August 31, 2028
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS810
Original Posting Date:
August 7, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19645
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mlops Engineer
Target STEM OPT-eligible roles explicitly
MLOps Engineering consistently falls under STEM-designated CIP codes in computer science and engineering. Confirm your degree qualifies before applying, then filter for employers with active E-Verify enrollment, which is required for the 24-month STEM extension.
Emphasize production ML experience over research
Employers sponsoring OPT want engineers who can ship models to production, not just build notebooks. Highlight experience with model serving, monitoring pipelines, and CI/CD for ML workflows. Research background alone raises questions about job-readiness for engineering teams.
Know your OPT authorization timeline before interviewing
Hiring managers often ask when you can start and how long you can work without sponsorship. Know your OPT end date, your STEM extension eligibility window, and your I-20 program end date so you can answer confidently without hesitation.
Prioritize companies with established MLOps infrastructure
Companies already running Kubeflow, MLflow, or Vertex AI pipelines have proven engineering needs for this role. These organizations are far more likely to sponsor because the business case for the hire is already established and headcount is budgeted.
Address sponsorship directly but briefly in applications
Do not hide OPT status or bury it in cover letters. State clearly that you are authorized to work on OPT and eligible for the STEM extension. Ambiguity causes recruiters to pass. Clarity keeps you in the pipeline.
Build a portfolio around real deployment artifacts
GitHub repos showing deployed model pipelines, monitoring dashboards, or containerized inference services carry more weight than academic projects. Sponsors need evidence you can operate at production scale, not just demonstrate theoretical knowledge of MLOps concepts.
Mlops Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do MLOps Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Most do. MLOps Engineering typically falls under STEM-designated fields such as computer science, computer engineering, or data science. Your degree's CIP code determines eligibility, not the job title itself. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before accepting a role, and verify the employer is enrolled in E-Verify, which is a separate requirement for the extension.
How competitive is OPT sponsorship for MLOps Engineer positions specifically?
MLOps is a specialized discipline with a genuine talent shortage, which improves your position relative to more saturated roles like general software engineering. Companies running machine learning in production, particularly in fintech, healthtech, and enterprise SaaS, actively recruit for this skill set. Migrate Mate lists MLOps roles from employers who have demonstrated willingness to work with OPT candidates and file H-1B visa petitions.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my MLOps role is reclassified or my employer is acquired?
Your OPT authorization is tied to your employment in a role directly related to your degree field, not to a specific employer. If your role changes significantly or your employer undergoes a material change such as an acquisition, notify your DSO promptly. A material change that affects your employment terms may require updating your I-20 or filing an amended H-1B if you have already transitioned to that status.
Can I work as a contractor or through a staffing agency as an MLOps Engineer on OPT?
Contract and staffing arrangements are permitted on OPT, but they carry more scrutiny than direct employment. The work must still be directly related to your degree and meet the minimum 20-hour-per-week requirement. Self-employment is also allowed under OPT rules, though it requires careful documentation. For any arrangement, keep records of your employer of record and the scope of work performed.
What technical skills make an MLOps candidate more likely to receive sponsorship?
Employers prioritizing sponsorship want candidates with demonstrable production experience, specifically containerization with Docker and Kubernetes, experiment tracking tools like MLflow or Weights and Biases, and cloud ML platforms such as AWS SageMaker, GCP Vertex AI, or Azure ML. Candidates who can also write infrastructure-as-code using Terraform or Pulumi stand out. These skills signal that you can operate independently in a production environment from day one.