Network Engineering Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Network Engineering Manager roles on OPT require employers to sponsor H-1B or other work visas after your authorization period ends. These positions sit at the intersection of technical depth and team leadership, and most hiring managers expect CCNP-level knowledge or equivalent hands-on infrastructure experience before considering managerial candidates.
See All Network Engineering Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 28+ Network Engineering Manager jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 28+ Network Engineering Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Network Engineering Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob Summary and Responsibilities
As our LAN Engineering Manager, you will lead a team responsible for the full lifecycle management of critical IT systems, ensuring their optimal performance and alignment with our operational needs. Your role involves overseeing projects, resources, and supervising professional and technical staff to achieve these objectives.
In addition to core IT systems management responsibilities, this role provides technical and operational leadership for enterprise campus networking, with a strong emphasis on Cisco Software-Defined Access (SDA) and network automation as foundational capabilities. You will drive modernization initiatives that improve resiliency, scalability, security, and operational efficiency across the enterprise.
Key Responsibilities
Every day you will manage day-to-day operations, including developing and evaluating policies, determining service enhancements, and monitoring budgets relevant to your assigned processes or programs. You will also provide technical guidance and oversight to your team, ensuring efficient execution of IT initiatives.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professional and technical staff.
- Conduct performance evaluations and foster professional development.
- Establish accountability standards and promote continuous improvement.
- Provide technical guidance and operational oversight to ensure high-quality execution of IT initiatives.
Campus Networking & Leadership
- Lead the implementation and operationalization of Cisco Software-Defined Access (SDA) as the enterprise campus networking standard.
- Oversee SDA fabric design, deployment, migration from legacy architectures, and lifecycle management.
- Ensure effective segmentation, policy enforcement, and integration with identity and security platforms.
- Standardize campus network architectures to reduce complexity and improve scalability.
- Partner with architecture and security teams to align SDA design with enterprise strategy.
Automation & Operational Modernization
- Drive adoption of network automation-first practices across campus networking and related IT systems.
- Implement automation solutions using tools such as Python, APIs, Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code methodologies.
- Identify manual, repetitive operational tasks and convert them into automated workflows to improve reliability and reduce risk.
- Establish standards for configuration management, templating, and automated provisioning.
- Improve change success rates, deployment speed, and operational efficiency through automation initiatives.
Strategy & Business Alignment
- Responsible for aligning information technology planning with business strategy.
- Works with business partners to understand operational and strategic needs.
- Provides input to business technology planning within their functional area.
- Aligns campus networking, SDA architecture, and automation strategy with enterprise digital transformation initiatives.
- Manages the implementation of IT initiatives to support business strategy.
- Provides high-quality services at optimal cost to customers.
- Develops and implements automation-driven technologies to improve the performance of business processes and increase operational efficiency.
Remote eligible.
Job Requirements
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in IT systems or network engineering, with 1+ years in a leadership or management role.
- Bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Hands-on experience deploying and operating Cisco Software-Defined Access (SDA) in enterprise environments (required).
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing network automation solutions (required).
- Strong expertise in enterprise LAN/WLAN technologies, routing, switching, and segmentation.
- Experience leading teams through network modernization initiatives.
- Proven ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on technical leadership.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in large, distributed enterprise or healthcare environments.
- Experience with Cisco DNA Center, ISE, campus segmentation, and identity-based networking.
- Familiarity with source-of-truth platforms and automated configuration compliance.
- Cisco certifications (CCNP/CCIE) or equivalent experience.
- Experience working within Agile or DevOps operating models.
Where You'll Work
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system.
Pay Range
$60.24 - $89.60 /hour
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As our LAN Engineering Manager, you will lead a team responsible for the full lifecycle management of critical IT systems, ensuring their optimal performance and alignment with our operational needs. Your role involves overseeing projects, resources, and supervising professional and technical staff to achieve these objectives.
In addition to core IT systems management responsibilities, this role provides technical and operational leadership for enterprise campus networking, with a strong emphasis on Cisco Software-Defined Access (SDA) and network automation as foundational capabilities. You will drive modernization initiatives that improve resiliency, scalability, security, and operational efficiency across the enterprise.
Key Responsibilities
Every day you will manage day-to-day operations, including developing and evaluating policies, determining service enhancements, and monitoring budgets relevant to your assigned processes or programs. You will also provide technical guidance and oversight to your team, ensuring efficient execution of IT initiatives.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professional and technical staff.
- Conduct performance evaluations and foster professional development.
- Establish accountability standards and promote continuous improvement.
- Provide technical guidance and operational oversight to ensure high-quality execution of IT initiatives.
Campus Networking & Leadership
- Lead the implementation and operationalization of Cisco Software-Defined Access (SDA) as the enterprise campus networking standard.
- Oversee SDA fabric design, deployment, migration from legacy architectures, and lifecycle management.
- Ensure effective segmentation, policy enforcement, and integration with identity and security platforms.
- Standardize campus network architectures to reduce complexity and improve scalability.
- Partner with architecture and security teams to align SDA design with enterprise strategy.
Automation & Operational Modernization
- Drive adoption of network automation-first practices across campus networking and related IT systems.
- Implement automation solutions using tools such as Python, APIs, Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code methodologies.
- Identify manual, repetitive operational tasks and convert them into automated workflows to improve reliability and reduce risk.
- Establish standards for configuration management, templating, and automated provisioning.
- Improve change success rates, deployment speed, and operational efficiency through automation initiatives.
Strategy & Business Alignment
- Responsible for aligning information technology planning with business strategy.
- Works with business partners to understand operational and strategic needs.
- Provides input to business technology planning within their functional area.
- Aligns campus networking, SDA architecture, and automation strategy with enterprise digital transformation initiatives.
- Manages the implementation of IT initiatives to support business strategy.
- Provides high-quality services at optimal cost to customers.
- Develops and implements automation-driven technologies to improve the performance of business processes and increase operational efficiency.
Remote eligible.
Job Requirements
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in IT systems or network engineering, with 1+ years in a leadership or management role.
- Bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Hands-on experience deploying and operating Cisco Software-Defined Access (SDA) in enterprise environments (required).
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing network automation solutions (required).
- Strong expertise in enterprise LAN/WLAN technologies, routing, switching, and segmentation.
- Experience leading teams through network modernization initiatives.
- Proven ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on technical leadership.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in large, distributed enterprise or healthcare environments.
- Experience with Cisco DNA Center, ISE, campus segmentation, and identity-based networking.
- Familiarity with source-of-truth platforms and automated configuration compliance.
- Cisco certifications (CCNP/CCIE) or equivalent experience.
- Experience working within Agile or DevOps operating models.
Where You'll Work
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system.
Pay Range
$60.24 - $89.60 /hour
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Network Engineering Manager
Lead with technical credentials before management experience
Hiring managers for this role want to see CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent certifications before they evaluate your leadership background. Front-load your resume with technical qualifications so you clear the engineering bar first, then highlight team management.
Target mid-size tech and enterprise companies over startups
Mid-size technology firms and large enterprises typically have established immigration processes and dedicated HR teams experienced with OPT and H-1B sponsorship. Smaller startups often lack the infrastructure to sponsor international employees consistently.
Address OPT timing proactively in early conversations
Network Engineering Manager roles have longer hiring cycles. Clarify your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility in screening calls to avoid wasted time with employers who cannot sponsor before your authorization expires.
Highlight experience with enterprise network infrastructure specifically
Emphasize hands-on experience with SD-WAN, BGP routing, firewall architecture, or large-scale data center networking. Employers are hiring for specialized infrastructure knowledge, not general IT management, so specificity in your experience matters significantly.
Build relationships within network engineering communities
Engage with IEEE, NANOG, or local network engineering meetups where hiring managers actively recruit. Direct referrals from professionals inside a company significantly improve your chances of landing interviews at OPT-friendly employers.
Network Engineering Manager jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Network Engineering Manager JobsSee all 28+ Network Engineering Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Network Engineering Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Network Engineering Manager on OPT?
Yes, F-1 OPT authorizes you to work in roles directly related to your degree field. A Network Engineering Manager position typically qualifies under computer science, electrical engineering, or information systems degrees. You'll need to confirm the role aligns with your specific degree program to satisfy SEVP work authorization requirements.
Do Network Engineering Manager roles typically offer H-1B sponsorship?
Many do, particularly at technology companies, telecommunications firms, and large enterprises with established immigration programs. Network engineering leadership is considered a specialty occupation under H-1B rules, which strengthens sponsorship viability. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for employers willing to sponsor OPT and H-1B candidates in this role category.
Does a STEM OPT extension apply to Network Engineering Manager positions?
It depends on your degree. If your F-1 program is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, electrical engineering, or computer engineering, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization. The role itself must also remain directly related to your STEM degree field.
What visa options exist after OPT expires for this role?
H-1B is the most common path, and Network Engineering Manager roles qualify as specialty occupations. If you have exceptional achievements in network engineering, the O-1A is another option. Some candidates with Canadian or Mexican citizenship can pursue the TN visa under the computer systems analyst or engineer category depending on exact role scope.
Is management experience a barrier to OPT eligibility for this role?
No. OPT eligibility is based on your degree field and the role's relationship to it, not whether the job includes supervisory responsibilities. A Network Engineering Manager role with substantial technical duties in network architecture or infrastructure design will generally satisfy the requirement that the position be directly related to your academic program.
See which Network Engineering Manager employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Network Engineering Manager Jobs