OPT Network Security Engineer Jobs
Network Security Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems. Most roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience before H-1B visa sponsorship becomes necessary.
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INTRODUCTION
You want more out of a career. A place to share your ideas freely — even if they’re daring or different. Where the true you can learn, grow, and thrive. At Verizon, we power and empower how people live, work and play by connecting them to what brings them joy. We do what we love — driving innovation, creativity, and impact in the world. Our V Team is a community of people who anticipate, lead, and believe that listening is where learning begins. In crisis and in celebration, we come together — lifting our communities and building trust in how we show up, everywhere & always. Want in? Join the #VTeamLife.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The GN&T Network Security team is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Cybersecurity Engineer to join the Network Security Defense team. The Defense teams are responsible for owning the security lifecycle and effectiveness across the Core, Edge, and Access networks, as well as all systems and network functions within GN&T. In this role, you will be critical in advancing our security posture through real-time Threat Monitoring & Detection using SIEM tools like Splunk, leading Incident Response efforts during a breach, and managing the continuous Vulnerability Management lifecycle across networks and applications. The position also requires expertise in defining and implementing robust Security Architecture, including firewalls, encryption, centralized Identity and Access Management, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). A strong candidate will also possess advanced Threat Hunting skills, including Advanced Networking & Protocol Analysis, Endpoint & Memory Forensics, Data Science & Querying, and demonstrable experience in Automation & Scripting to enhance our Cybersecurity tooling.
- Maintain formal guidelines, policies, and procedures to ensure smooth and error-free operations.
- Support our partners across the Operations, Engineering, and Planning organizations to ensure secure design patterns are embedded into new deployments and major changes.
- Work with lead engineers on strategic technical challenges.
- Communicate clearly and effectively, articulate complex technical concepts to diverse internal and external audiences.
- Support network security incident response activities, including triage, containment, eradication, and recovery for disruptive threats.
- Serve as a support engineer for security-related investigations, providing analysis and input during active incidents.
- Support root cause analysis and produce clear incident reports outlining timeline, impact, evidence, and remediation recommendations.
- Explore proactive threat hunting across the identity, endpoint, and network telemetry to uncover adversary behavior and reduce dwell time.
- Conduct threat detections using SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) to improve alert fidelity and reduce false positives.
- Work on continuous improvement of network visibility and telemetry collection to strengthen detection and response capabilities.
- Perform regular security control assessments, validating configuration effectiveness, and closing gaps discovered during incidents or hunts.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
You must have…
- Bachelor’s degree or one or more years of relevant work experience.
- One or more years of relevant work experience, demonstrated through one or a combination of work and/or military experience, or specialized training.
- Knowledge of incident response lifecycles (NIST or SANS) and experience with automation playbooks using SOAR platforms to automate triage and response actions.
- Experience with risk-based alerting, managing notable events, asset/identity correlation, and defining/tuning correlation searches.
- Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Even better if you also have…
- Security certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CCIP, CISM, CCSP, OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), Ethical Hacking (CEH, OSCP).
- Experience with Splunk SPL (Search Processing Language) searches, including macros, data models, and lookups for efficient threat hunting and investigation.
- Experience with Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions.
- Ability to build consensus and a common understanding of security objectives, goals, and execution steps.
- Experience with network protocols and information security with networking certifications such as PCNSE, CCNP or CCNA.
- Experience with networks, 4G/5G wireless network functions or virtualization technologies like Openstack and Kubernetes.
- Experience with scripting languages like Python and/or automation tools like Ansible.
- Experience in UNIX or Linux systems engineering expertise with a variety of variants.
- Experience with encryption for data in transit (e.g., IPsec, or TLS) and at rest.
- Effective written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills.
If Verizon and this role sound like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every “even better” qualification listed above.
LOCATION
In this hybrid role, you'll have a defined work location that includes working from home and a minimum of three days per week in the office, which will be set by your manager. Employees are responsible for maintaining compliance with hybrid work policies.
SCHEDULED WEEKLY HOURS
40
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Verizon is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we’ve got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances.
The salary will vary depending on your location and confirmed job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours. The annual salary range for the location(s) listed on this job requisition based on a full-time schedule is: $72,000.00 - $129,000.00.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Network Security Engineer
Target employers with active security clearance programs
Defense contractors and federal IT vendors like Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos regularly sponsor OPT holders. These employers have established immigration infrastructure and are accustomed to navigating work authorization requirements for technical security roles.
Certify before you apply
Holding a CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or Certified Ethical Hacker credential before applying significantly strengthens your profile. Employers sponsoring OPT students want to minimize hiring risk, and certifications demonstrate job-ready skills beyond your degree.
Frame your degree field explicitly in your resume
STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree classification. Clearly state your CIP code-eligible field (cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems) on your resume so recruiters immediately recognize you qualify for the 24-month extension.
Apply to mid-size cybersecurity firms, not just large enterprises
Companies with 50 to 500 employees in managed security services or threat intelligence often sponsor OPT students. They face the same talent shortage as large firms but with faster hiring decisions and more direct access to decision-makers.
Address OPT timing proactively in interviews
Bring up your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility before the employer asks. Explaining that you have up to three years of authorization removes ambiguity and positions sponsorship as a future step rather than an immediate burden.
Align your job search with H-1B specialty occupation requirements
Network Security Engineer roles generally qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations due to the degree-level technical requirements. Confirming this alignment early helps you target employers already familiar with the H-1B petition process for security professionals.
Network Security Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Network Security Engineer jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Network Security Engineer roles fall under CIP codes for cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems, all of which appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Your specific eligibility depends on the CIP code assigned to your degree by your school, not just the degree title, so confirm the code with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Network Security Engineer employers who sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find Network Security Engineer roles filtered for OPT and visa sponsorship. Outside of that, reviewing OFLC disclosure data on FLAG.dol.gov lets you identify companies that have previously filed Labor Condition Applications for security engineering roles, which is a reliable signal of sponsorship willingness.
Can I work as a Network Security Engineer on OPT if my degree is in electrical engineering rather than computer science?
Possibly, but it requires a clear connection between your degree and the role. STEM OPT requires that your job be directly related to your major. Electrical engineering degrees covering network systems, signal security, or embedded systems can support a Network Security Engineer position, but your DSO must be able to document the relationship when completing your STEM OPT I-983 training plan.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Network Security Engineer position is terminated?
You enter a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment. During those 60 days, you can look for a new qualifying position, file for a change of status, or prepare to depart. If you secure a new Network Security Engineer role with a different employer, you can resume OPT work authorization once employment begins, provided your OPT end date has not passed.
Do Network Security Engineer roles at government contractors require additional work authorization steps for OPT students?
Some do. Positions requiring a U.S. security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) are generally not available to non-U.S. citizens, which excludes most F-1 OPT students. However, many government contractor roles supporting unclassified programs do not require clearances and are fully accessible on OPT. Filter for unclassified or commercial-sector positions when searching, and confirm clearance requirements directly with the recruiter before interviewing.