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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Get Access To All JobsWe’re looking for a Network Security Engineer to help strengthen and modernize the network and security infrastructure behind Cinch Home Services. You’ll work hands-on across Zero Trust, SD-WAN, cloud networking, wireless, VPNs, and secure remote access, while troubleshooting complex issues and helping shape secure, reliable solutions. It’s a great opportunity to work across a broad technology environment and play a meaningful role in how our infrastructure continues to evolve.
Essential Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design of secure network architectures (zero trust, micro-segmentation, DMZ, WAN security, secure remote access)
- Implement and maintain security measures across IT infrastructure, support automation of security testing, and monitor systems for threats.
- Support cloud network security architecture (Azure, AWS) configuring security groups, firewalls, and private endpoints.
- Participate in reviews of application/network designs to help identify security gaps.
- Assist in evaluating security technologies and provide recommendations to senior staff.
- Support the development and enforcement of security policies and procedures. Maintain solid knowledge of security principles, practices, and technologies, including encryption, authentication, authorization, and network security.
- Perform regular security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing to identify and help mitigate risks.
- Troubleshoot network and communication problems related to local wired, wireless, and wide-area networks.
- Work with project teams to understand requirements, help formulate networking solutions, and support implementation.
- Assist in analyzing, designing, and documenting wired/wireless network architectures to support new technology, business solutions, and new locations.
- Provide support for network users, partners, and third-party vendors. Respond to network outages.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience and Qualifications
- 2–4 years of progressive experience supporting network routing, switching, and wireless in an enterprise environment.
- Solid understanding of network design, topology, and integrated security.
- Cato/Cisco/Ruckus platform experience a plus (Wi-Fi, security, routers, switches).
- Experience with installation and configuration of network devices.
- Ability to troubleshoot network communications to the transport layer.
- Familiarity with SD-WAN and cloud networking technologies.
- Experience with Cato Networks a plus.
- Understanding of IPsec and SSL VPN.
- Exposure to business continuity and disaster recovery best practices.
- Familiarity with virtualization technology.
- Working knowledge of networking diagnostic, monitoring, and analysis tools.
- Exposure to datacenter technologies, including servers, storage, and data center facilities (power, cooling, cabling).
Education
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
- CCNA or equivalent certification preferred.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
We’re looking for a Network Security Engineer to help strengthen and modernize the network and security infrastructure behind Cinch Home Services. You’ll work hands-on across Zero Trust, SD-WAN, cloud networking, wireless, VPNs, and secure remote access, while troubleshooting complex issues and helping shape secure, reliable solutions. It’s a great opportunity to work across a broad technology environment and play a meaningful role in how our infrastructure continues to evolve.
Essential Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design of secure network architectures (zero trust, micro-segmentation, DMZ, WAN security, secure remote access)
- Implement and maintain security measures across IT infrastructure, support automation of security testing, and monitor systems for threats.
- Support cloud network security architecture (Azure, AWS) configuring security groups, firewalls, and private endpoints.
- Participate in reviews of application/network designs to help identify security gaps.
- Assist in evaluating security technologies and provide recommendations to senior staff.
- Support the development and enforcement of security policies and procedures. Maintain solid knowledge of security principles, practices, and technologies, including encryption, authentication, authorization, and network security.
- Perform regular security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing to identify and help mitigate risks.
- Troubleshoot network and communication problems related to local wired, wireless, and wide-area networks.
- Work with project teams to understand requirements, help formulate networking solutions, and support implementation.
- Assist in analyzing, designing, and documenting wired/wireless network architectures to support new technology, business solutions, and new locations.
- Provide support for network users, partners, and third-party vendors. Respond to network outages.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience and Qualifications
- 2–4 years of progressive experience supporting network routing, switching, and wireless in an enterprise environment.
- Solid understanding of network design, topology, and integrated security.
- Cato/Cisco/Ruckus platform experience a plus (Wi-Fi, security, routers, switches).
- Experience with installation and configuration of network devices.
- Ability to troubleshoot network communications to the transport layer.
- Familiarity with SD-WAN and cloud networking technologies.
- Experience with Cato Networks a plus.
- Understanding of IPsec and SSL VPN.
- Exposure to business continuity and disaster recovery best practices.
- Familiarity with virtualization technology.
- Working knowledge of networking diagnostic, monitoring, and analysis tools.
- Exposure to datacenter technologies, including servers, storage, and data center facilities (power, cooling, cabling).
Education
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
- CCNA or equivalent certification preferred.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all OPT Network Security Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Network Security Engineer Jobs.
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.