OPT Network Systems Administrator Jobs
Network Systems Administrator jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, information technology, or network engineering. Most roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience while building toward long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary
The Network & Systems Administrator is responsible for supporting and maintaining the organization’s network, cloud, hardware, software, cybersecurity, and end-user technology environment. This is a hands-on, on-site position based in Naperville, Illinois, supporting both local and remote employees.
The position provides technical support across Microsoft Azure, Windows, Microsoft 365, Active Directory, network infrastructure, endpoint security, and Dell desktop and laptop systems. The Network & Systems Administrator will ensure employees have reliable and secure access to the systems, equipment, and resources needed to perform their work.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Administer and support Microsoft Azure, Windows, Microsoft 365, and Active Directory environments.
- Create, modify, and deactivate employee accounts, permissions, security groups, and system access.
- Set up and configure laptops and desktops for new employees, including software, email, Microsoft 365, security applications, and network connectivity.
- Support Dell desktops, laptops, docking stations, monitors, and related equipment.
- Diagnose hardware issues and perform upgrades, including adding or replacing memory and other computer components.
- Administer and support endpoint monitoring and management through NinjaOne.
- Support and monitor endpoint cybersecurity protection using CrowdStrike.
- Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco Meraki routers, switches, wireless access points, firewalls, and related network equipment.
- Support Comcast internet and telecommunications services and coordinate with service providers when troubleshooting outages or connectivity issues.
- Install, renew, configure, and troubleshoot SSL certificates and secure connections.
- Troubleshoot LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, DNS, DHCP, internet, and other connectivity issues.
- Configure and support secure connectivity for employees working remotely.
- Monitor network and system performance and proactively identify security, capacity, connectivity, and equipment concerns.
- Apply operating system, software, firmware, and security updates and patches.
- Maintain device inventory and assist with equipment deployment, replacement, upgrades, and retirement.
- Troubleshoot Microsoft 365 applications, Windows operating systems, email, printers, and other end-user technology issues.
- Provide responsive technical support to employees with varying levels of technical knowledge.
- Maintain documentation related to network configurations, user access, equipment, procedures, licenses, and IT assets.
- Assist with backup, recovery, business continuity, and disaster recovery activities.
- Follow cybersecurity best practices related to access controls, multifactor authentication, encryption, endpoint protection, and system security.
- Coordinate with third-party technology vendors and service providers.
- Assist with technology upgrades, migrations, implementations, and IT projects.
- Identify opportunities to improve the security, reliability, automation, and efficiency of the organization’s technology environment.
- Perform other IT-related responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Experience supporting Microsoft Windows environments.
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Active Directory.
- Experience supporting desktop and laptop hardware.
- Knowledge of network administration, including routers, switches, wireless networks, VPNs, firewalls, and internet connectivity.
- Understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, LAN/WAN, VPN, and Wi-Fi.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity and access-management practices.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-technical users.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to urgent technical issues.
- Must be able to work on-site at DSN’s Naperville, Illinois office.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant professional experience may be considered.
- Experience with Cisco Meraki networking equipment.
- Experience with Dell desktops and laptops.
- Experience with NinjaOne or similar endpoint management platforms.
- Experience with CrowdStrike or similar endpoint security platforms.
- Experience administering SSL certificates.
- Experience with Comcast Business internet/connectivity services.
- Experience with IT automation, scripting, or programming languages such as PowerShell, Python, or similar technologies is a plus.
- Experience or familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) tools, AI-enabled business applications, automation, or the integration of AI into IT processes is a plus.
- Microsoft, Azure, Cisco/Meraki, or other relevant IT certifications are a plus.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid Holidays
Position Summary
The Network & Systems Administrator is responsible for supporting and maintaining the organization’s network, cloud, hardware, software, cybersecurity, and end-user technology environment. This is a hands-on, on-site position based in Naperville, Illinois, supporting both local and remote employees.
The position provides technical support across Microsoft Azure, Windows, Microsoft 365, Active Directory, network infrastructure, endpoint security, and Dell desktop and laptop systems. The Network & Systems Administrator will ensure employees have reliable and secure access to the systems, equipment, and resources needed to perform their work.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Administer and support Microsoft Azure, Windows, Microsoft 365, and Active Directory environments.
- Create, modify, and deactivate employee accounts, permissions, security groups, and system access.
- Set up and configure laptops and desktops for new employees, including software, email, Microsoft 365, security applications, and network connectivity.
- Support Dell desktops, laptops, docking stations, monitors, and related equipment.
- Diagnose hardware issues and perform upgrades, including adding or replacing memory and other computer components.
- Administer and support endpoint monitoring and management through NinjaOne.
- Support and monitor endpoint cybersecurity protection using CrowdStrike.
- Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco Meraki routers, switches, wireless access points, firewalls, and related network equipment.
- Support Comcast internet and telecommunications services and coordinate with service providers when troubleshooting outages or connectivity issues.
- Install, renew, configure, and troubleshoot SSL certificates and secure connections.
- Troubleshoot LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, DNS, DHCP, internet, and other connectivity issues.
- Configure and support secure connectivity for employees working remotely.
- Monitor network and system performance and proactively identify security, capacity, connectivity, and equipment concerns.
- Apply operating system, software, firmware, and security updates and patches.
- Maintain device inventory and assist with equipment deployment, replacement, upgrades, and retirement.
- Troubleshoot Microsoft 365 applications, Windows operating systems, email, printers, and other end-user technology issues.
- Provide responsive technical support to employees with varying levels of technical knowledge.
- Maintain documentation related to network configurations, user access, equipment, procedures, licenses, and IT assets.
- Assist with backup, recovery, business continuity, and disaster recovery activities.
- Follow cybersecurity best practices related to access controls, multifactor authentication, encryption, endpoint protection, and system security.
- Coordinate with third-party technology vendors and service providers.
- Assist with technology upgrades, migrations, implementations, and IT projects.
- Identify opportunities to improve the security, reliability, automation, and efficiency of the organization’s technology environment.
- Perform other IT-related responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Experience supporting Microsoft Windows environments.
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Active Directory.
- Experience supporting desktop and laptop hardware.
- Knowledge of network administration, including routers, switches, wireless networks, VPNs, firewalls, and internet connectivity.
- Understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, LAN/WAN, VPN, and Wi-Fi.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity and access-management practices.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-technical users.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to urgent technical issues.
- Must be able to work on-site at DSN’s Naperville, Illinois office.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant professional experience may be considered.
- Experience with Cisco Meraki networking equipment.
- Experience with Dell desktops and laptops.
- Experience with NinjaOne or similar endpoint management platforms.
- Experience with CrowdStrike or similar endpoint security platforms.
- Experience administering SSL certificates.
- Experience with Comcast Business internet/connectivity services.
- Experience with IT automation, scripting, or programming languages such as PowerShell, Python, or similar technologies is a plus.
- Experience or familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) tools, AI-enabled business applications, automation, or the integration of AI into IT processes is a plus.
- Microsoft, Azure, Cisco/Meraki, or other relevant IT certifications are a plus.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid Holidays
See all OPT Network Systems Administrator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Network Systems Administrator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Network Systems Administrator
Target employers with established H-1B histories
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas before are far more likely to sponsor again. Search OFLC disclosure data for employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for network or systems administration roles in the past two years.
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Network Systems Administrator roles typically fall under CIP code 11.1001 (Computer and Information Sciences) or 14.0901 (Computer Engineering). Verify your degree CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to confirm STEM extension eligibility.
Highlight certifications that signal employer ROI
Certifications like CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or Microsoft Azure Administrator demonstrate job-ready skills. Employers who see you can contribute immediately are more willing to invest in sponsorship when your OPT period ends.
Address sponsorship timing early in conversations
Be transparent about your OPT end date and the STEM extension timeline. Most employers need 12 to 18 months to prepare an H-1B petition, so starting that conversation early prevents surprises and shows you have planned ahead.
Focus on mid-sized technology and infrastructure companies
Mid-sized companies in sectors like cloud infrastructure, managed services, and enterprise IT often have genuine network staffing needs and are more flexible on sponsorship than large corporations with rigid HR policies or very small firms.
Use your E-Verify enrollment requirement strategically
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirming this requirement upfront filters out employers who cannot legally hire you and focuses your search on companies already prepared to work with international employees.
Network Systems Administrator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Network Systems Administrators?
Yes. Network Systems Administrator is a qualifying specialty occupation for F-1 OPT work authorization, provided your degree is in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or network engineering. Most positions also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, which gives you up to three years total of authorized post-graduation employment.
Does a Network Systems Administrator role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
In most cases, yes. The role qualifies if your underlying degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code, such as computer science, information systems, or computer engineering. Your DSO will confirm eligibility based on your specific degree program. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, which is a firm requirement for all STEM OPT extensions.
How far in advance should I start looking for Network Systems Administrator jobs on OPT?
Start at least four to six months before your graduation date. OPT authorization can take 90 days to process after your DSO submits the recommendation, and you want an offer in place before your authorization begins. Migrate Mate lists Network Systems Administrator roles from employers open to OPT candidates, so it is worth browsing early in your search.
Will employers sponsor my H-1B after my OPT period ends?
Many employers who hire Network Systems Administrators on OPT do go on to sponsor H-1B petitions, but it is not automatic. Network infrastructure roles are consistently approved as specialty occupations, which strengthens the petition. The best approach is to confirm sponsorship intent before accepting an offer and to give your employer as much lead time as possible before your OPT expires.
What happens if my OPT expires before I get picked in the H-1B lottery?
If you are not selected in the H-1B lottery, your OPT and any cap-gap coverage will eventually expire, requiring you to leave the U.S. or find another visa status. Some employers will consider a change to an L-1 visa, O-1 visa, or TN visa depending on your background. Others may support a graduate school enrollment to bridge the gap. Discussing contingency plans with your employer before the lottery is the right preparation.