OPT Network Systems Engineer Jobs
Network Systems Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, or information systems. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in this field frequently sponsor H-1B visas, making it a viable long-term path.
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Get Access To All JobsNetwork Systems Manager
Description
Under direct supervision of the Management Information System Director or Administrator, this position is highly technical management information work responsible for maintaining the agency networking devices, and all major IT resources, including ERP and STATS systems, e-mail and collaboration and communications systems, software, hardware and peripherals. The individual must be familiar with UNIX, MS Windows Server 2003, 2008 (Ent. Ed.), SharePoint, and/or Exchange Server. The Network Systems Manager is primarily responsible for servicing and managing these resources to ensure optimal functionality.
The Network Systems Manager is also responsible for maintenance of the Agencies Local Area Network (LAN), and provides support for the agency's implementation of new technologies. Consultation with members of MIS and other members of the agency, to determine how to satisfy their growing demands for system resources, and coordination with vendor to satisfy ongoing demands/requirements for systems efficiencies and software upgrades is also required.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assembles and configures network components and associated services.
- Sets up and maintains basic network operations, including assembly of network hardware.
- Manages the communications network within an organization to include telephone system, internal/external network systems and email systems.
- Oversees and develops guidelines and suggests policies to management as it relates to network security.
- Distributes software upgrades to both internal and external client as necessary.
- Responds to internal and external clients inquiries regarding problems with accessing the network or system.
- Creates batch administration scripts.
- Enforces software licensing agreements to ensure that no licensing agreements are violated.
- Develops a storage management program and provides routine backups to ensure continuity in agency operations.
- Installs, maintains, and upgrades Local Area/Wide Area network hardware and software.
- Troubleshoots network usage and computer peripherals by isolating and diagnosing common network problems.
- Collaborates with Office for Information Technology, ensuring that departments/agencies are in line with the government's information technology initiative.
- Oversees internet and computer operations.
- The Network Systems Manager works closely with other staff to ensure all systems are properly maintained and function at optimal levels to sustain and enhance operations.
- Serves as lead in-house technical resource to troubleshoot, diagnose and implement effective solutions to technical issues as they arise.
- Monitors network traffic to ensure bottlenecks and breakages are promptly addressed.
- Assigns projects to staff members and directs the flow of work.
- Installs new users, user environments, directories, and security for network installations.
- Installs new computer applications and further enhance agency's productivity.
- Performs system backups and data recovery.
- Attends staff meetings to report on and resolve recurrent data communications problem.
- Attends vendor seminars and trainings to learn about changes in network communication technology.
- Prepare monthly and annual narratives and statistical reports.
- Conducts training on software applications.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Management Systems, and two years of progressively responsible experience involving network operations environment.
OR
An Associate Degree in the above mentioned fields of study and four years of progressively responsible experience involving network operations environment.
Position Factors
FACTOR 1 - KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
- Knowledge of various networking environments such as but not limited to Windows NT Server, Windows NT Workstation, Windows 98, Windows 2000 Professional, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, Windows Internet Name Service.
- Knowledge of Network Analysis and design.
- Knowledge of the methods and techniques of preparing networking diagrams and documentation.
- Ability to meet and deal with vendors marketing and technical representatives.
- Ability to resolve difficult technical hardware errors by analysis network error logs in the absence of established guidelines and procedures.
FACTOR 2 - SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The incumbent makes projects and duty assignments, sets overall work priorities and checks completed work for completeness and compatibility. The individual spot-checks technical quality of work being performed and provides necessary technical guidance and assistance on unusual or novel problems. The incumbent is expected to perform with considerable independence of action and exercise a high degree of initiative and creativity.
FACTOR 3 - GUIDELINES
Guidelines include general standards and directives, as established within the industry and the user agency. The incumbent is expected to exercise judgment and independence within the major duty areas.
FACTOR 4 - COMPLEXITY
The incumbent is responsible for managing the installation and modification of the very difficult network systems or for major components of more highly complex network system. This work requires the ability to manage and supervise the resolution of complex problems within the operation of network systems.
FACTOR 5 - SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of the work is to provide guidance regarding installation, modification, planning and coordinating of all network related activities of the computer unit. It is also to make recommendations to upper management personnel regarding the purchasing of any work related equipment.
FACTOR 6 - PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are made with network support personnel and entire staff. Contacts are also made with upper management and vendor representatives.
FACTOR 7 - PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
To obtain or supply information.
FACTOR 8 - PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
FACTOR 9 - WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office setting but does require offsite travel.
Network Systems Manager
Description
Under direct supervision of the Management Information System Director or Administrator, this position is highly technical management information work responsible for maintaining the agency networking devices, and all major IT resources, including ERP and STATS systems, e-mail and collaboration and communications systems, software, hardware and peripherals. The individual must be familiar with UNIX, MS Windows Server 2003, 2008 (Ent. Ed.), SharePoint, and/or Exchange Server. The Network Systems Manager is primarily responsible for servicing and managing these resources to ensure optimal functionality.
The Network Systems Manager is also responsible for maintenance of the Agencies Local Area Network (LAN), and provides support for the agency's implementation of new technologies. Consultation with members of MIS and other members of the agency, to determine how to satisfy their growing demands for system resources, and coordination with vendor to satisfy ongoing demands/requirements for systems efficiencies and software upgrades is also required.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assembles and configures network components and associated services.
- Sets up and maintains basic network operations, including assembly of network hardware.
- Manages the communications network within an organization to include telephone system, internal/external network systems and email systems.
- Oversees and develops guidelines and suggests policies to management as it relates to network security.
- Distributes software upgrades to both internal and external client as necessary.
- Responds to internal and external clients inquiries regarding problems with accessing the network or system.
- Creates batch administration scripts.
- Enforces software licensing agreements to ensure that no licensing agreements are violated.
- Develops a storage management program and provides routine backups to ensure continuity in agency operations.
- Installs, maintains, and upgrades Local Area/Wide Area network hardware and software.
- Troubleshoots network usage and computer peripherals by isolating and diagnosing common network problems.
- Collaborates with Office for Information Technology, ensuring that departments/agencies are in line with the government's information technology initiative.
- Oversees internet and computer operations.
- The Network Systems Manager works closely with other staff to ensure all systems are properly maintained and function at optimal levels to sustain and enhance operations.
- Serves as lead in-house technical resource to troubleshoot, diagnose and implement effective solutions to technical issues as they arise.
- Monitors network traffic to ensure bottlenecks and breakages are promptly addressed.
- Assigns projects to staff members and directs the flow of work.
- Installs new users, user environments, directories, and security for network installations.
- Installs new computer applications and further enhance agency's productivity.
- Performs system backups and data recovery.
- Attends staff meetings to report on and resolve recurrent data communications problem.
- Attends vendor seminars and trainings to learn about changes in network communication technology.
- Prepare monthly and annual narratives and statistical reports.
- Conducts training on software applications.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Management Systems, and two years of progressively responsible experience involving network operations environment.
OR
An Associate Degree in the above mentioned fields of study and four years of progressively responsible experience involving network operations environment.
Position Factors
FACTOR 1 - KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
- Knowledge of various networking environments such as but not limited to Windows NT Server, Windows NT Workstation, Windows 98, Windows 2000 Professional, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, Windows Internet Name Service.
- Knowledge of Network Analysis and design.
- Knowledge of the methods and techniques of preparing networking diagrams and documentation.
- Ability to meet and deal with vendors marketing and technical representatives.
- Ability to resolve difficult technical hardware errors by analysis network error logs in the absence of established guidelines and procedures.
FACTOR 2 - SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The incumbent makes projects and duty assignments, sets overall work priorities and checks completed work for completeness and compatibility. The individual spot-checks technical quality of work being performed and provides necessary technical guidance and assistance on unusual or novel problems. The incumbent is expected to perform with considerable independence of action and exercise a high degree of initiative and creativity.
FACTOR 3 - GUIDELINES
Guidelines include general standards and directives, as established within the industry and the user agency. The incumbent is expected to exercise judgment and independence within the major duty areas.
FACTOR 4 - COMPLEXITY
The incumbent is responsible for managing the installation and modification of the very difficult network systems or for major components of more highly complex network system. This work requires the ability to manage and supervise the resolution of complex problems within the operation of network systems.
FACTOR 5 - SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of the work is to provide guidance regarding installation, modification, planning and coordinating of all network related activities of the computer unit. It is also to make recommendations to upper management personnel regarding the purchasing of any work related equipment.
FACTOR 6 - PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are made with network support personnel and entire staff. Contacts are also made with upper management and vendor representatives.
FACTOR 7 - PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
To obtain or supply information.
FACTOR 8 - PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
FACTOR 9 - WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office setting but does require offsite travel.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Network Systems Engineer
Lead with your network engineering certifications
Certifications like CCNA, CCNP, or AWS Networking Specialty signal job-ready skills and reduce employer hesitation about OPT timelines. List them prominently on your resume and reference them early in cover letters.
Target employers with existing H-1B filing histories
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas before are far more likely to sponsor OPT extensions. Check OFLC disclosure data to identify which employers file regularly for network engineering roles before applying.
Emphasize your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
Many hiring managers conflate OPT with the standard 12-month window. Clarifying that STEM OPT extends to 36 months, and that E-Verify enrollment is the only requirement on their end, often removes the biggest objection immediately.
Apply to mid-size technology and infrastructure firms
Mid-size companies in cloud infrastructure, telecom, and managed services sponsor OPT students regularly and move faster than large enterprises. They often have ongoing network projects where your skills create immediate, demonstrable value.
Align your degree field to the job description explicitly
Network Systems Engineer roles require a direct connection between your degree and the position. In your resume and interviews, explicitly map your coursework in networking, systems architecture, or engineering to the technical requirements listed.
Start your job search before your OPT start date
Employers may take six to ten weeks from initial interview to an official offer. Beginning your search at least three months before your OPT start date gives you realistic runway to secure a role without authorization gaps.
Network Systems Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Network Systems Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Network Systems Engineer positions typically fall under CIP codes in computer science, electrical engineering, or information systems, all of which are STEM-designated. Your degree field must match one of the approved STEM CIP codes on the DHS STEM list, and your job duties must be directly related to that field. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
How do I find Network Systems Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Browse Migrate Mate to find Network Systems Engineer roles from employers who are open to sponsoring F-1 OPT students. Filtering by sponsorship willingness saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company won't support your work authorization. Many employers on Migrate Mate have existing H-1B filing histories, which is a reliable indicator they'll support OPT extensions as well.
What does my employer need to do to support my STEM OPT extension as a Network Systems Engineer?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan, typically submitted using Form I-983. The plan documents how your role as a Network Systems Engineer provides practical training related to your degree. The employer does not file anything with USCIS directly. Your DSO submits the STEM OPT extension application on your behalf, and you must apply before your current OPT EAD expires.
Can I work as a contractor or on a project basis on OPT as a Network Systems Engineer?
You can work through a third-party staffing arrangement, but the employer of record must be enrolled in E-Verify for STEM OPT purposes. For standard OPT, self-employment and independent contracting are permitted with restrictions, but you must be actively engaged in work related to your degree. Network consulting or project-based roles are generally acceptable as long as you can document the connection to your field of study.
How does the 60-day grace period affect my job search if I'm between Network Systems Engineer roles?
If your OPT employment ends before your EAD expires, you have a 60-day unemployment buffer. During this window, you can continue interviewing and accepting offers, but you cannot work. Network Systems Engineer roles often require security clearances or multi-stage technical interviews, so the 60-day window can be tight. Starting your search immediately when a position ends, rather than waiting, gives you the best chance of securing a new role within the grace period.