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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Company Description
Established in 1991, Collabera has been a leader in IT staffing for over 22 years and is one of the largest diversity IT staffing firms in the industry. As a half a billion dollar IT company, with more than 9,000 professionals across 30+ offices, Collabera offers comprehensive, cost-effective IT staffing & IT Services. We provide services to Fortune 500 and mid-size companies to meet their talent needs with high quality IT resources through Staff Augmentation, Global Talent Management, Value Added Services through CLASS (Competency Leveraged Advanced Staffing & Solutions) Permanent Placement Services and Vendor Management Programs.
Collabera recognizes true potential of human capital and provides people the right opportunities for growth and professional excellence.
Job Description
Location: 100 Abbott Park Road, Lake County, Abbott Park, IL 60064
Duration: 6+ months (could go beyond)
Roles:
- Network Directory and Infrastructure Services Administration.
- Knowledge of domain administration and troubleshooting, Active Directory, MS FIM, Exchange, MS Office365 and supporting technologies, MS Azure, NPS, Federation and SQL Server administration required.
Responsibilities:
- Provide technical Level III problem isolation and resolution for a Global Active Directory Network.
- Configures and performs advanced diagnostics on infrastructure components and cloud based applications.
- Understands and repairs Domain infrastructure including DNS, DHCP, ADLDS, ADFS and FIM Sync.
- Understands and can configure/install Win Server 2008r2/2012r2 technologies for domain controllers and Radius Authentication servers.
- Repair and recover from hardware or software failures.
- Rotate on-call and must be available to work a varied shift schedule in a 7x24 hour operations center environment.
- Initiate major outage communication technical bridges as requested.
- Apply fix procedures as instructed for repetitive events as instructed and coordinate with impacted constituencies.
Competencies:
- Superior knowledge of Active Directory overall and its administrative components.
- Perform domain administration for 61,000+ workstations including domain controllers, NPS, Win 2003/2008R2/2012 server hardware, dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), domain name servers (DNS) configuration integrated with active directory, desktop configuration and end user support.
- Candidate will have worked in an AD environment that has done acquisition and divestiture work, Candidate will have worked with products such as ADMT, and ADLDS and the roles they play in M&A activities such as management of active directory structure in creation, administration of organizational units (OU), containers and sub containers throughout the domain from geographic to organizational standards, while setting policies and permissions.
- Candidate should have expert knowledge of Federation protocols including OAuth, SAML, WSFed, and a deep understanding of the IDP and SP roles associated with Federation environments.
- Candidate will have worked with Office 365 from an Identity standpoint and have an understanding of Azure Active Directory Sync and Identity Federation for Cloud services.
- Expertise should include attribute mapping and troubleshooting as well as rule sets associated with AADSync.
- Candidate must be able to correctly configure servers and clients for all services.
- Can isolate and repair most DNS and IP service problems.
- Understands and uses the appropriate tools in all instances during problem isolation and repair.
- Possesses an in depth understanding of communications technologies and can isolate and resolve most infrastructure issues.
Qualifications
- Associates Degree Minimum, prefer Computer Science or technology area or telecommunications science business minor
- Three (3) to six (6) months of specialized technical courses in Win and Active Directory technology's typically provided by vendors, technical societies, or equivalent experience.
Additional Information
To know more about this position, please contact:
Himanshu Prajapat
973-606-3290
himanshu.prajapat(at)collabera.com
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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.