OPT Performance Engineer Jobs
Performance Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in computer science, systems engineering, or software engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in cloud infrastructure, fintech, and enterprise software regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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Get Access To All Jobs![Education Service Center, Region 20 [ESC-20]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fitlphsnjkzumgbjueaks.supabase.co%2Fstorage%2Fv1%2Fobject%2Fpublic%2Fcompany-logos%2Feducation-service-center-region-20-esc-20.png&w=128&q=75)
JOB SUMMARY: Coordinate and provide project and regional leadership to support the implementation of state, federal, and local accountability systems, state assessments, and Texas Education Agency (TEA) initiatives. Lead strategic planning, technical assistance, and professional development to build staff capacity, improve student outcomes, and support school systems in closing learning gaps. Supervise assigned staff.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES
Knowledge
- Master’s degree from an accredited university required.
- Valid Texas teaching certificate required; Mid-Management, Supervisor, or Principal Certification preferred.
- Five years of relevant experience required.
- Demonstrated success in managing end-to-end, detailed long-term projects and initiatives required.
- Experience with education data in the State of Texas (attendance, accountability, assessment, Connections to PEIMS/TSDS, special student populations, curriculum implementation, etc.) required.
- Knowledge of state initiatives that drive change management and transformational leadership.
- Experience with data analysis and visualization software.
- Experience managing complex scheduling logistics.
- Knowledge of the TEA State Accountability System and National Assessment data systems.
- Experience working with TEA online tools such as TEAL and ISAM.
- Knowledge of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
- Functional knowledge of effective district systems and practices aligned to TEA state initiatives.
- Deep knowledge of project and performance management structures and routines to effectively initiate a plan that multiple stakeholders can access and use to track needs and progress on a year-long strategic planning initiative.
- Deep understanding of education data, data analysis, and visualization packages to drive data-informed managerial decision-making.
Skills/Abilities
- Interpersonal skills and expertise in facilitating groups.
- Ability to communicate insights to a wide range of stakeholders within the ESC and school systems served.
- Strong time management skills to be able to manage multiple district project plans simultaneously.
- Ability to prioritize high-leverage actions to support internal and external staff/clients.
- Strong organizational abilities to maintain systems for tracking district data and initiatives.
- Highly developed project and performance management skills to set goals and benchmarks and monitor progress over time.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to continuous learning and solutions-oriented response to feedback.
- Proficiency with standard functions within applications such as Microsoft 365/Google (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software), e-mail, web browsers, and databases.
- Proficiency with computers (PCs and/or MACs) to include file and desktop management and operations and working in a cloud-based and/or networked environment.
Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success.
PRODUCTS/OUTCOMES
- Provide leadership in the design, implementation and evaluation of programs and services in assigned areas.
- Oversee and manage TEA and Commissioner initiatives to ensure services executed meet the requirements and expectations set forth.
- Provide leadership and support to clients to improve student performance through program implementation and effectiveness.
- Oversee the development of a systemic planning process for successful implementation of the data tracking for TEA Initiatives and Commissioner priorities with district leadership.
- Lead, interpret, and leverage data to facilitate and coordinate support for TEA Commissioner Priorities and State Initiatives to ensure effective implementation through professional development and technical assistance that builds internal and district staff capacity.
- Oversee and guide the facilitation of groups, both internal and external, in a way that builds capacity in the areas of Accountability and Assessment.
- Oversee advanced project management processes, including identifying all key activities, stakeholders, success criteria, resources, and communication requirements necessary to effectively execute towards key milestones.
- Oversee performance management and district progress towards key milestones and facilitate discussions to proactively mitigate risks and possible barriers with a focus on Accountability and Assessment.
- Coordinate and oversee efforts to identify, monitor, and report on barriers and threats to effective school system progress.
- Lead analysis of available school system data to develop an understanding of what is needed and oversee the development of a long-term plan in collaboration with internal staff members to meet TEA metrics.
- Oversee diagnostic data evidence-gathering processes and analysis (e.g., small districts).
- Lead and oversee the development of data visuals and storytelling outputs that support a superintendent and leadership team to understand strengths, opportunities for growth, and lead to informed decision making while assisting with evaluating program effectiveness.
- Oversee and demonstrate strong project management of inputs, outputs, and outcomes, and achievement of targeted district strategic planning outcomes.
- Guide clients in complying with state and federal accountability requirements.
- Maintain effective communication with the TEA and other local partners.
INITIATIVE
- Demonstrate initiative, persistence, and a proactive approach to assigned responsibilities.
- Demonstrate the use of sound judgement and ingenuity in problem solving to meet the needs of the Center and clients served.
- Seek, participate, and engage in job-related learning and development experiences that provide professional growth.
- Remain current with industry standards, developments, and applicable laws/regulations; implement accordingly.
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to new situations and assignments.
- Set challenging goals and reach a high standard of performance despite barriers encountered.
- Perform duties with awareness of broader organizational impact, ensuring actions and decisions support department and organizational success.
- Promote and support continuous improvement and organizational change.
- Work under minimal supervision.
COMMUNICATION/HUMAN RELATIONS
- Model the Principles of Public Service (Policy AD LOCAL).
- Communicate in a timely and effective manner and interact professionally.
- Build professional relationships with colleagues and clients, maintaining regular interaction to meet shared outcomes.
- Demonstrate self-confidence, professionalism, and a high level of customer service skills (e.g., courtesy, patience, diplomacy, etc.) at all times and, in particular, when under stressful or unprecedented situations while working with colleagues and clients.
- Demonstrate professional-level written and oral communication skills.
- Work collaboratively in a team setting.
- Keep supervisors informed.
- Regularly handle and maintain confidentiality of sensitive communications and information at all times.
SUPERVISION AND ORGANIZATION OF STAFF
- Ensure that a comprehensive system of supervision, substantive performance evaluation, and staff development is provided to staff members.
- Recommend a staffing pattern for the department which ensures efficiency and effectiveness in all areas.
- Recruit individuals who best match the requirements for the position and the culture of the Center.
- Provide leadership, direction, and support to assigned staff to ensure timely achievement of department goals and outcomes.
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES
- Be aware of and follow Center guidelines of allowable costs when recommending use of public funds for expenditures for supplies, equipment, and facilities in area of assignment.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer, peripherals, copy machine, phone, etc.
- Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional standing, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
- Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
- Lifting: Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting/carrying (15–50 pounds).
- Environment: This role primarily operates in an in-person, dynamic office setting, characterized by frequent verbal communication, movement, and collaboration among team members (small to large in-person gatherings/meetings); exposure to low or intense illumination; exposure to office equipment noise; may work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent travel; and, occasional remote work (after pre-determined length of employment).
- Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Champion and model the Center’s Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Service Standards.
- Function within the policies and procedures of ESC-20.
- Accept other responsibilities as assigned.
- Dress and groom appropriately for the ESC-20 work setting.
- Travel independently to fulfill responsibilities of the position.
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance, majority in-person/onsite.
- Serve at the will of the Executive Director.
FUNDING
- This position is funded in whole or in part by a federal grant administered under the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and is subject to the cost principles outlined in 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E (Uniform Guidance). All costs associated with this position must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable under federal guidelines. The employee is expected to maintain time and effort documentation consistent with federal requirements.
Deadline to Apply: September 29, 2026
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Performance Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers early
Companies with established STEM OPT extension programs already understand the paperwork and timelines. Prioritize employers who have filed H-1B petitions for performance engineers in previous years, which signals a real sponsorship pipeline for this role.
Frame your degree as directly relevant
Performance engineering qualifies as a specialty occupation under USCIS rules when tied to a technical degree. Emphasize your computer science, electrical engineering, or systems engineering coursework when applying, since degree-to-role alignment matters for both OPT authorization and future H-1B petitions.
Highlight measurable system improvements
Employers sponsoring OPT students need to justify complexity. Quantify your impact: latency reductions, throughput gains, and infrastructure cost savings demonstrate the specialized expertise that supports visa sponsorship and makes your application stand out against non-OPT candidates.
Apply before your OPT start date when possible
Many employers want immediate availability. Applying three to four months before your OPT start date gives hiring managers time to move through interviews and onboarding without gaps, reducing anxiety around your authorization timeline and increasing your odds of receiving an offer.
Ask about STEM extension policies during interviews
Not all employers are familiar with the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Asking directly during late-stage interviews signals you have a plan and helps you identify employers equipped to support you through the extension process before H-1B sponsorship becomes relevant.
Build expertise in high-demand performance tooling
Proficiency in tools like Grafana, Prometheus, JMeter, or distributed tracing frameworks makes you harder to replace and easier to sponsor. Employers are more likely to invest in H-1B sponsorship for engineers with specialized technical skills that are difficult to source domestically.
Performance Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Performance Engineer role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Performance Engineer positions typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension because they fall under CIP codes related to computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering. Your degree field must be on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm your specific degree code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
How do I find Performance Engineer jobs that explicitly sponsor OPT students?
Browse Performance Engineer listings on Migrate Mate, which filters jobs specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored candidates. Many general job boards do not distinguish between sponsors and non-sponsors, which wastes time. Migrate Mate surfaces employers who have demonstrated willingness to work with international candidates, saving you from applying to roles that will reject you at the offer stage.
Will employers see my OPT status as a risk when hiring for Performance Engineer roles?
Some will, but performance engineering is a technical specialty where qualified candidates are scarce. Employers in cloud infrastructure, enterprise software, and financial technology regularly hire OPT students because the talent pool is limited. Framing your STEM OPT timeline clearly, including the extension and eventual H-1B eligibility, helps employers plan around your authorization rather than treating it as an obstacle.
What happens to my Performance Engineer job if my H-1B is not selected in the lottery?
If you are not selected in the H-1B lottery, your OPT or STEM OPT authorization continues until its expiration date. Some employers will retain you through a second lottery attempt the following April. Others may explore alternatives like the O-1A visa for demonstrated expertise or, if applicable, the E-3 visa for Australian nationals. Discuss contingency plans with your employer before your STEM OPT expires.
Is performance engineering considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Generally yes. USCIS evaluates specialty occupation status based on whether the role normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific technical field. Performance engineering roles requiring expertise in systems design, distributed computing, or load testing typically meet this standard. Job descriptions that clearly specify a degree requirement in computer science or engineering strengthen the H-1B petition and reduce the risk of a Request for Evidence.