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 JobsPay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $83,500 - Midpoint: $112,700 (Salaried E13)
Department/Organization: 200706 - OIT-HPC Center Services
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.
Job Summary: The High Performance Computing Network Engineer II performs general network administration tasks for the University's High Performance Computing Center (HPCC) and, as needed, for the University's enterprise wired and wireless networks. Maintains and supports the University's HPCC network equipment and operating systems, including switches, access points, controllers, uninterruptible power supplies, and security devices. Serves as escalation resource for routing, performance, and other network problems. Participates in network problem identification, analysis, and resolution for low- to moderate-complexity problems. Assists with the strategy, planning, and design of the University's HPCC network.
Additional Department Summary: Supports the functionality and availability of UA's HPCC network by performing network engineering and administration independently or as directed. Handles ticket resolution. Manages Layer 2 switch configuration and deployment. Plans and manages the network fiber path. Performs IPAM configurations. Manages network closet UPS. Manages inventory and surplus.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree and some network engineering experience; OR bachelor's degree and two (2) years of network engineering experience; OR associate's degree and four (4) years of IT experience to include two (2) years of network engineering; OR high school diploma or GED and six (6) years of IT experience to include two (2) years of network engineering.
Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Broad, in-depth knowledge of the TCP/IP protocol suite, specifically relating to routing of IP packets (RIP, OSPF, EGP, BGP, PIM).
- Knowledge of IP data wired and wireless networks, including architecture, configuration, LAN and WAN protocols, and network security standards.
- Strong technical troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently to complete goals.
- Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree and one (1) year of network engineering experience.
- CCNA certification.
- Three (3) or more years of hands-on experience in a High Performance Computer Center with the following hardware/software experience: Cisco's NEXUS Dashboard, Cisco Nexus switches, Cisco Catalyst switches (IOS), Cisco Aironet APs, Cisco wireless controllers, Check Point firewalls, IP address management tools, OSFP/BGP protocols, or Cisco VPN/Anyconnect.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.
Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $83,500 - Midpoint: $112,700 (Salaried E13)
Department/Organization: 200706 - OIT-HPC Center Services
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.
Job Summary: The High Performance Computing Network Engineer II performs general network administration tasks for the University's High Performance Computing Center (HPCC) and, as needed, for the University's enterprise wired and wireless networks. Maintains and supports the University's HPCC network equipment and operating systems, including switches, access points, controllers, uninterruptible power supplies, and security devices. Serves as escalation resource for routing, performance, and other network problems. Participates in network problem identification, analysis, and resolution for low- to moderate-complexity problems. Assists with the strategy, planning, and design of the University's HPCC network.
Additional Department Summary: Supports the functionality and availability of UA's HPCC network by performing network engineering and administration independently or as directed. Handles ticket resolution. Manages Layer 2 switch configuration and deployment. Plans and manages the network fiber path. Performs IPAM configurations. Manages network closet UPS. Manages inventory and surplus.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree and some network engineering experience; OR bachelor's degree and two (2) years of network engineering experience; OR associate's degree and four (4) years of IT experience to include two (2) years of network engineering; OR high school diploma or GED and six (6) years of IT experience to include two (2) years of network engineering.
Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Broad, in-depth knowledge of the TCP/IP protocol suite, specifically relating to routing of IP packets (RIP, OSPF, EGP, BGP, PIM).
- Knowledge of IP data wired and wireless networks, including architecture, configuration, LAN and WAN protocols, and network security standards.
- Strong technical troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently to complete goals.
- Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree and one (1) year of network engineering experience.
- CCNA certification.
- Three (3) or more years of hands-on experience in a High Performance Computer Center with the following hardware/software experience: Cisco's NEXUS Dashboard, Cisco Nexus switches, Cisco Catalyst switches (IOS), Cisco Aironet APs, Cisco wireless controllers, Check Point firewalls, IP address management tools, OSFP/BGP protocols, or Cisco VPN/Anyconnect.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.
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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.