Principal Solution Architect Jobs for OPT Students
Principal Solution Architect roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, systems engineering, or a related technical field. Employers in cloud, enterprise software, and consulting actively sponsor these roles for H-1B. Your 12-month OPT window, extended to 36 months with STEM OPT, gives you real runway to land and prove yourself.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
Job Description Summary:
We are looking for a highly skilled Mainframe Modernization Solutions Architect to analyze, design, architect, and implement solutions that support our Customers’ Digital Transformation journeys. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for solving complex technical issues, establishing patterns and practices, and setting standards for the modernization of mainframe legacy environments. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical skill in at least one of the following focus areas:
- Infrastructure modernization: Deploy fit for purpose workload in a Hybrid Cloud infrastructure
- Application modernization: Evolve from monolithic application to Cloud-Native API
- Microservices Process modernization: Embrace an enterprise-wide DevOps discipline to deliver application faster
Key Responsibilities:
- Helping Customers and Systems Integrators to design scalable, high availability application solutions built on the Rocket Enterprise Portfolio/Enterprise Server solution.
- Working as a technical leader alongside customer business, development and infrastructure teams.
- Create Conduct proof of concept technology analysis and pilots.
- Conduct customer presentations and internal presentations/trainings to peer groups.
- Enable and align consulting partners with Rocket Enterprise Portfolio (Enterprise Server/Enterprise Developer/Enterprise Analyzer) mainframe modernization approach and methodology.
- Provide the architectural guidance and recommendations necessary to promote successful Customer engagements worldwide.
- Technical content composition and delivery: blogs, whitepapers, technical presentations at major conferences.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced Technical Degree in Computer Science or related field
- At least 4 to 10 years of experience leading customers with mainframe and legacy modernization initiatives.
- Experience leading customers with mainframe and legacy modernization initiatives.
- Knowledge of major Cloud Provider infrastructure and technologies, such as AWS, Azure, GCP, Cloud Foundry, Docker / Kubernetes.
- Experience with analyzing on-premises mainframe environment applications and process to formulate plans for modernizing workloads that achieve Customer’s desired business outcomes.
- Relevant Business and IT Architecture Certifications such as, AWS Solution Architect Professional, Microsoft AZURE Solution Architect, Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), etc.
- Fluent in written and verbal English.
- Prior Experience in leading Customer migrations from Mainframe to Rocket Enterprise Server platform
Technical Experience in at least one of these areas:
- Infrastructure Modernization
- Experience with tools and methodologies used to migrate mainframe workloads via hardware/middleware emulation, automated code conversion, and re-platforming.
- Experience with COBOL modernization and porting application code across platforms.
- Hands-on technical experience with mainframe, non-x86 legacy systems and with technologies such as COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2 for z/OS, IMS DB/DC, Assembler, PL/I, REXX, flat/sequential files, GDGs, and VSAM.
- Must have an analytical mind set to analyze test result and facilitate defect resolution.
- Experience design/architecting distributed and Cloud environments (target environments) – including OpenShift, Kubernetes, and Containers.
- Application Modernization
- Strong analysis skills with solid concepts in Architecture and Design. Should have joined projects to refactor complex business applications.
- Knowledge of Cloud Computing, Containers, Microservices, and Serverless technology.
- Experience with Business Rules-extraction from COBOL/PL1.
- Experience architecting high availability, resilient, fault tolerant systems that utilize load balancing, horizontal/vertical scaling.
-
Knowledge of Webservices, Microservices, APIs and exposing Application components to alternate platforms.
-
Process Modernization
- Complete understanding of software development lifecycle including DevOps toolchains.
- Experience configuring automation pipelines in GitHub, Azure DevOps, AWS CodePipeline, Jenkins or similar tools.
- Familiarity with agile engineering practices like Test Automation, Test-Driven Development (TDD), Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), DevOps, and Test Data Management, etc.
- Experience with implementing and operating DevOps and Agile tools/platforms across some part of the development lifecycle.
- Ability and interest in travel to our customers around the world, as needed.
- Commitment to Rocket Core values of empathy, humanity, trust and love.
Information Security:
Information security is everyone’s responsibility. A fundamental principle of information security at Rocket Software is that all individuals in the organization have a responsibility for the security and protection of company information and IT Resources over which they have control, according to their role.
Diversity, Inclusion & Equity:
At Rocket we are committed to an inclusive workplace environment, where every Rocketeer can thrive by bringing their full selves to work. Being a Rocketeer means you are part of our movement to continually drive inclusivity, diversity and equity in our workforce.
Annual salary range for this position is between $114,500.00 - $154,575.00 gross before taxes.
What Rocket Software can offer you in USA:
- Unlimited Vacation Time as well as paid holidays and sick time
- Health and Wellness coverage options for Rocketeers and dependents
- Life and disability coverage
- Fidelity 401(k) and Roth Retirement Savings with matching contributions
- Monthly student debt benefit program
- Tuition Reimbursement and Certificate Reimbursement Program opportunities
- Leadership and skills training opportunities
EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Rocket Software Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Rocket Software Inc. is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rocket is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please call: 781-577-4321 or send an email to people@rocketsoftware.com. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. As part of our commitment to a safe and trustworthy workplace, we include background and reference checks in our hiring process.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
INTRODUCTION
It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
Job Description Summary:
We are looking for a highly skilled Mainframe Modernization Solutions Architect to analyze, design, architect, and implement solutions that support our Customers’ Digital Transformation journeys. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for solving complex technical issues, establishing patterns and practices, and setting standards for the modernization of mainframe legacy environments. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical skill in at least one of the following focus areas:
- Infrastructure modernization: Deploy fit for purpose workload in a Hybrid Cloud infrastructure
- Application modernization: Evolve from monolithic application to Cloud-Native API
- Microservices Process modernization: Embrace an enterprise-wide DevOps discipline to deliver application faster
Key Responsibilities:
- Helping Customers and Systems Integrators to design scalable, high availability application solutions built on the Rocket Enterprise Portfolio/Enterprise Server solution.
- Working as a technical leader alongside customer business, development and infrastructure teams.
- Create Conduct proof of concept technology analysis and pilots.
- Conduct customer presentations and internal presentations/trainings to peer groups.
- Enable and align consulting partners with Rocket Enterprise Portfolio (Enterprise Server/Enterprise Developer/Enterprise Analyzer) mainframe modernization approach and methodology.
- Provide the architectural guidance and recommendations necessary to promote successful Customer engagements worldwide.
- Technical content composition and delivery: blogs, whitepapers, technical presentations at major conferences.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced Technical Degree in Computer Science or related field
- At least 4 to 10 years of experience leading customers with mainframe and legacy modernization initiatives.
- Experience leading customers with mainframe and legacy modernization initiatives.
- Knowledge of major Cloud Provider infrastructure and technologies, such as AWS, Azure, GCP, Cloud Foundry, Docker / Kubernetes.
- Experience with analyzing on-premises mainframe environment applications and process to formulate plans for modernizing workloads that achieve Customer’s desired business outcomes.
- Relevant Business and IT Architecture Certifications such as, AWS Solution Architect Professional, Microsoft AZURE Solution Architect, Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), etc.
- Fluent in written and verbal English.
- Prior Experience in leading Customer migrations from Mainframe to Rocket Enterprise Server platform
Technical Experience in at least one of these areas:
- Infrastructure Modernization
- Experience with tools and methodologies used to migrate mainframe workloads via hardware/middleware emulation, automated code conversion, and re-platforming.
- Experience with COBOL modernization and porting application code across platforms.
- Hands-on technical experience with mainframe, non-x86 legacy systems and with technologies such as COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2 for z/OS, IMS DB/DC, Assembler, PL/I, REXX, flat/sequential files, GDGs, and VSAM.
- Must have an analytical mind set to analyze test result and facilitate defect resolution.
- Experience design/architecting distributed and Cloud environments (target environments) – including OpenShift, Kubernetes, and Containers.
- Application Modernization
- Strong analysis skills with solid concepts in Architecture and Design. Should have joined projects to refactor complex business applications.
- Knowledge of Cloud Computing, Containers, Microservices, and Serverless technology.
- Experience with Business Rules-extraction from COBOL/PL1.
- Experience architecting high availability, resilient, fault tolerant systems that utilize load balancing, horizontal/vertical scaling.
-
Knowledge of Webservices, Microservices, APIs and exposing Application components to alternate platforms.
-
Process Modernization
- Complete understanding of software development lifecycle including DevOps toolchains.
- Experience configuring automation pipelines in GitHub, Azure DevOps, AWS CodePipeline, Jenkins or similar tools.
- Familiarity with agile engineering practices like Test Automation, Test-Driven Development (TDD), Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), DevOps, and Test Data Management, etc.
- Experience with implementing and operating DevOps and Agile tools/platforms across some part of the development lifecycle.
- Ability and interest in travel to our customers around the world, as needed.
- Commitment to Rocket Core values of empathy, humanity, trust and love.
Information Security:
Information security is everyone’s responsibility. A fundamental principle of information security at Rocket Software is that all individuals in the organization have a responsibility for the security and protection of company information and IT Resources over which they have control, according to their role.
Diversity, Inclusion & Equity:
At Rocket we are committed to an inclusive workplace environment, where every Rocketeer can thrive by bringing their full selves to work. Being a Rocketeer means you are part of our movement to continually drive inclusivity, diversity and equity in our workforce.
Annual salary range for this position is between $114,500.00 - $154,575.00 gross before taxes.
What Rocket Software can offer you in USA:
- Unlimited Vacation Time as well as paid holidays and sick time
- Health and Wellness coverage options for Rocketeers and dependents
- Life and disability coverage
- Fidelity 401(k) and Roth Retirement Savings with matching contributions
- Monthly student debt benefit program
- Tuition Reimbursement and Certificate Reimbursement Program opportunities
- Leadership and skills training opportunities
EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Rocket Software Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Rocket Software Inc. is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rocket is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please call: 781-577-4321 or send an email to people@rocketsoftware.com. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. As part of our commitment to a safe and trustworthy workplace, we include background and reference checks in our hiring process.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Principal Solution Architect
Target employers with an H-1B sponsorship track record
Companies like Salesforce, AWS, and IBM file thousands of H-1B petitions annually. Prioritizing these employers means your Principal Solution Architect role is far more likely to convert from OPT to long-term sponsored status before your authorization expires.
Frame your technical depth as a business differentiator
Principal Solution Architects who can translate complex architecture decisions into measurable business outcomes are harder to replace. Quantify your impact in interviews by referencing system scale, cost savings, or latency improvements you drove directly in past roles or projects.
Apply early in your OPT window, not after it starts shrinking
Senior-level roles take longer to hire for than entry-level positions. Starting your search within the first two months of OPT activation gives you enough runway to interview, negotiate, and still comfortably file an H-1B petition before your authorization runs out.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility before your first interview
Degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, or information systems typically qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirming eligibility upfront lets you communicate a 36-month runway to employers, which meaningfully reduces their urgency around the H-1B lottery timeline.
Build a portfolio of enterprise architecture decisions, not just technical skills
Principal-level roles require evidence of cross-functional leadership and architectural ownership. Document real examples where your solution design shaped product direction, reduced technical debt, or influenced executive stakeholders. This is what separates you from mid-level candidates on OPT.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly Principal Solution Architect openings
Generic job boards don't filter for visa sponsorship willingness. Migrate Mate surfaces Principal Solution Architect roles from employers already open to OPT and H-1B sponsorship, saving you the time of applying to companies that won't move forward with your status.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Principal Solution Architect on F-1 OPT?
Yes. If your degree is in a qualifying field such as computer science, systems engineering, or information technology, a Principal Solution Architect role falls within the scope of authorized OPT employment. Your work must be directly related to your major. STEM OPT extends your authorization to 36 months if your degree appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
Do Principal Solution Architect employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Many do, especially in enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, and management consulting. Companies like Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, and large systems integrators file H-1B petitions for solution architects regularly. The role qualifies as a specialty occupation under USCIS criteria because it requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field. Searching Migrate Mate helps you find openings at employers already open to sponsorship.
Does a Principal Solution Architect role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your bachelor's or master's is in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related STEM field listed on the DHS designation list, you can apply for the 24-month extension. The role itself involves highly technical work that aligns well with STEM OPT intent, but your DSO confirms eligibility based on your program of study.
How competitive is the hiring process for Principal Solution Architects on OPT?
Principal-level roles are senior positions and hiring timelines are longer than mid-level roles, often eight to sixteen weeks from first interview to offer. Starting your search early in your OPT window is critical. Employers at this level are evaluating architectural judgment, stakeholder communication, and cross-team leadership in addition to technical depth, so preparation across all three areas significantly improves your chances.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch employers as a Principal Solution Architect?
OPT is tied to your degree, not a specific employer, so you can change jobs as long as the new role is directly related to your field of study. You must report the employer change to your DSO within ten days, and your DSO updates SEVIS. If you're on STEM OPT, your new employer must enroll in E-Verify and you must file an updated Form I-983 training plan.
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