OPT Programmer Analyst Jobs
Programmer Analyst jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, information systems, or engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in this space regularly sponsor H-1B visas, making it one of the more visa-friendly career paths available.
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INTRODUCTION
Advance Your Career as an Electronic Specialist/PLC Programmer in Wood Products Manufacturing with Boise Cascade – Western Oregon Region (Medford, OR)
Are you ready to make a significant impact with an industry leader in manufacturing? Boise Cascade is seeking a skilled candidate with experience in wood products manufacturing to join our Western Oregon Region team. This dynamic role includes up to 25% travel to Boise Cascade manufacturing locations throughout the Pacific Northwest, offering you the chance to expand your technical skills and build strong internal relationships with peers across our organization.
This position is responsible for troubleshooting, interpreting, and resolving programming logic on lathes, dryers, layup lines, and saw line. This position requires knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC controls and electronic control devices that support mill production. Must be willing to work extra hours as necessary and be on-call during off hours. Must be an advocate of process control and total quality.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead process improvement projects for the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of control devices and electronic systems.
- Collaborate closely with production teams, administrative staff, and vendors to support mill operations.
- Oversee all aspects of mechanical and electrical maintenance, shutdowns, upgrades, and equipment installations.
- Ensure optimal plant uptime and drive cost-effective maintenance solutions.
- Champion environmental compliance and safety standards.
- Stay ahead of technological trends to maximize efficiency and operational excellence.
- Support recordkeeping and budget compliance for maintenance operations.
MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Education: Bachelor's degree in electronics, engineering, science, or related field is preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience: Three (3)+ years' experience in related job function is preferred. Successful candidate will have experience in the wood products manufacturing industry including plywood and engineered wood production. Knowledge of Allen Bradely PLC controls and programming ladder logic is required, as well as proficiency with lathes, dryers, layup lines, and saw lines.
ABOUT BOISE CASCADE
Boise Cascade has been in the business of manufacturing wood products and distributing building materials for over half a century. Today, we're one of the largest manufacturers of plywood and engineered wood products in North America. Because our business is built on relationships, our employees are critical to our success, and we're committed to investing in them. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to have a positive impact on all areas of your life - from health and well-being, career and community, to financial security and personal safety. We call it Total Rewards.
SALARY:
$75,000 - $96,000 (DOQ)
HERE'S A SNAPSHOT OF WHAT WE OFFER:
- Medical, prescription drug, dental & vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare & dependent care)
- 401(k) Retirement plan with company contribution
- Paid Time Off & paid Holidays
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Life Insurance
HOW TO APPLY:
To ensure consideration, a completed resume and application must be received. Incomplete or late applications and/or resumes will not be accepted or considered for review.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Programmer Analyst
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Programmer Analyst roles typically fall under CIP codes for computer science or information systems, qualifying for the 24-month STEM extension. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying, so you can confidently communicate your full 36-month authorization window to employers.
Target employers with an active E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT employers are legally required to be enrolled in E-Verify. Before investing time in an application, check that the company is enrolled. Applying to non-enrolled employers for STEM extension roles wastes your OPT window and delays your job search significantly.
Address your OPT timeline early in conversations
Hiring managers often assume OPT students are only available short-term. Mention your full authorization period upfront, including the STEM extension, so employers understand you can commit to a multi-year tenure before H-1B sponsorship becomes the next practical step.
Highlight technical skills that justify H-1B specialty occupation status
Programmer Analyst roles qualify for H-1B as a specialty occupation when they require a specific bachelor's degree. Frame your resume around degree-dependent technical skills like system architecture, database design, or software development to reinforce that your role meets the specialty occupation standard.
Apply to companies with consistent H-1B filing histories
Some employers file H-1B petitions for Programmer Analysts every year. Prioritizing these companies dramatically improves your odds of sponsorship after OPT. Look for organizations that have filed regularly across multiple fiscal years, as this signals an established immigration program and internal process.
Time your job search around the H-1B cap season
H-1B registration opens in March for an October 1 start. If your OPT expires before October, plan your search so you have an offer in hand by February. This gives your employer enough runway to register you and file your petition without gaps in your work authorization.
Programmer Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Programmer Analyst role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Programmer Analyst positions typically fall under STEM-designated CIP codes, particularly computer science, information systems, and engineering fields. If your degree was awarded in one of those fields, you're eligible for the 24-month STEM extension on top of your initial 12 months of OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization total. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO.
How do I find Programmer Analyst jobs where employers are open to OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, so you're not wasting applications on employers who won't hire on OPT. Searching there connects you with Programmer Analyst roles at companies that have a demonstrated history of sponsoring international candidates, including those willing to support H-1B filings after your OPT period ends.
Can I work as a Programmer Analyst on OPT even if my degree is not in computer science?
It depends on how closely your degree relates to the role. OPT employment must be directly related to your field of study. A degree in information systems, electrical engineering, or applied mathematics can qualify. A degree in an unrelated field is harder to justify. Your DSO can help you assess whether the connection is strong enough before you accept an offer.
Does a Programmer Analyst job qualify for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Generally yes. Programmer Analyst is widely recognized as a specialty occupation under H-1B rules because the role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field. Employers with active immigration programs regularly sponsor Programmer Analysts for H-1B petitions. The stronger your resume demonstrates degree-specific technical work, the more defensible your petition will be if USCIS scrutinizes the specialty occupation standard.
What should I do if my OPT expires before the H-1B takes effect on October 1?
If your employer files your H-1B petition by April 1 and it's selected in the lottery, you're protected by cap-gap coverage, which automatically extends your OPT status and work authorization through September 30. Your DSO will issue an updated I-20 reflecting the cap-gap extension. If your OPT expires before April 1 or your petition isn't selected, you'll need to stop working and explore alternative visa options.