OPT Security Engineer Jobs

Security Engineer roles are among the most actively sponsored positions for OPT students, particularly in tech, finance, and defense contracting. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension with a qualifying degree in computer science or cybersecurity) gives you real runway to land a role and transition to H-1B visa sponsorship.

See All OPT Security Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs608+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type71% On-site
Median Salary$132K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsWalmart

Showing 5 of 608+ Security Engineer jobs

Zebra Technologies
Information Security Engineer
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Zebra Technologies
Added 1d ago
Information Security Engineer
Zebra Technologies
Lincolnshire, Illinois
Cybersecurity
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Security Engineering
$76,640/yr - $114,960/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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BJ's Wholesale Club
Cloud Security Engineer
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BJ's Wholesale Club
Added 1d ago
Cloud Security Engineer
BJ's Wholesale Club
Marlborough, Massachusetts
Cybersecurity
Cloud & DevOps
Cloud Engineering
Security Engineering
$100,000/yr - $131,500/yr
Hybrid
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Lattice Labs Us
Product Security Engineer
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Lattice Labs Us
Added 2d ago
Product Security Engineer
Lattice Labs Us
Remote
Cybersecurity
Software Engineering
Security Engineering
Not listed
Remote (US)
1+ yr exp.
Associate's

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Wawa
Application Security Engineer
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Wawa
Added 2d ago
Application Security Engineer
Wawa
Media, Pennsylvania
Cybersecurity
Technical Product & Program Management
Security Engineering
Technical Program Management
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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HD Supply
Information Security Engineer
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HD Supply
Added 2d ago
Information Security Engineer
HD Supply
Atlanta, Georgia
Cybersecurity
Security Engineering
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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See all 608+ Security Engineer Jobs

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See all 608+ OPT Security Engineer Jobs

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Security Engineer

Target STEM OPT-eligible degree fields

Cybersecurity, computer science, and information assurance degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since this directly affects how long you can work without H-1B visa status.

Focus on employers with active H-1B filing histories

Companies that regularly sponsor H-1B visas for security roles are your best bet for OPT conversion. Look for employers who have sponsored similar titles like Information Security Engineer or Cybersecurity Analyst in recent years, not just this year.

Pursue certifications that reduce employer hesitation

Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH signal job-ready skills to employers unfamiliar with OPT. They reduce perceived hiring risk and make it easier for smaller teams without dedicated HR to justify sponsoring an international candidate.

Address clearance requirements early in your search

Many federal and defense-adjacent security roles require U.S. security clearances, which OPT students are generally ineligible to obtain. Filter for roles that explicitly state clearance is not required, and clarify this in screening calls before investing time.

Communicate your OPT timeline proactively

Recruiters often conflate OPT with visa sponsorship. Clarify that you're already authorized to work and that H-1B sponsorship would only be needed after your OPT period ends, typically at least 12 to 36 months away depending on your extension status.

Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly security roles

Migrate Mate surfaces Security Engineer jobs posted by employers with documented sponsorship histories. Browsing there lets you focus your energy on companies already comfortable hiring international candidates, rather than cold-applying and filtering manually.

Security Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Security Engineer on OPT without additional work authorization?

Yes. OPT grants you 12 months of work authorization directly tied to your degree field. If your degree is in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related STEM field, you're also eligible for a 24-month extension, giving you up to three years to work as a Security Engineer before needing H-1B or another visa.

Do Security Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Most do, but it depends on your degree, not your job title. Your degree's CIP code must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in computer science, information security, and cybersecurity almost always qualify. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension, since the job title itself doesn't determine eligibility.

Can I work for a defense contractor or government agency as a Security Engineer on OPT?

Civilian contractor roles that don't require a security clearance are generally open to OPT students. However, roles requiring a U.S. security clearance are typically off-limits, since clearances are generally unavailable to non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents. Always check the clearance requirement in the job description before applying, and ask directly during screening if it's unclear.

How do I find Security Engineer employers who are open to sponsoring OPT students?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. It aggregates Security Engineer job listings from employers with verified sponsorship histories, so you can identify companies already comfortable hiring on OPT and planning for H-1B conversion. Filtering by sponsorship track record saves significant time compared to researching each employer manually.

What happens to my OPT status if my Security Engineer job ends?

You're allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during your standard OPT period, and up to 150 days during the STEM extension. If you exceed those limits without securing a new role, your OPT authorization terminates and you fall out of status. Track your unemployment days carefully and prioritize finding a new position well before hitting the threshold.