OPT Support Engineer Jobs
Support Engineer roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with technical degrees in computer science, information systems, or engineering. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT-eligible, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in this space frequently hire international candidates and are familiar with OPT timelines.
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Get Access To All JobsAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
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CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
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If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Summary of Job:
A part time Research Support position is immediately available in the Penn State College of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute in the Bansal lab. Our research spans from human samples to animals, employing novel imaging and electrophysiologic techniques such as flow cytometry, vesicular analysis, and echocardiography. The desired candidate should be motivated to learn new techniques and apply them in research with guidance from the PI. Candidates will be expected to work with transgenic animals, conduct their genotyping, isolate rodent T-cells and conduct flow cytometric analysis of inflammatory immune responses in different tissues. Candidate will also be expected to analyze the data collected and help the PI in writing manuscripts/grants originating from this data. Only candidates with experience in some of the above specified experimental methods will be considered and position/work will be given pursuant to candidate’s experience level.
This is a part-time position working 20 hours a week on campus.
Experience/Education Guidelines:
Bachelor’s Degree
0 years related experience necessary
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Summary of Job:
A part time Research Support position is immediately available in the Penn State College of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute in the Bansal lab. Our research spans from human samples to animals, employing novel imaging and electrophysiologic techniques such as flow cytometry, vesicular analysis, and echocardiography. The desired candidate should be motivated to learn new techniques and apply them in research with guidance from the PI. Candidates will be expected to work with transgenic animals, conduct their genotyping, isolate rodent T-cells and conduct flow cytometric analysis of inflammatory immune responses in different tissues. Candidate will also be expected to analyze the data collected and help the PI in writing manuscripts/grants originating from this data. Only candidates with experience in some of the above specified experimental methods will be considered and position/work will be given pursuant to candidate’s experience level.
This is a part-time position working 20 hours a week on campus.
Experience/Education Guidelines:
Bachelor’s Degree
0 years related experience necessary
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
See all 2,405+ OPT Support Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Support Engineer
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Support Engineer positions tied to a STEM-designated degree typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to ensure you can extend beyond the initial 12 months.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Support Engineer hiring cycles move quickly. Start applying 60 to 90 days before your OPT authorization begins so offers align with your work start date and employers aren't waiting on pending EAD cards.
Target companies with existing OPT infrastructure
Larger tech companies and SaaS firms hire Support Engineers at scale and often have HR teams experienced with EAD verification and E-Verify enrollment, which is required for STEM OPT. Prioritize employers who have hired international graduates before.
Address your OPT timeline proactively with recruiters
Don't wait for recruiters to ask. Mention your OPT authorization period, EAD status, and STEM extension eligibility early in conversations. Clarity upfront reduces friction and filters out employers who won't proceed with international candidates.
Highlight technical depth, not just troubleshooting
Support Engineer roles span a wide skill range. Emphasizing experience with APIs, scripting, cloud platforms, or database queries positions you for higher-tier roles that are more likely to consider STEM OPT candidates and future sponsorship.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship timelines during interviews
STEM OPT gives you up to 36 months total, but H-1B visa sponsorship must be filed before that window closes. Ask directly whether the company has sponsored H-1B visas for Support Engineers in previous years before accepting an offer.
Support Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Support Engineer on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Support Engineer roles are generally eligible for F-1 OPT work authorization, provided the position is directly related to your field of study. If your degree is in computer science, information systems, or a related STEM field, you may also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months total.
Do Support Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but it depends on both your degree and the role itself. Your degree must have a STEM-designated CIP code, and the job must be directly related to that field. Support Engineer positions involving software systems, infrastructure, or technical problem-solving typically meet this standard. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I find Support Engineer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Browse Support Engineer listings on Migrate Mate, which is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers open to international candidates. Standard job boards don't filter by visa sponsorship or OPT compatibility, so you can spend significant time applying to companies that won't consider your application.
What happens to my Support Engineer job if my OPT expires before I get H-1B sponsorship?
If your OPT expires and your H-1B hasn't been approved, you lose work authorization and must stop working. STEM OPT extension buys additional time, but the H-1B lottery typically needs to be filed well before expiration. Plan your timeline carefully with your employer and DSO, and confirm the company sponsors H-1B petitions before accepting an offer.
Are Support Engineer roles considered specialty occupations for H-1B purposes?
Support Engineer roles that require a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field, such as computer science or information systems, generally qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B rules. However, USCIS evaluates each petition individually. Roles where any general degree is acceptable may face scrutiny. A specific degree requirement strengthens the specialty occupation argument significantly.