OPT System Administrator Jobs
System Administrator jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, information technology, or information systems. Most roles qualify as STEM, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers across healthcare, finance, and tech actively hire OPT candidates for sysadmin work.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
APM Terminals (APMT), a maritime terminal operator and core business unit of Maersk, operates one of the world’s most comprehensive port networks, which is uniquely positioned to help both shipping line- and landside customers grow their business and achieve better supply chain efficiency, flexibility and dependability to compete and win in world markets. The APMT team of 23,000 industry professionals across 42 countries and spanning five continents, is focused on providing customers with the most advanced terminal technology, equipment and operations in the industry across a network of +75 ports. In 2023, APM Terminals generated revenues 3.8 billion USD and carried out 40 million TEUs.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a Systems Administrator to serve as a primary on-site technical resource for our Charlotte office while contributing to infrastructure support across the Americas.
You will combine hands-on systems administration with responsive workplace IT support, helping maintain the availability, performance, security, and recoverability of local and regional infrastructure services. Working within the Information Technology function and reporting to the Head of IT / Office of the RCIO, you will collaborate with local users, operational teams, regional and global IT colleagues, service owners, and technology vendors.
This role offers the opportunity to work across server operations, virtualization, endpoint management, identity services, backup and recovery, cybersecurity compliance, and end-user support.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain infrastructure documentation, server and host inventories, backup topologies, configuration records, monitoring coverage, asset information, and technical support procedures.
- Monitor infrastructure services, hosts, events, capacity, backups, and system health, escalating risks and recurring issues through established incident and problem-management processes.
- Execute patching, vulnerability remediation, backup verification, recovery checks, endpoint compliance, and approved infrastructure changes using documented validation and rollback procedures.
- Troubleshoot Windows Server, virtual machines, VMware, Nutanix, storage, backup, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, certificates, and related infrastructure services.
- Administer Windows 10/11 endpoints and assigned infrastructure services using tools such as Intune, Autopilot, MECM/SCCM, PowerShell, Bash, and other approved enterprise platforms.
- Manage ServiceNow incidents and requests within agreed SLAs and provide Level 1 and Level 2 support for Microsoft 365, identity and access, meeting-room technology, printing, mobility, and executive users.
- Support upgrades, migrations, office projects, terminal initiatives, major incidents, and recovery activities in coordination with regional and global service owners.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We recognize that experience comes in many forms. If you don’t meet every qualification, we still encourage you to apply.
- Bring 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in systems administration, infrastructure support, endpoint engineering, server operations, or a related enterprise IT role.
- Demonstrate practical experience supporting Windows Server, VMware, Nutanix, or comparable virtualization and infrastructure platforms.
- Work confidently with Windows 10/11, Active Directory, Group Policy, Entra ID, Microsoft 365, Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint access support.
- Apply knowledge of backup and recovery, infrastructure monitoring, storage, log and event management, endpoint provisioning, and vulnerability remediation.
- Use Intune, Autopilot, MECM/SCCM, or comparable enterprise endpoint-management tools. PowerShell administration and automation experience is preferred, while Bash or Linux scripting capability is advantageous.
- Demonstrate basic networking knowledge covering TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, certificates, and connectivity troubleshooting.
- Bring a strong continuous improvement and automation mindset, with structured problem-solving skills, documentation discipline, cybersecurity awareness, customer focus, and clear communication.
- Professional English is required. Spanish and English bilingual capability is strongly preferred for collaboration with users, terminals, vendors, and stakeholders across the Americas.
- A bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred, although equivalent technical experience will be considered.
- Microsoft, VMware VCP, Nutanix NCP, Red Hat, CompTIA Server+, CompTIA Security+, and ITIL Foundation certifications are advantageous but not required.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Receive an annual salary of USD $90,000 to $110,000.
- Access medical insurance and a 401(k) benefit.
- Annual Bonus
- Build regional experience by supporting offices, terminals, infrastructure platforms, and technology projects across the Americas.
- Develop your technical capabilities through collaboration with local, regional, and global IT teams.
MORE ABOUT THE OFFER
- Job type: Permanent, full-time
- Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Work arrangement: On-site
- Travel: Occasional travel within the Americas
- Salary: USD $90,000 to $110,000 annually
- Work authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Relocation assistance is not available.
The stated salary range represents the anticipated base salary for this position. The final offer may vary based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and other job-related factors.
Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.
We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.
INTRODUCTION
APM Terminals (APMT), a maritime terminal operator and core business unit of Maersk, operates one of the world’s most comprehensive port networks, which is uniquely positioned to help both shipping line- and landside customers grow their business and achieve better supply chain efficiency, flexibility and dependability to compete and win in world markets. The APMT team of 23,000 industry professionals across 42 countries and spanning five continents, is focused on providing customers with the most advanced terminal technology, equipment and operations in the industry across a network of +75 ports. In 2023, APM Terminals generated revenues 3.8 billion USD and carried out 40 million TEUs.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a Systems Administrator to serve as a primary on-site technical resource for our Charlotte office while contributing to infrastructure support across the Americas.
You will combine hands-on systems administration with responsive workplace IT support, helping maintain the availability, performance, security, and recoverability of local and regional infrastructure services. Working within the Information Technology function and reporting to the Head of IT / Office of the RCIO, you will collaborate with local users, operational teams, regional and global IT colleagues, service owners, and technology vendors.
This role offers the opportunity to work across server operations, virtualization, endpoint management, identity services, backup and recovery, cybersecurity compliance, and end-user support.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain infrastructure documentation, server and host inventories, backup topologies, configuration records, monitoring coverage, asset information, and technical support procedures.
- Monitor infrastructure services, hosts, events, capacity, backups, and system health, escalating risks and recurring issues through established incident and problem-management processes.
- Execute patching, vulnerability remediation, backup verification, recovery checks, endpoint compliance, and approved infrastructure changes using documented validation and rollback procedures.
- Troubleshoot Windows Server, virtual machines, VMware, Nutanix, storage, backup, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, certificates, and related infrastructure services.
- Administer Windows 10/11 endpoints and assigned infrastructure services using tools such as Intune, Autopilot, MECM/SCCM, PowerShell, Bash, and other approved enterprise platforms.
- Manage ServiceNow incidents and requests within agreed SLAs and provide Level 1 and Level 2 support for Microsoft 365, identity and access, meeting-room technology, printing, mobility, and executive users.
- Support upgrades, migrations, office projects, terminal initiatives, major incidents, and recovery activities in coordination with regional and global service owners.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We recognize that experience comes in many forms. If you don’t meet every qualification, we still encourage you to apply.
- Bring 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in systems administration, infrastructure support, endpoint engineering, server operations, or a related enterprise IT role.
- Demonstrate practical experience supporting Windows Server, VMware, Nutanix, or comparable virtualization and infrastructure platforms.
- Work confidently with Windows 10/11, Active Directory, Group Policy, Entra ID, Microsoft 365, Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint access support.
- Apply knowledge of backup and recovery, infrastructure monitoring, storage, log and event management, endpoint provisioning, and vulnerability remediation.
- Use Intune, Autopilot, MECM/SCCM, or comparable enterprise endpoint-management tools. PowerShell administration and automation experience is preferred, while Bash or Linux scripting capability is advantageous.
- Demonstrate basic networking knowledge covering TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, certificates, and connectivity troubleshooting.
- Bring a strong continuous improvement and automation mindset, with structured problem-solving skills, documentation discipline, cybersecurity awareness, customer focus, and clear communication.
- Professional English is required. Spanish and English bilingual capability is strongly preferred for collaboration with users, terminals, vendors, and stakeholders across the Americas.
- A bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred, although equivalent technical experience will be considered.
- Microsoft, VMware VCP, Nutanix NCP, Red Hat, CompTIA Server+, CompTIA Security+, and ITIL Foundation certifications are advantageous but not required.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Receive an annual salary of USD $90,000 to $110,000.
- Access medical insurance and a 401(k) benefit.
- Annual Bonus
- Build regional experience by supporting offices, terminals, infrastructure platforms, and technology projects across the Americas.
- Develop your technical capabilities through collaboration with local, regional, and global IT teams.
MORE ABOUT THE OFFER
- Job type: Permanent, full-time
- Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Work arrangement: On-site
- Travel: Occasional travel within the Americas
- Salary: USD $90,000 to $110,000 annually
- Work authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Relocation assistance is not available.
The stated salary range represents the anticipated base salary for this position. The final offer may vary based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and other job-related factors.
Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.
We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.
See all 76+ OPT System Administrator Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a System Administrator
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
System Administrator roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in computer science, IT, or information systems. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorization window.
Target employers with existing OPT infrastructure
Mid-size and enterprise companies in healthcare, finance, and government contracting regularly hire OPT students for sysadmin roles. They already understand the authorization process, which removes friction from the offer stage.
Lead with your certifications, not your visa status
CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Azure, and AWS credentials signal job-ready competence to hiring managers. Sysadmin teams care about what you can configure and secure on day one. Certifications reduce the perceived risk of sponsoring an OPT student.
Apply before your OPT start date whenever possible
Many employers are willing to wait a few weeks for the right hire. Starting the application process two to three months before your OPT begins gives you time to interview, negotiate, and onboard without rushing the I-983 reporting requirements.
Be specific about your authorization timeline upfront
Tell recruiters you have 12 months of initial OPT and are eligible for a 24-month STEM extension. Framing it as a 36-month window, not just a temporary permit, reduces concerns about short-term hires and incomplete projects.
Document your training plan requirements early
STEM OPT requires a signed Form I-983 training plan between you and your employer. Raise this requirement before your start date so HR is not caught off guard. Most employers with existing OPT hires already have a template ready.
System Administrator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do System Administrator jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most System Administrator roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in computer science, information technology, information systems, or a related STEM field. The role itself must be directly related to your degree. Confirm your CIP code with your Designated School Official before accepting an offer, since the degree, not just the job title, determines eligibility.
How do I find System Administrator jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT students, so you can browse System Administrator openings without guessing which employers are OPT-friendly. Many sysadmin postings do not explicitly mention visa sponsorship willingness, which makes a targeted OPT job board significantly more efficient than searching general listings.
What does the I-983 training plan require for a System Administrator role?
The I-983 is a formal training plan your employer signs to document how your sysadmin work is related to your STEM degree. It must describe specific learning objectives, supervision arrangements, and how the role develops your skills. Your employer does not need prior experience with OPT, but HR needs to complete this before your STEM extension is approved by USCIS.
Can I work as a System Administrator for a staffing agency or on a contract basis on OPT?
Yes, but with important conditions. STEM OPT regulations require that your employer of record is the entity that signs your I-983 and provides day-to-day supervision. If you work through a staffing agency, the end client typically cannot serve as your employer for OPT purposes. Confirm with your DSO before accepting a contract or third-party placement arrangement.
What happens if my System Administrator job ends before my OPT expires?
F-1 OPT allows up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment during the initial 12-month period, reduced to 60 days during the STEM extension. If your sysadmin role ends, report the change to your DSO immediately and begin searching for a new qualifying position as soon as possible to avoid falling out of status.