OPT Systems Architect Jobs
Systems Architect roles qualify for OPT work authorization when tied to a degree in computer science, information systems, or a related engineering field. Most positions require STEM OPT extension eligibility, giving you up to 36 months to build enterprise architecture experience with a sponsoring employer.
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Get Access To All JobsTitle: Senior Systems Integration Architect
Employee Classification: Sr Systems Integration Arch
Campus: University of North Texas
Division: UNT-Information Technology
SubDivision-Department: UNT-University Technologies
Department: UNT-Classroom Technologies-110181
Job Location: Denton
Salary: Commensurate with experience
FTE: 1.000000
Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible
About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
Department Summary
Classroom Technologies (formerly DSI Tech) supports UNT's Classrooms as well as distance education across the UNT Enterprise (Fort Worth, Dallas and System) with an expertise in AV, IT and Soft Codecs.
Position Overview
This position would support the purpose of solidifying the function of Integrated Systems and Development and Operations for UNT (DevOps). This job includes exercising a working knowledge of Development and Operations best practices for a team that utilizes tools such as application development (multi platform), web development, coding as infrastructure, SQL server and database bound applications, automation as operations. The primary focus of this manager will be Development.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related scientific or technical discipline and six years of related experience or any combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Prior experience with specific systems, equipment and software may be specified as needed by department.
- Considerable knowledge of principles of computing and/or communications networks, and characteristics of computing hardware and software used in distributed environments.
- Ability to operate computer keyboards and to install computer hardware.
- Ability to assimilate, retain and utilize technical and applications-oriented information.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with AV industry standards like AVIXA and design standards and programming standards. Familiarity with industry standards for project management.
Required License/Registration/Certifications
Job Duties
- Awareness of DSI Techs scope of services: learning spaces technology, cloud conferencing and how to verify when an incident or project is in scope of our department and when to escalate questions accordingly.
- Awareness of common UNT procedures such as: contacting Work Control, contacting UNT Police Department, contacting federated IT groups, basic understanding of funding types and appropriate use, etc.
- Functional awareness of the departments digital tools including, but not limited to: CSS Work Order program, CSS Room Monitor program, Microsoft Office Solutions, IT Incident reporting tools, Project Management tools.
- Awareness of current audio/video and IT standards as it relates to the system standards implemented by the department.
- Foster an environment of safety: Create an environment of safety first. Monitor and address any deficiencies immediately to the benefit of student employees life/safety.
- Communicating from a place of teamwork and leadership. Understanding that our line of work can often be stressful, helping the team move forward with the appropriate amount of urgency and swift action without exacerbating panic, anxiety, fear or other nonhelpful negative feelings that ultimately pollute focus and create an unpleasant working environment.
- DSI Tech Development lead: Leading efforts to maintain and evolve DSI Tech software solutions so that they continue to fit the need over time (as things change). Working to further the solutions to our campus partners and integrating solutions as needed.
- Problem focused approach to workflows. Focusing on what can be done to solve problems or improve situations. Seeking to understand your role in the work and how you can lend a hand in peaceful resolution of problems. Contributing to an environment of cooperation, mutual support, and growth for all.
- System design: Working with the team to further develop AV solutions for production spaces. Researching and testing new ideas as needed to meet the latest current high demand from end users.
- Service architecture lead: Working with the department head to architect cloud services for UNT World. This includes, web conferencing solutions.
- Project Management: Working with the department head, teammates and Facilities representing the department in construction meetings where DSI Tech services are in scope. Ensuring proper infrastructure is accounted for, etc.
- Severe service outage troubleshooting: In the case of a complete service outage, assist the team with troubleshooting the issue to resolution. Severe service outages could include a total loss of web conferencing services, total loss of network to a building of classrooms, etc.
Physical Requirements
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Environmental Hazards
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Driving University Vehicle
Yes
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.
Title: Senior Systems Integration Architect
Employee Classification: Sr Systems Integration Arch
Campus: University of North Texas
Division: UNT-Information Technology
SubDivision-Department: UNT-University Technologies
Department: UNT-Classroom Technologies-110181
Job Location: Denton
Salary: Commensurate with experience
FTE: 1.000000
Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible
About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
Department Summary
Classroom Technologies (formerly DSI Tech) supports UNT's Classrooms as well as distance education across the UNT Enterprise (Fort Worth, Dallas and System) with an expertise in AV, IT and Soft Codecs.
Position Overview
This position would support the purpose of solidifying the function of Integrated Systems and Development and Operations for UNT (DevOps). This job includes exercising a working knowledge of Development and Operations best practices for a team that utilizes tools such as application development (multi platform), web development, coding as infrastructure, SQL server and database bound applications, automation as operations. The primary focus of this manager will be Development.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related scientific or technical discipline and six years of related experience or any combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Prior experience with specific systems, equipment and software may be specified as needed by department.
- Considerable knowledge of principles of computing and/or communications networks, and characteristics of computing hardware and software used in distributed environments.
- Ability to operate computer keyboards and to install computer hardware.
- Ability to assimilate, retain and utilize technical and applications-oriented information.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with AV industry standards like AVIXA and design standards and programming standards. Familiarity with industry standards for project management.
Required License/Registration/Certifications
Job Duties
- Awareness of DSI Techs scope of services: learning spaces technology, cloud conferencing and how to verify when an incident or project is in scope of our department and when to escalate questions accordingly.
- Awareness of common UNT procedures such as: contacting Work Control, contacting UNT Police Department, contacting federated IT groups, basic understanding of funding types and appropriate use, etc.
- Functional awareness of the departments digital tools including, but not limited to: CSS Work Order program, CSS Room Monitor program, Microsoft Office Solutions, IT Incident reporting tools, Project Management tools.
- Awareness of current audio/video and IT standards as it relates to the system standards implemented by the department.
- Foster an environment of safety: Create an environment of safety first. Monitor and address any deficiencies immediately to the benefit of student employees life/safety.
- Communicating from a place of teamwork and leadership. Understanding that our line of work can often be stressful, helping the team move forward with the appropriate amount of urgency and swift action without exacerbating panic, anxiety, fear or other nonhelpful negative feelings that ultimately pollute focus and create an unpleasant working environment.
- DSI Tech Development lead: Leading efforts to maintain and evolve DSI Tech software solutions so that they continue to fit the need over time (as things change). Working to further the solutions to our campus partners and integrating solutions as needed.
- Problem focused approach to workflows. Focusing on what can be done to solve problems or improve situations. Seeking to understand your role in the work and how you can lend a hand in peaceful resolution of problems. Contributing to an environment of cooperation, mutual support, and growth for all.
- System design: Working with the team to further develop AV solutions for production spaces. Researching and testing new ideas as needed to meet the latest current high demand from end users.
- Service architecture lead: Working with the department head to architect cloud services for UNT World. This includes, web conferencing solutions.
- Project Management: Working with the department head, teammates and Facilities representing the department in construction meetings where DSI Tech services are in scope. Ensuring proper infrastructure is accounted for, etc.
- Severe service outage troubleshooting: In the case of a complete service outage, assist the team with troubleshooting the issue to resolution. Severe service outages could include a total loss of web conferencing services, total loss of network to a building of classrooms, etc.
Physical Requirements
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Environmental Hazards
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Driving University Vehicle
Yes
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.
See all 151+ OPT Systems Architect Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Systems Architect Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Systems Architect
Target employers with established H-1B sponsorship records
Large technology firms and enterprise software companies file H-1B visa petitions for Systems Architects regularly. Prioritize companies with a documented history of sponsoring this specific role, not just technical roles generally. Sponsorship patterns predict future willingness.
Lead with your architecture specialization in applications
Cloud architecture, enterprise integration, and microservices expertise are in high demand. Naming your specific domain upfront helps hiring managers see immediate value beyond your visa status, making sponsorship conversations easier to initiate later in the process.
Highlight your STEM OPT timeline early with recruiters
A 36-month STEM OPT window gives employers meaningful runway before H-1B sponsorship is required. Mentioning this early reframes the conversation from a cost concern into a multi-year hiring opportunity with time to evaluate fit before committing.
Obtain certifications that close the experience gap
AWS Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional, or Azure Solutions Architect certifications signal readiness for senior responsibilities. Employers sponsoring Systems Architects want confidence in technical leadership ability, and certifications provide verifiable evidence independent of work history length.
Build a portfolio of architecture diagrams and design decisions
Systems Architect roles require demonstrating systems thinking across complex environments. A documented portfolio showing design tradeoffs, scalability decisions, and infrastructure choices is more compelling than a resume alone and directly supports sponsorship justification for employers.
Negotiate your start date to align with your OPT authorization window
Your OPT employment authorization has a fixed start date. Confirm your EAD card arrival timeline before accepting an offer, and ensure your start date falls within your authorized period. Starting before authorization is issued creates serious compliance problems.
Systems Architect OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Architect role qualify as a STEM OPT position?
Yes, Systems Architect roles qualify for STEM OPT extension when your underlying degree is in computer science, information systems, electrical engineering, or a closely related STEM field. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, which most large technology and enterprise employers already are. The 24-month extension brings your total OPT period to 36 months.
What types of employers hire Systems Architects on OPT?
Enterprise technology companies, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large consulting firms are the most active hirers of Systems Architects on OPT. These organizations have established immigration teams and recurring H-1B sponsorship budgets. Startups occasionally hire for this role but are less likely to have the infrastructure to support sponsorship. Browse Systems Architect openings on Migrate Mate to find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Can I work as a Systems Architect through a staffing agency on OPT?
Yes, but with important limitations. STEM OPT requires a formal training plan and a bona fide employer-employee relationship. Staffing agency arrangements often place you at a third-party client site, which can complicate compliance with STEM OPT reporting requirements. Your designated school official must approve the employer, and the agency itself, not the end client, is typically listed as your employer of record.
How does the 90-day unemployment rule affect Systems Architect job searches?
OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during your authorization period, or 150 days if you receive a STEM OPT extension. Systems Architect searches can run long given the seniority of the role, so tracking your unemployment days carefully matters. Starting your search before graduation and targeting employers with shorter hiring cycles helps you stay within the allowable limit.
Does my Systems Architect work need to be directly related to my degree?
Yes. OPT employment must be directly related to your major field of study. For a Systems Architect role, your degree should connect to the core responsibilities: designing technical infrastructure, evaluating system tradeoffs, and integrating complex software and hardware components. A computer science or engineering degree maps cleanly. If your degree is in a peripheral field, your DSO can help assess whether the connection is sufficient.