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.
See All OPT Systems Architect JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 78+ Systems Architect jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 78+ Systems Architect Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Systems Architect roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are At Synechron, we believe in the power of digital to transform businesses for the better. Our global consulting firm combines creativity and innovative technology to deliver industry-leading digital solutions. Synechron’s progressive technologies and optimization strategies span end-to-end Artificial Intelligence, Consulting, Digital, Cloud & DevOps, Data, and Software Engineering, servicing an array of noteworthy financial services and technology firms. Through research and development initiatives in our FinLabs we develop solutions for modernization, from Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain to Data Science models, Digital Underwriting, mobile-first applications and more. Over the last 20+ years, our company has been honored with multiple employer awards, recognizing our commitment to our talented teams. With top clients to boast about, Synechron has a global workforce of 16,400+, and has 60 offices in 20 countries within key global markets.
THE ROLE
We are seeking an experienced Pega Lead System Architect (LSA) to lead our Pega platform implementations and upgrades. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in designing, developing, and deploying scalable Pega solutions, and will play a key role in architectural decisions, technical leadership, and team mentorship.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the end-to-end design and development of complex Pega applications.
- Define and promote best practices for Pega application development.
- Collaborate with business and technical teams to understand requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
- Guide development teams on Pega best practices, standards, and architecture.
- Conduct code reviews and ensure adherence to architectural standards.
- Manage Pega platform migrations, upgrades, and performance tuning.
- Provide expertise in Pega rules, models, flows, data pages, and integrations.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
- Document technical designs and participate in project planning.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
- Extensive experience with Pega PRPC (Pega Rules Process Commander) platform.
- Pega Certified Lead System Architect (CLSA) is highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of Pega architecture and integration patterns.
- Proven experience leading Pega implementation projects.
- Knowledge of Java, SQL, Web services, REST/SOAP APIs.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience as a Pega System Architect (CSA/PCSA).
- Experience with Pega versions 7.x or newer.
- Knowledge of DevOps practices related to Pega deployment pipelines.
COMPENSATION
The base salary for this position will vary based on geography and other factors. In accordance with law, the base salary for this role if filled within Dallas, TX or Pittsburgh, PA is $120k - $130k/year & benefits (see below).
WE OFFER
- A highly competitive compensation and benefits package.
- A multinational organization with 60 offices in 20 countries and the possibility to work abroad.
- 10 days of paid annual leave (plus sick leave and national holidays).
- Maternity & paternity leave plans.
- A comprehensive insurance plan including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-/short-term disability (plans vary by region).
- Retirement savings plans.
- A higher education certification policy.
- Commuter benefits (varies by region).
- Extensive training opportunities, focused on skills, substantive knowledge, and personal development.
- On-demand Udemy for Business for all Synechron employees with free access to more than 5000 curated courses.
- Coaching opportunities with experienced colleagues from our Financial Innovation Labs (FinLabs) and Center of Excellences (CoE) groups.
- Cutting edge projects at the world’s leading tier-one banks, financial institutions and insurance firms.
- A flat and approachable organization.
- A truly diverse, fun-loving, and global work culture.
SYNECHRON’S DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT
Diversity & Inclusion are fundamental to our culture, and Synechron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative ‘Same Difference’ is committed to fostering an inclusive culture – promoting equality, diversity and an environment that is respectful to all. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce helps build stronger, successful businesses as a global company. We encourage applicants from across diverse backgrounds, race, ethnicities, religion, age, marital status, gender, sexual orientations, or disabilities to apply. We empower our global workforce by offering flexible workplace arrangements, mentoring, internal mobility, learning and development programs, and more. All employment decisions at Synechron are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to the applicant’s gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
We are At Synechron, we believe in the power of digital to transform businesses for the better. Our global consulting firm combines creativity and innovative technology to deliver industry-leading digital solutions. Synechron’s progressive technologies and optimization strategies span end-to-end Artificial Intelligence, Consulting, Digital, Cloud & DevOps, Data, and Software Engineering, servicing an array of noteworthy financial services and technology firms. Through research and development initiatives in our FinLabs we develop solutions for modernization, from Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain to Data Science models, Digital Underwriting, mobile-first applications and more. Over the last 20+ years, our company has been honored with multiple employer awards, recognizing our commitment to our talented teams. With top clients to boast about, Synechron has a global workforce of 16,400+, and has 60 offices in 20 countries within key global markets.
THE ROLE
We are seeking an experienced Pega Lead System Architect (LSA) to lead our Pega platform implementations and upgrades. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in designing, developing, and deploying scalable Pega solutions, and will play a key role in architectural decisions, technical leadership, and team mentorship.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the end-to-end design and development of complex Pega applications.
- Define and promote best practices for Pega application development.
- Collaborate with business and technical teams to understand requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
- Guide development teams on Pega best practices, standards, and architecture.
- Conduct code reviews and ensure adherence to architectural standards.
- Manage Pega platform migrations, upgrades, and performance tuning.
- Provide expertise in Pega rules, models, flows, data pages, and integrations.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
- Document technical designs and participate in project planning.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
- Extensive experience with Pega PRPC (Pega Rules Process Commander) platform.
- Pega Certified Lead System Architect (CLSA) is highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of Pega architecture and integration patterns.
- Proven experience leading Pega implementation projects.
- Knowledge of Java, SQL, Web services, REST/SOAP APIs.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience as a Pega System Architect (CSA/PCSA).
- Experience with Pega versions 7.x or newer.
- Knowledge of DevOps practices related to Pega deployment pipelines.
COMPENSATION
The base salary for this position will vary based on geography and other factors. In accordance with law, the base salary for this role if filled within Dallas, TX or Pittsburgh, PA is $120k - $130k/year & benefits (see below).
WE OFFER
- A highly competitive compensation and benefits package.
- A multinational organization with 60 offices in 20 countries and the possibility to work abroad.
- 10 days of paid annual leave (plus sick leave and national holidays).
- Maternity & paternity leave plans.
- A comprehensive insurance plan including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-/short-term disability (plans vary by region).
- Retirement savings plans.
- A higher education certification policy.
- Commuter benefits (varies by region).
- Extensive training opportunities, focused on skills, substantive knowledge, and personal development.
- On-demand Udemy for Business for all Synechron employees with free access to more than 5000 curated courses.
- Coaching opportunities with experienced colleagues from our Financial Innovation Labs (FinLabs) and Center of Excellences (CoE) groups.
- Cutting edge projects at the world’s leading tier-one banks, financial institutions and insurance firms.
- A flat and approachable organization.
- A truly diverse, fun-loving, and global work culture.
SYNECHRON’S DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT
Diversity & Inclusion are fundamental to our culture, and Synechron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative ‘Same Difference’ is committed to fostering an inclusive culture – promoting equality, diversity and an environment that is respectful to all. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce helps build stronger, successful businesses as a global company. We encourage applicants from across diverse backgrounds, race, ethnicities, religion, age, marital status, gender, sexual orientations, or disabilities to apply. We empower our global workforce by offering flexible workplace arrangements, mentoring, internal mobility, learning and development programs, and more. All employment decisions at Synechron are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to the applicant’s gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
See all 78+ 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.