OPT Systems Engineer Jobs
Systems Engineer jobs are among the most sponsorship-friendly roles for F-1 OPT students, with STEM OPT extension eligibility giving you up to three years of work authorization. Defense contractors, cloud infrastructure teams, and enterprise IT departments hire actively in this field, making it a strong fit for OPT timelines.
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$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 Annually
Location
3001 - Port Control
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
10898-HR
Department
3001 - Port Control
Division
300170 - PC Operations / Security
Opening Date
08/07/2026
Closing Date
8/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Airport Safety Management Systems Coordinator
Examples of Duties
Under administrative direction, is responsible for planning and administering a specific project or program for a City department. Serves as the administrative supervisor on projects or programs. Plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews activities of subordinate personnel. Monitors the project or program's operating budget and assists in the annual preparation of same. Designs, implements, and monitors procedures utilized in program evaluation. Develops and secures commitments from other City departments and agencies to provide services to program participants. Provides technical assistance or reviews program policies and procedures. Maintains current information and oversees the preparation of project status reports. Prepares financial and narrative reports and program applications. Communicates project/program status and information to municipal officials and/or public and private entities. May supervise employees assigned to the respective project. Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, or closely related field preferred. Two (2) years of any equivalent combination of education, training and experience in program administration required. Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds. Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required.
Supplemental Information
Additional Minimum Qualifications
- Must successfully complete a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 10-year fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check and employment background check and Security Threat Assessment.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and drug test.
- Must be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
- Availability for on-call support and occasional after-hours work for critical system maintenance.
Preferred Minimum Qualifications
- Two years of full-time, paid experience in safety, risk management, airport operations or a closely related field.
- NIMS and ICS certifications for Management tier and any assigned working groups must be completed within six months of employment and complete additional or refresher trainings as required.
- Must be highly organized, detail oriented, have the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
- Must have exceptional customer service skills with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with both internal and external customers.
Airport Safety Management Coordinator
- Must be computer proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, especially MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.
- Must be able to work outdoors as well as indoors and be exposed to various weather conditions.
- Must be able to wear and utilize required safety equipment such as respirators, hearing protection, or fall restraining harnesses as required by the conditions present at any incident and as required under applicable state or federal regulations.
- Must obtain Ground Vehicle Operator Non-Movement Credentialing within the first six months of employment and maintain these credentials for the duration of their employment.
- AAAE SMS Airport Certified Employee certification within one year of hire.
- Occupational Safety, Safety Management Systems, or Aviation-related professional certifications.
- Experience working in an airport or municipality is preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensures compliance with department safety and certification programs, local, state and federal rules and regulations including but not limited to OSHA/PERRP, FAR Part 139 as well as other state or federal guidelines.
- Conducts onsite inspections to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements in accordance with state and federal regulations and organizational safety policies and programs.
Safety Management Systems Program:
- Conducts timely and comprehensive investigations of all accidents/incidents and reported hazards and prepare factual reports summarizing the circumstances and root causes of the accident/incident or hazard.
- Develop and aid in implementation of recommended corrective and preventive actions.
- Assists in the promotion of SMS program policies, and procedures.
- Assist in the design and delivery of safety education programs and communications safety information and trends to stakeholders on a regular basis.
- Prepare standards, process, procedures, reports and documentation for the SMS program.
- Assists in the Development, implementation and maintenance of occupational/aviation safety management policies, procedures and programs including research, review and documentation of incidents/accidents, best practices, policy revisions and risk assessments.
- Provide recommendations in the enhancement and maintenance of communications systems for distributing safety information to stakeholders as well as hazard reporting systems.
- Develop and distribute safety promotion materials and promotional items to the organization.
- Assists in overseeing DPC’s safety-related reporting systems, including the Confidential Hazard Reporting form, safety hotline and hazard reporting email address.
- Participate in various safety committees to identify and eliminate hazardous conditions and generates reports identifying areas with elevated risk.
- Assists with budget development and assists section procurements including ordering supplies/materials, services, manages requisitions and payments, and monitors contracts for compliance with terms and specifications.
- Promotes and ensures compliance with occupational health and safety management policies, procedures, and programs to minimize employee accidents and to promote a safe work environment.
Airport Safety Management Coordinator
- Acts as a resource to and liaison between various divisions within DPC as well as external stakeholders and regulatory agencies such as the FAA, or NTSB.
- Performs other related duties as required.
The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.
The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.
Employer
City of Cleveland
Address
601 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio, 44114
Phone
216-664-2493
Salary
$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 Annually
Location
3001 - Port Control
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
10898-HR
Department
3001 - Port Control
Division
300170 - PC Operations / Security
Opening Date
08/07/2026
Closing Date
8/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Airport Safety Management Systems Coordinator
Examples of Duties
Under administrative direction, is responsible for planning and administering a specific project or program for a City department. Serves as the administrative supervisor on projects or programs. Plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews activities of subordinate personnel. Monitors the project or program's operating budget and assists in the annual preparation of same. Designs, implements, and monitors procedures utilized in program evaluation. Develops and secures commitments from other City departments and agencies to provide services to program participants. Provides technical assistance or reviews program policies and procedures. Maintains current information and oversees the preparation of project status reports. Prepares financial and narrative reports and program applications. Communicates project/program status and information to municipal officials and/or public and private entities. May supervise employees assigned to the respective project. Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, or closely related field preferred. Two (2) years of any equivalent combination of education, training and experience in program administration required. Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds. Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required.
Supplemental Information
Additional Minimum Qualifications
- Must successfully complete a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 10-year fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check and employment background check and Security Threat Assessment.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and drug test.
- Must be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
- Availability for on-call support and occasional after-hours work for critical system maintenance.
Preferred Minimum Qualifications
- Two years of full-time, paid experience in safety, risk management, airport operations or a closely related field.
- NIMS and ICS certifications for Management tier and any assigned working groups must be completed within six months of employment and complete additional or refresher trainings as required.
- Must be highly organized, detail oriented, have the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
- Must have exceptional customer service skills with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with both internal and external customers.
Airport Safety Management Coordinator
- Must be computer proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, especially MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.
- Must be able to work outdoors as well as indoors and be exposed to various weather conditions.
- Must be able to wear and utilize required safety equipment such as respirators, hearing protection, or fall restraining harnesses as required by the conditions present at any incident and as required under applicable state or federal regulations.
- Must obtain Ground Vehicle Operator Non-Movement Credentialing within the first six months of employment and maintain these credentials for the duration of their employment.
- AAAE SMS Airport Certified Employee certification within one year of hire.
- Occupational Safety, Safety Management Systems, or Aviation-related professional certifications.
- Experience working in an airport or municipality is preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensures compliance with department safety and certification programs, local, state and federal rules and regulations including but not limited to OSHA/PERRP, FAR Part 139 as well as other state or federal guidelines.
- Conducts onsite inspections to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements in accordance with state and federal regulations and organizational safety policies and programs.
Safety Management Systems Program:
- Conducts timely and comprehensive investigations of all accidents/incidents and reported hazards and prepare factual reports summarizing the circumstances and root causes of the accident/incident or hazard.
- Develop and aid in implementation of recommended corrective and preventive actions.
- Assists in the promotion of SMS program policies, and procedures.
- Assist in the design and delivery of safety education programs and communications safety information and trends to stakeholders on a regular basis.
- Prepare standards, process, procedures, reports and documentation for the SMS program.
- Assists in the Development, implementation and maintenance of occupational/aviation safety management policies, procedures and programs including research, review and documentation of incidents/accidents, best practices, policy revisions and risk assessments.
- Provide recommendations in the enhancement and maintenance of communications systems for distributing safety information to stakeholders as well as hazard reporting systems.
- Develop and distribute safety promotion materials and promotional items to the organization.
- Assists in overseeing DPC’s safety-related reporting systems, including the Confidential Hazard Reporting form, safety hotline and hazard reporting email address.
- Participate in various safety committees to identify and eliminate hazardous conditions and generates reports identifying areas with elevated risk.
- Assists with budget development and assists section procurements including ordering supplies/materials, services, manages requisitions and payments, and monitors contracts for compliance with terms and specifications.
- Promotes and ensures compliance with occupational health and safety management policies, procedures, and programs to minimize employee accidents and to promote a safe work environment.
Airport Safety Management Coordinator
- Acts as a resource to and liaison between various divisions within DPC as well as external stakeholders and regulatory agencies such as the FAA, or NTSB.
- Performs other related duties as required.
The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.
The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.
Employer
City of Cleveland
Address
601 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio, 44114
Phone
216-664-2493
See all 3,690+ OPT Systems Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Systems Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Systems Engineer
Lead with your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
Systems Engineer roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mention your STEM eligibility early in applications and conversations so employers understand you bring three full years of OPT work authorization, not just one.
Target employers with active E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Prioritize companies that already use it, which includes most large defense contractors, tech firms, and federal government contractors. This saves critical time during your extension process.
Align your degree field to the job description
Systems Engineer roles typically qualify under Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science degrees. Confirm your specific degree field directly supports the role before applying, since USCIS reviews the connection between your degree and job duties.
Prepare a clear explanation of your systems experience
Hiring managers unfamiliar with OPT often conflate sponsorship complexity with risk. Walk them through what OPT authorization actually means for your start date and work eligibility. A calm, factual explanation often resolves hesitation before it becomes a barrier.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Systems Engineer hiring cycles at large employers often run eight to twelve weeks from application to offer. Start your search at least three months before your OPT authorization begins so your start date aligns with your employer's onboarding timeline without gaps.
Flag security clearance considerations honestly
Many Systems Engineer roles, especially in defense and government contracting, require security clearances that OPT holders cannot currently obtain. Filter for roles that do not list clearance as a requirement, and address the topic directly if it comes up during interviews.
Systems Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Systems Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Systems Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they typically fall under CIP codes tied to Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science. Your degree field must match the STEM designated degree list, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm both conditions before accepting an offer.
Can I work as a Systems Engineer on OPT without H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. OPT is independent of H-1B visa sponsorship. You can work as a Systems Engineer for up to 12 months on standard OPT, and up to 36 months total if your degree qualifies for the STEM extension. H-1B sponsorship becomes relevant only if you want to stay beyond your OPT authorization period.
Where can I find Systems Engineer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Systems Engineer roles from employers that are actively open to hiring F-1 OPT students. Filtering by OPT eligibility saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship restrictions late in the process. Browse current openings on Migrate Mate to find roles matched to your authorization status.
Do Systems Engineer roles at defense contractors hire OPT students?
Some do, but security clearance requirements create real limitations. Many Systems Engineer positions at defense contractors require a U.S. security clearance, which OPT holders are not eligible to obtain. Focus your search on commercial technology companies, cloud infrastructure teams, and enterprise IT organizations, where OPT authorization is a much smaller obstacle.
What happens to my Systems Engineer job if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If your H-1B petition is filed before your OPT expires and you receive a receipt notice, you enter a cap-gap period that extends your work authorization until October 1 of the fiscal year. This allows you to continue working as a Systems Engineer without interruption, provided your employer files the H-1B petition on time.