OPT Systems Programmer Jobs
Systems Programmer jobs on OPT typically fall under computer science or electrical engineering degree requirements, making them a strong fit for F-1 students in those fields. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers range from enterprise software firms to government contractors and embedded systems companies.
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Advance Your Career as an Electronic Specialist/PLC Programmer in Wood Products Manufacturing with Boise Cascade – Western Oregon Region (Medford, OR)
Are you ready to make a significant impact with an industry leader in manufacturing? Boise Cascade is seeking a skilled candidate with experience in wood products manufacturing to join our Western Oregon Region team. This dynamic role includes up to 25% travel to Boise Cascade manufacturing locations throughout the Pacific Northwest, offering you the chance to expand your technical skills and build strong internal relationships with peers across our organization.
This position is responsible for troubleshooting, interpreting, and resolving programming logic on lathes, dryers, layup lines, and saw line. This position requires knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC controls and electronic control devices that support mill production. Must be willing to work extra hours as necessary and be on-call during off hours. Must be an advocate of process control and total quality.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead process improvement projects for the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of control devices and electronic systems.
- Collaborate closely with production teams, administrative staff, and vendors to support mill operations.
- Oversee all aspects of mechanical and electrical maintenance, shutdowns, upgrades, and equipment installations.
- Ensure optimal plant uptime and drive cost-effective maintenance solutions.
- Champion environmental compliance and safety standards.
- Stay ahead of technological trends to maximize efficiency and operational excellence.
- Support recordkeeping and budget compliance for maintenance operations.
MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Education: Bachelor's degree in electronics, engineering, science, or related field is preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience: Three (3)+ years' experience in related job function is preferred. Successful candidate will have experience in the wood products manufacturing industry including plywood and engineered wood production. Knowledge of Allen Bradely PLC controls and programming ladder logic is required, as well as proficiency with lathes, dryers, layup lines, and saw lines.
ABOUT BOISE CASCADE
Boise Cascade has been in the business of manufacturing wood products and distributing building materials for over half a century. Today, we're one of the largest manufacturers of plywood and engineered wood products in North America. Because our business is built on relationships, our employees are critical to our success, and we're committed to investing in them. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to have a positive impact on all areas of your life - from health and well-being, career and community, to financial security and personal safety. We call it Total Rewards.
SALARY:
$75,000 - $96,000 (DOQ)
HERE'S A SNAPSHOT OF WHAT WE OFFER:
- Medical, prescription drug, dental & vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare & dependent care)
- 401(k) Retirement plan with company contribution
- Paid Time Off & paid Holidays
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Life Insurance
HOW TO APPLY:
To ensure consideration, a completed resume and application must be received. Incomplete or late applications and/or resumes will not be accepted or considered for review.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
Advance Your Career as an Electronic Specialist/PLC Programmer in Wood Products Manufacturing with Boise Cascade – Western Oregon Region (Medford, OR)
Are you ready to make a significant impact with an industry leader in manufacturing? Boise Cascade is seeking a skilled candidate with experience in wood products manufacturing to join our Western Oregon Region team. This dynamic role includes up to 25% travel to Boise Cascade manufacturing locations throughout the Pacific Northwest, offering you the chance to expand your technical skills and build strong internal relationships with peers across our organization.
This position is responsible for troubleshooting, interpreting, and resolving programming logic on lathes, dryers, layup lines, and saw line. This position requires knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC controls and electronic control devices that support mill production. Must be willing to work extra hours as necessary and be on-call during off hours. Must be an advocate of process control and total quality.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead process improvement projects for the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of control devices and electronic systems.
- Collaborate closely with production teams, administrative staff, and vendors to support mill operations.
- Oversee all aspects of mechanical and electrical maintenance, shutdowns, upgrades, and equipment installations.
- Ensure optimal plant uptime and drive cost-effective maintenance solutions.
- Champion environmental compliance and safety standards.
- Stay ahead of technological trends to maximize efficiency and operational excellence.
- Support recordkeeping and budget compliance for maintenance operations.
MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Education: Bachelor's degree in electronics, engineering, science, or related field is preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience: Three (3)+ years' experience in related job function is preferred. Successful candidate will have experience in the wood products manufacturing industry including plywood and engineered wood production. Knowledge of Allen Bradely PLC controls and programming ladder logic is required, as well as proficiency with lathes, dryers, layup lines, and saw lines.
ABOUT BOISE CASCADE
Boise Cascade has been in the business of manufacturing wood products and distributing building materials for over half a century. Today, we're one of the largest manufacturers of plywood and engineered wood products in North America. Because our business is built on relationships, our employees are critical to our success, and we're committed to investing in them. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to have a positive impact on all areas of your life - from health and well-being, career and community, to financial security and personal safety. We call it Total Rewards.
SALARY:
$75,000 - $96,000 (DOQ)
HERE'S A SNAPSHOT OF WHAT WE OFFER:
- Medical, prescription drug, dental & vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare & dependent care)
- 401(k) Retirement plan with company contribution
- Paid Time Off & paid Holidays
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Life Insurance
HOW TO APPLY:
To ensure consideration, a completed resume and application must be received. Incomplete or late applications and/or resumes will not be accepted or considered for review.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all 2,168+ OPT Systems Programmer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Systems Programmer
Confirm your degree aligns with the role
Systems Programmer roles typically require a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. Verify your degree matches the job description before applying, since misalignment is the most common reason OPT applications get flagged during onboarding.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Hiring timelines for systems roles often involve technical screens, take-home assignments, and multiple interview rounds. Starting your job search at least three months before your OPT begins gives you enough runway to complete the process without authorization gaps.
Address your work authorization status upfront
Proactively mention that you have OPT work authorization and are eligible for STEM OPT extension in your cover letter or initial outreach. This removes ambiguity early and helps employers understand they can hire you without an immediate visa sponsorship decision.
Target employers with a history of hiring international talent
Companies that have previously sponsored H-1B visas are far more likely to understand OPT and STEM extension timelines. Focusing your applications on these employers significantly increases the chance of a smooth hiring process and longer-term sponsorship discussions.
Highlight systems-level technical skills prominently
Roles in systems programming are highly competitive. Emphasizing low-level experience such as kernel development, memory management, or embedded systems work sets you apart from general software engineers and signals the specialized background these employers expect to see.
Understand your STEM OPT reporting obligations before you start
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan, regular check-ins with your DSO, and employer validation every six months. Knowing these requirements in advance lets you brief prospective employers accurately, which builds trust and avoids compliance surprises after you're hired.
Systems Programmer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Systems Programmer jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most Systems Programmer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they fall under CIP codes tied to computer science or computer engineering. The job must require a degree in a STEM field and involve work directly related to that field. Confirm with your DSO that your specific role and employer meet the requirements before applying for the extension.
How do I find Systems Programmer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters Systems Programmer listings by sponsorship openness, so you're not wasting applications on roles that won't consider your work authorization status. Searching there is more efficient than general job boards, which rarely surface that information clearly.
Can I work as a Systems Programmer on post-completion OPT before my STEM extension is approved?
Yes. If you apply for the STEM OPT extension before your initial OPT expires, you receive an automatic 180-day cap-gap that lets you continue working while USCIS processes your application. You must remain employed in a role directly related to your STEM degree throughout this period to stay in compliance.
What does a Systems Programmer employer need to do to support my STEM OPT?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, sign a formal training plan (Form I-983) outlining your learning goals and supervision, and submit evaluation reports every six months. The employer does not file anything with USCIS directly, but their participation in this process is mandatory. Most established tech employers are already familiar with these obligations.
Is Systems Programmer work eligible for CPT before graduation?
Curricular Practical Training can authorize Systems Programmer internships or co-ops if the work is an integral part of your academic program and your university approves it. Full-time CPT used for 12 or more months eliminates your OPT eligibility entirely, so students planning to use OPT after graduation should limit full-time CPT carefully and consult their DSO before accepting any offer.