OPT Waiter Jobs
Waiter jobs can work on OPT, but most restaurant employers aren't familiar with F-1 work authorization. Your OPT EAD card is your proof of employment eligibility. Roles must be full-time during OPT and directly related to your field of study for STEM OPT extension eligibility.
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Position Title: Windows System Admin I
Location: West Point, GA
On-site (5 days)
Position Overview
Hyundai AutoEver America is seeking a System Administrator I to support server administration, Manufacturing Execution Systems, endpoint support, backup operations, patch management, and daily infrastructure monitoring within a manufacturing technology environment.
This role is responsible for helping maintain reliable IT operations that support business users and production systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with Windows desktop and server environments, basic Linux administration knowledge, strong troubleshooting skills, and a customer-focused approach to technical support.
The System Administrator I will work closely with internal teams, senior technical staff, and vendors to help minimize downtime, support MES availability, complete routine system maintenance, and document operational procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Server Administration
- Support and maintain Windows and Linux server environments.
- Perform routine server administration and maintenance tasks.
- Monitor server health, performance, and availability.
- Assist with operating system updates, upgrades, and system maintenance activities.
- Maintain server documentation and inventory records.
- Support Active Directory user and group administration.
- Assist with DNS, DHCP, and general infrastructure support as needed.
Manufacturing Execution Systems Support
- Provide first-line infrastructure support for Manufacturing Execution Systems.
- Monitor MES-related servers, services, and system availability.
- Assist with troubleshooting MES connectivity, performance, and operational issues.
- Escalate production-impacting issues to senior team members or vendors when necessary.
- Support MES maintenance activities, system testing, and production support efforts.
- Participate in efforts to minimize production downtime and maintain continuous assembly line operations.
Backup and Recovery Operations
- Monitor daily backup jobs and investigate backup failures.
- Perform data restoration requests as directed.
- Verify backup completion, job status, and system health.
- Maintain backup documentation, procedures, and operational records.
Patch Management
- Deploy and monitor desktop and server patching activities.
- Verify successful installation of security updates.
- Assist with vulnerability remediation efforts.
- Document patching activities, maintenance work, and related system changes.
Monitoring and Daily Operations
- Perform daily infrastructure monitoring and operational checks.
- Respond to system alerts, service notifications, and user-reported issues.
- Assist with troubleshooting server, workstation, and application issues.
- Document incidents, resolutions, and operational procedures.
- Escalate issues when they are outside the scope of the role or require additional support.
Endpoint and User Support
- Troubleshoot workstation hardware and software issues.
- Support operating systems, printers, peripherals, scanners, and mobile devices.
- Assist users with technical issues and service requests.
- Support software installations, deployments, and basic configuration tasks.
- Provide timely and professional customer service to internal users.
Automation and Process Improvement
- Assist with automation initiatives using PowerShell, Bash, or similar scripting tools.
- Support process improvement efforts to increase operational efficiency.
- Maintain documentation for automated procedures, scripts, and technical solutions.
Project Support
- Assist with infrastructure and technology projects.
- Support equipment deployments and system implementations.
- Participate in testing, validation, and system readiness activities.
- Maintain project documentation as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Associate degree in Information Technology or equivalent experience.
- 3 to 5 years of experience in the IT field preferred.
- Experience supporting Windows desktop and server environments.
- Basic Linux administration knowledge.
- Understanding of Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP.
- Knowledge of backup concepts and patch management processes.
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to support internal users professionally.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Ability to support a 24x5 or 24x6 operational environment as needed.
- Ability to work overtime when required.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting Manufacturing Execution Systems, preferably in an automotive or manufacturing environment.
- Experience with VMware or Hyper-V environments.
- Familiarity with Microsoft 365 administration.
- PowerShell, Bash, or other scripting experience.
- Experience in manufacturing, production, or plant support environment.
- Understanding of IT service management, incident management, and change control processes.
- Experience documenting technical procedures, incidents, and resolutions.
- Familiarity with ASP.NET and WinForms is a plus.
Environment Supported
This position will help support a technology environment that includes:
- Windows and Linux servers.
- Manufacturing Execution Systems.
- Endpoint and workstation support.
- Backup and recovery systems.
- Microsoft 365 services.
- Manufacturing and business applications.
- Infrastructure monitoring, patching, and operational support tools.
Key Success Factors
A successful System Administrator I will:
- Help maintain reliable operation of server and endpoint infrastructure.
- Support MES availability and manufacturing operations.
- Complete backup, patching, and monitoring activities accurately and on schedule.
- Provide timely resolution of infrastructure and user issues.
- Maintain accurate documentation and operational records.
- Escalate issues appropriately and communicate clearly with stakeholders.
- Demonstrate continuous technical growth and a process-improvement mindset.
In addition to a competitive salary, this position offers a fantastic benefits package that includes comprehensive medical/dental coverage, generous PTO, education assistance, and annual merit increase eligibility in a growth-focused work environment.
Team Culture:
Our team fosters a collaborative, solutions-driven environment where technical expertise and business impact go hand in hand. We value proactive problem-solving, continuous learning, and strong communication, empowering engineers to take ownership of network performance, security, and innovation while working closely with cross-functional partners.
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Collaborative & Cross-Functional:
Work closely with security, systems, and development teams to solve complex challenges and deliver reliable network solutions.
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Ownership & Accountability:
Engineers are trusted to take initiative, drive resolutions, and balance technical decisions with business priorities.
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Continuous Improvement Mindset:
Encourages learning new technologies, refining processes, and adopting best practices to enhance performance and scalability.
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High-Impact, Fast-Paced Environment:
Focus on responsiveness, uptime, and delivering reliable infrastructure in a dynamic, mission-critical setting.
Our Company adheres to the equal employment opportunity guidelines set forth by federal, state and local laws. The information requested on this form is sought in good faith and will not be used to discriminate against the applicant based on race, religion or creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, marital status, sex or gender (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, or related circumstances), gender identity, gender expression, age, citizenship, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, military and veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Waiter
Lead with your EAD, not your visa status
When applying, emphasize that your Employment Authorization Document lets you work legally without employer sponsorship. Most restaurant managers don't know what OPT is, so framing it as straightforward work authorization reduces hesitation before interviews.
Confirm the role meets your field of study
For STEM OPT extensions, your waiter position must connect to your degree. Hospitality, food service management, and nutrition graduates have the clearest case. Document how the role aligns with your academic background before accepting any offer.
Target employers with multiple locations
Restaurant groups and hotel food and beverage operations tend to have HR departments that have processed work authorization before. Independent diners often have no process at all, which can slow your start date or create unnecessary complications.
Get your offer letter and start date in writing
Your OPT must be activated before you start working. Confirm your EAD start date and ensure your employer's proposed start date falls within your authorized period. A written offer protects you if timelines shift unexpectedly.
Track your hours carefully for STEM OPT compliance
STEM OPT requires at least 20 hours per week in a qualifying role. Restaurant schedules fluctuate, so confirm with your manager that your position is structured as consistent, full-time equivalent work rather than variable on-call shifts.
Report your employer to your DSO promptly
Once you accept a waiter position, report the employer name, address, and start date to your Designated School Official immediately. Delays in updating your SEVIS record can put your OPT status at risk, even if you have a valid EAD.
Waiter OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a waiter on OPT?
Yes, you can work as a waiter on OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study and you have a valid Employment Authorization Document. Hospitality, culinary arts, nutrition, and food service management graduates have the clearest connection. Working in a role unrelated to your degree can jeopardize your OPT status and STEM extension eligibility.
Do waiter employers need to sponsor my visa?
No sponsorship is required during your OPT period. Your EAD card authorizes you to work for any employer, including restaurants, without them filing any visa petition. Employers only need to verify your authorization through standard I-9 documentation. If you later need H-1B visa sponsorship to stay in the U.S., that is a separate process and most restaurant employers do not offer it.
How do I find waiter jobs that accept OPT students?
Browse Migrate Mate to find waiter and hospitality roles from employers who are familiar with OPT work authorization. Many food service positions list work authorization requirements upfront, which saves time during outreach. Filtering by role type and authorization status helps you focus on employers worth contacting.
Does a waiter job qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. A waiter role can qualify for STEM OPT if your field of study is classified as STEM and you can demonstrate a clear connection between the position and your academic training. A student with a degree in food science or nutrition working in a research-focused food service environment has a stronger case than a general hospitality graduate. Confirm with your DSO before relying on this path.
What happens to my OPT if my waiter job ends?
You have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your entire OPT period, not per job. If your waiter position ends, that clock starts running immediately. You must report the change to your DSO and actively seek new employment. Exceeding 90 cumulative days of unemployment during OPT will end your authorized stay, so move quickly.