STEM OPT Customer Support Engineer Jobs
Customer Support Engineer roles sit at the intersection of technical problem-solving and client communication, making them a strong fit for STEM OPT graduates in computer science, information systems, or engineering. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your role aligns with your degree's CIP code.
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Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
The KLA Services team headquartered in Milpitas, CA is our service organization that consists of Service Sales and Marketing, Spares Supply Chain management, Field Operations, Engineering, Product Training, and Technical Support. The KLA Services organization partners with our field teams and customers in all business sectors to maintain the high performance and productivity of our products through a flexible portfolio of services. Our comprehensive services include: proactive management of tools to identify and improve performance; expertise in optics, image processing and motion control with worldwide service engineers, 24/7 technical support teams and knowledge management systems; and an extensive parts network to ensure worldwide availability of parts.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
General Description:
Primarily responsible for customer service activities associated with updating, troubleshooting, diagnosing and repairing of highly complex capital equipment at customer sites and trade shows. Represents the company to the customer and assumes accountability for customer satisfaction with service. Assures operational quality of system equipment. Coordinates actions with customers to minimize down time. Provides assistance to Installation Engineers and less experienced CSEs in resolving problems.
A CSE providing service support for customer Micron Technology, Inc. in Boise, ID. The CSE is responsible for providing tool repair, customer management, and performing all associated logistics tasks. The CSE must have good troubleshooting skills and be proficient in working on electro-mechanical equipment within a cleanroom environment. The CSE must be self-motivated and driven to provide the best support for KLA customers. The CSE must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills as communication with customers, co-workers, and management is critical to the role.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide customer service support a variety of advanced KLA products. Be the primary focal point of contact for all customer service-related issues.
- Maintain excellent working relationship with customers, CSEs, applications engineers, technical support and sales teams.
- Evaluate, analyze, diagnose and troubleshoot technical equipment problems at customer site. Assists customers with all system issues. Ensures equipment enhances customer production.
- Maintain Preventive Maintenance schedule on KLA tools at customer sites and execute on all PMs per the schedule.
- Repair and update equipment at customer site, including system level problems (which have multiple causes and for which no standard procedures exist) based on CSE’s technical knowledge, education, training and certification.
- May access and determine the problems existing in customers’ processes such as chemical leaks or contamination, and as a result may recommend shutdown of a customer fab due to unsafe conditions.
- Prepare Field Service Reports on customer support activity and provides documentation to other supporting functions on recurring problems. Create service reports for all service requests using the CRM database.
- Cross-train and assist other field service engineers as needed.
- Assist Tech Support on all onsite system escalations.
- Provide first level Applications support.
- Provide guidance and technical assistance to Installation Engineers on installations and dismantling equipment.
- Provide guidance to less senior CSEs.
- Manage individual inventory account.
- Assist in the preparation of quotes for customers based on labor, travel expenses incurred, and parts needed. Uses discretion and assist regional admin in preparing quotes based on reason for equipment failure, time to prepare, etc.
- Conduct customer orientation and technical training on all aspects of equipment maintenance support for user applications.
- Contribute to the capturing, re-use, collaboration, and improvement of knowledge using available systems.
- Successfully complete ongoing technical training to acquire a thorough knowledge of company products, the application of diagnostic techniques, and practical application of service aids.
- Cross-train on multiple products.
- Attain and maintain at least Certification Level 3 or PM training. Attain and maintain basic proficiency in systems level repair of a product within a family is required.
Skills Needed:
- Understanding of and ability to troubleshoot problems in software and electronics, optics, mechanical, electro-mechanical and electro-optical systems.
- Understanding of computer theory, various operating systems and applicable operating system software knowledge, and networking in a Windows, Unix or Novell environment.
- Good interpersonal/communication skills in understanding customer needs.
- Ability to work under pressure and stringent timelines since systems down for service may affect customer manufacturing area.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Level Degree and 0 years related work experience
Base Pay Range: $25.15 - $42.75 Per Hour
Primary Location: USA-ID-Boise-KLA
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
See all 414+ STEM OPT Customer Support Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Customer Support Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Customer Support Engineer roles can fall under multiple STEM CIP codes depending on the employer's framing. Cross-reference your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before accepting any offer to confirm your extension eligibility.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before interviews
Ask your recruiter whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you advance to offer-stage conversations. You can also verify enrollment directly through the E-Verify employer search tool, saving you from pursuing roles that can't legally support your STEM OPT extension.
Target companies with dedicated technical support engineering teams
SaaS, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise software companies routinely hire Customer Support Engineers under clearly STEM-aligned job codes. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers whose E-Verify enrollment is already confirmed, so your search stays focused on eligible opportunities.
Build your I-983 training plan before your start date
Your employer must sign a Form I-983 training plan documenting how the Customer Support Engineer role relates to your STEM degree. Draft the learning objectives section yourself before onboarding so your DSO can review it quickly and your STEM OPT extension doesn't get delayed.
Frame your resume around technical diagnostic skills
Customer Support Engineer job descriptions often list API troubleshooting, log analysis, and SQL queries as requirements. Highlight these specifically from your coursework or internships, since degree-to-role alignment scrutiny is higher for support-titled positions than for roles with 'engineer' as the primary function.
Understand cap-gap coverage if your H-1B is selected
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap rules under USCIS extend your work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year. Confirm with your DSO that your OPT EAD is still valid at the time of your H-1B visa registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Customer Support Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on how the role is defined and whether it aligns with your STEM degree's CIP code. Customer Support Engineer positions at software or infrastructure companies typically involve technical troubleshooting, API integration support, and system diagnostics, which can qualify. Roles that are primarily account management or non-technical client service, regardless of the title, are less likely to meet the degree-relatedness requirement. Confirm alignment with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Does my employer have to be enrolled in E-Verify for my STEM OPT extension to be valid?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a mandatory requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student on the 24-month extension. If your employer is not enrolled at the time your extension begins, your work authorization is not valid for that position. You can verify enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool before signing any offer letter. Employers who are new to hiring STEM OPT workers sometimes enroll specifically for a candidate, so raising this early in the process is reasonable.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Customer Support Engineer?
The Form I-983 requires your employer to document the specific learning objectives of your role and explain how those objectives relate to your STEM degree. For a Customer Support Engineer, this typically includes skills like network diagnostics, software debugging, data analysis of support tickets, and technical documentation. Both you and a company supervisor must sign it, and your DSO must receive it before your STEM OPT extension is authorized. USCIS can audit these plans, so vague descriptions of job duties are not sufficient.
How do I find Customer Support Engineer jobs where the employer already supports STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Customer Support Engineer roles from employers whose E-Verify enrollment is confirmed, which removes the guesswork from your search. Many F-1 students waste time applying to companies that don't realize E-Verify enrollment is required, or who decline to enroll. Filtering for verified employers up front keeps your job search focused on roles where your STEM OPT extension can actually be activated without delays.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my employer's E-Verify participation lapses mid-employment?
If your employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses or is terminated after your STEM OPT extension begins, you are no longer in a valid employment situation under STEM OPT rules. USCIS requires that employers remain enrolled in E-Verify throughout the duration of your extension, not just at the point of hire. If this happens, notify your DSO immediately. You may need to find a new employer who is enrolled in E-Verify, or your extension could be at risk. Document the situation and act quickly to avoid an unauthorized period of employment.