STEM OPT Data Center Jobs
Data center roles in infrastructure engineering, network operations, and systems administration qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree aligns with an approved CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your I-983 training plan must map your daily work to measurable technical learning goals tied to your STEM field.
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Get Access To All JobsDESCRIPTION
As a member of the Global Controls Team, you will collaborate with highly motivated operators, engineers and technicians in the data center industry to maintain and optimize critical infrastructure systems. You will be responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining the Building Management System (BMS) and Electrical Power Monitoring System (EPMS) while developing new processes and standards that drive innovation in the controls space.
AWS data centers utilize sophisticated industrial control systems to automatically operate mechanical equipment, maintaining optimal temperature and pressure conditions throughout the facilities. These systems integrate and monitor multiple critical components, including generators, uninterruptible power sources, diesel generators, electrical switchgear, power distribution units, variable frequency drives, automatic and static transfer switches, air-cooled and water-cooled chillers, pumps, cooling towers, heat exchangers, Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAHs), and air economizers. Within this industrial control system infrastructure, the BMS serves as the primary control platform for all mechanical systems within the data center, while the EPMS functions as the primary monitoring platform for all electrical systems. This position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in mission-critical environments while contributing to the reliability and efficiency of AWS's global infrastructure.
Key job responsibilities
-
Primarily work in and support multiple data centers by deploying, servicing, and upgrading BMS and EPMS systems.
-
Mentor and train Facilities team members on the operation and control of BMS and EPMS systems.
-
Manage small to medium-sized projects and programs.
-
Perform point-to-point checkouts between field devices and controllers.
-
Perform first-line diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance of programming code and hardware associated with BMS and EPMS in data centers.
-
Execute provisioning processes for servers, controllers, industrial PCs, and network configurations, including communication testing between third-party devices and controllers or servers.
-
Install, replace, configure, and calibrate sensors.
-
Read and interpret electrical schematics and control panel drawings with a basic understanding of closed-loop controls, field sensor scaling, and functions typically performed by industrial controllers.
-
Supervise low-voltage electrical contractors performing wiring and installation of field devices in compliance with AWS requirements.
-
Provide commissioning and systems-level testing support.
-
Create red-lined drawings and documentation of systems.
-
Follow change management processes to generate work requests and methods of procedures.
-
Participate in factory witness tests at vendor or panel builder facilities.
-
Perform root cause analysis during testing and commissioning.
-
Ensure personnel on site utilize proper safety methodology.
-
Perform service activities including monitoring and reviewing ticketing systems, conducting root cause analysis, and prioritizing tasks.
-
Actively manage service agreements including vendor labor scheduling, quality assurance, and financial invoice review.
-
Participate in material handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, or moving up to 50 lbs of equipment, and utilize OSHA-standard safety equipment including limited weight-bearing work platforms, ladders, step stools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety harnesses.
-
Perform other tasks as assigned by manager.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
High school or equivalent diploma
-
Associate’s degree, trade school certification, or other certified training in a related technical field with 1+ years of relevant industrial Controls or HVAC controls experience, OR 3+ years of relevant industrial or HVAC controls experience in lieu of a degree.
-
Basic understanding of Industrial controls system, knowledge of meters, devices, sensors, relays and troubleshooting utilizing standard hand tools, digital metering, or calibration/diagnostic equipment in a data center, hospitals, large commercial complex, water, power, oil & gas or similar industries.
-
1+ years of experience working with low voltage controls, wiring, networking signals, electrical and mechanical systems, computers and operating systems.
-
Ability to work non-standard hours and differing work rotations/shifts and overtime as required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Controls System Technician (CCST) Level I or higher certification.
-
Experiencing using common communication protocols (MQTT, BACnet, and/or MODBUS).
-
5+ years of experience in controls/automation, construction or related field in a technical environment.
-
Demonstrated understanding of engineering documentation, electrical and mechanical diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
-
Experience in data centers or mission critical environment
-
Fundamental knowledge of network design and layout as well as low voltage (copper/ fiber) cabling.
-
Prior AWS/Amazon experience
-
4+ Yr. Military Service
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, VA, Sterling - 32.00 - 57.00 USD hourly
DESCRIPTION
As a member of the Global Controls Team, you will collaborate with highly motivated operators, engineers and technicians in the data center industry to maintain and optimize critical infrastructure systems. You will be responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining the Building Management System (BMS) and Electrical Power Monitoring System (EPMS) while developing new processes and standards that drive innovation in the controls space.
AWS data centers utilize sophisticated industrial control systems to automatically operate mechanical equipment, maintaining optimal temperature and pressure conditions throughout the facilities. These systems integrate and monitor multiple critical components, including generators, uninterruptible power sources, diesel generators, electrical switchgear, power distribution units, variable frequency drives, automatic and static transfer switches, air-cooled and water-cooled chillers, pumps, cooling towers, heat exchangers, Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAHs), and air economizers. Within this industrial control system infrastructure, the BMS serves as the primary control platform for all mechanical systems within the data center, while the EPMS functions as the primary monitoring platform for all electrical systems. This position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in mission-critical environments while contributing to the reliability and efficiency of AWS's global infrastructure.
Key job responsibilities
-
Primarily work in and support multiple data centers by deploying, servicing, and upgrading BMS and EPMS systems.
-
Mentor and train Facilities team members on the operation and control of BMS and EPMS systems.
-
Manage small to medium-sized projects and programs.
-
Perform point-to-point checkouts between field devices and controllers.
-
Perform first-line diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance of programming code and hardware associated with BMS and EPMS in data centers.
-
Execute provisioning processes for servers, controllers, industrial PCs, and network configurations, including communication testing between third-party devices and controllers or servers.
-
Install, replace, configure, and calibrate sensors.
-
Read and interpret electrical schematics and control panel drawings with a basic understanding of closed-loop controls, field sensor scaling, and functions typically performed by industrial controllers.
-
Supervise low-voltage electrical contractors performing wiring and installation of field devices in compliance with AWS requirements.
-
Provide commissioning and systems-level testing support.
-
Create red-lined drawings and documentation of systems.
-
Follow change management processes to generate work requests and methods of procedures.
-
Participate in factory witness tests at vendor or panel builder facilities.
-
Perform root cause analysis during testing and commissioning.
-
Ensure personnel on site utilize proper safety methodology.
-
Perform service activities including monitoring and reviewing ticketing systems, conducting root cause analysis, and prioritizing tasks.
-
Actively manage service agreements including vendor labor scheduling, quality assurance, and financial invoice review.
-
Participate in material handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, or moving up to 50 lbs of equipment, and utilize OSHA-standard safety equipment including limited weight-bearing work platforms, ladders, step stools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety harnesses.
-
Perform other tasks as assigned by manager.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
High school or equivalent diploma
-
Associate’s degree, trade school certification, or other certified training in a related technical field with 1+ years of relevant industrial Controls or HVAC controls experience, OR 3+ years of relevant industrial or HVAC controls experience in lieu of a degree.
-
Basic understanding of Industrial controls system, knowledge of meters, devices, sensors, relays and troubleshooting utilizing standard hand tools, digital metering, or calibration/diagnostic equipment in a data center, hospitals, large commercial complex, water, power, oil & gas or similar industries.
-
1+ years of experience working with low voltage controls, wiring, networking signals, electrical and mechanical systems, computers and operating systems.
-
Ability to work non-standard hours and differing work rotations/shifts and overtime as required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Controls System Technician (CCST) Level I or higher certification.
-
Experiencing using common communication protocols (MQTT, BACnet, and/or MODBUS).
-
5+ years of experience in controls/automation, construction or related field in a technical environment.
-
Demonstrated understanding of engineering documentation, electrical and mechanical diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
-
Experience in data centers or mission critical environment
-
Fundamental knowledge of network design and layout as well as low voltage (copper/ fiber) cabling.
-
Prior AWS/Amazon experience
-
4+ Yr. Military Service
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, VA, Sterling - 32.00 - 57.00 USD hourly
See all 209+ STEM OPT Data Center Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Data Center Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Data Center
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against ICE's STEM Designated Degree Program List. Computer engineering, information technology, and systems engineering degrees commonly map to data center roles, but network administration programs vary by institution.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Before signing anything, ask your recruiter for the company's E-Verify employer ID and cross-check it against the E-Verify employer search tool. Data center operators and colocation providers frequently use staffing intermediaries, which must also be separately enrolled.
Target employers with infrastructure engineering LCA history
Use the OFLC Wage Search to filter Labor Condition Application filings by SOC codes tied to network and computer systems occupations. Employers who have certified LCAs for these roles have already navigated the wage and E-Verify requirements that STEM OPT demands.
Build your I-983 training plan around operations rotations
Your I-983 must connect each work activity to a specific learning objective tied to your STEM degree. For data center roles, map duties like server provisioning, cooling systems monitoring, or network configuration to course competencies from your program's curriculum.
Search for STEM OPT data center roles on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters job listings to employers already enrolled in E-Verify, so you're not wasting applications on companies that can't legally onboard STEM OPT workers. Use it to find data center and infrastructure roles matched to your authorization timeline.
Use O*NET to strengthen your specialty occupation argument
Pull the O*NET occupation profile for your target role, such as Network and Computer Systems Administrators or Data Center Technicians, and confirm the listed education requirement is a bachelor's degree. This documentation supports your employer's case if USCIS scrutinizes your training plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do data center roles qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
Yes, if your degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code and the role involves applying technical knowledge from that field. Positions like data center engineer, network operations technician, and infrastructure analyst commonly qualify. Your DSO must authorize the extension, and the role must be structured as a paid position with an E-Verify enrolled employer. Check the ICE STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm your specific degree program qualifies.
Does my data center employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for all STEM OPT employers, not optional. If a data center operator, colocation provider, or managed services company is not enrolled, they cannot legally employ you under STEM OPT. If the company uses a third-party staffing firm, that firm must also be enrolled in E-Verify separately. You can search for enrolled employers through the E-Verify employer search tool before accepting any offer.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for a data center position?
Your I-983 must connect your specific job duties to measurable learning goals tied to your STEM degree. For data center roles, that means mapping tasks like rack installation, network troubleshooting, capacity planning, or systems monitoring to technical competencies from your coursework. USCIS expects the plan to show a clear relationship between your degree field and what you're doing on the job, not just a generic job description. Your employer and DSO both sign the form, and you must update it if your role changes significantly.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my data center employer loses E-Verify enrollment?
Your work authorization is tied to your employer's continued E-Verify participation. If your employer loses enrollment or terminates their E-Verify account, you must stop working immediately and report the change to your DSO within five business days. You have a 60-day grace period to find a new qualifying employer, update your I-983, and have your DSO amend your SEVIS record. Staying in a role after your employer loses E-Verify status puts your F-1 status at risk.
How do I find data center employers that are already set up for STEM OPT workers?
Migrate Mate filters job listings to E-Verify enrolled employers, which eliminates the most common hiring barrier STEM OPT students face in data center job searches. You can browse infrastructure, network operations, and systems roles knowing the employer meets the baseline STEM OPT requirement. Beyond that, checking OFLC Wage Search for LCA filings in network and systems occupations helps you identify companies that have already sponsored international workers and understand the compliance process.