STEM OPT Database Engineer Jobs
Database Engineer roles in data infrastructure, cloud warehousing, and backend systems qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and co-sign your I-983 training plan. Degrees in computer science, information systems, or a related STEM field typically meet the requirement.
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About us: Imagine Your Future with Us! Since 1971, Paychex has been at the forefront of simplifying HR, payroll, and benefits for American businesses. Our digital HR technology and advisory solutions cater to the changing needs of employers and their employees. With our award-winning training and endless opportunities for growth and development, you can build a lifelong career with us. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and innovative culture. Our leaders are here to support your career journey; they and our dedicated employees embody the values that drive us to support each other, our clients, and our communities. Join us to pursue your passion and unleash your potential.
Overview:
Join our team as a Database Engineer Level 1, contributing to the development and maintenance of data architectures and platforms, while ensuring efficient operations through troubleshooting and issue remediation. This role provides opportunities to work with a diverse array of data technologies and gain exposure to cutting-edge AI tools that can enhance your engineering capabilities.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in the development, optimization, and implementation of scalable and robust data pipelines and ETL processes using tools like Informatica, Fivetran, DBT, or OpenFlow to transform and load data into data warehouses such as Snowflake
- Administer modern Data Lakehouse Platforms such as Snowflake, One Lake, and Databricks
- Support the design and implementation of data models to accommodate various business needs
- Integrate and work with diverse data sources, such as Oracle, SQL Server, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL
- Participate in the setup and monitoring of streaming data platforms, using tools like Kafka and Amazon Kinesis
- Ensure data quality and integrity by implementing validation and monitoring processes
- Collaborate with team members to optimize the performance of existing data infrastructure
- Perform troubleshooting and diagnose issues within data pipelines and systems to ensure smooth operations
- Work within Agile development practices, including participation in Scrum meetings and sprint planning
- Preference for familiarity with AI tools, such as GitHub Copilot, to enhance development efficiency
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in data engineering, database administration, or related work.
- Hands-on experience or familiarity with the tools and technologies listed in the responsibilities.
- Strong analytical skills, with a problem-solving mindset.
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
- Experience with Agile development practices, particularly Scrum.
- Experience with Development tools such as Github, Visual Studio, etc.
- Experience programming with languages such as Java, Javascript and Python.
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve basic operational issues within data systems.
COMPENSATION:
- In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share that the starting base pay range for this position is $76,700 - $120,600. Please keep in mind that this range is the base pay only and does not consider other components that make up the total rewards package for the position. If you are hired at Paychex, your overall compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience which may result in total compensation outside of this range.
LIVE THE PAYCHEX VALUES:
- Act with uncompromising integrity.
- Provide outstanding service and build trusted relationships.
- Drive innovation in our products and services and continually improve our processes.
- Work in partnership and support each other.
- Be personally accountable and deliver on commitments.
- Treat each other with respect and dignity.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?:
- We value your well-being: We provide over 21 comprehensive rewards, including medical coverage, virtual wellness classes, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) + employer match, adoption assistance, financial assistance, and much more.
- We value your time: From paid time off to company holidays, culture days, and comprehensive work-life balance programs, we will ensure you have the flexibility you need to be your best.
- We value your development: Our award-winning training and development programs empower our employees with ongoing learning opportunities to give you the building blocks to grow your career.
- We value your perspective: Our company culture reflects the diversity of our employees. We want you to be you and your voice to be heard.
- We value our communities: We offer paid time off for volunteerism and promote many company-wide and local initiatives that benefit organizations you care about.
Note: The benefits described apply to full-time employees. Benefits for part-time, contract, and intern roles may vary.
Not sure if you meet every requirement?: At Paychex, we know that great talent comes in many forms. If you're passionate about the role but don't check every box, we still encourage you to apply. You might be the right fit - either for this position or another opportunity with us.
Paychex is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated fairly and evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and merit. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Database Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before targeting Database Engineer roles. Computer science, management information systems, and data science codes are commonly eligible, but applied informatics programs vary by institution.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify for your STEM OPT extension to be valid. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name or EIN to confirm enrollment status before signing any offer letter.
Target companies with active LCA filings in database roles
Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by DOL Labor Condition Application filing history in database and data engineering occupations, so you're applying to companies with a documented track record of hiring workers in your SOC code.
Align your I-983 training goals to the job description
When negotiating your offer, ask hiring managers which database systems, ETL pipelines, or cloud platforms you'll own. Concrete responsibilities mapped to your degree field make your I-983 training plan defensible if USCIS or ICE reviews it.
Use prevailing wage data to anchor your salary negotiation
Pull the Level I through Level IV wage for your SOC code and metro area from the OFLC Wage Search before finalizing compensation. STEM OPT doesn't require prevailing wage compliance, but knowing the DOL benchmark prevents underpayment that could complicate a future H-1B LCA.
Plan your extension timeline around your OPT end date
Your DSO must recommend the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS and you must file Form I-765 with USCIS at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. Database Engineer hiring timelines can run 8 to 12 weeks, so start your employer search early enough to leave room for filing.
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Find Database Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a Database Engineer?
Your degree qualifies if its CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Computer science, information systems, data science, and computer engineering codes are commonly listed. Applied or interdisciplinary programs sometimes use CIP codes that aren't on the list, so confirm with your DSO before targeting Database Engineer roles that depend on the extension.
Does the employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify for my STEM OPT to be valid?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT employers, not a preference. If your employer is not actively enrolled at the time you begin working, your extension authorization is invalid regardless of what USCIS has already approved. Verify enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search before accepting any offer. Migrate Mate filters listings to employers with documented hiring histories, which helps you prioritize compliant companies.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a Database Engineer role?
Your I-983 must identify specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree and the Database Engineer role. List the database platforms, query optimization techniques, data modeling methodologies, or cloud infrastructure tools you'll work with. Both you and your supervisor sign the plan, and your employer must conduct a formal performance evaluation at the 12-month mark. Vague descriptions of general IT duties are the most common reason plans get flagged during ICE inspections.
How does cap-gap protection work if my employer files an H-1B petition while I'm on STEM OPT?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as a Database Engineer during this period without a new EAD. USCIS provides cap-gap guidance on its website, and your DSO can annotate your I-20 to reflect the extension.
How do I find Database Engineer employers that are likely to support STEM OPT students?
Search Migrate Mate for Database Engineer roles filtered by employers with active DOL Labor Condition Application filings in database and data engineering SOC codes. LCA filing history signals that a company has already navigated work authorization paperwork and is familiar with the process, which reduces the risk of an employer declining to co-sign your I-983 or rejecting your extension after an offer is made.
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