STEM OPT Help Desk Technician Jobs
Help Desk Technician roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree maps to an eligible CIP code in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build U.S. work experience while transitioning toward long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsHelp Desk Technician I – End User Support
The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.
The mission of the Administration team is to enable the people and science of the Allen Institute. We connect teams, steward resources, and build strong systems that give our accelerators the stability and flexibility to pursue ambitious questions, collaborate across disciplines, and share their work openly.
This role will be part of a small team that supports our diverse and dynamic IT environment for our Windows and Mac-based end users. This role involves answering questions and resolving computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or electronically. The individual in this role will provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, office products, and electronic messaging. The individual will effectively multitask and manage priorities in a fast-paced setting.
At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly.
We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Essential Functions
- Provide timely Tier 1 Help Desk support for the Windows, Mac, and Linux environments to Allen Institute end users
- Follows procedures for incident escalation and notification to leadership
- Follows all End User Support’s Standard Operating Procedures
- Supports efforts to meet key performance indicators (e.g., performance, availability, capacity)
- Installs, configures, and supports hardware, software and peripherals to end user workstations
- Assist in the support of audio/visual equipment while leveraging our third-party service provider
- Performs IT-related Move/Add/Change duties for all onsite Institute employees
- Perform IT-related setup, support, and breakdown for large institute meetings, including audio/visual equipment
- Keep abreast of emerging technologies
- Track our IT hardware and software asset inventory
- Assist in the procurement of IT Hardware and Software
- Balance the demands of daily and routine assignments with long-term projects
- Develop strong relationships with internal customers, vendors, affiliates, and peers
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree, relevant certificate, or extensive on the job training
Preferred Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or IT related field
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in supporting computing resources
- Working experience with Office 365 suite and toolsets
- Working experience with Windows and Mac computing resources
- Experience with IT Knowledge Base and ticketing system
- Experience reimaging workstation using operating systems deployment tools
- Strong background in troubleshooting and customer service, as well as excellent communication
Physical Demands
- Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
- Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment
- Push/pull up to 50lbs
- Stooping, bending, crouching
- Reaching, or climbing ladders
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
- This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.
- This is a critical job and expected to report for onsite work regardless of weather conditions
- Rotating evening and weekend on-call coverage
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required
Annualized Salary Range
- $54,250 - $66,450*
Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.
Benefits
Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.
It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Help Desk Technician I – End User Support
The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.
The mission of the Administration team is to enable the people and science of the Allen Institute. We connect teams, steward resources, and build strong systems that give our accelerators the stability and flexibility to pursue ambitious questions, collaborate across disciplines, and share their work openly.
This role will be part of a small team that supports our diverse and dynamic IT environment for our Windows and Mac-based end users. This role involves answering questions and resolving computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or electronically. The individual in this role will provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, office products, and electronic messaging. The individual will effectively multitask and manage priorities in a fast-paced setting.
At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly.
We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Essential Functions
- Provide timely Tier 1 Help Desk support for the Windows, Mac, and Linux environments to Allen Institute end users
- Follows procedures for incident escalation and notification to leadership
- Follows all End User Support’s Standard Operating Procedures
- Supports efforts to meet key performance indicators (e.g., performance, availability, capacity)
- Installs, configures, and supports hardware, software and peripherals to end user workstations
- Assist in the support of audio/visual equipment while leveraging our third-party service provider
- Performs IT-related Move/Add/Change duties for all onsite Institute employees
- Perform IT-related setup, support, and breakdown for large institute meetings, including audio/visual equipment
- Keep abreast of emerging technologies
- Track our IT hardware and software asset inventory
- Assist in the procurement of IT Hardware and Software
- Balance the demands of daily and routine assignments with long-term projects
- Develop strong relationships with internal customers, vendors, affiliates, and peers
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree, relevant certificate, or extensive on the job training
Preferred Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or IT related field
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in supporting computing resources
- Working experience with Office 365 suite and toolsets
- Working experience with Windows and Mac computing resources
- Experience with IT Knowledge Base and ticketing system
- Experience reimaging workstation using operating systems deployment tools
- Strong background in troubleshooting and customer service, as well as excellent communication
Physical Demands
- Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
- Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment
- Push/pull up to 50lbs
- Stooping, bending, crouching
- Reaching, or climbing ladders
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
- This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.
- This is a critical job and expected to report for onsite work regardless of weather conditions
- Rotating evening and weekend on-call coverage
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required
Annualized Salary Range
- $54,250 - $66,450*
Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.
Benefits
Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.
It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
See all 32+ STEM OPT Help Desk Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Help Desk Technician
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your STEM degree's CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Information technology and computer science codes commonly support Help Desk roles, but applied vs. pure science distinctions can trip up eligibility at the DSO review stage.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you accept. STEM OPT requires it, and many smaller IT support shops or managed service providers are not enrolled, which disqualifies the placement regardless of how well the role fits your training plan.
Target employers with IT infrastructure teams
Help Desk roles at companies running internal IT departments are far more likely to file I-983 training plans than staffing agencies placing contractors. Search Migrate Mate to find employers with active STEM OPT and E-Verify compliance already in place for technical support positions.
Draft your I-983 around measurable learning objectives
Your training plan must connect daily help desk duties to STEM-field learning goals. Map ticket resolution workflows, system administration tasks, and troubleshooting protocols to specific technical competencies. Generic job descriptions get returned for revision by DSOs and delay your OPT start date.
Use O*NET to align your job title to STEM criteria
Pull the Help Desk Technician occupation profile from O*NET to confirm the role's technology and science task descriptions match your degree field. Employers sometimes title roles loosely, and the O*NET profile gives you sourced language to use when your DSO questions whether the position qualifies.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship timelines during interviews
STEM OPT gives you up to 36 months, but H-1B visa registration opens in March each year for an October 1 start. Ask whether the employer has sponsored H-1B petitions for IT support staff before, so you can plan around the cap-gap window without losing continuous work authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Help Desk Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not just the job title. If your degree is in computer science, information systems, or a related STEM field listed on the DHS Designated Degree Program List, and the Help Desk role involves applying that technical knowledge, your DSO can approve the STEM OPT extension. Roles that are purely administrative without a technical component may not qualify.
Does my Help Desk Technician employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT, not a preference. Before signing an offer, ask the hiring manager or HR to confirm the company's E-Verify employer ID. If they can't provide it or say they'll enroll later, your DSO cannot approve the I-983 and your extension will be blocked. Use Migrate Mate to find Help Desk roles already filtered to E-Verify-enrolled employers.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Help Desk Technician?
The I-983 requires your employer to describe specific training goals tied to your STEM degree field, not just a job description. For Help Desk roles, that means documenting how ticket management systems, network troubleshooting, hardware diagnostics, or endpoint security work connect to your degree's technical competencies. Vague plans get rejected by DSOs. Your employer must also sign off that they have the capacity to provide that training.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my Help Desk Technician employer loses E-Verify status?
If your employer's E-Verify participation is terminated during your STEM OPT period, you lose authorization to continue working for them and must notify your DSO within five business days. USCIS requires you to either transfer to a new E-Verify-enrolled employer or face a gap in valid work authorization. This is why confirming active enrollment before accepting an offer matters, not just at hiring.
Can I use cap-gap to keep working as a Help Desk Technician while my H-1B is pending?
Yes, if your H-1B petition is filed before your STEM OPT EAD expires, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year your H-1B is set to start. You can continue working in your Help Desk role without interruption, but your employer must have filed the H-1B petition on time. Check the USCIS cap-gap guidance to confirm your EAD extension is reflected correctly on your I-20.