STEM OPT IT Architect Jobs
IT Architect roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in computer science, information systems, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a Form I-983 training plan. That gives you up to 36 months of work authorization to build enterprise-level experience while pursuing long-term sponsorship.
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About This Position
Austin Energy is more than just a power company. We are 1,900 of your friends and neighbors with a mission to safely deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Job Description:
Purpose:
This position proactively and holistically leads and supports architecture activities that guide the development and management of solutions, as well as provide the leadership, facilitation, analysis, and conceptual and logical design tasks required for the development of the domain area. Translating department and technical requirements into architectural blueprints and documenting all solution architecture design and analysis are critical to ensure City IT products and solutions meet the needs of constituents and align to a strategy that will prepare the city for future success.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Develops the vision, strategy, conceptual and logical designs, roadmaps, and other architectural deliverables for the domain area (e.g., business, data, solutions, infrastructure, etc.)
- Defines the principles that guide technology decisions for the enterprise in their domain.
- Designs the implementation of a technical architecture based on business requirements and IT strategies, as well as rectify gaps and pain points within the current state.
- Works on high-level projects, ensuring processes align with the domain focused architectural strategy and business strategy.
- Guides project team members in the implementation of the architecture.
- Serves as the deepest technology expert in their respective domains and as such, are involved in or lead technology strategy, migration, integration and evolution of the technical infrastructure.
- Collaborates closely with other architects and engineers to ensure alignment of domain architectures and activities with the broader enterprise architecture and strategy.
- Leads and contributes to the domain technical and business discussions relative to future architecture direction.
- Analyzes the current technology environment to detect critical deficiencies and recommend solutions for improvement.
- Leads the evaluation and selection of technology and products, as well as the design of standard configurations for given domain.
- Leads and facilitates the domain’s architecture governance process based on Enterprise Architecture’s governance structure.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of leading architecture practices and critical architecture deliverables.
- Knowledge of system development life cycle (SDLC) methodologies (e.g., waterfall, spiral, agile software development, rapid prototyping, incremental).
- Knowledge and/or experience participating in architecture governance forums.
- Knowledge and/or exposure to how information and technology has been applied to create value for an organization (regardless of industry). Preferably different types of technologies.
- Knowledge of domain specific processes, procedures, critical supporting activities, and risks.
- Knowledge of computer science, information technology standards and controls, and technology frameworks and trends.
- Knowledge of architecture methodologies (e.g., SABSA, Zachman, TOGAF) and modeling languages (such as UML and ArchiMate).
- Knowledge and experience designing conceptual and logical design and translating work between different levels of abstraction.
- Knowledge of various development languages (e.g., Java, Go, Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS).
- Knowledge of various database technologies (e.g., MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle).
- Ability to lead financial analysis, architecture evaluation, solutions delivery orchestration, project management, road mapping, risk management, interdependency management, agile methodologies, information security, cloud computing infrastructure, data architecture skills.
- Ability to apply multiple technical solutions to enable future-state business capabilities that, in turn, drive targeted business outcomes.
- Ability to quickly comprehend the functions, capabilities and financial impact of existing, new and emerging technologies that enable and drive new business designs and models.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and lead cross-functional teams, with the proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to work effectively with different types of scenarios and challenges and to adapt within a variety of changing situations, while working with individuals and groups.
- Ability to adjust approach based on internal and external dynamics, and an acute perception of the dimensions of business issues.
- Ability to synthesize facts, theories, trends, inferences and key issues and/or themes in complex and variable situations and to recognize abstract patterns and relationships among apparently unrelated entities and situations.
- Ability to leverage intellectual curiosity to inform solutions and innovate.
- Ability to take responsibility for personal growth and acquire strategies for gaining new knowledge, behaviors and skills.
- Ability to adhere to required compliance to all change management policies and procedures.
- Ability to adhere to required compliance to all information security policies and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years of experience in a related field.
- Experience may substitute for education for up to four (4) years.
- Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
Valid Texas Driver License depending on assignment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience administering, maintaining, and managing specific IBM products and tools for Identity Access Management, WebSphere Application Server and IBM WebSEAL.
- Experience configuring, installing, managing, and supporting Windows and Linux Server Operating Systems.
- Experience and proficiency in SQL for managing data within IBM tools.
- Experience understanding IT integrated hyperconverged (VMware) infrastructure technologies.
- Experience understanding complex Layer2/3 networks and emerging network technologies.
- Experience with effectively communicating and collaborating with positive outcomes with both IT employees and customers.
- Experience working in a public, government or similarly regulated organization.
- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Notes to Candidate:
Austin Energy (AE) seeks an IT Infrastructure Architect to provide systems support for the Technology and Data (IT) Infrastructure team. This position provides 24/7 advanced technical support, management and implementation of both physical and virtualized server infrastructure with both Linux and Windows operating system, and enterprise business continuity solutions. As part of the regular job duties, this position requires on-call rotations and the ability to travel to more than one work location.
Position supports:
- IBM Products Linux/ Windows server
- WebSphere Application server
- Authentication protocols
- SQL data management
- NERC/CIP compliance activities
- Monitor infrastructure availability
- Application/System Integrations
- Scripting and XML
The IT Infrastructure Architect will review documents and translate business requirements into recommendations for improvements and enhancements to the client operating environment, develop complex configuration designs to address those requirements, and lead the implementation of solutions, including developing and reviewing test plans, post-implementation maintenance plans and knowledge transfer by creating detailed system policies and/or training documentation.
Additionally, the candidate must have a proven record of providing specific deliverables of complex solutions to customer needs and possess strong communications skills for collaborating within Austin Energy and other City Departments, able to develop strong working relationships with vendors, and present information on emerging technologies to management to meet business needs in compliance with NERC/CIP and other mandated standards.
Work Location:
System Control Center (SCC), 2500 Montopolis Dr., Austin, Texas 78741
Days and Hours:
- Monday through Friday. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- 40 Hour Work Week – Hybrid
Additional work hours may be required to support the 24-hour Utility operations, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, inclement weather, and emergency closures.
Salary:
$89,880.00 - $115,100 annually, depending on qualifications and experience
Work Schedule:
This has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.
Employment Application:
The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
Assessments:
Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.
If you are selected as a top candidate, verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
Veteran Interview Preference:
If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
Travel:
If you are selected for this position and meet the City of Austin Driving Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
Criminal History Background Check:
This position requires a criminal background investigation and NERC clearance.
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
See all 54+ STEM OPT IT Architect Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in IT Architect
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the SEVP-approved STEM list. Computer science, information systems, and software engineering degrees typically qualify, but your DSO confirms the exact code on your transcript.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
STEM OPT is only authorized at E-Verify-enrolled employers. Use Migrate Mate to search IT Architect roles filtered for E-Verify participation, so you avoid pursuing offers from companies that can't legally extend your authorization.
Request the I-983 training plan before accepting an offer
Ask hiring managers for a draft Form I-983 during the offer stage, not after. IT Architect roles must list specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, and ambiguous training plans draw scrutiny from your DSO and USCIS.
Cross-reference architecture job titles against O*NET
Job postings vary wildly in how they label IT Architect roles. Pull the O*NET profile for your target title to confirm the degree requirements align with your field. Titles that list only generic bachelor's requirements can weaken a future H-1B visa specialty occupation argument.
Track your 60-day cap-gap window from H-1B selection
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf and you're selected, cap-gap rules automatically extend your STEM OPT through September 30. USCIS publishes cap-gap guidance annually, so confirm the current filing window with your DSO early in Q1.
Benchmark your offer against the DOL prevailing wage
IT Architect salaries vary sharply by geography and employer size. Run your offered title and worksite zip code through OFLC Wage Search to confirm the wage meets at least prevailing wage Level II. Underpaid LCAs are a common denial trigger on employer-sponsored petitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my STEM degree qualify me for the 24-month STEM OPT extension as an IT Architect?
Your degree qualifies if it appears on the SEVP-approved STEM CIP code list. Degrees in computer science, information systems, computer engineering, and software engineering typically qualify. Your Designated School Official confirms your specific CIP code. The degree must be from a SEVP-certified institution, and you must have been maintaining valid F-1 status throughout your initial OPT period.
Does every company hiring IT Architects participate in E-Verify?
No. E-Verify enrollment is voluntary for most private employers unless they hold federal contracts or operate in a state with a mandate. Before investing time in an IT Architect application, confirm the company is enrolled by searching the E-Verify employer search tool or asking the recruiter directly. Working at a non-enrolled employer during STEM OPT violates your authorization and can jeopardize future status. Migrate Mate surfaces IT Architect roles at verified E-Verify employers so you can skip that screening step.
What does the Form I-983 training plan need to include for an IT Architect role?
The I-983 must identify specific goals that connect your day-to-day IT Architect responsibilities to your STEM degree field. Vague descriptions like 'will gain work experience in IT' are insufficient. USCIS expects detailed learning objectives, a supervision plan naming a direct manager, and a salary that meets the higher of the prevailing wage or what the employer pays comparable workers. Your DSO must sign off before the extension takes effect.
How does cap-gap protection work if I'm on STEM OPT and my employer files an H-1B petition?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition before your STEM OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap rules extend your work authorization through September 30 of that year, when the new H-1B status begins. If your petition isn't selected, your STEM OPT end date controls, and you must stop working when it expires. USCIS confirms cap-gap eligibility through your updated I-20, which your DSO issues after USCIS receipts your petition.
Can I work on STEM OPT for a staffing firm that places me at an IT Architect client site?
USCIS requires that the E-Verify-enrolled employer who signs your I-983 also be the entity that supervises and evaluates your training. A staffing firm arrangement can qualify, but only if the staffing firm is enrolled in E-Verify, signs the I-983 as your employer of record, and takes genuine responsibility for your training objectives. The client site must be disclosed, and your DSO should review the arrangement before you accept to confirm it meets SEVP requirements.