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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for an IT Architect 2. The work will be performed 100% onsite in Peoria, Illinois (5 days per week – no exceptions). This is a long-term 24-month position that can lead to permanent employment with our client. Compensation is up to $93.00/hour + full benefits (vision, dental, health insurance, 401(k), and holiday pay).
JOB SUMMARY
Cullerton Group is seeking an IT Architect 2 to design and deliver enterprise integration solutions supporting a global SaaS platform and related business applications. In this role, you will gather business requirements, create technical architecture and design documentation, oversee implementation efforts, and ensure successful deployment of integration solutions. You will collaborate with developers, enterprise architects, security teams, and business stakeholders to build scalable, secure, cloud-based integration architectures.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Gather business and technical requirements and translate them into scalable integration architectures.
- Design API- and ETL-based integration solutions connecting enterprise applications and cloud platforms.
- Create technical architecture diagrams, design documentation, and implementation plans.
- Collaborate with developers, security teams, enterprise architects, and business stakeholders to deliver new functionality and resolve technical issues.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, support solution testing and deployment, and recommend improvements based on technical analysis and business needs.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
- 2–4+ years of experience in application development, application support, or IT architecture.
- Strong understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
- Experience creating technical architecture diagrams and design documentation.
- Experience implementing both API- and ETL-based integration architectures.
- Experience working with SaaS and cloud-based technologies.
- Experience supporting enterprise applications serving large global user communities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with Snowflake, SnapLogic, SQL, Python, GitHub/DevOps, and AI technologies.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent planning, organization, teamwork, and customer focus.
- Ability to quickly learn new technologies and work effectively under tight deadlines.
WHY THIS ROLE?
This position offers an opportunity to design enterprise integration architectures supporting critical global business systems. You'll work with modern cloud technologies, API and ETL integrations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions that have a broad organizational impact. Cullerton Group provides a professional environment with long-term career growth and a strong partnership with an industry-leading manufacturing client.
INTRODUCTION
Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for an IT Architect 2. The work will be performed 100% onsite in Peoria, Illinois (5 days per week – no exceptions). This is a long-term 24-month position that can lead to permanent employment with our client. Compensation is up to $93.00/hour + full benefits (vision, dental, health insurance, 401(k), and holiday pay).
JOB SUMMARY
Cullerton Group is seeking an IT Architect 2 to design and deliver enterprise integration solutions supporting a global SaaS platform and related business applications. In this role, you will gather business requirements, create technical architecture and design documentation, oversee implementation efforts, and ensure successful deployment of integration solutions. You will collaborate with developers, enterprise architects, security teams, and business stakeholders to build scalable, secure, cloud-based integration architectures.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Gather business and technical requirements and translate them into scalable integration architectures.
- Design API- and ETL-based integration solutions connecting enterprise applications and cloud platforms.
- Create technical architecture diagrams, design documentation, and implementation plans.
- Collaborate with developers, security teams, enterprise architects, and business stakeholders to deliver new functionality and resolve technical issues.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, support solution testing and deployment, and recommend improvements based on technical analysis and business needs.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
- 2–4+ years of experience in application development, application support, or IT architecture.
- Strong understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
- Experience creating technical architecture diagrams and design documentation.
- Experience implementing both API- and ETL-based integration architectures.
- Experience working with SaaS and cloud-based technologies.
- Experience supporting enterprise applications serving large global user communities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with Snowflake, SnapLogic, SQL, Python, GitHub/DevOps, and AI technologies.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent planning, organization, teamwork, and customer focus.
- Ability to quickly learn new technologies and work effectively under tight deadlines.
WHY THIS ROLE?
This position offers an opportunity to design enterprise integration architectures supporting critical global business systems. You'll work with modern cloud technologies, API and ETL integrations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions that have a broad organizational impact. Cullerton Group provides a professional environment with long-term career growth and a strong partnership with an industry-leading manufacturing client.
See all 45+ 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.