STEM OPT IT Operations Specialist Jobs
IT Operations Specialist roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, drawing on degrees in computer science, information systems, and related fields. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, giving you up to 36 months total, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and you file a completed I-983 training plan.
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The IT Operations Engineer is responsible for maintaining and optimizing IT infrastructure, cloud resources, and operational processes. This role ensures systems are secure, scalable, and highly available while supporting development, DevOps, and business teams. The position requires hands-on experience with cloud platforms, system monitoring, automation, and incident response, and provides an opportunity to advance technical expertise in IT operations.
Responsibilities
- Monitor performance, availability, and security of IT systems, servers, networks, and cloud-based resources.
- Configure, deploy, and manage AWS infrastructure, including EC2, S3, RDS, IAM, CloudWatch, and other relevant services.
- Implement best practices for cloud cost optimization, security, and scalability.
- Develop and maintain scripts (Python, Bash, PowerShell) to automate routine operational tasks.
- Utilize Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools such as AWS CloudFormation, Terraform, or Ansible to manage environments.
- Respond promptly to system outages, security incidents, and service interruptions, performing root cause analysis and implementing solutions.
- Maintain accurate documentation for system configurations, operational procedures, and incident reports.
- Provide regular reporting on system performance, availability, and security metrics to management.
- Collaborate with development, support, and DevOps teams to ensure seamless system integration and operational reliability.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system performance, automation, and operational efficiency.
Essential Skills and Experience
- 3–5 years of experience in IT operations, system administration, or cloud operations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
- Hands-on experience with AWS services and cloud workflows.
- Solid understanding of IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, storage, and operating systems (Windows and Linux).
- Experience with scripting and automation tools (Python, Bash, PowerShell).
- Familiarity with Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and configuration management tools.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, CompTIA A+, or Network+.
- Experience with cloud cost optimization, monitoring, and alerting tools (CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana).
- Exposure to containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
- Knowledge of IT security best practices and compliance standards.
- Experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and version control systems (Git).
Key Competencies and Attributes
- Proactive and detail-oriented, able to identify and address potential issues before they impact operations.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Adaptable to changing technology and business requirements.
- Committed to continuous learning and professional growth in IT operations and cloud technologies.
- Customer-focused mindset, ensuring systems support business objectives and user needs.
Work Arrangement
Based at ampliFI’s Naperville, IL Corporate office, this hybrid role requires onsite reporting Tuesday-Thursday weekly.
National remote opportunities require residency in one of the following states AZ, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, or WI.
Physical Requirements
This role involves sitting or standing for extended periods, using computers, phones, and other office equipment. Visual acuity and manual dexterity are needed for reading documents and handling materials. Occasional lifting of items up to 20 lbs. and frequent phone communication is required.
Other Duties
Duties, responsibilities, and activities are not all encompassing and may change at any time with or without notice. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily carry out each essential duty. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The compensation range listed below represents the potential salary for this role at the time of posting. However, the final salary may be higher or lower than the stated range, and this range may be adjusted in the future. An employee’s placement within the salary range will depend on various factors, including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, any applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the needs of the business or organization. The salary range for this role is $90,000 to $100,000.
About ampliFI
At ampliFI, Integrity guides every decision, Curiosity drives innovation, and Advocacy ensures we always put our clients and teammates first. We foster a supportive, fun workplace where your contributions are valued, and your growth is encouraged.
ampliFI provides fully outsourced, customized credit and debit card loyalty programs exclusively focused on banks and credit unions nationwide. For nearly two decades, we have delivered compelling rewards programs, unique earn and burn opportunities and card-linked programs to leverage merchant funded offers. Here at ampliFI, we are always looking for more great people to be a part of the relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do.
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive pay plus 401(k) with employer match
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Voluntary café plans, including voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical care, and parking/transit options
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Hybrid work environment with flexible hours
- Onsite perks including gym access and snacks
- Employee recognition programs celebrating milestones and achievements
- Growth opportunities within a supportive, team-oriented environment
ampliFI Loyalty Solutions embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills because we believe that the more inclusive we are, the greater impact we can make together.
Overview
The IT Operations Engineer is responsible for maintaining and optimizing IT infrastructure, cloud resources, and operational processes. This role ensures systems are secure, scalable, and highly available while supporting development, DevOps, and business teams. The position requires hands-on experience with cloud platforms, system monitoring, automation, and incident response, and provides an opportunity to advance technical expertise in IT operations.
Responsibilities
- Monitor performance, availability, and security of IT systems, servers, networks, and cloud-based resources.
- Configure, deploy, and manage AWS infrastructure, including EC2, S3, RDS, IAM, CloudWatch, and other relevant services.
- Implement best practices for cloud cost optimization, security, and scalability.
- Develop and maintain scripts (Python, Bash, PowerShell) to automate routine operational tasks.
- Utilize Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools such as AWS CloudFormation, Terraform, or Ansible to manage environments.
- Respond promptly to system outages, security incidents, and service interruptions, performing root cause analysis and implementing solutions.
- Maintain accurate documentation for system configurations, operational procedures, and incident reports.
- Provide regular reporting on system performance, availability, and security metrics to management.
- Collaborate with development, support, and DevOps teams to ensure seamless system integration and operational reliability.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system performance, automation, and operational efficiency.
Essential Skills and Experience
- 3–5 years of experience in IT operations, system administration, or cloud operations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
- Hands-on experience with AWS services and cloud workflows.
- Solid understanding of IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, storage, and operating systems (Windows and Linux).
- Experience with scripting and automation tools (Python, Bash, PowerShell).
- Familiarity with Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and configuration management tools.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, CompTIA A+, or Network+.
- Experience with cloud cost optimization, monitoring, and alerting tools (CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana).
- Exposure to containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
- Knowledge of IT security best practices and compliance standards.
- Experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and version control systems (Git).
Key Competencies and Attributes
- Proactive and detail-oriented, able to identify and address potential issues before they impact operations.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Adaptable to changing technology and business requirements.
- Committed to continuous learning and professional growth in IT operations and cloud technologies.
- Customer-focused mindset, ensuring systems support business objectives and user needs.
Work Arrangement
Based at ampliFI’s Naperville, IL Corporate office, this hybrid role requires onsite reporting Tuesday-Thursday weekly.
National remote opportunities require residency in one of the following states AZ, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, or WI.
Physical Requirements
This role involves sitting or standing for extended periods, using computers, phones, and other office equipment. Visual acuity and manual dexterity are needed for reading documents and handling materials. Occasional lifting of items up to 20 lbs. and frequent phone communication is required.
Other Duties
Duties, responsibilities, and activities are not all encompassing and may change at any time with or without notice. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily carry out each essential duty. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The compensation range listed below represents the potential salary for this role at the time of posting. However, the final salary may be higher or lower than the stated range, and this range may be adjusted in the future. An employee’s placement within the salary range will depend on various factors, including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, any applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the needs of the business or organization. The salary range for this role is $90,000 to $100,000.
About ampliFI
At ampliFI, Integrity guides every decision, Curiosity drives innovation, and Advocacy ensures we always put our clients and teammates first. We foster a supportive, fun workplace where your contributions are valued, and your growth is encouraged.
ampliFI provides fully outsourced, customized credit and debit card loyalty programs exclusively focused on banks and credit unions nationwide. For nearly two decades, we have delivered compelling rewards programs, unique earn and burn opportunities and card-linked programs to leverage merchant funded offers. Here at ampliFI, we are always looking for more great people to be a part of the relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do.
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive pay plus 401(k) with employer match
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Voluntary café plans, including voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical care, and parking/transit options
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Hybrid work environment with flexible hours
- Onsite perks including gym access and snacks
- Employee recognition programs celebrating milestones and achievements
- Growth opportunities within a supportive, team-oriented environment
ampliFI Loyalty Solutions embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills because we believe that the more inclusive we are, the greater impact we can make together.
See all STEM OPT IT Operations Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT IT Operations Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an IT Operations Specialist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to a STEM-designated field recognized by ICE. IT operations roles typically align with CIP codes under computer science or information technology, but your DSO confirms the exact match.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether their company is enrolled in E-Verify before you advance past the first interview. An employer without active E-Verify enrollment cannot legally employ you on a STEM OPT extension, regardless of role or offer terms.
Target employers with active H-1B LCA filings
IT operations teams that have filed Labor Condition Applications with DOL for H-1B visa workers already have internal processes for sponsoring work authorization. Use Migrate Mate to filter for these employers and prioritize outreach to companies with demonstrated filing history in operations and infrastructure roles.
Build your I-983 training plan around the job description
Draft specific learning objectives tied to the actual IT operations duties in the job posting, such as incident response, system monitoring, or network administration. USCIS reviewers look for a direct connection between your STEM degree and the practical skills being developed on the job.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
Look up the prevailing wage for IT Operations Specialist using the OFLC Wage Search before salary discussions. If an employer's offer falls below the DOL wage level for your metro area, that gap can create complications when the employer later files an LCA for your H-1B transition.
Track your cap-gap window if your OPT expires near October
If your STEM OPT end date falls before October 1 and your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf, the cap-gap rule automatically extends your work authorization. Confirm with your DSO that your I-20 reflects the cap-gap extension so your employment record stays clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an IT Operations Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, information technology, or information systems. The role itself must also provide practical training directly related to your degree. Your DSO will verify that your degree's CIP code appears on the SEVP STEM Designated Degree Program List before authorizing the extension on your I-20.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify for my STEM OPT extension?
Ask your HR contact for the company's E-Verify Company ID or request a screenshot of their active enrollment status. E-Verify participation is a hard legal requirement for STEM OPT employers, and your DSO will need written confirmation before signing off on the I-983. Employers can self-verify their status through the E-Verify employer search tool maintained by DHS.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an IT operations role?
The I-983 requires a detailed description of the specific skills, knowledge, and competencies you'll develop, along with how each connects to your STEM degree. For IT operations, that means documenting learning objectives around areas like systems administration, network infrastructure, incident management, or cloud operations, not just listing job duties. USCIS expects a clear and direct relationship between your coursework and your on-the-job training.
How do I find IT Operations Specialist jobs where employers already understand STEM OPT requirements?
Search Migrate Mate for IT operations roles filtered by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and prior work authorization sponsorship history. Companies that have previously filed Labor Condition Applications for similar technical roles typically have HR teams that already understand the I-983 process, the 24-month extension timeline, and the employer reporting obligations under STEM OPT.
What are the employer reporting obligations during my STEM OPT period in this role?
Your employer must report material changes to your training plan, a reduction in your salary or hours that affects your practical training, and any termination or departure from the role to your DSO within five business days. You and your employer must also conduct formal I-983 evaluations at the midpoint and end of the authorized training period, which USCIS may audit.