STEM OPT Linux Administrator Jobs
Linux Administrator roles in system reliability, cloud infrastructure, and network operations qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension under computer science and information technology CIP codes. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a training plan that maps your Linux administration work to your STEM degree field.
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Req ID: 375834
NTT DATA strives to hire exceptional, innovative and passionate individuals who want to grow with us. If you want to be part of an inclusive, adaptable, and forward-thinking organization, apply now.
We are currently seeking a Linux Systems Engineer - Server Migration to join our team in Salt Lake City, Utah (US-UT), United States (US).
Job Responsibilities Include:
- Own and engineer the Linux compute platform during our client’s server migration project, ensuring its stability, security, and performance throughout all migration phases.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute end-to-end server migrations from the source data center to the target location, including physical servers, ESXi hosts, and virtual machines.
- Manage and migrate VMware ESXi environments, including vMotion, Storage vMotion, and cold migrations of VMs across data center sites with minimal service disruption.
- Configure, troubleshoot, and migrate iSCSI storage networks, ensuring proper connectivity, multipathing, CHAP authentication, and performance between source and target environments.
- Manage LVM (Logical Volume Manager) configurations during migration, including volume group export/import, logical volume resizing, snapshot-based migrations, and filesystem integrity validation.
- Develop and maintain automation tooling to streamline migration tasks and ensure reliable workflows.
- Develop and execute migration runbooks, rollback plans, and validation checklists.
- Collaborate with internal clients and partner engineering teams to assess migration readiness and deliver solutions.
- Contribute to modern stack integration including Kubernetes and OpenStack.
- Troubleshoot complex issues during and after migration activities.
- Develop technical solutions to improve system reliability and scalability.
- Manage and optimize virtualization environments using VMware and OpenShift CNV.
- Participate in CI/CD pipeline implementation for infrastructure automation.
- Monitor system performance and implement proactive optimizations.
- Ensure adherence to security best practices and compliance requirements.
Basic Qualifications:
- 4+ years of experience in large-scale data center/server migration projects (P2V, V2V, site-to-site).
- 4+ years of extensive experience with Linux-based compute environments and OS internals.
- 4+ years of strong expertise with VMware ESXi/vSphere including host builds, VM provisioning, vMotion, Storage vMotion, DRS, and HA.
- 4+ years of in-depth knowledge of iSCSI storage networking including multipathing and troubleshooting.
- 4+ years of expert-level understanding of LVM including volume management, snapshots, and migration.
- 4+ years of strong knowledge of networking concepts such as TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, and firewalls.
- 4+ Years of Experience with containerization tools such as Kubernetes, OpenShift, and Docker.
- 4+ Years of Understanding of CI/CD tools including Git, Maven, and Jenkins.
- 4+ Years of Proficiency in scripting languages such as Bash and Python.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with scripting languages such as Python, Node.js, Perl, or Go and REST APIs.
- Experience with migration tools such as VMware vCenter Converter, Zerto, or Veeam.
- Experience with relational and NoSQL databases.
- Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure.
- Familiarity with security practices such as encryption, OAuth, and LDAP.
- Experience with configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
- Knowledge of monitoring tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, or ELK stack.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in a Science or Engineering program with a minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in a relevant role.
L1-NorthAmerica
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About NTT DATA
NTT DATA is a $30 billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world's leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services. our consulting and Industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 50 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is a part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in RD.
Whenever possible, we hire locally to NTT DATA offices or client sites. This ensures we can provide timely and effective support tailored to each client’s needs. While many positions offer remote or hybrid work options, these arrangements are subject to change based on client requirements. For employees near an NTT DATA office or client site, in-office attendance may be required for meetings or events, depending on business needs. At NTT DATA, we are committed to staying flexible and meeting the evolving needs of both our clients and employees. NTT DATA recruiters will never ask for payment or banking information and will only use @nttdata.com and @talent.nttdataservices.com email addresses. If you are requested to provide payment or disclose banking information, please submit a contact us form, https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us.
NTT DATA endeavors to make https://us.nttdata.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. NTT DATA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here. For Pay Transparency information, please click here.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Linux Administrator
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code mapping to an approved STEM field. Computer science, information systems, and computer engineering codes all support Linux Administrator roles, but confirm your specific code with your DSO before starting the application process.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Before signing an offer letter, search the E-Verify employer database to confirm your employer is actively enrolled. An employer who isn't enrolled can't legally employ you on STEM OPT, and enrollment gaps discovered after you start create immediate status problems.
Build your I-983 training plan around Linux competencies
Your I-983 must connect your day-to-day Linux administration tasks, such as kernel tuning, scripting automation, or managing containerized workloads, to specific learning objectives from your STEM degree program. Vague descriptions like 'manages servers' get flagged during ICE audits.
Target employers with established OPT hiring pipelines
Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers who have previously hired STEM OPT students in Linux or systems roles. Companies with existing OPT processes already have E-Verify enrollment and HR familiarity with I-983 reporting cycles, which cuts onboarding friction significantly.
Negotiate role scope to cover your full 24 months
During offer discussions, confirm the position has enough technical depth to support two annual I-983 evaluations. Linux roles that expand into security hardening, infrastructure automation, or cloud platform management give your DSO clear evidence of ongoing STEM training throughout the extension.
Use OFLC Wage Search to anchor your salary conversation
Look up the prevailing wage for Linux Administrator roles in your target metro using the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating. STEM OPT doesn't impose a wage floor the way H-1B visa does, but knowing DOL wage levels prevents employers from undercutting market rates under the assumption that OPT students have less leverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Linux Administrator role qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
Yes, Linux Administrator positions typically qualify under computer science, information systems, and related STEM CIP codes. The role must involve work that directly applies your STEM degree, such as systems engineering, network architecture, or infrastructure automation. Your DSO confirms eligibility based on your specific degree program's CIP code, not just the job title.
What E-Verify requirements apply to my Linux Administrator employer?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT employment begins. Enrollment is mandatory under USCIS regulations for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. You can verify enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool before accepting an offer. Employers who enroll after you start cannot retroactively authorize your STEM OPT period.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Linux Administrator position?
Your I-983 must detail how specific job duties, such as managing Linux server environments, writing Bash or Python automation scripts, configuring network services, or implementing security protocols, connect to your STEM degree's learning outcomes. Both you and your employer sign it, and your supervisor completes evaluations every 12 months. Vague descriptions that don't tie tasks to academic competencies create ICE audit risk.
How does cap-gap protection work if I'm a Linux Administrator on STEM OPT waiting for H-1B?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your STEM OPT ends and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. USCIS requires your employer to have filed the petition on time and your OPT EAD to still be valid at the time of filing. You can continue working as a Linux Administrator without interruption during the cap-gap period.
Where can I find Linux Administrator jobs where the employer already understands STEM OPT requirements?
Migrate Mate lists Linux Administrator roles filtered for employers with active E-Verify enrollment and prior experience hiring international students on OPT. Searching there lets you focus on companies whose HR teams already know how to handle I-983 reporting cycles and DSO coordination, which reduces the risk of an employer withdrawing an offer once they learn about the paperwork involved.