STEM OPT Network Architect Jobs
Network Architect roles qualify for STEM OPT because they sit under CIP codes tied to computer science, information systems, and electrical engineering degrees. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total to work for any employer enrolled in E-Verify, with no lottery and no employer petition required.
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Designs and defines the County’s enterprise-wide network architecture, ensuring high availability, security, and scalability. Leads network modernization efforts, optimizes cloud and hybrid networking strategies, and sets the strategic direction for network infrastructure. Works closely with IT leadership, cybersecurity, and enterprise architects to align network strategies with County-wide digital transformation initiatives.
Responsibilities
Defines enterprise network service delivery models that support high availability, performance, and scalability. Designs resilient and secure architectures for County-wide services including public safety, health, courts, and mobility. Ensures wired, wireless, and hybrid environments meet the service needs of a distributed, mobile, and cloud-enabled workforce. Guides the integration of SD-WAN, public/private cloud networks, and data center interconnects. Defines requirements for network infrastructure supporting IoT, smart devices, and edge computing. Oversees architectural planning for critical events, business continuity, and disaster recovery. Ensures quality of service for voice, video, and real-time applications across the network. Promotes accessibility, equity, and transparency in network service delivery for internal and public users. Anticipates and mitigates risks that could impact service delivery through proactive design. Supports open data, digital services, and civic technology through scalable connectivity strategies. Defines and documents enterprise network architecture blueprints, standards, and best practices. Establishes configuration baselines, automation frameworks, and compliance controls across environments. Guides platform selection, lifecycle management, and interoperability planning across vendors. Ensures alignment of network operations with cybersecurity policies, risk frameworks, and industry standards. Collaborates with DevOps and infrastructure teams to integrate networking into CI/CD pipelines. Leads internal assessments to reduce technical debt and increase automation across systems. Drives cost optimization, license management, and sustainable architecture practices. Provides oversight for audits, compliance reviews, and policy adherence related to infrastructure. Anticipates operational complexity and plans for long-term maintainability. Aligns network governance with broader ITSM, change control, and asset management processes. Designs County-wide network architectures to support cloud adoption, zero-trust security, and digital modernization. Defines network segmentation, multi-tenancy, and access control strategies across users and services. Guides the design of core and edge systems, remote access, SDN, and multi-cloud interconnects. Serves as the technical authority for network infrastructure in strategic initiatives and transformation programs. Evaluates emerging technologies and frameworks to identify opportunities for innovation. Leads architecture reviews for critical infrastructure and application deployments. Develops long-range architectural roadmaps for network modernization and digital service delivery. Aligns network strategy with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and application modernization efforts. Supports scalable architecture for telework, mobile units, smart County services, and data sharing platforms. Ensures consistency, interoperability, and flexibility across all infrastructure components. Defines architecture performance metrics and benchmarks for scalability, resilience, and security. Leads enterprise reviews of performance incidents, root causes, and architecture implications. Promotes continuous learning and improvement through retrospectives and innovation pilots. Defines reusable design patterns, templates, and automation scripts. Maintains visibility into industry trends and drives adoption of emerging best practices. Optimizes architecture to meet accessibility, transparency, and service availability goals. Evaluates technical risk and leads efforts to mitigate architecture vulnerabilities or gaps. Guides platform and vendor rationalization to reduce complexity and cost. Maintains a living enterprise network architecture that adapts to changing County priorities. Establishes architecture documentation libraries, models, and decision records. Provides technical mentoring and strategic guidance to engineering teams, architects, and managers. Builds architectural maturity across the County through knowledge sharing and coaching. Develops internal capabilities through reference architectures, labs, and training resources. Promotes collaboration across teams, bridging infrastructure, cybersecurity, and cloud. Leads technical architecture boards, councils, and working groups. Partners with leadership on team structures, capacity planning, and professional development. Advocates for inclusive and equitable participation in technology leadership. Provides guidance on hiring, performance management, and succession planning. Supports growth of junior engineers into architecture and leadership roles. Fosters a culture of innovation, documentation, and cross-functional learning. Serves as the County’s expert advisor on network architecture for leadership, departments, and external partners. Aligns architecture with County business strategies, public service goals, and community needs. Engages with stakeholders to understand requirements and co-design scalable solutions. Collaborates with procurement, finance, and legal teams to support infrastructure contracts and RFPs. Represents the County in regional infrastructure forums, public-sector collaboratives, and vendor partnerships. Translates technical concepts into actionable insights and investment strategies for executives. Supports public policy and funding proposals by articulating infrastructure vision and impact. Ensures transparency, trust, and shared ownership in infrastructure planning and change. Leads strategic planning and governance related to network and infrastructure architecture. Champions inclusive access to technology services through equitable infrastructure design. Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Experience and Training: Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Network Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or job-related field of study. Six (6) years of enterprise network engineering or job-related field.
Certifications (Preferred):
- Cisco CCIE, Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE), or equivalent architecture-level certifications.
- Certifications in cloud networking (Azure, AWS, GCP), network security, and architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF)
Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Skill in TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, SD-WAN, and network automation
- Knowledge of hybrid cloud networking, zero-trust security, and network virtualization
- Skill in large-scale data center networking, disaster recovery, and high-availability solutions
- Skill in cybersecurity frameworks, risk assessments, and compliance policies
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving technology environment
Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and good driving record. Will be required to provide a copy of 10-year driving history. Must maintain a good driving record and remain in compliance with Article II, Subdivision II of Chapter 90 of the Dallas County Code.
“Individuals holding or considered for a position which has, or may have, access to criminal justice databases including the FBI Criminal Justice Information Systems, NCIC/TCIC and similar databases, must pass a national fingerprint-based records check prior to placement in such position and may be denied placement in such positions and/or access to such systems. Individuals must also maintain the ability to pass the records check while in the position or until such time that the Commissioners Court and the County Civil Service Commission deem this position no longer has this requirement.”
Physical/Environmental Requirements: Occasional travel to County sites, vendor meetings, conferences, and industry events.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Designs and defines the County’s enterprise-wide network architecture, ensuring high availability, security, and scalability. Leads network modernization efforts, optimizes cloud and hybrid networking strategies, and sets the strategic direction for network infrastructure. Works closely with IT leadership, cybersecurity, and enterprise architects to align network strategies with County-wide digital transformation initiatives.
Responsibilities
Defines enterprise network service delivery models that support high availability, performance, and scalability. Designs resilient and secure architectures for County-wide services including public safety, health, courts, and mobility. Ensures wired, wireless, and hybrid environments meet the service needs of a distributed, mobile, and cloud-enabled workforce. Guides the integration of SD-WAN, public/private cloud networks, and data center interconnects. Defines requirements for network infrastructure supporting IoT, smart devices, and edge computing. Oversees architectural planning for critical events, business continuity, and disaster recovery. Ensures quality of service for voice, video, and real-time applications across the network. Promotes accessibility, equity, and transparency in network service delivery for internal and public users. Anticipates and mitigates risks that could impact service delivery through proactive design. Supports open data, digital services, and civic technology through scalable connectivity strategies. Defines and documents enterprise network architecture blueprints, standards, and best practices. Establishes configuration baselines, automation frameworks, and compliance controls across environments. Guides platform selection, lifecycle management, and interoperability planning across vendors. Ensures alignment of network operations with cybersecurity policies, risk frameworks, and industry standards. Collaborates with DevOps and infrastructure teams to integrate networking into CI/CD pipelines. Leads internal assessments to reduce technical debt and increase automation across systems. Drives cost optimization, license management, and sustainable architecture practices. Provides oversight for audits, compliance reviews, and policy adherence related to infrastructure. Anticipates operational complexity and plans for long-term maintainability. Aligns network governance with broader ITSM, change control, and asset management processes. Designs County-wide network architectures to support cloud adoption, zero-trust security, and digital modernization. Defines network segmentation, multi-tenancy, and access control strategies across users and services. Guides the design of core and edge systems, remote access, SDN, and multi-cloud interconnects. Serves as the technical authority for network infrastructure in strategic initiatives and transformation programs. Evaluates emerging technologies and frameworks to identify opportunities for innovation. Leads architecture reviews for critical infrastructure and application deployments. Develops long-range architectural roadmaps for network modernization and digital service delivery. Aligns network strategy with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and application modernization efforts. Supports scalable architecture for telework, mobile units, smart County services, and data sharing platforms. Ensures consistency, interoperability, and flexibility across all infrastructure components. Defines architecture performance metrics and benchmarks for scalability, resilience, and security. Leads enterprise reviews of performance incidents, root causes, and architecture implications. Promotes continuous learning and improvement through retrospectives and innovation pilots. Defines reusable design patterns, templates, and automation scripts. Maintains visibility into industry trends and drives adoption of emerging best practices. Optimizes architecture to meet accessibility, transparency, and service availability goals. Evaluates technical risk and leads efforts to mitigate architecture vulnerabilities or gaps. Guides platform and vendor rationalization to reduce complexity and cost. Maintains a living enterprise network architecture that adapts to changing County priorities. Establishes architecture documentation libraries, models, and decision records. Provides technical mentoring and strategic guidance to engineering teams, architects, and managers. Builds architectural maturity across the County through knowledge sharing and coaching. Develops internal capabilities through reference architectures, labs, and training resources. Promotes collaboration across teams, bridging infrastructure, cybersecurity, and cloud. Leads technical architecture boards, councils, and working groups. Partners with leadership on team structures, capacity planning, and professional development. Advocates for inclusive and equitable participation in technology leadership. Provides guidance on hiring, performance management, and succession planning. Supports growth of junior engineers into architecture and leadership roles. Fosters a culture of innovation, documentation, and cross-functional learning. Serves as the County’s expert advisor on network architecture for leadership, departments, and external partners. Aligns architecture with County business strategies, public service goals, and community needs. Engages with stakeholders to understand requirements and co-design scalable solutions. Collaborates with procurement, finance, and legal teams to support infrastructure contracts and RFPs. Represents the County in regional infrastructure forums, public-sector collaboratives, and vendor partnerships. Translates technical concepts into actionable insights and investment strategies for executives. Supports public policy and funding proposals by articulating infrastructure vision and impact. Ensures transparency, trust, and shared ownership in infrastructure planning and change. Leads strategic planning and governance related to network and infrastructure architecture. Champions inclusive access to technology services through equitable infrastructure design. Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Experience and Training: Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Network Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or job-related field of study. Six (6) years of enterprise network engineering or job-related field.
Certifications (Preferred):
- Cisco CCIE, Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE), or equivalent architecture-level certifications.
- Certifications in cloud networking (Azure, AWS, GCP), network security, and architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF)
Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Skill in TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, SD-WAN, and network automation
- Knowledge of hybrid cloud networking, zero-trust security, and network virtualization
- Skill in large-scale data center networking, disaster recovery, and high-availability solutions
- Skill in cybersecurity frameworks, risk assessments, and compliance policies
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving technology environment
Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and good driving record. Will be required to provide a copy of 10-year driving history. Must maintain a good driving record and remain in compliance with Article II, Subdivision II of Chapter 90 of the Dallas County Code.
“Individuals holding or considered for a position which has, or may have, access to criminal justice databases including the FBI Criminal Justice Information Systems, NCIC/TCIC and similar databases, must pass a national fingerprint-based records check prior to placement in such position and may be denied placement in such positions and/or access to such systems. Individuals must also maintain the ability to pass the records check while in the position or until such time that the Commissioners Court and the County Civil Service Commission deem this position no longer has this requirement.”
Physical/Environmental Requirements: Occasional travel to County sites, vendor meetings, conferences, and industry events.
See all STEM OPT Network Architect Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Network Architect Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Network Architect
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code maps to an approved STEM designation. Network Architecture roles typically align with computer science, computer engineering, or information systems programs. Your DSO confirms the match on your updated I-20 before filing the STEM OPT extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Ask the recruiter or HR contact to confirm their E-Verify Company ID during the offer stage, before you sign anything. USCIS requires active enrollment, not just intent to enroll.
Target employers with active H-1B LCA filings
Network Architect roles require specialty occupation experience that maps well to H-1B visa sponsorship. Use Migrate Mate to find employers with verified DOL Labor Condition Application filing history in network engineering and architecture, so you're applying where sponsorship pathways already exist.
Build an I-983 training plan around Cisco or SASE projects
Your I-983 must tie learning objectives to your STEM degree, not just job duties. Frame training goals around specific technical competencies, like software-defined networking or zero-trust architecture, that connect directly to your computer science or engineering coursework.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
The DOL sets prevailing wage tiers for Network Architect roles by geography and experience level. Pull the Level II or Level III wage for your metro using OFLC Wage Search before your offer negotiation so you can verify your compensation meets the regulatory floor.
Time your STEM OPT filing to avoid authorization gaps
File your STEM OPT extension with USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. A timely filing gives you a 180-day automatic extension of work authorization if USCIS hasn't adjudicated by your EAD end date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Network Architect role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, as long as your degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code and the role requires applying that STEM knowledge. Network Architect positions draw on computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or information systems degrees, all of which commonly appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Your DSO verifies the CIP code match when updating your I-20 for the extension.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my employer for STEM OPT?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension begins. Enrollment at the time of hire isn't sufficient if it lapses. You can ask HR for the company's E-Verify Company ID to confirm active status. If your employer isn't enrolled, you can't use STEM OPT authorization at that job, regardless of the role.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Network Architect position?
The I-983 must identify specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not just describe your job duties. For a Network Architect, that means articulating how your work in areas like network design, security architecture, or cloud infrastructure directly applies skills from your computer science or engineering program. Your employer's supervisor and your DSO both sign off on the plan before you submit.
How does cap-gap protection work if I get an H-1B petition filed while on STEM OPT?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as a Network Architect during that period without interruption. USCIS does not issue a new EAD for cap-gap; your existing authorization continues by operation of law.
Where can I find Network Architect jobs at employers who already hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Network Architect roles by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and DOL LCA filing history in network engineering occupations. That means you're not cold-applying to companies unfamiliar with STEM OPT requirements. You can also cross-reference the O*NET occupation profile for Network Architects to understand which degree fields and job zone classifications support your application.