STEM OPT Network Engineer Jobs
Network Engineer roles in enterprise IT, cloud infrastructure, and telecommunications qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree aligns with an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll work under a formal I-983 training plan tied to your engineering responsibilities.
Find STEM OPT Network Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 172+ Network Engineer jobs
See all 172+ Network Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Network Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in employment with Southeastern Louisiana University.
Southeastern Louisiana University's Office of Technology is seeking a skilled and motivated Network Administrator to join our team. This role offers the opportunity to work across a wide range of advanced systems critical to the daily operations of the University. In collaboration with the network administration team, the Network Administrator helps maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot a variety of complex technologies including VMware, Linux environments, wireless infrastructure, VoIP systems, and core network components like switches, routers, and firewalls. The position plays a key role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and security of our IT systems. Strong troubleshooting abilities, critical thinking, and a hands-on approach are essential in this dynamic and fast-paced environment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university by hire date
- Genuine commitment to fostering and working in a diverse environment
- Valid Louisiana driver’s license and ability to complete Southeastern’s Driver Safety Course
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Hands-on experience and a passion for IT infrastructure
- Experience managing servers, networks, and data center environments
- 2 years of relevant IT experience
- Familiarity with core networking technologies: switching, routing, VLANs, and firewalls
- Understanding of foundational internet protocols such as HTTP, TLS/SSL, LDAP, DHCP, DNS, and TCP/IP
- Solid knowledge of cybersecurity principles and common threats
- Basic experience with Windows and Linux server operating systems
- Practical scripting skills in PowerShell, Python, or Bash
- Industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Security+
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Cover Letter
- Resume/Vita
- Copies of Transcripts (official transcripts will be required if hired)
- Names and contact information for 3 references
Posting Close Date
August 17, 2026
Please Note: Applications must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the posting close date to ensure consideration.
Southeastern Louisiana University is committed to fostering an environment of inclusion, respect and appreciation of differences in individuals. Southeastern is also designated as a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency and provides assistance to persons needing accommodations or with the accessibility of materials.
How to Apply:
Complete an electronic application which can be used for this vacancy as well as future vacancies. Any required documents should be attached under the Resume/CV section of your application. If all required documents are not attached you will NOT be considered.
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in employment with Southeastern Louisiana University.
Southeastern Louisiana University's Office of Technology is seeking a skilled and motivated Network Administrator to join our team. This role offers the opportunity to work across a wide range of advanced systems critical to the daily operations of the University. In collaboration with the network administration team, the Network Administrator helps maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot a variety of complex technologies including VMware, Linux environments, wireless infrastructure, VoIP systems, and core network components like switches, routers, and firewalls. The position plays a key role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and security of our IT systems. Strong troubleshooting abilities, critical thinking, and a hands-on approach are essential in this dynamic and fast-paced environment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university by hire date
- Genuine commitment to fostering and working in a diverse environment
- Valid Louisiana driver’s license and ability to complete Southeastern’s Driver Safety Course
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Hands-on experience and a passion for IT infrastructure
- Experience managing servers, networks, and data center environments
- 2 years of relevant IT experience
- Familiarity with core networking technologies: switching, routing, VLANs, and firewalls
- Understanding of foundational internet protocols such as HTTP, TLS/SSL, LDAP, DHCP, DNS, and TCP/IP
- Solid knowledge of cybersecurity principles and common threats
- Basic experience with Windows and Linux server operating systems
- Practical scripting skills in PowerShell, Python, or Bash
- Industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Security+
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Cover Letter
- Resume/Vita
- Copies of Transcripts (official transcripts will be required if hired)
- Names and contact information for 3 references
Posting Close Date
August 17, 2026
Please Note: Applications must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the posting close date to ensure consideration.
Southeastern Louisiana University is committed to fostering an environment of inclusion, respect and appreciation of differences in individuals. Southeastern is also designated as a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency and provides assistance to persons needing accommodations or with the accessibility of materials.
How to Apply:
Complete an electronic application which can be used for this vacancy as well as future vacancies. Any required documents should be attached under the Resume/CV section of your application. If all required documents are not attached you will NOT be considered.
See all 172+ STEM OPT Network Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Network Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Network Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to an approved STEM field. Computer engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering CIP codes are common fits for Network Engineer roles, but information systems degrees vary by institution.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask recruiters directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you advance to offer negotiations. An employer can legally hire you only if enrolled, so confirming this early prevents wasted time on roles that can't authorize your OPT extension.
Tailor your I-983 training plan to the role
Network Engineer training plans must connect your daily tasks, such as routing protocol configuration or network security monitoring, to your STEM degree's learning objectives. Generic plans get flagged by your DSO, so align specific job duties to identifiable academic competencies from your program.
Target employers with active infrastructure hiring cycles
Use Migrate Mate to filter Network Engineer openings by employers whose E-Verify enrollment is already confirmed, so you're only applying to roles where your STEM OPT authorization can actually be processed without delay.
Check prevailing wage levels before evaluating offers
Network Engineer roles fall under Standard Occupational Classification codes that DOL tracks for LCA filings. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your metro area to know whether an offer meets Level I through Level IV wage thresholds before accepting.
Extend your authorization window before OPT expires
File your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT end date. A timely filing triggers a 180-day cap-gap so you can keep working while USCIS processes your extension, avoiding any gap in authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Network Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your degree carries an approved STEM CIP code. Network engineering work typically aligns with computer engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science programs. You can cross-reference your role's Standard Occupational Classification code against the O*NET occupation profile to confirm the technical degree requirement that supports your extension eligibility.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a Network Engineer position?
Your I-983 must map specific job duties to concrete learning objectives from your STEM degree. For a Network Engineer, that means listing tasks like designing WAN architectures, configuring BGP or OSPF routing, or managing firewall policies, then connecting each to relevant coursework or academic competencies. Your employer's supervisor signs the plan, and your DSO must approve it before your extension is filed with USCIS.
How do I find Network Engineer employers who are enrolled in E-Verify?
Migrate Mate filters Network Engineer job listings to show only employers whose E-Verify enrollment is confirmed, which removes the guesswork from your application process. You can also ask a recruiter directly or request confirmation in writing before any offer stage, since STEM OPT work authorization is only valid with an enrolled employer.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my Network Engineer employer loses E-Verify enrollment?
If your employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses or is terminated, your STEM OPT authorization becomes invalid for that employer. You must either find a new E-Verify-enrolled employer and update your I-983 with your DSO, or stop working immediately. USCIS requires continuous E-Verify enrollment for the full duration of your STEM OPT period, not just at the time of filing.
Does the 60-day grace period apply if my Network Engineer contract ends before my STEM OPT expires?
Yes. If your Network Engineer role ends, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new qualifying employer, transfer your I-983 training plan to that employer, and notify your DSO. You cannot work during this grace period, but it gives you time to secure a new offer with an E-Verify-enrolled company before your overall STEM OPT authorization is affected.