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.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Announcement
Utah Valley University is seeking a Network Engineer III who wants to play a meaningful role in supporting a dynamic, mission-driven campus community. In this in-person position, you’ll be a key contributor to the reliability and performance of the university’s network infrastructure, working hands-on with modern technologies while collaborating closely with skilled IT professionals across the organization. This role offers the opportunity to lead complex technical work, troubleshoot impactful issues, and help ensure seamless connectivity for students, faculty, and staff in an environment focused on learning and innovation.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving challenging problems, guiding technical efforts, and continuously improving systems and processes. You’ll have the chance to share your expertise, contribute to operational standards, and mentor others while working within established architectural frameworks. At UVU, you’ll find a supportive workplace that values collaboration, growth, and the real-world impact your work has on the success of the university community.
Summary of Responsibilities
- Implementation & Engineering: Leads the implementation, configuration, and upgrade of network infrastructure components, including switches, routers, firewalls, and related systems. Executes complex deployments and ensures configurations align with established standards and architectural guidelines. Coordinates implementation activities and may lead technical efforts for projects or upgrades.
- Monitoring & Maintenance: Performs advanced monitoring and maintenance of network systems to ensure performance, availability, and reliability. Applies patches, firmware updates, and system changes; validates system health; and ensures continued interoperability across network components and services.
- Troubleshooting & Incident Response: Leads the diagnosis and resolution of complex network issues, including performance degradation, outages, and integration problems. Serves as an escalation point for lower-level engineers and coordinates with other IT teams to resolve cross-functional issues.
- Governance, Documentation & Collaboration: Maintains and enhances network documentation, standards, and operational procedures. Ensures compliance with established policies and participates in cross-team coordination to support consistent and secure network operations.
- Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provides guidance and informal mentorship to junior engineers, sharing best practices and supporting skill development. May assist in onboarding and training efforts.
- Other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications
- Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or technology-related field, plus 3 years of experience; OR any combination of education and experience totaling 7 years.
- CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or equivalent (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Juniper JNCIA, and/or hands-on networking experience).
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Knowledge
- Knowledge in Linux, MySQL, Apache, XML, Cisco IOS, and Arista OS.
- Knowledge and experience with NXOS, Job Submission, Databases, Perl, Python, PowerShell, and other scripting languages.
- Knowledge and experience with network component analyzers, scanners, testing tools, and procedures for data circuits.
- Knowledge and experience working in a customer service, team-oriented, collaborative environment.
Skills
- Skills with scripting languages such as Python, Perl, PowerShell, or Bash.
- Skills with the design, implementation, and maintenance of Active Directory, and/or LDAP directories.
- Skills with various computer applications such as Arista CVAS, Cisco DNAC, Net-flows, Network Management Systems, PRTG, Packet Sniffers, Solar Winds, DNS, DHCP, Syslog, SNMP, spreadsheets, databases, internet tools, and performance monitoring tools.
- Skills with TCP/IP, application network protocols, firewall management, operating system configuration, anti-virus software, and relational databases.
- Skills with the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network hardware.
- Skills with enterprise-level Wireless LAN and LAN, routers, hubs, switches, controllers, access points, radio frequencies, TCP/IP, IEEE 802.11 protocols, and electromagnetic interference.
- Customer service skills.
- Project management skills.
Abilities
- Ability to exercise effective interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to read, write, and interpret technical documentation and procedures about network systems and application management.
- Ability to think logically, resolve problems, identify tasks, and develop project plans.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and requests based on the organizational goals and objectives.
- Ability to be self-motivated with a strong customer service orientation and a keen attention to detail.
- Ability to present ideas and solutions in user-friendly language.
EEO Statement:
UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant’s qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Position Announcement
Utah Valley University is seeking a Network Engineer III who wants to play a meaningful role in supporting a dynamic, mission-driven campus community. In this in-person position, you’ll be a key contributor to the reliability and performance of the university’s network infrastructure, working hands-on with modern technologies while collaborating closely with skilled IT professionals across the organization. This role offers the opportunity to lead complex technical work, troubleshoot impactful issues, and help ensure seamless connectivity for students, faculty, and staff in an environment focused on learning and innovation.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving challenging problems, guiding technical efforts, and continuously improving systems and processes. You’ll have the chance to share your expertise, contribute to operational standards, and mentor others while working within established architectural frameworks. At UVU, you’ll find a supportive workplace that values collaboration, growth, and the real-world impact your work has on the success of the university community.
Summary of Responsibilities
- Implementation & Engineering: Leads the implementation, configuration, and upgrade of network infrastructure components, including switches, routers, firewalls, and related systems. Executes complex deployments and ensures configurations align with established standards and architectural guidelines. Coordinates implementation activities and may lead technical efforts for projects or upgrades.
- Monitoring & Maintenance: Performs advanced monitoring and maintenance of network systems to ensure performance, availability, and reliability. Applies patches, firmware updates, and system changes; validates system health; and ensures continued interoperability across network components and services.
- Troubleshooting & Incident Response: Leads the diagnosis and resolution of complex network issues, including performance degradation, outages, and integration problems. Serves as an escalation point for lower-level engineers and coordinates with other IT teams to resolve cross-functional issues.
- Governance, Documentation & Collaboration: Maintains and enhances network documentation, standards, and operational procedures. Ensures compliance with established policies and participates in cross-team coordination to support consistent and secure network operations.
- Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provides guidance and informal mentorship to junior engineers, sharing best practices and supporting skill development. May assist in onboarding and training efforts.
- Other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications
- Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or technology-related field, plus 3 years of experience; OR any combination of education and experience totaling 7 years.
- CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or equivalent (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Juniper JNCIA, and/or hands-on networking experience).
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Knowledge
- Knowledge in Linux, MySQL, Apache, XML, Cisco IOS, and Arista OS.
- Knowledge and experience with NXOS, Job Submission, Databases, Perl, Python, PowerShell, and other scripting languages.
- Knowledge and experience with network component analyzers, scanners, testing tools, and procedures for data circuits.
- Knowledge and experience working in a customer service, team-oriented, collaborative environment.
Skills
- Skills with scripting languages such as Python, Perl, PowerShell, or Bash.
- Skills with the design, implementation, and maintenance of Active Directory, and/or LDAP directories.
- Skills with various computer applications such as Arista CVAS, Cisco DNAC, Net-flows, Network Management Systems, PRTG, Packet Sniffers, Solar Winds, DNS, DHCP, Syslog, SNMP, spreadsheets, databases, internet tools, and performance monitoring tools.
- Skills with TCP/IP, application network protocols, firewall management, operating system configuration, anti-virus software, and relational databases.
- Skills with the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network hardware.
- Skills with enterprise-level Wireless LAN and LAN, routers, hubs, switches, controllers, access points, radio frequencies, TCP/IP, IEEE 802.11 protocols, and electromagnetic interference.
- Customer service skills.
- Project management skills.
Abilities
- Ability to exercise effective interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to read, write, and interpret technical documentation and procedures about network systems and application management.
- Ability to think logically, resolve problems, identify tasks, and develop project plans.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and requests based on the organizational goals and objectives.
- Ability to be self-motivated with a strong customer service orientation and a keen attention to detail.
- Ability to present ideas and solutions in user-friendly language.
EEO Statement:
UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant’s qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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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.