STEM OPT Network Support Technician Jobs
Network Support Technician roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree maps to an eligible CIP code in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to authorize your 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months total to build hands-on networking experience before pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Rightfiber is one of the nation’s largest privately held telecommunications platforms, formed through the merger of Ritter Communications and Great Plains Communications in 2026. The combined organization operates across a 20-state footprint serving over 400 communities with reliable high-speed residential and business internet technology. With over 100 years of experience, Rightfiber is committed to doing right by its employees, customers and the communities it serves by delivering best-in-class solutions for homes, businesses and beyond. We are looking for an experienced Network Support Specialist to join our team.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Network Support Specialist is a part of the Rightfiber Network Operations team responsible for providing overall operational support to Rightfiber’s Enterprise customers, to include provisioning enterprise services, move/add/change and disconnect orders. The role may also serve as a POC for Field Operations. Success in this role is highly reliant on the ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments, networks, learn new technologies and processes quickly, and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
Essential Job Functions
- Provisions new service, disconnects service, suspends, and reconnects, facility changes, feature changes, CPE activation, and/or fulfilling other service delivery requests;
- Interdepartmental coordination of complex order assignment and fulfillment;
- Responsible for fulfilling orders requiring new assignment, facility changes and completions;
- Responsible for record keeping such as: maintaining cut sheets, updating facility records, and updating trouble records;
- Manages directory number portability requests;
- Troubleshoot and test customer service delivery;
- Activates voice, video and data services across copper, fiber and Ethernet platforms;
- Troubleshoots virtualization services;
- Participates in a team environment; providing valuable input and suggestions;
- Interacts with Engineering, Field Operations, NOC, and end-customers;
- Performs all other related duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:
- Strong customer service focus;
- Foundational knowledge and understanding of routers and networks;
- Demonstrated understanding of LAN/WAN protocols and technologies including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, VLAN, TCP/IP, Routing, Switching, ACL, and SD WAN;
- Demonstrated understanding of the OSI model;
- Demonstrated understanding of VOIP;
- Knowledge of common networking tools and troubleshooting methodologies including Telnet, SSH, ping, traceroutes, and Wireshark;
- Skill in commonly used software such as Visio, Excel, Word, and Power Point;
- Ability to function and work well individually and in a team environment;
- Skill in oral and written communication;
- Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents and information;
- Skill in maintaining a high level of customer focus.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Relevant technical field experience or Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Networking, or a similar field required. Cisco CCNA, Nokia NRS, CompTIA, or similar certifications preferred.
Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.
We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
Rightfiber is one of the nation’s largest privately held telecommunications platforms, formed through the merger of Ritter Communications and Great Plains Communications in 2026. The combined organization operates across a 20-state footprint serving over 400 communities with reliable high-speed residential and business internet technology. With over 100 years of experience, Rightfiber is committed to doing right by its employees, customers and the communities it serves by delivering best-in-class solutions for homes, businesses and beyond. We are looking for an experienced Network Support Specialist to join our team.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Network Support Specialist is a part of the Rightfiber Network Operations team responsible for providing overall operational support to Rightfiber’s Enterprise customers, to include provisioning enterprise services, move/add/change and disconnect orders. The role may also serve as a POC for Field Operations. Success in this role is highly reliant on the ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments, networks, learn new technologies and processes quickly, and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
Essential Job Functions
- Provisions new service, disconnects service, suspends, and reconnects, facility changes, feature changes, CPE activation, and/or fulfilling other service delivery requests;
- Interdepartmental coordination of complex order assignment and fulfillment;
- Responsible for fulfilling orders requiring new assignment, facility changes and completions;
- Responsible for record keeping such as: maintaining cut sheets, updating facility records, and updating trouble records;
- Manages directory number portability requests;
- Troubleshoot and test customer service delivery;
- Activates voice, video and data services across copper, fiber and Ethernet platforms;
- Troubleshoots virtualization services;
- Participates in a team environment; providing valuable input and suggestions;
- Interacts with Engineering, Field Operations, NOC, and end-customers;
- Performs all other related duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:
- Strong customer service focus;
- Foundational knowledge and understanding of routers and networks;
- Demonstrated understanding of LAN/WAN protocols and technologies including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, VLAN, TCP/IP, Routing, Switching, ACL, and SD WAN;
- Demonstrated understanding of the OSI model;
- Demonstrated understanding of VOIP;
- Knowledge of common networking tools and troubleshooting methodologies including Telnet, SSH, ping, traceroutes, and Wireshark;
- Skill in commonly used software such as Visio, Excel, Word, and Power Point;
- Ability to function and work well individually and in a team environment;
- Skill in oral and written communication;
- Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents and information;
- Skill in maintaining a high level of customer focus.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Relevant technical field experience or Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Networking, or a similar field required. Cisco CCNA, Nokia NRS, CompTIA, or similar certifications preferred.
Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.
We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Network Support Technician
Verify your CIP code matches IT
Pull your transcript and confirm your degree's CIP code falls under a STEM-designated category recognized by ICE. Degrees in computer science, information systems, or network administration typically qualify, but your DSO must verify this before you file.
Filter jobs by E-Verify enrollment status
Before applying, confirm each employer is actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Use the E-Verify employer search to check enrollment status, since lapsed enrollments disqualify an otherwise compliant STEM OPT placement.
Benchmark your offer against prevailing wages
Run the SOC code 15-1231 through the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating your offer. Network Support Technician wages vary sharply by metro area, and an offer below the Level I prevailing wage can complicate your future H-1B LCA filing.
Use Migrate Mate to target sponsorship-ready employers
Search Network Support Technician openings on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and active work authorization filing history, so you're applying to roles where your STEM OPT status won't be a deal-breaker.
File your I-983 before your start date
Your I-983 training plan must document specific network support learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not just your job description. Submit it to your DSO and get institutional sign-off before your first day, or your extension authorization is invalid.
Request cap-gap confirmation in your offer letter
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap extends your work authorization through September 30. Ask your employer to confirm their H-1B filing timeline in writing before you accept the role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Network Support Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not just your job title. Your degree must carry a STEM-designated CIP code, typically in computer science, information technology, or a closely related field. The role itself must also align with your degree's field of study. Your DSO reviews both before recommending the extension to USCIS. Check O*NET for the SOC classification tied to this role to assess alignment.
Does my employer need E-Verify enrollment for my STEM OPT extension?
Yes, E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement, not a formality. Your employer must be actively enrolled at the time your extension is authorized and must remain enrolled throughout your STEM OPT period. If they let enrollment lapse, your authorization is affected. Verify current enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search tool before accepting any offer.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Network Support Technician?
Your I-983 must connect specific on-the-job training activities to your STEM degree's learning outcomes. For network support roles, this means documenting tasks like configuring network infrastructure, troubleshooting protocols, or administering systems, and explaining how each develops competencies from your degree program. Generic job descriptions don't satisfy the requirement. Your DSO and employer must both sign the plan before your extension start date.
How does cap-gap work if my employer files an H-1B petition during my STEM OPT period?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition before your STEM OPT authorization expires and it's selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. You can continue working in your Network Support Technician role without interruption during this bridge period. USCIS governs cap-gap eligibility, so confirm the filing date and receipt notice with your employer immediately.
Where can I find Network Support Technician jobs that accept STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Network Support Technician roles filtered for employers with E-Verify enrollment and work authorization filing history, so you're not spending time on applications that won't move forward. Standard job searches don't surface STEM OPT eligibility details, which means you can't tell from a listing alone whether the employer meets your requirements.