STEM OPT Network Systems Administrator Jobs
Network Systems Administrator roles qualify for STEM OPT because they fall under computer and information science CIP codes recognized by ICE. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your STEM degree unlocks a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12-month OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to build your U.S. career in network infrastructure.
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Get Access To All JobsAt NAES, you’ll find engaging and challenging career opportunities in the power generation, renewable energy and industrial construction industry. At every level of the company, we share a common goal: To instill confidence in our clients through our steadfast commitment to safety, integrity and quality of work.
As the largest independent operator of power facilities in the industry, we’ve come to be viewed as an employer of choice. We strive to attract and retain employees by offering competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package (including retirement) and promotional opportunities.
Company Overview
Gridforce Energy Management’s mission is to ensure power flows consistently and reliability while enhancing our client’s profitability and reducing their risk exposure. Since 1999, Gridforce has been providing precision energy control and integration management services to micro-grids, load-serving entities and demand response clients throughout North America. Our employees are constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to improve the business of our diverse client base from cities, municipalities and electric cooperatives, in addition to generation owners and operators.
We offer our employees opportunities for career development and training, providing new and valuable skills and experience. We are located in Houston, Texas - the second fastest growing city in the nation, with world-class medical, cultural, educational and research institutions and a young, energetic and diverse population. Gridforce is located in the heart of Downtown Houston which provides an energizing and engaging atmosphere where you will love to come to work. Gridforce Energy Manage is a NAES Company.
Summary
The Network Systems Administrator is responsible for the smooth and secure operation of network devices and network connectivity. The position is responsible for maintaining core enterprise systems, troubleshooting and maintenance of network hardware, intrusion prevention and detection, and collaboration with other staff and teams. This position requires compliance with IT best practices and regulatory standards. This is a full-time, primarily in-person position located in our downtown Houston office.
Primary Responsibilities
- Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex network and security incidents, performance issues, and outages.
- Participate in planning, design, and implementation of the company’s enterprise network architecture (LAN, WAN, VPN, DMVPN, Internet, and data center networks).
- Manage, operate, and optimize data center network facilities to meet reliability, performance, and scalability requirements.
- Implement and maintain network security and cybersecurity controls, including firewalls, segmentation, access control, and threat mitigation.
- Maintain full life cycle of networking hardware; configuration, deployment, patching, upgrades, backups and replacement.
- Develop and maintain network documentation, standards, diagrams, device inventory and operational procedures.
- Keep systems up to date with current security updates and vendor recommended updates.
- Utilize monitoring tools troubleshoot and improve availability, latency, and overall health.
- Investigate new technology and provide recommendations on system improvements and life cycle planning.
- Availability for after-hours support and maintenance as needed.
- Follow proper change control procedures and adhere to industry compliance standards.
Working Relationships
The Network Systems Administrator reports to the IT Manager and works in relation to other IT team members. This position will also require coordination with the operations team, applications team, and other staff within the organization.
Compensation
The initial compensation will range from $98,300 to $113,050.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, networking, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
Experience
- Hands-on experience in network engineering, administration, or related roles.
- Experience supporting large-scale, multi-site networks, preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments.
Required Qualifications
- Experience managing Cisco network devices (routers/switches/firewalls).
- Understanding of enterprise network architecture design, including LAN, WAN, Internet, and data center networking.
- Experience with network monitoring tools/software.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional-level certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, Network +.
- Solid understanding and practical experience with VLANs, IPsec VPN, DMVPN, and EIGRP.
- Experience managing Cisco next generation firewalls/Firepower.
- Experience following compliance standards such as NERC CIP, PCI-DSS, or SOC, or similar regulated environment.
- Experience with SolarWinds, Netwrix, syslog analysis or other monitoring tools.
- Experience following structured change control procedures.
Other Considerations
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. The ability to relay technical information to non-technical coworkers is preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Typical work schedule is Monday-Friday during normal business hours. Additional time may be required during heavy workloads, to meet deadlines, or to respond to issues that occur after normal business hours. This position works in an office and data center environment. Must be able to travel to remote data centers or business locations that are in the Houston and the Dallas area.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 40lbs. Ability to sit for long periods of time, ability to communicate verbally, and in writing, and ability to handle long periods of screen time.
Fit for Duty
This is a Non-DOT position and all employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a drug screening.
Performance
NAES employees have the responsibility to customers and internal co-workers to perform in their role with the highest standards. Employees of NAES are accountable for meeting and exceeding the needs of our customer with unflinching integrity.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value of NAES; and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs, whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each and every employee’s performance.
It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select the individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.
Licenses & Certifications
Required
- Driver's License
Skills
Preferred
- IT - Information Technology
- MS Office Suite
- Technical Support
- Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
- Verbal and Written Communications
Behaviors
Preferred
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well.
- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking.
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
At NAES, you’ll find engaging and challenging career opportunities in the power generation, renewable energy and industrial construction industry. At every level of the company, we share a common goal: To instill confidence in our clients through our steadfast commitment to safety, integrity and quality of work.
As the largest independent operator of power facilities in the industry, we’ve come to be viewed as an employer of choice. We strive to attract and retain employees by offering competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package (including retirement) and promotional opportunities.
Company Overview
Gridforce Energy Management’s mission is to ensure power flows consistently and reliability while enhancing our client’s profitability and reducing their risk exposure. Since 1999, Gridforce has been providing precision energy control and integration management services to micro-grids, load-serving entities and demand response clients throughout North America. Our employees are constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to improve the business of our diverse client base from cities, municipalities and electric cooperatives, in addition to generation owners and operators.
We offer our employees opportunities for career development and training, providing new and valuable skills and experience. We are located in Houston, Texas - the second fastest growing city in the nation, with world-class medical, cultural, educational and research institutions and a young, energetic and diverse population. Gridforce is located in the heart of Downtown Houston which provides an energizing and engaging atmosphere where you will love to come to work. Gridforce Energy Manage is a NAES Company.
Summary
The Network Systems Administrator is responsible for the smooth and secure operation of network devices and network connectivity. The position is responsible for maintaining core enterprise systems, troubleshooting and maintenance of network hardware, intrusion prevention and detection, and collaboration with other staff and teams. This position requires compliance with IT best practices and regulatory standards. This is a full-time, primarily in-person position located in our downtown Houston office.
Primary Responsibilities
- Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex network and security incidents, performance issues, and outages.
- Participate in planning, design, and implementation of the company’s enterprise network architecture (LAN, WAN, VPN, DMVPN, Internet, and data center networks).
- Manage, operate, and optimize data center network facilities to meet reliability, performance, and scalability requirements.
- Implement and maintain network security and cybersecurity controls, including firewalls, segmentation, access control, and threat mitigation.
- Maintain full life cycle of networking hardware; configuration, deployment, patching, upgrades, backups and replacement.
- Develop and maintain network documentation, standards, diagrams, device inventory and operational procedures.
- Keep systems up to date with current security updates and vendor recommended updates.
- Utilize monitoring tools troubleshoot and improve availability, latency, and overall health.
- Investigate new technology and provide recommendations on system improvements and life cycle planning.
- Availability for after-hours support and maintenance as needed.
- Follow proper change control procedures and adhere to industry compliance standards.
Working Relationships
The Network Systems Administrator reports to the IT Manager and works in relation to other IT team members. This position will also require coordination with the operations team, applications team, and other staff within the organization.
Compensation
The initial compensation will range from $98,300 to $113,050.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, networking, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
Experience
- Hands-on experience in network engineering, administration, or related roles.
- Experience supporting large-scale, multi-site networks, preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments.
Required Qualifications
- Experience managing Cisco network devices (routers/switches/firewalls).
- Understanding of enterprise network architecture design, including LAN, WAN, Internet, and data center networking.
- Experience with network monitoring tools/software.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional-level certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, Network +.
- Solid understanding and practical experience with VLANs, IPsec VPN, DMVPN, and EIGRP.
- Experience managing Cisco next generation firewalls/Firepower.
- Experience following compliance standards such as NERC CIP, PCI-DSS, or SOC, or similar regulated environment.
- Experience with SolarWinds, Netwrix, syslog analysis or other monitoring tools.
- Experience following structured change control procedures.
Other Considerations
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. The ability to relay technical information to non-technical coworkers is preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Typical work schedule is Monday-Friday during normal business hours. Additional time may be required during heavy workloads, to meet deadlines, or to respond to issues that occur after normal business hours. This position works in an office and data center environment. Must be able to travel to remote data centers or business locations that are in the Houston and the Dallas area.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 40lbs. Ability to sit for long periods of time, ability to communicate verbally, and in writing, and ability to handle long periods of screen time.
Fit for Duty
This is a Non-DOT position and all employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a drug screening.
Performance
NAES employees have the responsibility to customers and internal co-workers to perform in their role with the highest standards. Employees of NAES are accountable for meeting and exceeding the needs of our customer with unflinching integrity.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value of NAES; and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs, whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each and every employee’s performance.
It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select the individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.
Licenses & Certifications
Required
- Driver's License
Skills
Preferred
- IT - Information Technology
- MS Office Suite
- Technical Support
- Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
- Verbal and Written Communications
Behaviors
Preferred
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well.
- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking.
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
See all 298+ STEM OPT Network Systems Administrator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Network Systems Administrator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Network Systems Administrator
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM OPT designated degree list maintained by ICE. Computer engineering, information science, and computer and information systems security codes all qualify. Confirm with your DSO before targeting roles.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Any employer hiring you on STEM OPT must be actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Search the E-Verify employer search tool directly to confirm enrollment status before you invest time in interviews or negotiate an offer.
Target employers with active government contracts
Federal contractors are required by law to use E-Verify for all new hires, making them structurally reliable STEM OPT employers. Network administration roles in defense IT, federal systems integrators, and managed service providers serving government agencies carry this built-in compliance.
Draft your I-983 training plan around specific network competencies
Your I-983 must list concrete learning objectives tied to your job duties, not generic language. For network systems roles, map objectives to skills like routing protocol configuration, network security monitoring, and infrastructure automation so USCIS reviewers can verify alignment with your STEM degree.
Use Migrate Mate to filter roles by E-Verify status
Searching broadly wastes time on employers who can't legally hire STEM OPT students. Migrate Mate filters Network Systems Administrator openings by verified E-Verify enrollment, so every application you send goes to an employer already set up to bring you on.
Negotiate your start date around DSO processing time
Your DSO must update your SEVIS record and issue a new I-20 before your STEM OPT extension becomes valid. That processing takes time, so align your offer letter start date with that window rather than accepting a date that leaves you in a gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Network Systems Administrator role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your employer classifies the role under a qualifying SOC code and your degree carries a CIP code on ICE's STEM OPT designated degree list. Degrees in computer engineering, information systems, computer science, and network and system administration typically qualify. Confirm the CIP code with your DSO and verify the job description reflects technical duties consistent with your field of study.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify for STEM OPT?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a strict legal requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. Enrollment in E-Verify is not the same as being registered or having used it in the past. Confirm active enrollment through the E-Verify employer search before accepting an offer. Without it, you cannot lawfully work under the STEM OPT extension regardless of how the job is structured.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for a network systems role?
The I-983 must document specific learning objectives that connect your day-to-day duties to your STEM degree. For a Network Systems Administrator, that means listing concrete skills like firewall management, VPN configuration, network performance analysis, or cloud infrastructure deployment alongside the degree competencies they reinforce. Vague objectives like 'gain technical experience' are insufficient. Both you and your employer must sign the form, and your DSO reviews it before approving the extension.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my employer loses E-Verify enrollment?
If your employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses or is terminated after your STEM OPT begins, your authorization to work for that employer is no longer valid. USCIS requires continuous E-Verify enrollment throughout your entire STEM OPT period. You would need to find a new E-Verify-enrolled employer and update your SEVIS record through your DSO. Do not continue working for an employer that is no longer enrolled.
How do I find Network Systems Administrator jobs that accept STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Network Systems Administrator openings filtered by employers who are enrolled in E-Verify and have a history of hiring international candidates. That filtering matters because it removes the step of having to verify eligibility manually for each application. Search Migrate Mate directly to see current openings matched to STEM OPT requirements.