STEM OPT Network Systems Engineer Jobs
Network Systems Engineer roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, letting you work for up to 36 months total on your F-1 authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan. A degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related STEM field qualifies you for the 24-month extension.
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Location
SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
Responsible for the analytics and administration of enterprise network and computer systems infrastructure. This includes capacity assessments, forecasting, trending statistics for the shared services supported infrastructure. Requires Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) expertise. Using this framework oversee change management, incident and problem metrics with the Shared Infrastructure engineering divisions adherence to developed standards. Serve as liaison between the Systems Operations Center and the engineering divisions.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Infrastructure Service Lifecycle Analysis and Management
- Ensure solutions are in compliance with network and systems by performing regular audit requirements.
- Enhance user and systems documentation and/or training programs.
- Perform process-mapping and analysis and identify improvements.
- Analyze hardware and process workload, including traffic and utilization trends to provide engineering group infrastructure recommendations.
- Provides support to team members during service transition into operations.
- Interfaces with users, consultants, technical teams and vendors for new and changing technology to improve operational effectiveness.
- Ensure data integrity of Configuration Management Database (CMDB).
- Analyze patches for interoperability prior to deployment.
Documentation
- Review and document moves, adds or changes and maintain processes.
- Perform design recommendations and audits to appropriate teams and update CMDB environment.
- Identify, label and report on installed infrastructure and operational processes.
- Work with Data Center team to create and maintain network and data center drawings and store in designated repository with revision information.
Maintain, monitor and problem resolution
- Monitor enterprise networks and data centers remotely.
- Access networks and systems locally and remotely to identify and resolve issues and make/suggest improvements.
- Maintain and update monitoring infrastructure and automation tools.
- Respond to infrastructure alarms, taking appropriate action to classify, prioritize and resolve complex network and system issues.
- Effectively communicate incident status and technical issues to stakeholders.
SOC Helpdesk and trouble tracking
- Work closely with other departments/organizations. Collaborating with other IT staff for requirements gathering and cross-functional tasks and issues.
- Respond to customer service requests in a helpful, professional manner.
- Respond to phone, email and ticket requests for services or troubles.
- Utilize trouble ticket system by documenting problems, progress and resolution.
- Communicate project/issue status with customers and stakeholders.
- Make approved network changes through proper change management procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
Normal office environment
Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or table
Equipment
- Office equipment
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Relevant Experience (1 Year)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Preferred Qualifications
- CCNA/VCP/MCSA or equivalent.
- ITIL Foundations Certified.
- Higher-Education experience.
- Strong Knowledge of ITIL and key ITSM concepts.
- Excellent Written and Verbal Communication skills.
- Strong Customer Service skills.
- Knowledge of documentation standards.
- Ability to translate between technical concepts and business requirements.
- Ability to perform root-cause analysis, tracking known-errors and driving change.
- Knowledge and experience configuring and installing Cisco routers and switches.
- Knowledge and experience installing and maintaining ESX 5.
- Knowledge latest version of Windows Server 2008/2012.
- Knowledge of SAN and backup technologies.
- Ability to analyze deeply complex technical problems and projects independently.
- Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast paced environment.
- Customer Service Skills and Expertise: Must possess an aptitude for patience, professionalism, tactfulness and empathy; must have the ability to assess the specific needs of the customer and be able to communicate these appropriately; must possess the ability to clearly communicate with clients and team members through written and spoken word.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - Cisco, ITIL Foundations - Axelos Global Best Practice, ITIL Foundations - Center for the Application of Information Technology, VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) - vmware by BROADCOM, VMware Certified Professional (VCP) - vmware by BROADCOM
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Business Requirements, Cisco Routers Switches, Communication, Customer Service, Driving Changes, Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), IT Service Management (ITSM), Microsoft Windows Server, Multitasking, Prioritization, Professional Etiquette, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), SAN Servers, Tactfulness, Technical Knowledge, Tracking System, Working Independently
Grade
G12
Salary Range
$58,400.00 - $99,700.00 / Annually
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
See all STEM OPT Network Systems Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Network Systems Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to an approved STEM field. Not all computer or systems degrees qualify automatically, and a mismatch will block your extension filing with USCIS before you ever start the role.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask HR directly whether the company is currently enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered in the past. Enrollment lapses, and only an active enrollment satisfies the STEM OPT requirement. You can cross-check the employer's status through the E-Verify employer search tool.
Frame your network engineering projects using measurable outcomes
Hiring managers at infrastructure-heavy employers evaluate STEM OPT candidates on concrete lab or production experience. Document throughput improvements, uptime metrics, or protocol migrations you led so your resume speaks to the operational scope network roles require.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for STEM OPT employers
Search for Network Systems Engineer roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers verified to hire on STEM OPT. Filtering by E-Verify enrollment status upfront cuts the back-and-forth with recruiters at companies that can't legally onboard you.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan before your start date
The I-983 must be signed by a supervisor with direct knowledge of your day-to-day work, not just HR. Get the learning objectives and reporting schedule agreed on in writing during onboarding, because DSO submission requires a complete, employer-signed plan before your extension takes effect.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history for cap-gap continuity
If you plan to transition to H-1B visa after STEM OPT, prioritize employers who file H-1B petitions regularly. An approved H-1B petition plus a timely filing creates cap-gap protection that carries your authorization through October 1 without a break in work eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Network Systems Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code. Network Systems Engineer positions typically align with computer science, information technology, or electrical engineering programs. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before filing the extension, since USCIS evaluates degree-to-role fit as part of the approval process.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Network Systems Engineer?
Your I-983 must describe specific learning goals tied to your daily engineering work, such as network architecture design, protocol implementation, or systems performance analysis. It must include a supervision structure, a reporting schedule, and measurable outcomes. Both you and a direct supervisor must sign it. Your DSO submits the completed form to SEVIS before your extension start date.
How do I verify that a Network Systems Engineer employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact to confirm active E-Verify enrollment before you accept an offer. Enrollment must be current, not historical. You can independently check employer status through the E-Verify employer search tool maintained by the agency. Accepting a role at a non-enrolled employer invalidates your STEM OPT authorization from day one.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B petition is filed while I'm working as a Network Systems Engineer?
If your employer files an H-1B cap-subject petition before your STEM OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through October 1 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as a Network Systems Engineer during that gap without any interruption, as long as you remain with the same employer.
Where can I find Network Systems Engineer jobs that hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Network Systems Engineer roles filtered for employers enrolled in E-Verify and experienced with STEM OPT work authorization. Searching there reduces time spent screening out employers who can't legally hire you. You can also review DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data to see which employers have historically filed for network engineering roles under work visa categories.