STEM OPT Network Technician Jobs
Network Technician roles in IT infrastructure, network administration, and systems support qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can start, and your role must directly apply your STEM training.
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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 Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Network Technician
Confirm your CIP code covers networking
Computer Engineering, Information Technology, and Computer Science CIP codes typically qualify for STEM OPT, but Network Administration degrees vary. Cross-check your specific degree classification against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before applying to roles.
Verify E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask HR directly whether the company is an active E-Verify participant, not just registered. Enrollment status can lapse, and USCIS requires confirmed enrollment at the time your STEM OPT extension is filed, not just when you start.
Target employers with active IT infrastructure teams
Network Technician roles at managed service providers, healthcare systems, and university IT departments often sponsor OPT students because they run continuous hiring cycles and already hold E-Verify enrollment. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with verified STEM OPT hiring history.
Align your I-983 training plan to networking competencies
Your I-983 must map specific job duties, such as configuring routers or managing VLANs, to your STEM degree curriculum. Generic descriptions get flagged by DSOs. Ask your supervisor to co-draft the learning objectives before your DSO approves the plan.
Use the OFLC Wage Search to benchmark offer letters
Network Technician prevailing wages differ by metro area and experience tier. Pull the DOL wage level for SOC code 15-1231 in your target city before negotiating, so you can confirm the offer meets DOL standards and flag any discrepancy early.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days before OPT expires
USCIS allows you to file up to 90 days before your current OPT EAD expires. Filing late forfeits your cap-gap protection if an H-1B visa petition is pending. Build your employer's E-Verify verification and I-983 sign-off into your timeline well before that window opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Network Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your degree falls under a DHS-designated STEM CIP code. Network Technician work is classified under SOC code 15-1231 by O*NET, and degrees in Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or Computer Networks commonly qualify. Confirm your specific CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before filing.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Network Technician job?
Your I-983 must describe how the specific duties of your Network Technician role, such as configuring switches, monitoring network performance, or managing IP address schemes, directly apply skills from your STEM degree. Vague job descriptions won't satisfy your DSO. Your employer and supervisor must sign the plan, and your DSO must approve it before your extension is filed with USCIS.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before I start?
Ask the HR or hiring manager for the company's E-Verify Company ID number. You can confirm active enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool on the E-Verify website. Enrollment must be active at the time USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension, not just when you accept the offer. A lapsed enrollment can cause your extension to be denied.
How do I find Network Technician employers who hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Network Technician listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT hiring history, so you're not applying blind. Managed service providers, enterprise IT departments, and healthcare networks tend to run ongoing hiring cycles and are more familiar with the I-983 and STEM OPT reporting requirements than smaller employers.
What happens to my work authorization if I'm in cap-gap and get a Network Technician offer?
Cap-gap extends your OPT work authorization automatically from April 1 through September 30 if your employer filed an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT expired. Your STEM OPT EAD is not required during cap-gap, but you must remain employed in a role consistent with your OPT authorization. Switching employers mid-cap-gap restarts your I-983 and E-Verify obligations with the new company.