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 JobsCOMPANY DESCRIPTION
At Brightspeed, we are reimagining how people live, work, play and connect by providing fast, reliable internet connections and an awesome customer experience in twenty states throughout the Midwest and South. Backed by funds managed by Apollo Global Management, our vision is to accelerate the upgrade of copper to fiber optic technologies, bringing faster and more reliable internet service to many rural markets traditionally underserved by broadband providers, while delivering best-in-class customer experience. Be a part of the team that will make this vision a reality….designing and building a world class fiber network and creating a customer experience second to none.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Brightspeed is looking for an experienced Network Technician to join our growing team! In this critical role as a Network Technician you will be responsible for all aspects of working in the physical Central Office.
As a Network Technician you will be required to work overtime and weekends.
Responsibilities
- Supporting and maintaining all switching equipment in Central Offices
- Keeping all backup generators in optimum condition
- Installing, supporting, and maintaining special circuits and being capable of working within the TIRKS system
- Monitoring and supporting all switch alarm activity
- Installing, supporting, and maintaining fiber and copper networks
- Supporting and maintaining transport networks and central power platforms
QUALIFICATIONS
WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE:
- Familiarity with both inside and outside plant cabling practices
- Self-motivated and able to drive issues to resolution
- Ability to promote and sell Brightspeed services
- Knowledge of safety rules and regulations
- Ability to work well with both customers and fellow peers.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and represented by a union. Depending upon the applicable collective bargaining agreement under which you may be hired, you may be: (a) required to join the union and pay union dues as a condition of employment; or, (b) required to pay union dues, but not join the union as a condition of employment; or (c) free to choose whether to join the union, but if you do join the union you would be obligated to pay union dues.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHY JOIN US?
We aspire to contemporary ways of working.
Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Charlotte Observer, Brightspeed HQ is located on the 7th floor of the new Vantage South End - East Tower in Charlotte, NC. We prioritize hiring talent in the Charlotte area, whenever possible, to make it a truly vibrant destination for our hybrid workforce. At Brightspeed, we have roles that are designated as remote, hybrid, office or field-based, depending on the position, business needs and individual circumstances. We also invest in technology that enables our entire team to stay connected. Why? Because Brightspeed recognizes the value of finding the best talent for the job, wherever they may be.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
Our benefits and paid time off programs reflect our underlying belief in promoting overall wellness through physical, emotional and financial health. Brightspeed offers a comprehensive benefit program, including competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; an employee assistance program; a 401K plan with company match and a host of voluntary benefits.
Inclusion and belonging are at the center of our grounding belief in Being Real.
When we bring our authentic selves to work, everyone is better as a result. A diverse team helps us be fierce advocates for more accessible, inclusive and high-quality internet, because we believe doing so promotes equity in the communities we serve.
Brightspeed is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion of all qualified individuals, including individuals with a disability/veterans. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact taaccommodationrequests@brightspeed.com to initiate the accommodations process.
For all applicants, please take a moment to review our Privacy Notices:
- Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice for California Residents
- Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
At Brightspeed, we are reimagining how people live, work, play and connect by providing fast, reliable internet connections and an awesome customer experience in twenty states throughout the Midwest and South. Backed by funds managed by Apollo Global Management, our vision is to accelerate the upgrade of copper to fiber optic technologies, bringing faster and more reliable internet service to many rural markets traditionally underserved by broadband providers, while delivering best-in-class customer experience. Be a part of the team that will make this vision a reality….designing and building a world class fiber network and creating a customer experience second to none.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Brightspeed is looking for an experienced Network Technician to join our growing team! In this critical role as a Network Technician you will be responsible for all aspects of working in the physical Central Office.
As a Network Technician you will be required to work overtime and weekends.
Responsibilities
- Supporting and maintaining all switching equipment in Central Offices
- Keeping all backup generators in optimum condition
- Installing, supporting, and maintaining special circuits and being capable of working within the TIRKS system
- Monitoring and supporting all switch alarm activity
- Installing, supporting, and maintaining fiber and copper networks
- Supporting and maintaining transport networks and central power platforms
QUALIFICATIONS
WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE:
- Familiarity with both inside and outside plant cabling practices
- Self-motivated and able to drive issues to resolution
- Ability to promote and sell Brightspeed services
- Knowledge of safety rules and regulations
- Ability to work well with both customers and fellow peers.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and represented by a union. Depending upon the applicable collective bargaining agreement under which you may be hired, you may be: (a) required to join the union and pay union dues as a condition of employment; or, (b) required to pay union dues, but not join the union as a condition of employment; or (c) free to choose whether to join the union, but if you do join the union you would be obligated to pay union dues.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHY JOIN US?
We aspire to contemporary ways of working.
Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Charlotte Observer, Brightspeed HQ is located on the 7th floor of the new Vantage South End - East Tower in Charlotte, NC. We prioritize hiring talent in the Charlotte area, whenever possible, to make it a truly vibrant destination for our hybrid workforce. At Brightspeed, we have roles that are designated as remote, hybrid, office or field-based, depending on the position, business needs and individual circumstances. We also invest in technology that enables our entire team to stay connected. Why? Because Brightspeed recognizes the value of finding the best talent for the job, wherever they may be.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
Our benefits and paid time off programs reflect our underlying belief in promoting overall wellness through physical, emotional and financial health. Brightspeed offers a comprehensive benefit program, including competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; an employee assistance program; a 401K plan with company match and a host of voluntary benefits.
Inclusion and belonging are at the center of our grounding belief in Being Real.
When we bring our authentic selves to work, everyone is better as a result. A diverse team helps us be fierce advocates for more accessible, inclusive and high-quality internet, because we believe doing so promotes equity in the communities we serve.
Brightspeed is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion of all qualified individuals, including individuals with a disability/veterans. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact taaccommodationrequests@brightspeed.com to initiate the accommodations process.
For all applicants, please take a moment to review our Privacy Notices:
- Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice for California Residents
- Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice
See all 100+ STEM OPT Network Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Network Technician Jobs.
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.