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 JobsJob Summary
The Network Technician maintains, analyzes, troubleshoots, and repairs computer systems, hardware, and peripherals. This role also supports and manages user account information, including rights, security, and system groups. Additionally, the Network Technician diagnoses, troubleshoots, and resolves issues related to virtual desktops, as well as network and server environments.
Essential Functions
- Manages and configures network systems to meet the organization’s needs.
- Installs, configures and maintains network hardware, including but not limited to routers, switches, firewalls and wireless access points.
- Performs routine maintenance on network devices and ensures proper function.
- Monitors network performance, troubleshoots and diagnosis issues.
- Implements and monitors security measures to ensure security of the network.
- Provides support for hardware and software, installing, updating, troubleshooting network equipment.
- Assists customers providing instruction on proper use of equipment.
- Manages and prioritizes work orders, maintaining documentation and resolves issues timely.
- Assists with setup and maintenance of user accounts, permissions and access controls.
- Provides on-call and after hours support.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Associate Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field required
- Industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or similar networking certifications preferred
- 2-4 years of experience with PC and hardware preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to understand and explain complex technical information.
- Ability to troubleshoot customer issues.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of networking models, routers, firewalls, switches, Linux, Windows, and similar platforms.
- Ability to implement and troubleshoot network infrastructure devices.
- Knowledge and understanding of security risk management, IT security, and infrastructure.
- Ability to cater to the needs of multiple stakeholders.
- Troubleshooting skills of network functions such as security, servers, and routing.
- Knowledge of electronics, computing systems, and software development.
- Ability to work with a cross functional team.
- Knowledge of various operating systems and platforms.
Licenses and Certifications
- CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Technician preferred or
- MCDST - Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician preferred
Job Summary
The Network Technician maintains, analyzes, troubleshoots, and repairs computer systems, hardware, and peripherals. This role also supports and manages user account information, including rights, security, and system groups. Additionally, the Network Technician diagnoses, troubleshoots, and resolves issues related to virtual desktops, as well as network and server environments.
Essential Functions
- Manages and configures network systems to meet the organization’s needs.
- Installs, configures and maintains network hardware, including but not limited to routers, switches, firewalls and wireless access points.
- Performs routine maintenance on network devices and ensures proper function.
- Monitors network performance, troubleshoots and diagnosis issues.
- Implements and monitors security measures to ensure security of the network.
- Provides support for hardware and software, installing, updating, troubleshooting network equipment.
- Assists customers providing instruction on proper use of equipment.
- Manages and prioritizes work orders, maintaining documentation and resolves issues timely.
- Assists with setup and maintenance of user accounts, permissions and access controls.
- Provides on-call and after hours support.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Associate Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field required
- Industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or similar networking certifications preferred
- 2-4 years of experience with PC and hardware preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to understand and explain complex technical information.
- Ability to troubleshoot customer issues.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of networking models, routers, firewalls, switches, Linux, Windows, and similar platforms.
- Ability to implement and troubleshoot network infrastructure devices.
- Knowledge and understanding of security risk management, IT security, and infrastructure.
- Ability to cater to the needs of multiple stakeholders.
- Troubleshooting skills of network functions such as security, servers, and routing.
- Knowledge of electronics, computing systems, and software development.
- Ability to work with a cross functional team.
- Knowledge of various operating systems and platforms.
Licenses and Certifications
- CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Technician preferred or
- MCDST - Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician preferred
See all 176+ 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.