STEM OPT Senior Cloud Platform Engineer Jobs
Senior Cloud Platform Engineer roles in cloud infrastructure, platform reliability, and DevOps qualify for STEM OPT authorization under computer science and engineering CIP codes. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, giving you 36 total months to work for any E-Verify-enrolled employer who files your I-983 training plan.
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Get Access To All JobsWe are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.
This position is based in the Firm's global operations center in Tampa, FL.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The IT Cloud Platform Senior Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud platforms, with Microsoft Azure (including Azure Government Cloud) as the primary environment. This role leads cloud architecture and Infrastructure-as-Code initiatives, supports hybrid and multi-cloud integration, and partners with security, networking, and DevOps teams to drive automation, compliance, and cost optimization. The Senior Engineer also serves as a technical resource for complex platform issues and provides guidance and mentorship to other engineers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Architect and deploy enterprise-grade cloud platforms with Azure as the primary environment.
- Develop Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates for reproducible deployments.
- Integrate on-premises systems with cloud platforms to support hybrid models.
- Collaborate with security, networking, and DevOps teams to maintain compliance in Azure Government Cloud.
- Optimize resource allocation, costs, and performance across multi-cloud infrastructures.
- Support automation of build, deploy, and maintenance processes via CI/CD pipelines.
- Troubleshoot complex system and platform-level issues across environments.
- Expected to maintain a regular and predictable work schedule and full attention to and engagement in work activities on behalf of the firm during business hours unless otherwise approved or required by applicable law.
- Special projects and duties as assigned.
KEY CAPABILITIES:
- Advanced Azure administration and architecture knowledge (VMs, VNets, AKS, Azure AD).
- Familiarity with Azure Government Cloud operations and compliance.
- Proficiency in scripting (PowerShell, Python, or Bash).
- Experience with IaC tools (Terraform, Bicep, or CloudFormation).
- Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and containerized workloads.
- Knowledge of identity and policy management integrations (Azure AD, Entra ID).
- Lead cloud infrastructure design projects across Azure, AWS, and GCP.
- Own IaC frameworks and pipeline automation standards.
- Optimize cost, reliability, and performance across multi-cloud environments.
- Mentor engineers and provide tactical architecture guidance.
- Knowledge or ability to learn Microsoft Office Suite, or Microsoft 365.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or related technical discipline.
- 4+ years of experience in cloud platform engineering or enterprise systems architecture.
- 5–8 years with significant Azure (and ideally Azure Gov) experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Azure Administrator Associate.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- Moderate or advanced keyboard usage.
BENEFITS: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.
Below are the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.
Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.
Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact ApplicantAccommodations@hklaw.com.
Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.
We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.
This position is based in the Firm's global operations center in Tampa, FL.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The IT Cloud Platform Senior Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud platforms, with Microsoft Azure (including Azure Government Cloud) as the primary environment. This role leads cloud architecture and Infrastructure-as-Code initiatives, supports hybrid and multi-cloud integration, and partners with security, networking, and DevOps teams to drive automation, compliance, and cost optimization. The Senior Engineer also serves as a technical resource for complex platform issues and provides guidance and mentorship to other engineers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Architect and deploy enterprise-grade cloud platforms with Azure as the primary environment.
- Develop Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates for reproducible deployments.
- Integrate on-premises systems with cloud platforms to support hybrid models.
- Collaborate with security, networking, and DevOps teams to maintain compliance in Azure Government Cloud.
- Optimize resource allocation, costs, and performance across multi-cloud infrastructures.
- Support automation of build, deploy, and maintenance processes via CI/CD pipelines.
- Troubleshoot complex system and platform-level issues across environments.
- Expected to maintain a regular and predictable work schedule and full attention to and engagement in work activities on behalf of the firm during business hours unless otherwise approved or required by applicable law.
- Special projects and duties as assigned.
KEY CAPABILITIES:
- Advanced Azure administration and architecture knowledge (VMs, VNets, AKS, Azure AD).
- Familiarity with Azure Government Cloud operations and compliance.
- Proficiency in scripting (PowerShell, Python, or Bash).
- Experience with IaC tools (Terraform, Bicep, or CloudFormation).
- Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and containerized workloads.
- Knowledge of identity and policy management integrations (Azure AD, Entra ID).
- Lead cloud infrastructure design projects across Azure, AWS, and GCP.
- Own IaC frameworks and pipeline automation standards.
- Optimize cost, reliability, and performance across multi-cloud environments.
- Mentor engineers and provide tactical architecture guidance.
- Knowledge or ability to learn Microsoft Office Suite, or Microsoft 365.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or related technical discipline.
- 4+ years of experience in cloud platform engineering or enterprise systems architecture.
- 5–8 years with significant Azure (and ideally Azure Gov) experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Azure Administrator Associate.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- Moderate or advanced keyboard usage.
BENEFITS: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.
Below are the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.
Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.
Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact ApplicantAccommodations@hklaw.com.
Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.
See all 81+ STEM OPT Senior Cloud Platform Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Senior Cloud Platform Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List USCIS uses. Computer science (11.07xx), computer engineering (14.09xx), and electrical engineering (14.10xx) codes all support Senior Cloud Platform Engineer roles. A mismatch blocks your extension before you start.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before your final-round interview. Employers not enrolled cannot legally employ you on a STEM OPT extension, regardless of how willing they are to support the I-983 training plan.
Align your I-983 to cloud platform competencies
Your training plan must map specific learning objectives to your role's duties. For cloud platform engineering, tie goals to measurable outcomes like infrastructure-as-code deployments, multi-cloud architecture decisions, or SRE practice benchmarks your employer can evaluate at your 12-month review.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Companies that have filed H-1B visa petitions for platform engineering roles have already navigated immigration processes for similar positions. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with verified DOL Labor Condition Application history in cloud and infrastructure job categories.
Request prevailing wage documentation before negotiating
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for your target SOC code and metro area before your offer conversation. STEM OPT doesn't legally require prevailing wage compliance, but knowing the DOL benchmark strengthens your negotiating position and signals H-1B readiness to employers.
Understand cap-gap coverage if your OPT expires during H-1B review
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your STEM OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Your DSO updates your I-20 to reflect this; you don't need a new EAD to keep working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Cloud Platform Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, as long as your degree falls under a STEM-designated CIP code. Computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and information technology degrees all commonly support cloud platform roles. The O*NET occupation profile for cloud and platform engineers aligns with the technical degree requirements USCIS uses to evaluate STEM OPT eligibility. Confirm your specific CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List before filing your extension.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for this role?
Your I-983 must connect your day-to-day engineering responsibilities to specific learning goals tied to your STEM degree. For a Senior Cloud Platform Engineer, that means documenting objectives around infrastructure automation, platform scalability, cloud architecture design, or reliability engineering. Your employer evaluates your progress at the 12-month midpoint and again at completion. Vague job descriptions don't satisfy the requirement. Both you and a company official with hiring authority must sign the plan.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly, and request the company's E-Verify employer ID as confirmation. E-Verify enrollment is a legal prerequisite for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. If the company can't provide this during the offer stage, that's a signal to resolve before you accept. Your DSO will also check employer E-Verify status when endorsing your I-983.
Where can I find Senior Cloud Platform Engineer jobs from E-Verify employers?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and DOL Labor Condition Application filing history in technical roles. That removes the manual step of vetting each company yourself. You can search by role type, location, and employer profile to identify cloud platform positions at companies already set up to hire STEM OPT students.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B is filed but not yet approved?
If your employer files a cap-subject H-1B petition before your STEM OPT EAD expires and USCIS selects you in the lottery, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of that year. You can continue working at the same employer in the same role without a new EAD. Your DSO updates your I-20 to reflect cap-gap status, and USCIS confirms it in the receipt notice.