STEM OPT Senior IT Engineer Jobs
Senior IT Engineer roles in systems architecture, network infrastructure, and cloud operations qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree is in computer science, information technology, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll train under a signed I-983 plan tied to your engineering responsibilities.
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INTRODUCTION
Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are currently seeking a Senior IT Security Engineer - Mission Systems Cybersecurity & Compliance to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. The Senior IT Security Engineer - Mission Systems Cybersecurity & Compliance will play a key role in the development and deployment of Lunar Outpost Mission System. They will be responsible for ensuring the security, resilience, and compliance of mission and ground systems throughout their lifecycle. This role integrates cybersecurity principles into system design, development, and operations to protect mission data, assets, and critical infrastructure. They will take the lead on ensuring compliance of Lunar Outpost Mission System against NIST 800-53 framework. They will assist in developing strategies for maintaining requirements and contract obligations among which will be assisting in production of SSPs and POA&Ms. The ideal candidate will bring with them a thorough understanding of security architecture, risk management, US government contracting, controlled environments, and a readiness to work in a dynamic but pragmatic startup environment.
Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Stand up and maintain security controls aligned to established frameworks and requirements such as NIST 800-171, FARS/DFARS, NIST 800-53 and ITAR
- Develop, decompose, and trace cybersecurity requirements into architecture, design, implementation, test and verification activities of the mission system.
- Design, implement, monitor, and maintain security controls in mission systems – including configuration reviews, continuous monitoring, incident response, role-based access controls, etc.
- Lead or assist in internal and external security compliance audits; ensure audit readiness and timely remediation of findings
- Manage security and compliance documentation including SSPs, POA&Ms, Security Control Traceability Matrices (SCTM) and provide evidence of cybersecurity compliance/supporting authorization for operation
- Lead or contribute to incident response, forensics, security monitoring, and remediation when cybersecurity incidents or vulnerabilities are discovered
- Support training and awareness programs to foster a culture of security across the organization
- Evaluate and implement tools for log monitoring (e.g., SIEM), DLP, and secure configurations
- Plan for and implement resilience, survivability, maintainability, and upgradability of mission systems in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats
- Partner with other compliance teams and the IT Manager to administrate and track work within a GRC
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, Information Technology, related discipline or relevant experience
- Bachelor’s Degree: 4+ years of direct experience in cybersecurity, governance, risk management, or compliance roles
- Master’s Degree: 2+ years of direct experience in cybersecurity, governance, risk management, or compliance roles
- Experience with security compliance audits and frameworks
- A deep sense of accountability for your project decisions and actions
- Experience with system engineering processes (requirements, architecture, design, V&V) applied to cyber-systems
- Strong technical skills in cloud architecture, operating systems networks, security controls, vulnerability scanning, incident response
- Familiarity with relevant cyber standards/frameworks (e.g., NIST, RMF, ISO) and mission assurance/survivability concepts.
- Ability to work cross-functionally, with strong written and verbal communication, documentation skills, and ability to influence engineering teams
- Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines
- Excellent organization and time management skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- U.S. Person
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Familiarity with cloud security and compliance in AWS/AWS GovCloud environments
- Security certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+)
- Experience with aerospace/space/mission systems context or defense environment
- Experience in the design, development and maintenance for cloud-based architecture supporting critical operations
- Performed leadership role or served directly on a team that went through full security audit
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.
- Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
- Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
- Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
- Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
- Parental leave
- Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development
Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Senior IT Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Not every IT degree automatically qualifies for the 24-month extension. Check your degree's CIP code against ICE's STEM Designated Degree Program List before targeting roles, so you don't accept an offer on a timeline your authorization can't support.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before interviewing
Ask your recruiter whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before your first interview, not after an offer. Small IT consulting firms and boutique MSPs frequently skip enrollment, which disqualifies them as STEM OPT employers regardless of role fit.
Align your I-983 training plan to engineering deliverables
Your I-983 must map your daily Senior IT Engineer responsibilities, such as infrastructure design, incident management, or cloud migration, to specific learning objectives. Vague plans that list generic IT tasks get flagged by DSOs and can delay your extension start date.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Companies that file H-1B visa petitions for IT engineers are structurally set up to sponsor OPT workers through the transition. Use Migrate Mate to filter Senior IT Engineer roles by employers with verified STEM OPT and H-1B visa filing records, cutting your research time significantly.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
Senior IT Engineer prevailing wages vary by SOC code and metro area. Pull the Level III or Level IV wage from the OFLC Wage Search for your exact location before negotiating, so you can identify whether an offer meets the threshold your future H-1B petition will require.
File your OPT extension 90 days before expiration
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to reach them no later than 90 days before your current EAD expires. Missing that window means a gap in authorization, which can force you to stop working even if your employer is fully compliant and your I-983 is already signed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior IT Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your degree falls under a STEM-designated CIP code such as computer science, information systems, or electrical engineering. The role itself must also provide practical training directly related to your degree field. Confirm the CIP code on ICE's STEM Designated Degree Program List before accepting an offer, since some IT-adjacent degrees don't qualify.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a Senior IT Engineer position?
Your I-983 must describe how the specific duties of the Senior IT Engineer role, such as network architecture, systems reliability engineering, or cloud infrastructure management, connect to the STEM skills from your degree. Generic job descriptions don't satisfy the requirement. Both you and your supervisor must sign the plan, and your DSO must receive it before USCIS can approve your extension.
How do I find Senior IT Engineer employers who are enrolled in E-Verify?
You can search for Senior IT Engineer openings on Migrate Mate, which filters roles by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT hiring history. You can also ask recruiters directly or check with the Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment status before committing time to an application process.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B petition is filed but not yet approved?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your EAD expires, cap-gap protection extends your STEM OPT authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year, or until your H-1B is approved or denied. You can continue working for the same E-Verify-enrolled employer during that period without interruption. USCIS guidance covers the exact conditions that trigger and maintain cap-gap status.
Can I switch Senior IT Engineer employers while on STEM OPT?
Yes, but you must update your I-983 with the new employer before starting work, and the new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Your DSO needs to process a new training plan in SEVIS, and you must report the employer change within ten days. Working for a non-E-Verify employer, even briefly, violates your STEM OPT terms and can jeopardize your status.