STEM OPT System Administrator Jobs
System Administrator roles in IT infrastructure, network management, 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 sign a Form I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Summary: Responsible for the design, administration, maintenance, and optimization of enterprise servers, virtualization, and storage infrastructure. This role ensures the availability, performance, security, and resiliency of Windows and Linux systems hosted on VMware platforms, including underlying hardware and SAN storage. The position supports automation, patching, backup/recovery, and domain services while contributing to operational efficiency and infrastructure modernization.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
Infrastructure & Virtualization
- Administer and support enterprise virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere/ESXi, vCenter).
- Manage physical server hardware, including installation, firmware upgrades, lifecycle management, and performance tuning.
- Provision, configure, and maintain Windows and Linux server environments in both virtual and physical deployments.
- Perform capacity planning and resource optimization across compute, memory, and storage layers.
Storage & SAN Management
- Administer SAN/storage systems, including LUN provisioning, zoning, and performance monitoring.
- Manage storage allocations and ensure high availability and optimal performance for hosted workloads.
- Support fiber channel and/or iSCSI configurations.
System Administration & Domain Services
- Administer Active Directory, including Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and domain services.
- Manage identity, access, and system-level security configurations.
- Perform server builds, system hardening, and configuration according to security best practices.
Patch Management & Security
- Develop and execute patch management processes for Windows and Linux systems.
- Harden systems based on industry and organizational security standards.
- Support vulnerability remediation efforts in coordination with security teams.
Backup, Recovery & BCDR
- Manage enterprise backup solutions and ensure successful completion of backup jobs.
- Design, test, and maintain disaster recovery and failover procedures.
- Participate in Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) planning and execution.
Monitoring, Performance & Incident Response
- Monitor system health, performance, and availability across infrastructure layers.
- Analyze trends and recommend improvements to system reliability and efficiency.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure issues and participate in root cause analysis.
Database & Application Support (Minor)
- Provide basic administration support for database platforms (e.g., SQL Server), including monitoring, backups, and maintenance tasks.
- Collaborate with application teams to ensure infrastructure alignment with application requirements.
Minimum Qualifications:
Position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field and a minimum of 3-5 years of experience administering enterprise infrastructure environments. Will accept an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Technical Skills:
- Virtualization: VMware vSphere, ESXi, vCenter administration
- Operating Systems: Windows Server (2016/2019/2022 or later), Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu, or equivalent)
- Storage: SAN platforms (Fiber Channel and/or iSCSI)
- Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS/DHCP
- Patch management and system hardening practices
- Backup and recovery solutions and concepts (BCDR)
Preferred Qualifications
- VMware certifications (VCP or higher)
- Microsoft certifications (e.g., Windows Server, Azure-related)
- Experience with enterprise backup platforms (e.g., Veeam, Commvault, etc.)
- Familiarity with monitoring tools and logging platforms
- Basic database administration experience (SQL Server or equivalent)
Additional Requirements
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to resolve complex technical issues independently.
- Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to participate in an on-call rotation (24/7 support as needed).
Delta Dental of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Job Summary: Responsible for the design, administration, maintenance, and optimization of enterprise servers, virtualization, and storage infrastructure. This role ensures the availability, performance, security, and resiliency of Windows and Linux systems hosted on VMware platforms, including underlying hardware and SAN storage. The position supports automation, patching, backup/recovery, and domain services while contributing to operational efficiency and infrastructure modernization.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
Infrastructure & Virtualization
- Administer and support enterprise virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere/ESXi, vCenter).
- Manage physical server hardware, including installation, firmware upgrades, lifecycle management, and performance tuning.
- Provision, configure, and maintain Windows and Linux server environments in both virtual and physical deployments.
- Perform capacity planning and resource optimization across compute, memory, and storage layers.
Storage & SAN Management
- Administer SAN/storage systems, including LUN provisioning, zoning, and performance monitoring.
- Manage storage allocations and ensure high availability and optimal performance for hosted workloads.
- Support fiber channel and/or iSCSI configurations.
System Administration & Domain Services
- Administer Active Directory, including Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and domain services.
- Manage identity, access, and system-level security configurations.
- Perform server builds, system hardening, and configuration according to security best practices.
Patch Management & Security
- Develop and execute patch management processes for Windows and Linux systems.
- Harden systems based on industry and organizational security standards.
- Support vulnerability remediation efforts in coordination with security teams.
Backup, Recovery & BCDR
- Manage enterprise backup solutions and ensure successful completion of backup jobs.
- Design, test, and maintain disaster recovery and failover procedures.
- Participate in Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) planning and execution.
Monitoring, Performance & Incident Response
- Monitor system health, performance, and availability across infrastructure layers.
- Analyze trends and recommend improvements to system reliability and efficiency.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure issues and participate in root cause analysis.
Database & Application Support (Minor)
- Provide basic administration support for database platforms (e.g., SQL Server), including monitoring, backups, and maintenance tasks.
- Collaborate with application teams to ensure infrastructure alignment with application requirements.
Minimum Qualifications:
Position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field and a minimum of 3-5 years of experience administering enterprise infrastructure environments. Will accept an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Technical Skills:
- Virtualization: VMware vSphere, ESXi, vCenter administration
- Operating Systems: Windows Server (2016/2019/2022 or later), Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu, or equivalent)
- Storage: SAN platforms (Fiber Channel and/or iSCSI)
- Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS/DHCP
- Patch management and system hardening practices
- Backup and recovery solutions and concepts (BCDR)
Preferred Qualifications
- VMware certifications (VCP or higher)
- Microsoft certifications (e.g., Windows Server, Azure-related)
- Experience with enterprise backup platforms (e.g., Veeam, Commvault, etc.)
- Familiarity with monitoring tools and logging platforms
- Basic database administration experience (SQL Server or equivalent)
Additional Requirements
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to resolve complex technical issues independently.
- Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to participate in an on-call rotation (24/7 support as needed).
Delta Dental of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
See all 1,937+ STEM OPT System Administrator Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a System Administrator
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Computer science, information systems, and network administration CIP codes all qualify, but some IT management degrees don't. Confirm with your DSO before targeting STEM OPT roles.
Cross-reference O*NET to document job duties
System Administrator roles span network administration, server management, and cloud infrastructure. Pull the O*NET occupation profile for your specific job title to document how your STEM degree connects to each listed task on your I-983 training plan.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
An employer who isn't enrolled in E-Verify can't legally hire you on STEM OPT, even if they want to. Use Migrate Mate to search System Administrator openings filtered for E-Verify-enrolled employers so you aren't wasting applications on ineligible companies.
Target mid-size managed service providers
Managed service providers and IT consulting firms hire System Administrators year-round and typically run leaner HR processes than enterprise companies. Many are already E-Verify enrolled because they hold federal or state contracts, which cuts onboarding friction for STEM OPT candidates.
Submit your I-983 before your OPT end date
Your employer and DSO must sign the I-983 training plan before USCIS can approve your STEM OPT extension. Build in at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires so your DSO has time to update SEVIS and file your I-765 without a gap in work authorization.
Ask specifically about H-1B sponsorship timelines at offer
STEM OPT gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, but cap-gap only applies if your employer files an H-1B visa petition before April 1 of your final OPT year. Clarify the company's H-1B filing history and timeline during offer negotiation, not after you've accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a System Administrator?
Your degree must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Degrees in computer science, information technology, information systems, and network engineering typically qualify. Degrees in general business or liberal arts IT programs may not. Your DSO can confirm your CIP code and whether your specific degree program is STEM-designated before you apply for the extension.
What does my employer need to do to support my STEM OPT authorization?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and must co-sign Form I-983, the Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. The I-983 outlines your learning objectives, how the System Administrator role relates to your STEM degree, and how your employer will evaluate your progress. The employer must report any material changes to your training plan to your DSO within five business days.
How do I find System Administrator jobs where the employer is already enrolled in E-Verify?
Not every employer advertises E-Verify enrollment in job postings. Migrate Mate filters System Administrator openings by employers who meet STEM OPT requirements, including E-Verify participation, so you can focus your search on companies that can actually hire you. You can also ask employers directly during the screening call before investing time in interviews.
What happens to my work authorization if my STEM OPT extension is still pending when my initial OPT expires?
If you file your STEM OPT extension application before your initial OPT EAD expires, USCIS automatically extends your work authorization by up to 180 days while the application is pending. This cap-gap provision only applies if your application is timely filed and complete. Work with your DSO to submit the I-765 at least 90 days before your OPT end date to avoid gaps.
Can I switch System Administrator jobs while on STEM OPT?
You can change employers during your STEM OPT extension, but the new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and must co-sign a new or amended I-983 training plan. You must report the employer change to your DSO within 10 days. Any period of unemployment longer than 90 days cumulative during your STEM OPT extension can jeopardize your status, so limit gaps between roles.