STEM OPT Systems Architect Jobs
Systems Architect roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in computer science, engineering, or a related STEM field. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you on STEM OPT, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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Title: Senior Systems Integration Architect
Employee Classification: Sr Systems Integration Arch
Campus: University of North Texas
Division: UNT-Information Technology
SubDivision-Department: UNT-University Technologies
Department: UNT-Classroom Technologies-110181
Job Location: Denton
Salary: Commensurate with experience
FTE: 1.000000
Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible
About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
Department Summary
Classroom Technologies (formerly DSI Tech) supports UNT's Classrooms as well as distance education across the UNT Enterprise (Fort Worth, Dallas and System) with an expertise in AV, IT and Soft Codecs.
Position Overview
This position would support the purpose of solidifying the function of Integrated Systems and Development and Operations for UNT (DevOps). This job includes exercising a working knowledge of Development and Operations best practices for a team that utilizes tools such as application development (multi platform), web development, coding as infrastructure, SQL server and database bound applications, automation as operations. The primary focus of this manager will be Development.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related scientific or technical discipline and six years of related experience or any combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Prior experience with specific systems, equipment and software may be specified as needed by department.
- Considerable knowledge of principles of computing and/or communications networks, and characteristics of computing hardware and software used in distributed environments.
- Ability to operate computer keyboards and to install computer hardware.
- Ability to assimilate, retain and utilize technical and applications-oriented information.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with AV industry standards like AVIXA and design standards and programming standards. Familiarity with industry standards for project management.
Required License/Registration/Certifications
Job Duties
- Awareness of DSI Techs scope of services: learning spaces technology, cloud conferencing and how to verify when an incident or project is in scope of our department and when to escalate questions accordingly.
- Awareness of common UNT procedures such as: contacting Work Control, contacting UNT Police Department, contacting federated IT groups, basic understanding of funding types and appropriate use, etc.
- Functional awareness of the departments digital tools including, but not limited to: CSS Work Order program, CSS Room Monitor program, Microsoft Office Solutions, IT Incident reporting tools, Project Management tools.
- Awareness of current audio/video and IT standards as it relates to the system standards implemented by the department.
- Foster an environment of safety: Create an environment of safety first. Monitor and address any deficiencies immediately to the benefit of student employees life/safety.
- Communicating from a place of teamwork and leadership. Understanding that our line of work can often be stressful, helping the team move forward with the appropriate amount of urgency and swift action without exacerbating panic, anxiety, fear or other nonhelpful negative feelings that ultimately pollute focus and create an unpleasant working environment.
- DSI Tech Development lead: Leading efforts to maintain and evolve DSI Tech software solutions so that they continue to fit the need over time (as things change). Working to further the solutions to our campus partners and integrating solutions as needed.
- Problem focused approach to workflows. Focusing on what can be done to solve problems or improve situations. Seeking to understand your role in the work and how you can lend a hand in peaceful resolution of problems. Contributing to an environment of cooperation, mutual support, and growth for all.
- System design: Working with the team to further develop AV solutions for production spaces. Researching and testing new ideas as needed to meet the latest current high demand from end users.
- Service architecture lead: Working with the department head to architect cloud services for UNT World. This includes, web conferencing solutions.
- Project Management: Working with the department head, teammates and Facilities representing the department in construction meetings where DSI Tech services are in scope. Ensuring proper infrastructure is accounted for, etc.
- Severe service outage troubleshooting: In the case of a complete service outage, assist the team with troubleshooting the issue to resolution. Severe service outages could include a total loss of web conferencing services, total loss of network to a building of classrooms, etc.
Physical Requirements
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Environmental Hazards
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Driving University Vehicle
Yes
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Systems Architect
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list before targeting Systems Architect roles. Computer science, software engineering, and computer engineering codes cover most qualifying degrees, but information systems codes vary by program.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before interviews
Ask your recruiter or HR contact to confirm E-Verify Company ID enrollment before you invest time in interviews. A company can hire contractors through a verified employer of record, which is worth raising if the direct employer isn't enrolled.
Build your I-983 training plan around architecture competencies
Draft your I-983 learning objectives around specific systems design skills: distributed systems, cloud architecture, or enterprise integration patterns. Vague plans get rejected by DSOs, so tie each goal to a concrete deliverable your employer can evaluate.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Companies that file H-1B visa petitions for architects and senior engineers already understand specialty occupation requirements and run structured immigration programs. Use Migrate Mate to filter Systems Architect roles by employers with verified sponsorship history, so you're not educating every hiring manager from scratch.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days early
USCIS recommends submitting your I-765 extension application at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Your DSO must update your I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation before you file, so build in time for that step.
Negotiate cap-gap coverage into your start date
If you receive an H-1B selection and your STEM OPT expires before October 1, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization. Tell your employer's HR team about this rule upfront so your start date and project assignments aren't put on hold unnecessarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Architect role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your employer files your I-983 training plan and the role genuinely develops engineering or technical skills tied to your STEM degree. The O*NET profile for Systems Architect sits in a STEM-designated occupational cluster. Your DSO will confirm eligibility based on your specific degree's CIP code, not just the job title.
How do I find Systems Architect employers enrolled in E-Verify?
You can ask HR directly for the company's E-Verify Company ID, or search Migrate Mate, which filters Systems Architect roles by employers with verified sponsorship and E-Verify enrollment. Don't wait until after an offer to check. If a company isn't enrolled, they can't legally employ you on STEM OPT, and enrollment takes time.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Systems Architect position?
Your I-983 must outline specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, a supervision structure, and how the employer will evaluate your progress every six months. For Systems Architect roles, this typically means documenting goals around architecture design methodologies, system reliability engineering, or cloud infrastructure. Vague objectives are the most common reason DSOs send the plan back for revision.
Can I work on STEM OPT if my Systems Architect role is fully remote?
Yes, remote work is permitted under STEM OPT, but the employer must still be enrolled in E-Verify and must sign your I-983 training plan. USCIS requires that you have a bona fide employer-employee relationship, which means the company sets your deliverables, supervises your work, and can terminate the arrangement. Self-directed contractor setups without that structure don't qualify.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if I switch to a new Systems Architect employer?
You can change employers during your STEM OPT period, but the new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and you must submit a new I-983 training plan to your DSO before starting work. USCIS doesn't require a new I-765 filing for an employer change alone, but your DSO updates your SEVIS record. Don't start the new role until your DSO confirms the update is complete.