STEM OPT Technical Support Jobs
Technical Support roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree maps to an eligible CIP code in computer science, information technology, or a related STEM field. The 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build experience, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and signs your I-983 training plan.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
In this role, he/she will maintain the computer desktop environment by analyzing requirements, resolving problems, installing hardware and software solutions, and supporting the internal IT work order system. He/she will be responsible for the administration and internal support of the Company's PCs, laptops, mobile devices, printers, servers, and related IT equipment. Tasks include end-user support, license tracking, and performing PC maintenance, upgrades, and configurations.
Responsibilities:
- Provide work order system support and resolve problems to the end user's satisfaction.
- Monitor and respond quickly and effectively to requests received through the IT work order system.
- Monitor the Service Desk for tickets assigned to the queue and process them first in and first out based on priority.
- Modify configurations, utilities, software default settings, etc., for the local workstation.
- Utilize and maintain the work order system tracking software.
- Document internal procedures.
- Assist with onboarding of new users.
- Ensure each workstation assigned has a computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, hard drive, and any additional specialized equipment.
- Install, test, and configure new workstations, peripheral equipment, and software following internal procedures.
- Maintained inventory of all equipment, software, and licenses using the internal inventory system.
- If an issue cannot be resolved in 5 minutes or less, report it to the work order system for escalation.
- Manage PC setup and deployment for new employees using standard hardware, images, and software.
- Assign users and computers to proper groups in Active Directory.
- Perform timely workstation hardware and software upgrades as required.
- Provide technical assistance and support for incoming work orders and computer systems, software, and hardware issues.
- Respond to work orders electronically, in person, or over the phone.
- Draft training manuals and procedures.
- Coach computer users on basic Windows setup.
- Maintain daily performance of computer systems.
- Respond to email messages for customers/users seeking guidance.
- Inquire to determine the nature of issues.
- Walk the customer/user through the problem-solving process.
- Install, modify, and repair computer hardware and software.
- Clean up computers.
- Run diagnostic programs to resolve problems.
- Resolve technical problems with Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), and other systems.
- Install computer peripherals for users.
- Follow up with customers/users to ensure the issues have been resolved.
- Gain feedback from customers/users about computer usage.
- Run reports to determine recurrent malfunctions.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, Business, Communications, or a related field
- Two years of relevant technical experience
Pratt Industries is America's 5th largest paper and packaging company with more than 10,000 highly skilled green collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt Industries is one of the largest corrugated packaging companies in America, with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than twenty states. The company operates several of the most modern, cost effective paper mills in the country, as well as a series of sheet and box plants strategically placed throughout the United States offering a wide range of creative packaging solutions. Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by harvesting the urban forest.
Pratt Industries offers competitive compensation plans with incentive opportunities, full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, All State, Pre-Paid Legal, and 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, paid holidays, and childbearing and parental leave.
INTRODUCTION
In this role, he/she will maintain the computer desktop environment by analyzing requirements, resolving problems, installing hardware and software solutions, and supporting the internal IT work order system. He/she will be responsible for the administration and internal support of the Company's PCs, laptops, mobile devices, printers, servers, and related IT equipment. Tasks include end-user support, license tracking, and performing PC maintenance, upgrades, and configurations.
Responsibilities:
- Provide work order system support and resolve problems to the end user's satisfaction.
- Monitor and respond quickly and effectively to requests received through the IT work order system.
- Monitor the Service Desk for tickets assigned to the queue and process them first in and first out based on priority.
- Modify configurations, utilities, software default settings, etc., for the local workstation.
- Utilize and maintain the work order system tracking software.
- Document internal procedures.
- Assist with onboarding of new users.
- Ensure each workstation assigned has a computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, hard drive, and any additional specialized equipment.
- Install, test, and configure new workstations, peripheral equipment, and software following internal procedures.
- Maintained inventory of all equipment, software, and licenses using the internal inventory system.
- If an issue cannot be resolved in 5 minutes or less, report it to the work order system for escalation.
- Manage PC setup and deployment for new employees using standard hardware, images, and software.
- Assign users and computers to proper groups in Active Directory.
- Perform timely workstation hardware and software upgrades as required.
- Provide technical assistance and support for incoming work orders and computer systems, software, and hardware issues.
- Respond to work orders electronically, in person, or over the phone.
- Draft training manuals and procedures.
- Coach computer users on basic Windows setup.
- Maintain daily performance of computer systems.
- Respond to email messages for customers/users seeking guidance.
- Inquire to determine the nature of issues.
- Walk the customer/user through the problem-solving process.
- Install, modify, and repair computer hardware and software.
- Clean up computers.
- Run diagnostic programs to resolve problems.
- Resolve technical problems with Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), and other systems.
- Install computer peripherals for users.
- Follow up with customers/users to ensure the issues have been resolved.
- Gain feedback from customers/users about computer usage.
- Run reports to determine recurrent malfunctions.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, Business, Communications, or a related field
- Two years of relevant technical experience
Pratt Industries is America's 5th largest paper and packaging company with more than 10,000 highly skilled green collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt Industries is one of the largest corrugated packaging companies in America, with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than twenty states. The company operates several of the most modern, cost effective paper mills in the country, as well as a series of sheet and box plants strategically placed throughout the United States offering a wide range of creative packaging solutions. Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by harvesting the urban forest.
Pratt Industries offers competitive compensation plans with incentive opportunities, full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, All State, Pre-Paid Legal, and 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, paid holidays, and childbearing and parental leave.
See all 550+ STEM OPT Technical Support Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Technical Support
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before you start applying. Computer science and information systems codes qualify, but degrees like general business do not, even if your coursework included technical modules.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Technical Support roles at smaller MSPs and help-desk contractors often lack E-Verify enrollment. Ask the recruiter directly, then cross-check on the E-Verify employer search tool. An unenrolled employer disqualifies you for the 24-month extension regardless of the job's technical content.
Target employers with active STEM OPT training programs
Use Migrate Mate to filter Technical Support roles by employers who have previously filed STEM OPT training plans. These employers already understand the I-983 structure and are less likely to withdraw an offer once they see the compliance requirements.
Build your I-983 training plan around measurable goals
Your DSO and employer must co-sign an I-983 that ties your Technical Support duties to your STEM degree. Frame goals around diagnostic tools, network troubleshooting protocols, or systems administration skills rather than generic customer service tasks to satisfy USCIS training plan standards.
Apply during your initial OPT before the extension window
You must apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension while your initial 12-month OPT EAD is still valid. Your DSO must submit the updated I-20 at least 90 days before your current EAD expires, so target offers that give you enough lead time to complete that filing.
Use prevailing wage data to negotiate STEM OPT offers
Employers must pay STEM OPT workers the same wage as similarly situated U.S. workers per DOL rules. Look up the Level 1 and Level 2 prevailing wage for Technical Support roles in your metro area using the OFLC Wage Search before evaluating any offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Technical Support role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on both your degree and the job duties. Your degree must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List under an eligible CIP code, such as computer science or information technology. The Technical Support role itself must also relate directly to that degree, which your employer documents in the I-983 training plan filed with your DSO. Generic help-desk roles with no technical connection to your field of study can be denied.
What does the E-Verify requirement mean for Technical Support job seekers?
Every employer who hires you on STEM OPT must be actively enrolled in E-Verify, the federal employment eligibility verification system. This is a hard requirement with no exceptions. Before accepting a Technical Support offer, confirm enrollment directly with HR and verify it through the E-Verify employer search. Staffing agencies and contractors who place you at a client site must also be enrolled, not just the end client. You can search STEM OPT-ready employers on Migrate Mate.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Technical Support position?
The I-983 is a formal training agreement your employer and DSO both sign. For Technical Support, it must describe how your daily duties connect to your STEM degree, list specific learning goals such as network diagnostics, systems administration, or cybersecurity protocols, and include a schedule for supervisor evaluations. USCIS reviews the I-983 to confirm the role provides genuine practical training, not just routine work. Vague job descriptions that reference only customer service tasks are the most common reason STEM OPT training plans are rejected.
How does the cap-gap rule affect Technical Support students waiting for H-1B approval?
If your STEM OPT is still active when your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before April 1 of the fiscal year, the cap-gap rule automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. For Technical Support roles, this means you can keep working without interruption even if your EAD would otherwise expire before October 1. USCIS updates cap-gap guidance annually, so confirm the current rules with your DSO before your OPT end date approaches.
Can I work a Technical Support job through a staffing agency on STEM OPT?
Yes, but the compliance requirements are stricter. The staffing agency must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the placement must still satisfy the practical training requirement tied to your STEM degree. Your employer of record for the I-983 is the agency, not the client company, which means the agency must sign and co-manage your training plan. Some agencies are unfamiliar with this structure, so clarify who will own the I-983 filing before you accept a contract placement.