STEM OPT Technology Lead Jobs
Technology Lead roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, drawing on engineering, computer science, and information systems degrees. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total to work for an E-Verify-enrolled employer, making this a strong window to build technical leadership experience in the U.S.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Kimley-Horn is looking for an Information Technology (IT) Analyst to join our Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) office! This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities
In this role, you will collaborate with both local and region-wide IT teams to deliver support to several offices. The selected candidate responsibilities will include the daily IT support of the local office and providing IT helpdesk support to end-users across the region/firm.
- Provide support on our corporate IT Helpdesk
- Install new printers/copiers/plotters and other office equipment
- Install and support enterprise applications
- Perform data maintenance and data archiving
- Assist with office moves/expansions
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidates should have a passion for technology, a business mindset, a customer service-oriented attitude, strong communication skills, a willingness to work with others and the ability to travel. The successful candidate will be able to prioritize, troubleshoot/resolve problems and follow-through with internal clients.
- Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology/Systems; Computer Science or related field with 0-2 years of experience OR
- Associates Degree in Information Technology/Systems; Computer Science or related field with 3+ years of experience
- Knowledge of Windows 10, Office 365, Teams and OneDrive for business, Exchange 365, Windows Server 2016, Active Directory, Networking basic fundamental
- Knowledge of Windows Server 2012/2016 printing and file level NTFS permissions
- Ability to understand Windows 10 and configure and troubleshoot PC level problems
- Ability to understand basic Windows Active Directory; user accounts and security groups
- Strong communication, written, and customer service skills
- High aptitude and willingness to learn new technologies
- A self-starter that can work with minimal supervision; highly organized
- Travel (driving) to other offices within the region as needed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
INTRODUCTION
Kimley-Horn is looking for an Information Technology (IT) Analyst to join our Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) office! This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities
In this role, you will collaborate with both local and region-wide IT teams to deliver support to several offices. The selected candidate responsibilities will include the daily IT support of the local office and providing IT helpdesk support to end-users across the region/firm.
- Provide support on our corporate IT Helpdesk
- Install new printers/copiers/plotters and other office equipment
- Install and support enterprise applications
- Perform data maintenance and data archiving
- Assist with office moves/expansions
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidates should have a passion for technology, a business mindset, a customer service-oriented attitude, strong communication skills, a willingness to work with others and the ability to travel. The successful candidate will be able to prioritize, troubleshoot/resolve problems and follow-through with internal clients.
- Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology/Systems; Computer Science or related field with 0-2 years of experience OR
- Associates Degree in Information Technology/Systems; Computer Science or related field with 3+ years of experience
- Knowledge of Windows 10, Office 365, Teams and OneDrive for business, Exchange 365, Windows Server 2016, Active Directory, Networking basic fundamental
- Knowledge of Windows Server 2012/2016 printing and file level NTFS permissions
- Ability to understand Windows 10 and configure and troubleshoot PC level problems
- Ability to understand basic Windows Active Directory; user accounts and security groups
- Strong communication, written, and customer service skills
- High aptitude and willingness to learn new technologies
- A self-starter that can work with minimal supervision; highly organized
- Travel (driving) to other offices within the region as needed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
See all 557+ STEM OPT Technology Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Technology Lead
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to an approved STEM field on USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program List. Technology Lead roles often require computer science or engineering credentials, and a mismatched CIP code will block your extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Look up any prospective employer in the E-Verify employer search database before your first interview. A Technology Lead role at a company not enrolled in E-Verify cannot support your STEM OPT extension, regardless of the job's technical content.
Tailor your I-983 to leadership deliverables
Your I-983 training plan must connect the Technology Lead responsibilities, such as architecture decisions and team mentorship, to specific STEM learning objectives. Generic descriptions of software work get flagged by DSOs; tie each goal to a measurable technical or engineering outcome.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
Technology Lead titles span a wide wage range across SOC codes. Pull the prevailing wage for your specific occupation and metro area using the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating, so you can confirm the offer meets DOL standards required under your training plan.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Companies that file H-1B visa petitions regularly already have immigration infrastructure and legal counsel familiar with STEM OPT requirements. Use Migrate Mate to filter Technology Lead openings by verified DOL Labor Condition Application data, surfacing employers with a real sponsorship track record.
File your extension at least 90 days before OPT expires
Submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. If your application is timely filed and a cap-gap applies, you're covered while the petition is pending, but a late submission leaves a gap in your work authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Technology Lead role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if the role directly applies your STEM degree and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Technology Lead positions typically fall under computer and information systems or engineering SOC codes, which align with approved STEM fields. Your DSO will confirm the CIP-to-occupation match when certifying your I-983 training plan.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Technology Lead position?
Your I-983 must describe concrete STEM learning goals tied to your Technology Lead responsibilities, such as applying systems design principles, leading architectural reviews, or building and deploying scalable infrastructure. Vague descriptions of managing a team won't satisfy DSO review. Both you and your employer must sign the plan, and your employer is required to be enrolled in E-Verify before submitting.
How do I find Technology Lead jobs where the employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Migrate Mate filters Technology Lead openings by verified E-Verify enrollment and DOL Labor Condition Application filing data, so you can see which employers have a documented history of hiring international talent before you apply. Cross-referencing LCA filings also shows whether a company has sponsored roles at your level.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if I'm in cap-gap status as a Technology Lead?
If your H-1B petition is filed before your current EAD expires and you remain in the same or a related STEM role, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year. You can continue in your Technology Lead position during this period, but you must stay with the same E-Verify-enrolled employer that filed the petition.
Can I work as a Technology Lead in a fully remote role on STEM OPT?
Remote work is permitted on STEM OPT, but your employer must still be enrolled in E-Verify and you must remain an employee, not an independent contractor. Your I-983 training plan should reflect the actual work location or note remote status, and your employer is responsible for reporting any material changes to your DSO within five business days.