Government STEM OPT Jobs in Florida
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Florida's government and public sector span agencies, defense contractors, research institutions, and public universities across Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville. Federal contractors like Leidos and Booz Allen Hamilton, along with Florida's state university system and water management districts, regularly file Labor Condition Applications for STEM roles in data science, engineering, and environmental analysis.
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Join Inframark: Pioneering Automation and Intelligence
Step into the future with Inframark's award-winning Automation and Intelligence team. We deliver cutting-edge solutions in instrumentation and controls, industrial cybersecurity, data analysis, and remote network operations center services for water and wastewater plants. Elevate your career and join us at Inframark. Apply today!
Why Work for Inframark?
Our dedication to sustainability and community impact drives us to ensure clean, safe water for future generations. Whether you're at the start of your career or looking for advancement, Inframark offers purpose-driven work and opportunities for growth. We offer an attractive salary package, including a generous benefits package with health, dental, and life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and wellness plan.
Position Summary
Inframark is seeking a Field Automation Systems (FAS) Engineer to play a crucial role in control system integration, commissioning, and customer support. This position involves configuring, programming, testing, and troubleshooting industrial control systems—including SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, networking equipment, and instrumentation—primarily in the Water/Wastewater Industry.
This is a hands-on field role that requires technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a customer-focused approach. If you have experience with automation, control systems, and networking and enjoy working on-site to deliver innovative solutions, we encourage you to apply!
Key Responsibilities
- Project Management & Coordination
- Review project requirements through meetings with the Project Manager and contract document analysis.
- Maintain clear communication with Project Managers, keeping them informed of task status, milestones, and budgetary concerns.
- Produce accurate and timely documentation, including timesheets, trip reports, and system updates.
- Follow established Best Practices, Development Standards, and Procedures to ensure high-quality project execution.
- System Configuration & Programming
- Set up system servers, workstations, operating systems, networks, and peripheral equipment at job sites.
- Develop System Control Narratives to define automation logic.
- Program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and develop HMI (Human-Machine Interface) applications according to contract specifications.
- Conduct Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) when required.
- Field Installation & Commissioning
- Perform control panel commissioning, including field signal wiring, panel terminations, and I/O checkout.
- Conduct system startups, integrating PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and networking equipment.
- Ensure system hardware, network operation, SCADA functionality, and data collection align with project requirements.
- Provide on-site training for operators, supervisors, and administrative personnel on system operation and maintenance.
- Technical Support & Documentation
- Provide on-call service support for customers, troubleshooting startup and warranty issues.
- Perform instrument installation and calibration services, including physical setup, wire terminations, commissioning, and documentation.
- Mark up control panel drawings to reflect final field modifications.
- Assist with integrating third-party systems and devices into automation networks.
- Other Duties
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system efficiency.
- Mentor and train junior team members to develop a strong engineering workforce.
- Ensure all projects comply with safety and industry standards.
Qualifications & Skills
✅ Education & Experience:
- Technical degree in an engineering-related field OR 3+ years of field service experience in instrumentation, control systems, or automation.
- Experience in the Water/Wastewater industry is highly preferred.
✅ Technical Skills:
- Strong understanding of control systems, PLC programming, and SCADA applications.
- Knowledge of networking fundamentals, IP addressing, and communication protocols (Ethernet, Modbus, BACnet, etc.).
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and contract documents.
- Hands-on experience with control panel integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
✅ Soft Skills:
- Excellent communication skills to interact with customers, project managers, and team members.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Work Locations:
This job requires working in diverse environments, including:
- Office settings for project planning and documentation.
- Manufacturing shops and control panel assembly areas.
- Customer jobsites (indoor and outdoor), including industrial and water treatment facilities.
- Construction sites where physical tasks (lifting, climbing, working on ladders) may be required.
Work Conditions:
- May require extended periods of sitting, standing, and manual work.
- Exposure to varying weather conditions in field environments.
- On-call availability for system troubleshooting, startup, and warranty support.
To support a safe and secure workplace, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of background screening, drug testing, and driving record review where applicable.
Inframark is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.
STEM OPT Government Job Roles in Florida
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Search Government Jobs in FloridaGovernment STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in Florida sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Federal contractors with large Florida footprints, including Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and SAIC, consistently file Labor Condition Applications for STEM OPT workers in defense and IT roles. Florida's public university system, including the University of Florida and Florida State University, also sponsors STEM OPT positions in research and technical departments. Local and regional public utilities and water management districts hire STEM graduates in engineering and environmental science roles.
Which Florida cities have the most government F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Tampa and Orlando lead in government and defense contractor STEM OPT hiring, driven by proximity to MacDill Air Force Base, Kennedy Space Center, and major federal agency offices. Miami's federal district offices and public health agencies generate demand for data and public policy STEM roles. Jacksonville, home to Naval Station Mayport and several defense logistics contractors, is another active market for engineering and cybersecurity STEM OPT positions.
What types of government roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Florida?
Roles that qualify must be directly tied to a STEM-designated degree field. In Florida's government sector, qualifying positions commonly include systems engineer, data analyst, environmental scientist, cybersecurity analyst, GIS specialist, and software developer. Positions at defense contractors, public research universities, and federal agency regional offices frequently meet the specialty occupation standard, provided the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related STEM discipline.
How do I find government F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Florida?
Migrate Mate filters government and public sector job listings specifically for employers with verified F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history in Florida, so you can focus on agencies and contractors that have actually filed for STEM OPT workers rather than guessing from general job boards. Search by the Government and Public Sector category and filter by Florida to see active roles across Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville from employers with documented OFLC Labor Condition Application filings.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Florida's government sector?
Florida has a large defense and aerospace contractor community that operates under federal contracting rules, which can affect hiring timelines and clearance requirements for STEM OPT candidates. Some roles at federal agencies or classified defense contractors may require security clearances that are difficult or impossible to obtain on F-1 status, so it is important to confirm clearance requirements before applying. Florida's public universities and non-defense agencies generally have fewer clearance barriers for STEM OPT hiring.