STEM OPT Jobs in Hawaii
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Hawaii are concentrated in defense and aerospace contractors on Oahu, ocean science research institutions, and the University of Hawaii system. Honolulu anchors most employer activity, with smaller pockets in Hilo and Maui's growing tech sector.
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Description
Title: IT Specialist/Java Web Applications Developer
Position Number: 0081043
Hiring Unit: Information Technology Services, Enterprise Systems
Location: UH System Offices - Manoa
Date Posted: June 25, 2026
Closing Date: July 31, 2026
Band: B
Salary: salary schedules and placement information
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Duties and Responsibilities (* denotes essential functions):
- Analyze and define various system requirements; provide logical workflows and data structures for new systems; and define interface specifications in accordance with overall system design.
- Work with subject matter experts and stakeholders to understand business needs, source data structures, data item definitions, and document key findings. Analyze source metadata, profile source data, and develop data mapping and transformation rules.
- Communicate and work with managerial, administrative, and technical staff to determine system information needs, data flows, and definitions. Document what is learned to develop materials which match processes, system features and functionalities as indicated.
- Develop and determine system specifications, including timelines and functional specifications, translate specifications into programming requirements including program modules and data element dictionaries.
- Determine software, integrations, and other tools necessary to implement system specifications.
- Develop and document functional descriptions of assigned features and modules that describe the system and the problems that it solves.
- Develop and document technical documentation aligned with established system designs and specifications.
- Develop, test and maintain software applications, ensuring code quality and adherence to best practices.
- Program, evaluate, and test web-based applications using Java, HTML, JSP (JavaServer Pages), and JSTL (JavaServer Pages Standard Tag Library), and/or any other programming or scripting languages to meet project requirements.
- Develop and design software test procedures; design system test; coordinate system and parallel and quality assurance testing; evaluate test results determine whether programs are production ready. Monitor and review system performance and user problems to determine if system adjustments or enhancements are necessary.
- Participate in peer code reviews and refactoring efforts.
- Work directly with customers and development staff to ensure that the necessary testing, bug fixes, and programming modifications are completed by project deadlines.
- Keep abreast of advances in information technology and assess the feasibility of incorporating into project plans and specifications to deliver better value to the customer.
- Assess and evaluate the capabilities and limitations of emerging Java frameworks, tools, and best practices.
- Provide project implementation and post-implementation support for web-based applications supported or developed by Enterprise Systems (ES).
- Work with users and stakeholders to resolve technical issues.
- Assist in monitoring and tuning software performance and suggesting optimizations.
- Follows directives and guidance related to best practices from University of Hawai'i System Information Technology Services.
- Keeps abreast of recommendations issued through University of Hawai'i System Information Technology Service, and takes timely action as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Possession of a pertinent baccalaureate educational degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Information & Computer Sciences, and/or related field and 3 years of progressively responsible professional information technology experience with responsibilities for applications development, of which 2 years of the experience must have been comparable in scope and complexity to the next lower payband in the University of Hawai'i broadband system; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
- Considerable working knowledge of applications development as demonstrated by the broad knowledge and understanding of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving information technology concepts, principles and methodologies.
- Considerable working knowledge and understanding of the broad technology, systems, hardware and software associated with applications development.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize a wide range of intricate problems, use reasoning and logic to determine accurate causes, and apply principles and practices to determine, evaluate, integrate, and implement practical and thorough solutions in an effective and timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to comprehend and interpret administrative directives and guidance to ensure IT operations align with organizational standards and industry best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
- For supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
- Considerable working knowledge of Java and JSP.
- Considerable working knowledge of HTML, CSS, XML and JSON.
- Considerable working knowledge of one or more Database Management Systems (DBMS) such as MySQL or Oracle.
- Considerable working knowledge of coding practices necessary for developing enterprise-wide, web-based applications; prototyping and iterative development techniques; and systems development methodology and techniques.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and revise system plans, design documents, implementation plans, training material, and to conduct user group sessions and related interviews.
- Demonstrated ability to develop clean, structured programs and conduct thorough testing; define, design, and develop efficient customized reports and ad hoc queries; and recognize problems, identify possible causes, and resolve routine problems.
- Demonstrated ability to speak, read, comprehend, interpret, and write fluently in English.
- Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies independently and in a timely manner using books, manuals, and other resources.
- Ability to work a variable work schedule; and work outside normally scheduled work hours including day, night, weekend and/or holiday hours, as directed.
Desirable Qualifications
- Considerable working knowledge of the Spring Framework and Spring Boot.
- Considerable working knowledge of web service protocols such as SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) or REST (Representational State Transfer).
- Working knowledge of Struts MVC, Spring MVC and/or Spring WebFlow.
- Working knowledge of Apache Web Server and the Tomcat servlet container.
- Working knowledge of JavaScript and related technologies such as jQuery, React, AngularJS and Node.js.
- Working knowledge of Maven.
- Working knowledge of a testing framework such as JUnit or DbUnit.
- Working knowledge of an IDE such as Eclipse or IntelliJ.
- Working knowledge of a source control system such as Git.
- Working knowledge of SQL (Structured Query Language).
- Working knowledge of usability concepts and disability requirements for web-based applications.
- Working knowledge of deploying applications to Amazon Web Services or other cloud providers.
- Working knowledge of SaaS cloud applications and enterprise interfaces and integrations.
- Ability to design and develop dynamic prototypes and websites, development of online forms, and web user interfaces.
To Apply:
Note: If you have not previously applied for a position using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Cover letter to the selection committee indicating interest in the position and how the minimum and desirable qualifications are met,
- Resume,
- The names and contact information (telephone number and email addresses) of at least three (3) professional references,
- Copies of educational transcripts are acceptable; however, original official transcripts will be required at time of hire. Diplomas and copies will NOT be accepted. Transcripts issued from an institution outside of the United States of America (USA) require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from an agency having membership with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc., verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. Expense of the evaluation shall be borne by the applicant.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The application will be considered incomplete if any of the required documents/materials are not included or are unreadable.
Please redact references to social security numbers and birthdate on submitted documents.
Employment may be contingent on verification of credentials and other background information, including the completion of a criminal history check.
Inquiries:
(808) 956-9098, itsadmin@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
Search F-1 STEM OPT Jobs by Industry in Hawaii
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in Hawaii
Target E-Verify enrolled federal contractors first
Hawaii's largest STEM employers, including defense and aerospace contractors based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, must already be enrolled in E-Verify. Prioritize these employers: E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT, and federal contractors typically have established I-983 workflows.
Use Migrate Mate to filter verified STEM OPT sponsors
Search Migrate Mate's job board to identify Hawaii employers with confirmed STEM OPT sponsorship history, filtered by DOL Labor Condition Application data. This cuts the guesswork of cold-applying to employers who haven't sponsored F-1 students before.
Request your I-983 training plan before your start date
Your employer must sign a completed I-983 before USCIS approves the STEM OPT extension. Ask your prospective employer in Honolulu or Hilo whether they have a template ready. Delays in I-983 preparation are the most common reason STEM OPT applications are filed late.
Apply through University of Hawaii research labs directly
UH Manoa and UH Hilo operate research divisions in marine science, astronomy, and engineering that regularly host F-1 STEM OPT students. Apply through each lab's departmental hiring pages rather than central HR, where STEM OPT positions are often filled before they reach general job boards.
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in Hawaii: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Hawaii sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Defense contracting, ocean and atmospheric research, and the University of Hawaii system account for the largest share of F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship activity in Hawaii. Aerospace operations around Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu, federally funded marine science programs, and Maui's growing cybersecurity and satellite technology sector are the most active employers for STEM OPT candidates.
Which cities in Hawaii have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Honolulu holds the majority of F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Hawaii, driven by federal contractors, tech firms, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Hilo on the Big Island has a smaller but consistent presence through UH Hilo and astronomical research facilities at Maunakea. Kahului on Maui is an emerging area with defense-adjacent technology employers.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Hawaii?
Roles in software engineering, data analysis, oceanographic research, systems engineering, and cybersecurity commonly qualify when they carry a STEM-designated STEM degree classification and require a STEM degree directly related to the position. In Hawaii, ocean and atmospheric science roles tied to NOAA-affiliated programs and engineering positions with federal defense contractors are frequently structured to meet STEM OPT eligibility requirements.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Hawaii?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by employers with confirmed STEM OPT sponsorship history using DOL Labor Condition Application data, so you're targeting companies that have actually sponsored F-1 students rather than guessing. For Hawaii specifically, also check departmental hiring pages at UH Manoa and UH Hilo research divisions, and look at federal contractor postings tied to Oahu's defense installations, which require E-Verify enrollment and are structurally ready to hire STEM OPT candidates.
Are there any Hawaii-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Hawaii's geographic isolation means many STEM employers rely heavily on in-person presence for security-clearance roles and lab-based research, limiting fully remote STEM OPT placements compared to mainland states. Additionally, Hawaii's prevailing wages in technical occupations run above national medians due to cost of living, so verify your offered compensation against OFLC Wage Search figures before accepting an offer to ensure it meets the threshold your employer will certify on the LCA.