OPT Jobs in North Carolina
North Carolina's Research Triangle anchors one of the country's densest concentrations of F-1 OPT sponsoring employers, with major activity in life sciences, technology, and financial services. Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, and the RTP corridor are the primary hiring hubs for international students on OPT.
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Get Access To All JobsJoin Inframark: Leading the Way in Infrastructure Management
Inframark, founded in 1978, is a top provider of water and wastewater management services, committed to sustainable solutions that protect the environment. We offer a wide range of services, including operations, maintenance, management, infrastructure management, and consulting. Interested in being a part of a team that values growth, development, and making a positive difference. 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.
HMI Application Engineer
Summary of Functions
Develops application software to meet requirements of project contractual documents while adhering to Inframark’s Project Methodology. HMI Application Engineers with HMI expertise set up the customer computer system hardware and network, configure the SCADA application software, perform startup and testing, and provide training.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Receive project requirements and direction from HMI Application Engineering Supervisor and Project Manager (PM), including review of contract documents.
- Keep PMs informed of status of tasks and project milestones; maintain awareness of project budgets and notify PMs of issues impacting budgets.
- Produce timely and accurate project documentation such as timesheets and trip reports.
- Follow established Best Practices and Development Standards and Procedures.
- Set up project system servers, workstations, operating systems, networks, and peripheral equipment at job sites.
- Develop HMI application software per contract documents and System Control Narrative using software such as System Platform w/ OMI, InTouch, Ignition, VTScada, iFix, and FactoryTalk View SE.
- Install all developed application and vendor software, verifying proper execution.
- Interface equipment to third-party vendor systems via industrial communication protocols.
- Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
- Demonstrate system functionality to Owner/Engineer/Contractor, including hardware/network operation, SCADA monitoring/control, alarms, and reporting.
- Develop custom Operational and State Reports per Customer requirements.
- Provide training to operators, supervisors, and administrative personnel.
- Generate and gather all required final project documentation.
- Provide technical assistance to customers.
Organizational Relationships
- Reports to HMI Application Engineering Supervisor or HMI Department Manager.
- Receives direction from HMI Supervisor, Department Manager, and Project Managers.
- Works closely with Project Team members.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of HMI/SCADA programming experience, preferably in Water & Wastewater industry.
- Knowledge and experience with Microsoft operating systems, networks, and HMI software (System Platform w/ OMI, InTouch, Ignition, VTScada, iFix, FactoryTalk View SE).
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Physical Demands
- Ability to communicate orally with management and co-workers.
- Regular use of telephone, email, and digital tools.
- Extended periods of sitting and computer work.
- Adequate vision and hearing required.
- Ability to lift servers, workstations, and peripherals.
- Manual dexterity for setting up computer equipment and cables.
Work Environment
- Performed indoors at office and job sites.
- Extended sitting and computer monitor use.
- May require irregular hours and on-call availability for project startup and warranty troubleshooting.
Travel
- Regular travel required for startup, testing, and demonstration of SCADA systems.
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 on the basis of disability.
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.
Join Inframark: Leading the Way in Infrastructure Management
Inframark, founded in 1978, is a top provider of water and wastewater management services, committed to sustainable solutions that protect the environment. We offer a wide range of services, including operations, maintenance, management, infrastructure management, and consulting. Interested in being a part of a team that values growth, development, and making a positive difference. 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.
HMI Application Engineer
Summary of Functions
Develops application software to meet requirements of project contractual documents while adhering to Inframark’s Project Methodology. HMI Application Engineers with HMI expertise set up the customer computer system hardware and network, configure the SCADA application software, perform startup and testing, and provide training.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Receive project requirements and direction from HMI Application Engineering Supervisor and Project Manager (PM), including review of contract documents.
- Keep PMs informed of status of tasks and project milestones; maintain awareness of project budgets and notify PMs of issues impacting budgets.
- Produce timely and accurate project documentation such as timesheets and trip reports.
- Follow established Best Practices and Development Standards and Procedures.
- Set up project system servers, workstations, operating systems, networks, and peripheral equipment at job sites.
- Develop HMI application software per contract documents and System Control Narrative using software such as System Platform w/ OMI, InTouch, Ignition, VTScada, iFix, and FactoryTalk View SE.
- Install all developed application and vendor software, verifying proper execution.
- Interface equipment to third-party vendor systems via industrial communication protocols.
- Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
- Demonstrate system functionality to Owner/Engineer/Contractor, including hardware/network operation, SCADA monitoring/control, alarms, and reporting.
- Develop custom Operational and State Reports per Customer requirements.
- Provide training to operators, supervisors, and administrative personnel.
- Generate and gather all required final project documentation.
- Provide technical assistance to customers.
Organizational Relationships
- Reports to HMI Application Engineering Supervisor or HMI Department Manager.
- Receives direction from HMI Supervisor, Department Manager, and Project Managers.
- Works closely with Project Team members.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of HMI/SCADA programming experience, preferably in Water & Wastewater industry.
- Knowledge and experience with Microsoft operating systems, networks, and HMI software (System Platform w/ OMI, InTouch, Ignition, VTScada, iFix, FactoryTalk View SE).
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Physical Demands
- Ability to communicate orally with management and co-workers.
- Regular use of telephone, email, and digital tools.
- Extended periods of sitting and computer work.
- Adequate vision and hearing required.
- Ability to lift servers, workstations, and peripherals.
- Manual dexterity for setting up computer equipment and cables.
Work Environment
- Performed indoors at office and job sites.
- Extended sitting and computer monitor use.
- May require irregular hours and on-call availability for project startup and warranty troubleshooting.
Travel
- Regular travel required for startup, testing, and demonstration of SCADA systems.
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 on the basis of disability.
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.
Search F-1 OPT Jobs by Industry in North Carolina
Tips for Finding OPT Jobs in North Carolina
Target Research Triangle Park directly
RTP is one of the largest research parks in the world and home to employers like Cisco, IBM, and Biogen who sponsor F-1 OPT regularly. Focus your search on companies headquartered or with significant operations in Durham and Research Triangle Park.
Leverage North Carolina's university network
NC State, Duke, and UNC-Chapel Hill have strong employer relationships with local companies. Attend career fairs hosted by these universities even if you're enrolled elsewhere. Many Triangle-area employers actively recruit from these campuses and are comfortable with OPT sponsorship.
Align your search with CAP-exempt timing
OPT authorization comes from your school, not from USCIS lottery. This means North Carolina employers can hire you year-round. Start applications three to four months before your intended start date to give employers time to understand OPT before extending an offer.
Filter for OPT-ready employers on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in North Carolina, which saves significant time compared to manually researching each employer's visa history. Focusing on employers already familiar with OPT mechanics reduces friction in the offer process.
Explore Charlotte's growing financial and technology sector
Charlotte has expanded well beyond banking into fintech, data analytics, and enterprise software. Companies like Bank of America and Honeywell have large Charlotte presences and sponsor international talent. It's an underutilized market compared to the Triangle for OPT job seekers.
Prepare a clear OPT explainer for hiring managers
Many North Carolina employers outside RTP are unfamiliar with OPT mechanics. A one-page summary explaining work authorization dates, no employer cost, and STEM OPT extension eligibility often accelerates hiring decisions at mid-size companies that might otherwise hesitate.
See all 5,753+ F-1 OPT jobs in North Carolina
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 OPT jobs in North Carolina.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 OPT Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in North Carolina sponsor the most F-1 OPT visas?
Life sciences and biotechnology, technology, and financial services are the top industries for F-1 OPT sponsorship in North Carolina. The Research Triangle Park corridor concentrates pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and software firms that regularly bring on OPT candidates. Charlotte adds financial technology and corporate banking roles to the mix.
Which cities in North Carolina have the most F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Raleigh and Durham together form the core of F-1 OPT hiring in North Carolina, driven by Research Triangle Park and proximity to Duke, NC State, and UNC-Chapel Hill. Charlotte is the second major hub, particularly for finance, technology, and logistics roles. Smaller markets like Cary, Chapel Hill, and Morrisville also have notable employer density within the Triangle area.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in North Carolina?
OPT work authorization is tied to your degree field, not a specific employer petition, so the role must be directly related to your major. In North Carolina, qualifying roles commonly include software engineering, data analysis, biomedical research, clinical data management, financial analysis, and electrical engineering. Roles must represent practical training related to your degree program to satisfy OPT requirements.
How do I find F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in North Carolina?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and visa holders, allowing you to search F-1 OPT jobs in North Carolina by industry and role type. Beyond dedicated job platforms, attending career events hosted by NC State, Duke, and UNC-Chapel Hill connects you with Triangle employers already experienced in hiring OPT candidates. Targeting employers listed in DOL OPT data is also a reliable research method.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in North Carolina?
North Carolina does not impose additional state-level work authorization requirements beyond federal OPT rules, but employers in regulated industries like banking and pharmaceuticals may require background checks that account for your visa status timeline. For STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, which is mandatory for state contractors in North Carolina, meaning many large employers already meet this requirement.