Government STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia's government sector are concentrated around the Washington D.C. metro corridor, with major employers including defense contractors, federal agencies, and research institutions in Arlington, McLean, Reston, and Fairfax. Roles in data science, cybersecurity, systems engineering, and policy analysis regularly appear on STEM OPT-eligible employer rosters across the state.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Assist the lab manager and other lab technicians in conducting experiments in the laboratories and field. Daily operations include preparations required for testing, conducting experiments, data collection and reporting, equipment maintenance and facility clean up.
How you will contribute:
- Compute and Summarize Data: Compute, analyze and evaluate test results. Summarize data and results. Report findings and appropriate documentation to Lab Managers and Scientists.
- Conduct Tests: Perform laboratory and field tests according to instructions from Lab Managers and Research Scientists and established engineering standards. Collect, prepare, and test samples.
- Maintain Laboratory and Equipment: Set up appropriate equipment and operate laboratory. Keep laboratory clean, organized and in compliance with safety standards. Keep equipment clean and in good repair. Notify the manager about equipment issues and needed supplies.
What will make you successful:
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to use power and hand tools.
- Knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office software are required, especially Word & Excel.
- Skill in the use of calculators, computers, and software applications.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ability to schedule, organize, and conduct laboratory tests.
- Knowledge of basic mathematics and simple statistical calculations.
- Knowledge of testing materials.
- Skill in the maintenance and repair of electrical and mechanical equipment.
- Skill in the preparation of test specimens, as well as in the use of laboratory and field-testing procedures and equipment.
- Valid Driver's License.
Additional Considerations:
- A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering Technology, or related field desired.
- ACI Concrete Field-Testing Certification desired.
- ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician Certification desired.
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
VDOT Code of Ethics
Standards of Conduct
INTRODUCTION
Assist the lab manager and other lab technicians in conducting experiments in the laboratories and field. Daily operations include preparations required for testing, conducting experiments, data collection and reporting, equipment maintenance and facility clean up.
How you will contribute:
- Compute and Summarize Data: Compute, analyze and evaluate test results. Summarize data and results. Report findings and appropriate documentation to Lab Managers and Scientists.
- Conduct Tests: Perform laboratory and field tests according to instructions from Lab Managers and Research Scientists and established engineering standards. Collect, prepare, and test samples.
- Maintain Laboratory and Equipment: Set up appropriate equipment and operate laboratory. Keep laboratory clean, organized and in compliance with safety standards. Keep equipment clean and in good repair. Notify the manager about equipment issues and needed supplies.
What will make you successful:
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to use power and hand tools.
- Knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office software are required, especially Word & Excel.
- Skill in the use of calculators, computers, and software applications.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ability to schedule, organize, and conduct laboratory tests.
- Knowledge of basic mathematics and simple statistical calculations.
- Knowledge of testing materials.
- Skill in the maintenance and repair of electrical and mechanical equipment.
- Skill in the preparation of test specimens, as well as in the use of laboratory and field-testing procedures and equipment.
- Valid Driver's License.
Additional Considerations:
- A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering Technology, or related field desired.
- ACI Concrete Field-Testing Certification desired.
- ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician Certification desired.
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
VDOT Code of Ethics
Standards of Conduct
STEM OPT Government Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Government Jobs in VirginiaGovernment STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in Virginia sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Government contractors and federally adjacent employers in Virginia with established STEM OPT sponsorship histories include Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, SAIC, Northrop Grumman, and Mitre Corporation. Federal civilian agencies with Virginia offices, such as the Department of Defense and intelligence community contractors, also hire STEM OPT students, though direct federal employment is generally restricted to U.S. citizens. Employer sponsorship history varies by role and hiring cycle.
Which cities in Virginia have the most government F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Northern Virginia corridor accounts for the largest concentration of government-sector STEM OPT positions, with Arlington, McLean, Reston, Herndon, and Fairfax hosting the highest volume of defense and intelligence contractor offices. Richmond sees activity from state government technology roles, and the Hampton Roads area has government-adjacent engineering and logistics positions tied to the naval and military installations there.
What types of government roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT must fall under a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs code matched to your degree. In Virginia's government sector, qualifying positions commonly include data analyst, cybersecurity analyst, software engineer, systems engineer, operations research analyst, and intelligence analyst roles at contracting firms. Positions requiring active U.S. security clearances at the time of hire are often inaccessible to F-1 students, so confirm clearance requirements before applying.
How do I find government F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters Virginia government-sector jobs by F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, surfacing employers with verified STEM OPT sponsorship histories in the state. You can search by location, including specific Northern Virginia cities, and filter by role type to find cybersecurity, data science, and systems engineering positions at defense contractors and public-sector firms. Cross-reference any offer with your DSO to confirm your degree's CIP code aligns with the role.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Virginia's government sector?
Virginia's proximity to federal agencies means many government-sector roles involve security clearance processes that can limit F-1 eligibility, even at the contractor level. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor STEM OPT extensions, which most established Virginia defense contractors already satisfy. Virginia does not impose additional state-level requirements beyond federal STEM OPT rules, but clearance timelines and employer size can affect practical access to specific positions.