STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in West Virginia are concentrated in energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, with the strongest employer density in Charleston, Morgantown, and Huntington. Federal research presence at WVU and the National Energy Technology Laboratory adds graduate-level hiring pathways across engineering and data science disciplines.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The department of Information Technology Services at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an On-Site Network Engineer.
About the Opportunity
A Network Analyst is responsible for providing technical support and assistance in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of an organization's network infrastructure. This role involves hands-on tasks related to network devices, connectivity, and ensuring the overall functionality of the network.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
- Wellness programs
- Network Installation and Setup: Assist in the installation and configuration of networking hardware, including routers, switches, and access points. Collaborate with network engineers to deploy and connect network devices in accordance with established guidelines.
- Network Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Diagnose and resolve basic network issues, such as connectivity problems, network outages, and slow performance. Perform routine maintenance tasks, including software updates, firmware upgrades, and hardware replacements.
- Network Monitoring and Support: Monitor network performance using tools and alert systems, escalating issues to network engineers as needed. Provide first-level support to end users regarding network-related inquiries and problems.
- Hardware and Cable Management: Maintain accurate records of network device inventory, serial numbers, and configurations. Assist in managing network cabling infrastructure, ensuring proper organization and labeling.
- Network Documentation: Update and maintain network documentation, diagrams, and records of changes and configurations. Contribute to creating and maintaining standard operating procedures for common network tasks.
- Basic Security Measures: Assist in implementing and maintaining basic network security measures, such as access controls and password policies. Follow security protocols to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the network.
- Remote Support and Collaboration: Provide remote technical support to end users and remote offices, troubleshooting network issues and assisting with configurations.
- Learning and Development: Engage in training opportunities to enhance technical skills and keep up to date with networking technologies. Seek guidance from network engineers to improve proficiency.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training, education, and experience in a relevant field
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the following:
- Configuration and installation of Routers, Switches, and Wireless Access Points.
- Experience in Internet TCP/IP protocols such as DHCP, DNS, SNMP, TELNET, FTP, WWW, SSH
- Overall IT Experience
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Basic understanding of networking concepts and protocols, including TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, VPN, etc.
- Familiarity with networking hardware, including routers, switches, and wireless access points.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting basic network issues and performing hardware/software installations.
- Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with diverse team members and end users.
- Ability to follow technical instructions and work collaboratively within a team.
- Physical ability to lift and move network equipment as required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Installation and implementation of complex and secure LANs/WANs is preferred.
- Cisco and/or networking equipment is preferred.
Requirements Licenses / Certifications:
- Cisco (CCNA or higher), Juniper (JNCIA or higher), Palo Alto (PCNSA or higher) certifications preferred.
About WVU
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
Job Posting
: Sep 15, 2026
Posting Classification: Non-Classified
Exemption Status: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Schedule
: Full-time
INTRODUCTION
The department of Information Technology Services at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an On-Site Network Engineer.
About the Opportunity
A Network Analyst is responsible for providing technical support and assistance in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of an organization's network infrastructure. This role involves hands-on tasks related to network devices, connectivity, and ensuring the overall functionality of the network.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
- Wellness programs
- Network Installation and Setup: Assist in the installation and configuration of networking hardware, including routers, switches, and access points. Collaborate with network engineers to deploy and connect network devices in accordance with established guidelines.
- Network Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Diagnose and resolve basic network issues, such as connectivity problems, network outages, and slow performance. Perform routine maintenance tasks, including software updates, firmware upgrades, and hardware replacements.
- Network Monitoring and Support: Monitor network performance using tools and alert systems, escalating issues to network engineers as needed. Provide first-level support to end users regarding network-related inquiries and problems.
- Hardware and Cable Management: Maintain accurate records of network device inventory, serial numbers, and configurations. Assist in managing network cabling infrastructure, ensuring proper organization and labeling.
- Network Documentation: Update and maintain network documentation, diagrams, and records of changes and configurations. Contribute to creating and maintaining standard operating procedures for common network tasks.
- Basic Security Measures: Assist in implementing and maintaining basic network security measures, such as access controls and password policies. Follow security protocols to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the network.
- Remote Support and Collaboration: Provide remote technical support to end users and remote offices, troubleshooting network issues and assisting with configurations.
- Learning and Development: Engage in training opportunities to enhance technical skills and keep up to date with networking technologies. Seek guidance from network engineers to improve proficiency.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training, education, and experience in a relevant field
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the following:
- Configuration and installation of Routers, Switches, and Wireless Access Points.
- Experience in Internet TCP/IP protocols such as DHCP, DNS, SNMP, TELNET, FTP, WWW, SSH
- Overall IT Experience
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Basic understanding of networking concepts and protocols, including TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, VPN, etc.
- Familiarity with networking hardware, including routers, switches, and wireless access points.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting basic network issues and performing hardware/software installations.
- Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with diverse team members and end users.
- Ability to follow technical instructions and work collaboratively within a team.
- Physical ability to lift and move network equipment as required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Installation and implementation of complex and secure LANs/WANs is preferred.
- Cisco and/or networking equipment is preferred.
Requirements Licenses / Certifications:
- Cisco (CCNA or higher), Juniper (JNCIA or higher), Palo Alto (PCNSA or higher) certifications preferred.
About WVU
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
Job Posting
: Sep 15, 2026
Posting Classification: Non-Classified
Exemption Status: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Schedule
: Full-time
Search F-1 STEM OPT Jobs by Industry in West Virginia
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia
Verify your role qualifies under STEM OPT
Cross-reference your job title against the official DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before accepting an offer. Use O*NET to confirm your occupation code aligns with your degree field, since a mismatch is the most common reason STEM OPT extensions get denied.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers first
Only employers enrolled in E-Verify can sponsor STEM OPT extensions. In West Virginia, filter your search to energy firms in Charleston, hospital systems like WVU Medicine in Morgantown, and federal contractors supporting the National Energy Technology Laboratory, since these sectors maintain consistent E-Verify enrollment.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days early
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed before your current OPT EAD expires. Submit at least 90 days in advance so your 180-day cap-gap grace period covers any processing delays without interrupting your work authorization.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified STEM OPT sponsors
Search for West Virginia employers with active STEM OPT and H-1B filing histories using Migrate Mate, which surfaces DOL Labor Condition Application data by employer and occupation so you can identify proven sponsors in Morgantown and Charleston before applying.
See all 83+ F-1 STEM OPT jobs in West Virginia
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 STEM OPT jobs in West Virginia.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in West Virginia sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Energy and natural resources employers, particularly those tied to coal technology, natural gas, and renewable energy research around Charleston and the National Energy Technology Laboratory near Morgantown, account for a significant share of STEM OPT sponsorship in West Virginia. Healthcare systems, advanced manufacturing firms, and civil and environmental engineering contractors across the state also show consistent F-1 STEM OPT hiring activity.
Which cities in West Virginia have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Morgantown has the densest concentration of STEM OPT-eligible roles, driven by West Virginia University, WVU Medicine, and federal research facilities. Charleston, as the state capital and largest metro, hosts energy sector employers and state government contractors. Huntington supports STEM OPT hiring through Marshall University affiliates and regional healthcare and engineering employers.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in West Virginia?
Roles in petroleum and chemical engineering, environmental science, software development, data analysis, biomedical research, and civil infrastructure engineering routinely qualify, provided the position requires and directly relates to a STEM-designated degree. Confirm your specific occupation code through O*NET and verify it appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before treating any offer as STEM OPT eligible.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT jobs in West Virginia?
Migrate Mate lets you filter job listings by employers with verified STEM OPT and H-1B visa filing histories, so you can focus your search on West Virginia companies that have sponsored international students before. Separately, check E-Verify enrollment status with prospective employers early in your conversations, since STEM OPT extensions are only available at enrolled workplaces and many smaller West Virginia firms are not yet enrolled.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in West Virginia?
West Virginia's employer base skews toward smaller and mid-size firms, meaning E-Verify enrollment gaps are more common than in larger metro states. Confirm enrollment before investing time in an application process. Additionally, some roles tied to federal energy research facilities require security clearance eligibility, which can affect F-1 holders differently than U.S. citizens, so clarify clearance requirements with hiring managers before progressing.