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Opt Student Cybersecurity Jobs in Chaska, MN (NOW HIRING)

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Opt Student Cybersecurity information

See Chaska, MN salary details

$43.4K

$131.8K

$193K

How much do opt student cybersecurity jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for opt student cybersecurity in Chaska, MN is $131,764.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,400.00 and $152,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an OPT student cybersecurity?

OPT Student Cybersecurity roles refer to positions in the cybersecurity field that are open to international students in the United States who are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) status. These roles allow students with a background in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields to gain practical work experience in the industry after completing their studies. Typical responsibilities include monitoring networks for security breaches, assisting with incident response, and helping organizations protect their digital assets. OPT students often work as analysts, interns, or junior security specialists in companies looking to bolster their cybersecurity teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an OPT student in cybersecurity?

To thrive as an OPT Student in Cybersecurity, you need a solid understanding of network security, risk assessment, and foundational IT knowledge, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in identifying threats and collaborating with teams. These competencies are crucial for protecting organizational data, mitigating cyber risks, and ensuring compliance in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

What is the difference between Opt Student Cybersecurity vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectOpt Student CybersecurityCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsOften includes cybersecurity certifications, ongoing OPT authorizationTypically requires certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, with relevant degree
Work EnvironmentInternship or entry-level roles, often in tech companies or government agenciesFull-time position in IT or security teams across various industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by students on OPT seeking cybersecurity roles during their visa periodEmployed by organizations to monitor and protect information systems

Opt Student Cybersecurity roles are often internship or entry-level positions suitable for students on OPT, focusing on gaining practical experience. Cybersecurity Analysts are full-time professionals responsible for safeguarding systems, requiring more experience and certifications. Both roles share similar credentials but differ in scope and employment status.

What does an OPT student in cybersecurity do?

As an OPT student in a cybersecurity position, you will likely be involved in projects such as monitoring network activity for potential threats, assisting with vulnerability assessments, and responding to security incidents under supervision. You may help implement security protocols, review logs for suspicious activity, or contribute to security awareness initiatives. Collaboration with IT teams, senior analysts, and sometimes even legal or compliance departments is common, giving you exposure to different aspects of organizational security. These experiences offer valuable hands-on learning and can help you build a strong foundation for a future career in cybersecurity.
What job categories do people searching Opt Student Cybersecurity jobs in Chaska, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Opt Student Cybersecurity jobs in Chaska, MN are:
What cities near Chaska, MN are hiring for Opt Student Cybersecurity jobs? Cities near Chaska, MN with the most Opt Student Cybersecurity job openings:
Opt Student Cybersecurity jobs near you

Senior Network Engineer

SFM Mutual Insurance Companies

Bloomington, MN • On-site

$144K - $216K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Location: Bloomington, Minnesota (Hybrid) | Full-Time
Pay: $144,780.00 to $ 216,720.00
Ranked #8 Top Workplace - Midsize Employer, MN
About the Role:
The Senior Network Engineer leads, implements, and supports the organizations network infrastructure technology. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the organization's network infrastructure is secure. SFM is a leader in the Workers' Compensation Insurance industry, and our proprietary software system is key to our success. You will lead design, implementation, administration, and optimization of enterprise-level networking solutions, ensuring that our systems are secure is critical for the company's business model. Using your tech skills, you will advocate for cybersecurity while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. This position will support enterprise initiatives involving the development, deployment, and continuous enhancement of network systems and ensure the networks are engineered for resiliency and are secure. Providing mentorship, leadership and participating in projects is an important part of this role. This person will work closely with management and make recommendations for advancements in network security technologies and practices. Apply to today and discover why employees choose to grow their careers at SFM and know that the work that they do benefits others. This positing reports to corporate headquarters in MN and onsite work is required at times.
What You'll Do:
  1. Leads the design, implementation, administration, and optimization of enterprise-level networking solutions, including advanced routing and switching, VLAN segmentation, VPN architecture, LAN/WAN infrastructure, wireless networks, load balancing, secure external connectivity to Internet, disaster recovery environments, and remote offices.
  2. Provides strategic guidance on network scalability, performance tuning, and high availability to support business continuity and growth.
  3. Provides technical leadership in the design, implementation and administration of networking technologies including switches, routers, VLANs, VPN's, LAN/WAN connections and external connections such as Internet, Disaster Recovery site, and remote offices.
  4. Maintains, optimizes and supports VoIP networking infrastructure including periodic updates to routers, switches and related devices.
  5. Participates in developing responses to internal and external audits, penetration tests and vulnerability assessments as they pertain to network hardware and infrastructure.
  6. Maximizes the performance of network and communication systems by monitoring performance, optimizing usage, and tuning hardware and software parameters.
  7. Develops requirements, participates in projects, leads projects as needed and keeps team members apprised of the status of projects relevant to the team's area of specialty.

What We'll Like About You:
  • Bachelor's in computers science, information technology, engineering or related field, preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
  • 10 or more years of experience in network administration, including at least 2 years in a senior network administrator or network engineering role focused on enterprise-level network design, implementation, and optimization.
  • Current industry standard certification such as CCNP, Microsoft Certified Azure Network Engineer, or equivalent.
  • Subject matter expert in configuring and managing routers, switches, wireless systems, SSL/VPN, TCP/IP, VLANs, DMZs, DNS, load balancers, and cloud networking technologies.
  • Advanced knowledge of routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP), switching technologies, and network performance optimization.
  • Mastery in designing, implementing, and optimizing complex LAN/WAN infrastructures, including advanced configuration of routers, switches, and firewalls.
  • Expertise in network architecture, performance tuning, and security best practices.
  • Proficient with firewalls, VPNs, secure authentication mechanisms, network access control, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
  • Expert in network security technologies including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Advanced knowledge of network segmentation, zero trust architecture, and compliance standards such as NIST, ISO, and HIPAA.
  • Proven ability to design, configure, and monitor complex network infrastructures.
  • Strong documentation skills including network diagrams, configuration records, and procedural documentation.

Why You'll Love Working Here
We want your work life to feel balanced, rewarding, and supported. Here are just a few of the benefits SFM offers:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (plus HSA/FSA options).
  • Significant Cash Benefit if You Opt Out of Our Health Plan
  • Flexible hybrid work environment.
  • 401(k) with both Traditional and Roth options + company match.
  • Contributions toward student loan repayment.
  • Generous PTO, 9 paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
  • Monthly home internet allowance.
  • Free life insurance, short-term & long-term disability coverage.
  • Incentive bonus opportunities.
  • Adoption financial assistance.
  • Pet insurance.
  • Annual company-wide volunteer day.
  • Discounts on gyms, fitness apps, and wellness programs.

Who We Are
SFM is the leading workers' compensation insurer in Minnesota, with a growing presence across the Midwest. We're proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace (#8 midsize employer in MN) thanks to our supportive culture, commitment to our employees, and focus on doing what's right. Learn more by clicking here.
The base pay posted is just one component of SFM's total compensation package. The salary range listed represents the full compensation range for this position. Job title and starting pay will be based on the selected candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience, and education, if applicable as well as internal equity with other employees in the same job classification. #SFM
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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