Top 10 Aerospace and Defense Companies Hiring OPT Students
The top 10 aerospace and defense companies hiring OPT students include Joby Aviation, Safran, and Spirit AeroSystems, spanning aerospace and defense, energy, and consulting and professional services. Migrate Mate is tracking 250 live OPT jobs across these employers as of August 26, 2026, updated daily. Roles at these companies are open to F-1 students whose field of study aligns with the position, no employer filing required.
Which aerospace and defense companies hire the most OPT students?
Ranked by live OPT openings on Migrate Mate, updated daily
- 01
Joby Aviation
AerospaceEngineeringR&DJoby Aviation has 64 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate, the most of any aerospace and defense company on this list. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering. Joby Aviation develops electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for commercial air taxi service.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)63
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering44
- Manufacturing Operations22
- Project & Program Management22
- Mechanical Engineering15
+89 roles across other teams
Open roles at Joby Aviation64 openSee all 64+ Joby Aviation OPT jobsApplySenior Tooling PlannerMarina, California · On-siteApplyAvionics System EngineerSanta Cruz, California · On-siteApplyFinal Integration Manufacturing EngineerMarina, California · On-siteApplyMRB Liaison EngineerMarina, California · On-siteApplyFlight Test EngineerMarina, California · On-site - 02
Safran
AerospaceManufacturingEngineeringSafran has 31 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Project & Program Management and Engineering (Non-Software). Safran designs and manufactures aircraft engines, landing systems, and aerospace equipment.
Open roles by team
- Project & Program Management26
- Engineering (Non-Software)20
- Manufacturing Operations19
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering19
- Warehouse & Logistics12
+39 roles across other teams
Open roles at Safran31 openSee all 31+ Safran OPT jobsApplyAOG SpecialistPeachtree City, Georgia · On-siteApplyCertification EngineerGainesville, Texas · On-siteApplyContinuous Improvement EngineerCarson, California · On-siteApplyQuality Inspector IIIMarysville, Washington · On-siteApplyAircraft Engine Records ManagerGrapevine, Texas · On-site - 03
Spirit AeroSystems
AerospaceManufacturingDefenseSpirit AeroSystems has 26 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Manufacturing Operations and Engineering (Non-Software). Spirit AeroSystems produces aerostructures including fuselages and wing assemblies for commercial and defense aircraft.
Open roles by team
- Manufacturing Operations17
- Engineering (Non-Software)17
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering16
- Project & Program Management10
- Compliance & Legal8
+35 roles across other teams
Open roles at Spirit AeroSystems26 openSee all Spirit AeroSystems OPT jobsApplyAssociate Procurement AgentWichita, Kansas · On-siteApplyAssociate Integrated Business Team LeaderWichita, Kansas · On-siteApplyAssociate AccountantWichita, Kansas · On-siteApplyMid- Level Procurement IPT FocalWichita, Kansas · On-siteApplyAssociate Tool EngineerWichita, Kansas · On-site Unlock every OPT job from these sponsors
Find 390+ OPT jobs- 04
Boeing
AerospaceDefenseEngineeringBoeing has 22 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering. Boeing designs and manufactures commercial jetliners, military aircraft, and space systems.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)34
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering23
- Project & Program Management14
- Electrical Engineering10
- Manufacturing Operations5
+21 roles across other teams
Open roles at Boeing22 openSee all Boeing OPT jobsApplyFlight Sciences EngineerBingen, Washington · HybridApplySoftware EngineerBingen, Washington · HybridApplyIndustrial EngineerPortland, Oregon · On-siteApplyEquipment & Tool EngineerAuburn, Washington · On-siteApplyEquipment and Tool EngineerPortland, Oregon · On-site - 05
Axon
DefenseTechnologySoftwareAxon has 21 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Project & Program Management and Business Analysis. Axon develops public safety technology including body cameras, software, and less-lethal devices for law enforcement.
Open roles by team
- Project & Program Management12
- Business Analysis8
- Tax6
- Audit6
- Finance6
+72 roles across other teams
Open roles at Axon21 openSee all Axon OPT jobsApplySenior Software Engineer I, Applied AISeattle, Washington · On-siteApplySenior Accounting Operations AnalystNew York, New York · HybridApplyAccount ExecutiveBoston, Massachusetts · HybridApplySr Technical Support Engineer IScottsdale, Arizona · On-siteApplyThreat Intelligence AnalystScottsdale, Arizona · On-site - Editor’s note
How this list is ranked
These employers are ranked by how many roles open to OPT candidates they have live on Migrate Mate right now. OPT is your own work authorization rather than something the employer files, so the practical question is whether the role fits your field of study and whether the team has hired people on OPT before.
- 06
Shield AI
DefenseAIEngineeringShield AI has 19 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Electrical Engineering. Shield AI builds autonomous AI-powered systems for military aviation and defense applications.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)26
- Electrical Engineering9
- Mechanical Engineering7
- Aerospace Engineering6
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering6
+16 roles across other teams
Open roles at Shield AI19 openSee all Shield AI OPT jobsApplyEngineer II, Thermal Designer/AnalystDallas, Texas · On-siteApplyFlight Test Instrumentation EngineerWichita, Kansas · On-siteApplyThermal Engineer ISan Diego, California · On-siteApplySensor Integration EngineerSan Diego, California · On-siteApplySupplier Development EngineerDallas, Texas · On-site - 07
Westinghouse Electric Company
EnergyNuclearEngineeringWestinghouse Electric Company has 19 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Compliance & Legal. Westinghouse Electric Company provides nuclear energy technology, fuel, and services to utilities worldwide.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)20
- Compliance & Legal7
- Project & Program Management7
- Civil & Structural Engineering6
- Teaching & Instruction5
+32 roles across other teams
Open roles at Westinghouse Electric Company19 openSee all Westinghouse Electric Company OPT jobsApplyFinancial AnalystMiddlesex County, Massachusetts · On-siteApplyEngineer IICranberry Township, Pennsylvania · HybridApplyEngineer - SAP variant configurationHopkins, South Carolina · HybridApplyNuclear Analysis TechnicianCranberry Township, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyProject ManagerMiddlesex County, Massachusetts · On-site See OPT jobs from all 10 sponsors and thousands more
Find 390+ OPT jobs- 08
Holtec International
EnergyNuclearEngineeringHoltec International has 17 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Manufacturing Operations. Holtec International engineers energy equipment and nuclear plant decommissioning solutions.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)17
- Manufacturing Operations6
- Teaching & Instruction6
- Compliance & Legal4
- Nuclear Engineering4
+19 roles across other teams
Open roles at Holtec International17 openSee all Holtec International OPT jobsApplyMechanical Design EngineerCovert, Michigan · On-siteApplyNuclear Systems EngineerCovert, Michigan · On-siteApplyQuality Engineer IITurtle Creek, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyPSA Engineer IICamden, New Jersey · On-siteApplyDimensional Inspection TechnicianCamden, New Jersey · On-site - 09
Garmin
AviationTechnologyEngineeringGarmin has 17 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Software Engineering. Garmin develops GPS technology, avionics, and navigation equipment for aviation, marine, and consumer markets.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)17
- Software Engineering12
- Electrical Engineering5
- Design (UX & Creative)4
- Project & Program Management4
+15 roles across other teams
Open roles at Garmin17 openSee all Garmin OPT jobsApplyAviation Programs Engineer/Manager 1Olathe, Kansas · On-siteApplyMechanical Engineer 2Olathe, Kansas · On-siteApplyElectronics TechnicianOlathe, Kansas · On-siteApplySenior Aviation Field Service EngineerOlathe, Kansas · On-siteApplyDesign Certification Engineer 1Olathe, Kansas · On-site - 10
Beta Technologies
AerospaceEngineeringR&DBeta Technologies has 14 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Warehouse & Logistics. Beta Technologies builds electric aircraft and charging infrastructure for advanced air mobility.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)14
- Warehouse & Logistics13
- Manufacturing Operations8
- Compliance & Legal4
- Project & Program Management4
+12 roles across other teams
Open roles at Beta Technologies14 openSee all Beta Technologies OPT jobsApplyInventory Control AnalystSouth Burlington, Vermont · On-siteApplyMaster Data Implementation SpecialistSouth Burlington, Vermont · On-siteApplySupplier Compliance EngineerSouth Burlington, Vermont · On-siteApplyAerospace Internal Audit SpecialistSouth Burlington, Vermont · On-siteApplySupplier Development SpecialistSouth Burlington, Vermont · On-site
How OPT works
OPT is work authorization for F-1 students, not an employer-sponsored visa. The student applies through their school's international office (the DSO) and USCIS with Form I-765; the employer files nothing. The role must relate to the student's field of study. OPT gives up to 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension for eligible degrees.
Ready to apply for OPT sponsorship?
Sign up free to unlock every OPT job from these sponsors and thousands more, filter by role and location, and apply in a few clicks.
Find 390+ OPT jobsAerospace and Defense OPT Employers: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies hire the most OPT students?
Joby Aviation has the most, with 64 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate, followed by Safran (31) and Spirit AeroSystems (26). Across the 10 aerospace and defense companies on this list, Migrate Mate is tracking 250 live OPT jobs, updated daily.
Who is eligible for OPT?
F-1 students who have been enrolled full time for at least one academic year and are within their program of study are eligible to apply for OPT. Authorization covers up to 12 months of work, and the role must be directly related to the student's field of study. Students with STEM degrees may apply for a 24-month extension after the initial period. The employer does not need to file anything; the student applies through their DSO and USCIS using Form I-765.
How much does F-1 OPT cost?
F-1 OPT is student work authorization, so there is no employer sponsorship fee. The student pays the USCIS filing fee for the work-authorization application, plus any costs their school charges. Fee amounts change from time to time, so check the current figure before you rely on it.
How do I get OPT through a top employer?
OPT authorization comes from USCIS, not from the employer. Start by contacting your Designated School Official at least three months before your intended start date, as applications must be submitted before your program end date. Your DSO updates your SEVIS record and issues an updated Form I-20 recommending OPT. You then file Form I-765 with USCIS and wait for your Employment Authorization Document. Once you have it, you can begin work in a role related to your field of study at any qualifying employer, including aerospace and defense companies.