Top 10 Aerospace and Defense Companies Hiring OPT Students
The top 10 aerospace and defense companies hiring OPT students include Spirit AeroSystems, Axon, and Shield AI, spanning aerospace and defense, energy, and consulting and professional services. Migrate Mate is tracking 144 live OPT jobs across these employers as of October 22, 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
Spirit AeroSystems
AerospaceManufacturingDefenseSpirit AeroSystems has 34 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate, the most of any aerospace and defense company on this list. Its openings concentrate in Manufacturing Operations and Project & Program Management. Spirit AeroSystems produces aerostructures including fuselages and wing assemblies for commercial and defense aircraft.
Open roles by team
- Manufacturing Operations24
- Project & Program Management23
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering21
- Engineering (Non-Software)18
- Business Operations5
+32 roles across other teams
Open roles at Spirit AeroSystems34 openSee all 34+ Spirit AeroSystems OPT jobsApplyAssociate Structural / Mechanical / Quality Test EngineerWichita, Kansas · On-siteApplyIndustrial EngineerWichita, Kansas · On-siteApplyProduction Control AnalystWichita, Kansas · On-siteApplySenior Production ManagerWichita, Kansas · On-siteApplySupplier Quality ManagerWichita, Kansas · On-site - 02
Axon
DefenseTechnologySoftwareAxon has 26 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Project & Program Management and Engineering (Non-Software). Axon develops public safety technology including body cameras, software, and less-lethal devices for law enforcement.
Open roles by team
- Project & Program Management20
- Engineering (Non-Software)8
- Business Analysis7
- Customer Service & Support7
- Technical Program Management7
+93 roles across other teams
Open roles at Axon26 openSee all Axon OPT jobsApplyTechnical Support Engineer IScottsdale, Arizona · HybridApplySenior Customer Technical Support RepresentativeScottsdale, Arizona · On-siteApplyManufacturing Quality Engineer IIScottsdale, Arizona · On-siteApplyProfessional Services Manager IIScottsdale, Arizona · RemoteApplyProject ManagerScottsdale, Arizona · On-site - 03
Shield AI
DefenseAIEngineeringShield AI has 14 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)16
- Electrical Engineering6
- QA & Test Engineering5
- Software Engineering5
- Manufacturing Operations4
+13 roles across other teams
Open roles at Shield AI14 openSee all Shield AI OPT jobsApplyEngineer II, Thermal Designer/AnalystDallas, Texas · On-siteApplyFlight Test Instrumentation EngineerWichita, Kansas · On-siteApplySupplier Development EngineerDallas, Texas · On-siteApplyElectrical Engineer IBoston, Massachusetts · On-siteApplySenior Engineer, VBAT Software Test AutomationSan Diego, California · On-site Unlock every OPT job from these sponsors
Find 230+ OPT jobs- 04
Westinghouse Electric Company
EnergyNuclearEngineeringWestinghouse Electric Company has 13 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Project & Program Management. Westinghouse Electric Company provides nuclear energy technology, fuel, and services to utilities worldwide.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)14
- Project & Program Management6
- Compliance & Legal5
- Civil & Structural Engineering4
- Finance3
+18 roles across other teams
Open roles at Westinghouse Electric Company13 openSee all Westinghouse Electric Company OPT jobsApplyFinancial AnalystMiddlesex County, Massachusetts · On-siteApplyEngineer IICranberry Township, Pennsylvania · HybridApplyProject ManagerMiddlesex County, Massachusetts · On-siteApplyNuclear EngineerBurlington, Kansas · On-siteApplyProcurement EngineerMiddlesex County, Massachusetts · On-site - 05
Recaro Aircraft Seating Americas, Inc
AerospaceManufacturingDesignRecaro Aircraft Seating Americas, Inc has 13 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Project & Program Management and Warehouse & Logistics. Recaro Aircraft Seating Americas designs and manufactures passenger and crew seats for commercial aircraft.
Open roles by team
- Project & Program Management18
- Warehouse & Logistics7
- Engineering (Non-Software)6
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering5
- Manufacturing Operations3
+15 roles across other teams
Open roles at Recaro Aircraft Seating Americas, Inc13 openSee all Recaro Aircraft Seating Americas, Inc OPT jobsApplyCertification Engineer IIFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplyLearning and Development SpecialistFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplyProduction Planner IFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplyDesign Change AnalystFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplyFacilities ManagerFort Worth, Texas · 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
Garmin
AviationTechnologyEngineeringGarmin has 12 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)16
- Software Engineering6
- Design (UX & Creative)4
- Project & Program Management4
- Electrical Engineering4
+10 roles across other teams
Open roles at Garmin12 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 - 07
Joby Aviation
AerospaceEngineeringR&DJoby Aviation has 9 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Manufacturing Operations. Joby Aviation develops electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for commercial air taxi service.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)14
- Manufacturing Operations6
- Mechanical Engineering6
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering6
- Aerospace Engineering4
+1 roles across other teams
Open roles at Joby Aviation9 openSee all Joby Aviation OPT jobsApplyFinal Integration Manufacturing EngineerMarina, California · On-siteApplyFlight Test EngineerMarina, California · On-siteApplyLoads and Dynamics EngineerSanta Cruz, California · On-siteApplyPowertrain Mechanical EngineerSan Carlos, California · On-siteApplyConformity CoordinatorSanta Cruz, California · On-site See OPT jobs from all 10 sponsors and thousands more
Find 230+ OPT jobs- 08
Alstom
TransportationEngineeringManufacturingAlstom has 9 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Engineering (Non-Software) and Warehouse & Logistics. Alstom designs and manufactures rail transport systems, including trains, signaling, and infrastructure.
Open roles by team
- Engineering (Non-Software)8
- Warehouse & Logistics4
- Project & Program Management4
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering4
- Manufacturing Operations3
+13 roles across other teams
Open roles at Alstom9 openSee all Alstom OPT jobsApplyPI TechnicianBoston, Massachusetts · On-siteApplySystem EngineerWashington, Washington DC · HybridApplyField EngineerLas Vegas, Nevada · On-siteApplyProduct Introduction Field EngineerAtlanta, Georgia · On-siteApplyIS&T Operations and TrainingRochester, New York · On-site - 09
GKN Aerospace
AerospaceManufacturingDefenseGKN Aerospace has 8 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Project & Program Management and Warehouse & Logistics. GKN Aerospace manufactures aerostructures, engine systems, and transparencies for commercial and military aircraft.
Open roles by team
- Project & Program Management6
- Warehouse & Logistics5
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering4
- Science & Research3
- Manufacturing Operations2
+14 roles across other teams
Open roles at GKN Aerospace8 openSee all GKN Aerospace OPT jobsApplyMaintenance PlannerGarden Grove, California · On-siteApplyTechnician, Sr. IGarden Grove, California · On-siteApplyPCMO LeadWestlake, Texas · On-siteApplyManufacturing EngineerEl Cajon, California · On-siteApplySite HRBPNorth Charlestown, New Hampshire · On-site - 10
MP Materials
DefenseEnergyManufacturingMP Materials has 6 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate. Its openings concentrate in Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering and Engineering (Non-Software). MP Materials mines and processes rare earth materials essential to defense, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Open roles by team
- Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering8
- Engineering (Non-Software)8
- Electrical Engineering3
- Tax1
- Audit1
+6 roles across other teams
Open roles at MP Materials6 openSee all MP Materials OPT jobsApplySenior Engineer III, Operational TechnologyFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplyFinancial AnalystFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplyProcess Control EngineerMountain Pass, California · On-siteApplyMaintenance Data CoordinatorFort Worth, Texas · On-siteApplyEngineer, Magnet TechnologyFort Worth, Texas · 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.
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Find 230+ OPT jobsAerospace and Defense OPT Employers: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies hire the most OPT students?
Spirit AeroSystems has the most, with 34 live OPT jobs on Migrate Mate, followed by Axon (26) and Shield AI (14). Across the 10 aerospace and defense companies on this list, Migrate Mate is tracking 144 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.