Green Card Aerospace Jobs
Aerospace engineers, systems analysts, and aviation specialists with an advanced degree or strong professional credentials can qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process. Defense contractors, commercial aviation firms, and satellite manufacturers regularly file I-140 petitions for foreign nationals in this field.
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The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering (MANE) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a full-time Senior Lecturer or Professor of Practice in Aerospace Engineering. Areas of special interest include space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, and human factors. We will also consider entry level candidates at the Lecturer level and candidates working in other areas of aerospace engineering that will bring additional dimensions to MANE’s teaching mission. These appointments may be made for three to five years, and are renewable, contingent upon available funding, enrollment, satisfactory performance, and the business needs of the School of Engineering.
The successful candidate must actively and meaningfully contribute to the core teaching mission of MANE, and engage in department, institute, and professional service activities.
Who we are:
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan.
Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.
With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
- Demonstrated professional experience in aerospace engineering or a related discipline.
- Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level aerospace engineering courses.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collaborative academic environment.
Additional Qualifications by Rank:
- Lecturer: Typically 2–5+ years of relevant professional and/or teaching experience.
- Senior Lecturer: Typically 5–10+ years of teaching, industry, and/or research experience.
- Professor of Practice: Significant industry leadership experience and a national or international reputation for excellence in the field; typically 10–15+ years of distinguished professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas: space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, human factors, or other aerospace engineering specialties that complement and strengthen the department's curriculum.
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and student engagement at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
- Experience developing and delivering innovative, industry-relevant coursework.
- Professional experience in the aerospace industry, government laboratories, research organizations, or related sectors.
- Evidence of leadership, collaboration, and service within academic, professional, or industry organizations.
- For Senior Lecturer and Professor of Practice candidates, a record of sustained professional achievement and increasing levels of responsibility.
- For Professor of Practice candidates, recognized expertise with a national or international reputation for excellence and significant leadership accomplishments in the field.
- Ability to contribute to the department's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and student success.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental and applied aerospace engineering principles.
- Ability to effectively teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to develop, organize, and deliver course materials in a clear and engaging manner.
- Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
- Commitment to supporting student learning, academic success, and professional development.
- Ability to contribute to departmental, institute, and professional service activities.
- Proficiency with instructional technologies and learning management systems commonly used in higher education.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
- For Professor of Practice candidates, demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate professional expertise into impactful educational experiences.
Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:
Areas of special interest include space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, and human factors.
Representative Job Duties:
- Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Aerospace Engineering and related disciplines.
- Develop, update, and deliver high-quality course materials, laboratories, and student learning experiences.
- Advise, mentor, and support students in their academic and professional development.
- Maintain regular office hours and provide timely feedback on student performance and progress.
- Participate in curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement activities.
- Contribute to the department's teaching mission through innovative instructional practices and experiential learning opportunities.
- Engage in departmental, school, institute, and professional service activities, including committee participation and accreditation-related efforts as appropriate.
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, industry partners, and external stakeholders to enhance educational programs and student opportunities.
- Maintain professional expertise and remain current with developments in aerospace engineering and engineering education.
- Support recruitment, retention, and outreach initiatives for students and academic programs.
- For Professor of Practice appointments, leverage significant industry experience and professional networks to strengthen industry engagement, student career readiness, and program visibility.
Shift:
Business Hours: Monday - Friday
Travel:
No travel
Driving:
No Driving
Starting Salary/Rate:
Expected hiring range:
- Lecturer: $80,000 – $95,000 per 9-month academic year
- Senior Lecturer: $92,000 – $106,000 per 9-month academic year
- Professor of Practice: $96,000 – $140,000 per 9-month academic year
Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.
Application instructions:
Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.
If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.
Job Posted Date:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Total Compensation and Benefits Information:
Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.
Job Summary:
The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering (MANE) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a full-time Senior Lecturer or Professor of Practice in Aerospace Engineering. Areas of special interest include space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, and human factors. We will also consider entry level candidates at the Lecturer level and candidates working in other areas of aerospace engineering that will bring additional dimensions to MANE’s teaching mission. These appointments may be made for three to five years, and are renewable, contingent upon available funding, enrollment, satisfactory performance, and the business needs of the School of Engineering.
The successful candidate must actively and meaningfully contribute to the core teaching mission of MANE, and engage in department, institute, and professional service activities.
Who we are:
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan.
Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.
With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
- Demonstrated professional experience in aerospace engineering or a related discipline.
- Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level aerospace engineering courses.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collaborative academic environment.
Additional Qualifications by Rank:
- Lecturer: Typically 2–5+ years of relevant professional and/or teaching experience.
- Senior Lecturer: Typically 5–10+ years of teaching, industry, and/or research experience.
- Professor of Practice: Significant industry leadership experience and a national or international reputation for excellence in the field; typically 10–15+ years of distinguished professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas: space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, human factors, or other aerospace engineering specialties that complement and strengthen the department's curriculum.
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and student engagement at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
- Experience developing and delivering innovative, industry-relevant coursework.
- Professional experience in the aerospace industry, government laboratories, research organizations, or related sectors.
- Evidence of leadership, collaboration, and service within academic, professional, or industry organizations.
- For Senior Lecturer and Professor of Practice candidates, a record of sustained professional achievement and increasing levels of responsibility.
- For Professor of Practice candidates, recognized expertise with a national or international reputation for excellence and significant leadership accomplishments in the field.
- Ability to contribute to the department's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and student success.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental and applied aerospace engineering principles.
- Ability to effectively teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to develop, organize, and deliver course materials in a clear and engaging manner.
- Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
- Commitment to supporting student learning, academic success, and professional development.
- Ability to contribute to departmental, institute, and professional service activities.
- Proficiency with instructional technologies and learning management systems commonly used in higher education.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
- For Professor of Practice candidates, demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate professional expertise into impactful educational experiences.
Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:
Areas of special interest include space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, and human factors.
Representative Job Duties:
- Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Aerospace Engineering and related disciplines.
- Develop, update, and deliver high-quality course materials, laboratories, and student learning experiences.
- Advise, mentor, and support students in their academic and professional development.
- Maintain regular office hours and provide timely feedback on student performance and progress.
- Participate in curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement activities.
- Contribute to the department's teaching mission through innovative instructional practices and experiential learning opportunities.
- Engage in departmental, school, institute, and professional service activities, including committee participation and accreditation-related efforts as appropriate.
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, industry partners, and external stakeholders to enhance educational programs and student opportunities.
- Maintain professional expertise and remain current with developments in aerospace engineering and engineering education.
- Support recruitment, retention, and outreach initiatives for students and academic programs.
- For Professor of Practice appointments, leverage significant industry experience and professional networks to strengthen industry engagement, student career readiness, and program visibility.
Shift:
Business Hours: Monday - Friday
Travel:
No travel
Driving:
No Driving
Starting Salary/Rate:
Expected hiring range:
- Lecturer: $80,000 – $95,000 per 9-month academic year
- Senior Lecturer: $92,000 – $106,000 per 9-month academic year
- Professor of Practice: $96,000 – $140,000 per 9-month academic year
Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.
Application instructions:
Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.
If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.
Job Posted Date:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Total Compensation and Benefits Information:
Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.
See all 51+ Green Card Aerospace Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card Aerospace Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship in Aerospace
Document your degree equivalency early
If your aerospace engineering degree is from a non-U.S. university, get a credential evaluation before applying. USCIS accepts foreign degrees for PERM purposes, but a formal equivalency letter prevents delays during the I-140 adjudication stage.
Target employers with active PERM filings
Search the OFLC Wage Search to identify aerospace employers who have filed PERM applications for roles matching your specialty. Companies with a history of sponsorship filings in your SOC code are far more likely to sponsor you than those filing for the first time.
Use Migrate Mate to filter sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate by aerospace job title and filter specifically for employers who sponsor green cards. This lets you focus your applications on companies that have already committed to the PERM process for roles in your field.
Verify your role qualifies as a specialty occupation
Review the O*NET profile for your aerospace job title to confirm it requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical discipline. Roles like aircraft systems engineer or avionics specialist generally qualify, but job duties must align with the degree requirement in the PERM application.
Negotiate PERM sponsorship before accepting an offer
Once you have an offer, confirm the employer will initiate the PERM process within your agreed timeline. Unlike H-1B visa sponsorship, PERM requires the employer to run a domestic recruitment test and file with DOL before USCIS sees the petition, so alignment upfront avoids surprises.
Understand EB-2 versus EB-3 filing strategy for your background
If your role requires only a bachelor's degree, your employer may file under EB-3 rather than EB-2. For applicants from countries with shorter EB-3 wait times, this can actually reduce your total green card timeline compared to pursuing EB-2 eligibility.
Green Card Aerospace: Frequently Asked Questions
Do aerospace jobs commonly qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Most aerospace engineering and systems roles qualify for either EB-2 or EB-3 depending on the minimum degree requirement the employer sets in the PERM application. Roles requiring an advanced degree or that involve a position above the journeyworker level typically fall under EB-2. Standard aerospace engineering positions requiring a bachelor's degree in engineering typically qualify for EB-3 professional classification.
How does the PERM green card process differ from H-1B sponsorship for aerospace professionals?
H-1B is a temporary work visa capped at 65,000 per year with a lottery. PERM-based green card sponsorship has no annual cap at the EB-3 level for most countries and leads to permanent residency rather than a renewable temporary status. The tradeoff is time: the PERM process itself takes six to eighteen months before USCIS even reviews the I-140, compared to H-1B processing that can complete in weeks with premium processing.
Can an aerospace employer sponsor a green card for a foreign national on an H-1B or OPT?
Yes, and this is the most common path. Many aerospace employers begin the PERM process while you are working for them on H-1B or OPT. Importantly, the PERM job offer is for a future permanent position, so the employer documents that no qualified U.S. worker is available, not that you specifically were hired. Your current work authorization status does not affect PERM eligibility.
How do I find aerospace employers that sponsor green cards rather than only H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate lets you search aerospace job listings filtered specifically for employers with green card sponsorship history. This is more efficient than applying broadly and asking about sponsorship during interviews. Focusing on employers who have already completed PERM filings reduces the risk that a company agrees in principle but has never navigated the DOL and USCIS process before.
What happens to my green card case if I change aerospace employers mid-process?
If you change employers before your I-140 is approved, the PERM labor certification is tied to the original employer and cannot transfer. If your I-140 has been approved and your priority date is current or within 180 days of filing your I-485, you may be able to port to a new employer under AC21 portability rules, provided the new role is in the same or similar occupational classification.