A&P Mechanic Jobs for OPT Students
A&P Mechanic jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate. Most roles qualify under STEM OPT if your degree is in aviation maintenance technology or a related engineering field, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience.
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Join our life-saving team in Arizona and take advantage of a sign-on bonus up to $35,000.
Are you an experienced aircraft mechanic looking to make a difference? PHI Health is seeking a A&P-licensed mechanic with 2+ years as a Certified Aircraft Mechanic to work on our helicopters.
At PHI Health, every detail matters because every flight can save a life. As an A&P Mechanic, you will be a crucial part of our mission, ensuring our fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft is always ready to respond to emergencies with precision and reliability. If you're able to investigate and repair anything and everything to do with the air frame or powerplant and have a keen interest in continuing to develop your skills – join our team!
Who We Are:
PHI Health is the leading air ambulance provider in the United States. With an unmatched safety record and the best aviation, medical and communication specialists in the field, we set the standard in the air medical industry. We transport more than 22,000 patients each year from our more than 80 bases across the country, all while offering services and outreach education to local communities and leading healthcare systems. Our mission is simple: move communities to health while maintaining the highest standard of safety, period.
Responsibilities Include:
- Review and evaluate daily maintenance or inspection requirements and carry out various tasks in order to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.
- Notify Lead Mechanic of unusual situations requiring schedule changes, aircraft changes, extra manpower or technical assistance.
- When at a field base, be responsible for the maintenance of all aircraft assigned to her/him reviewing stock levels and requisitioning spares as necessary to provide required repairs. Responsible for the safety and security of all company assets at field base.
- Prepare reports, requisitions, inventories, and personally certify on aircraft logs and related inspection and maintenance forms that work accomplished meets the requirements of the FAA, manufacturer and PHI Health.
- Comply with entries in RAMCO, such as work packages, status sheets, removals and installs in physical structure.
- Maintain close communication with Lead Mechanic and AMBS, and other agents as appropriate in order to ensure effective and timely job completion.
- Maintain parts inventory and recommend level changes when necessary.
- Maintain company provided special tools and ensure calibration is performed as scheduled.
- Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.
The Successful Candidate Will Have:
- High School diploma.
- Hold an FAA Mechanic Certificate with both Airframe and Powerplant.
- At least 2 years of Maintenance experience as a Certified Mechanic.
- Possess basic skills in communications.
- Computer skills required.
- Must be able to pass pre-placement physical exam including functional capacity exam (strength and flexibility assessment, lift up to 100 pounds) drug screening and background screen.
- For Mechanics in the PHI Roving Maintenance Team:
- Sheet metal repair and/or Avionics troubleshooting/repair skills.
- Must be able to travel frequently, sometimes with short notice during regularly scheduled hitch.
- Must able to work night shifts where maintenance events dictate.
Compensation and Benefits:
- We offer a range of competitive pay and benefits package to keep our teams happy, healthy, and invested.
- This package includes competitive pay, shift bonuses, shift incentives, Annual Safety Bonus, Annual Employee Bonus, and much more.
Schedule/Location:
- 7 & 7
- Travel between bases is required.
Our Core Competencies:
- Safe. We are absolute in our belief in the tenets of Destination Zero and that Zero is not only achievable, but the only acceptable outcome.
- Efficient. We are focused on outcomes that are smart and responsible by making the best use of our resources to maximize overall productivity and achieve sustainable profitability as a high performing organization.
- Quality. We are committed to ensuring excellent organizational performance which produces sustainable and reliable outcomes.
- Service. We are dedicated to the service of our customers, our communities and each other.
The PHI Health Advantage:
For more than 40 years, our company has been providing critical air medical transport services across the country. As an organization, we outfit each aircraft we fly with the most advanced technology, subject our crews to the most rigorous protocols and training and pioneer the most-forward thinking safety program in the country.
Everything that we do comes back to the safety of our crew and our patients. Our accident rate is well below the national average and we were the first to receive the Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award. This belief has guided us towards a number of industry firsts and has given us the highest safety rating in the industry.
Sign-on bonus up to $35,000 - Arizona - Remote: Travel is Required!
DISCLAIMER
The above Statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
PHI, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Join our life-saving team in Arizona and take advantage of a sign-on bonus up to $35,000.
Are you an experienced aircraft mechanic looking to make a difference? PHI Health is seeking a A&P-licensed mechanic with 2+ years as a Certified Aircraft Mechanic to work on our helicopters.
At PHI Health, every detail matters because every flight can save a life. As an A&P Mechanic, you will be a crucial part of our mission, ensuring our fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft is always ready to respond to emergencies with precision and reliability. If you're able to investigate and repair anything and everything to do with the air frame or powerplant and have a keen interest in continuing to develop your skills – join our team!
Who We Are:
PHI Health is the leading air ambulance provider in the United States. With an unmatched safety record and the best aviation, medical and communication specialists in the field, we set the standard in the air medical industry. We transport more than 22,000 patients each year from our more than 80 bases across the country, all while offering services and outreach education to local communities and leading healthcare systems. Our mission is simple: move communities to health while maintaining the highest standard of safety, period.
Responsibilities Include:
- Review and evaluate daily maintenance or inspection requirements and carry out various tasks in order to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.
- Notify Lead Mechanic of unusual situations requiring schedule changes, aircraft changes, extra manpower or technical assistance.
- When at a field base, be responsible for the maintenance of all aircraft assigned to her/him reviewing stock levels and requisitioning spares as necessary to provide required repairs. Responsible for the safety and security of all company assets at field base.
- Prepare reports, requisitions, inventories, and personally certify on aircraft logs and related inspection and maintenance forms that work accomplished meets the requirements of the FAA, manufacturer and PHI Health.
- Comply with entries in RAMCO, such as work packages, status sheets, removals and installs in physical structure.
- Maintain close communication with Lead Mechanic and AMBS, and other agents as appropriate in order to ensure effective and timely job completion.
- Maintain parts inventory and recommend level changes when necessary.
- Maintain company provided special tools and ensure calibration is performed as scheduled.
- Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.
The Successful Candidate Will Have:
- High School diploma.
- Hold an FAA Mechanic Certificate with both Airframe and Powerplant.
- At least 2 years of Maintenance experience as a Certified Mechanic.
- Possess basic skills in communications.
- Computer skills required.
- Must be able to pass pre-placement physical exam including functional capacity exam (strength and flexibility assessment, lift up to 100 pounds) drug screening and background screen.
- For Mechanics in the PHI Roving Maintenance Team:
- Sheet metal repair and/or Avionics troubleshooting/repair skills.
- Must be able to travel frequently, sometimes with short notice during regularly scheduled hitch.
- Must able to work night shifts where maintenance events dictate.
Compensation and Benefits:
- We offer a range of competitive pay and benefits package to keep our teams happy, healthy, and invested.
- This package includes competitive pay, shift bonuses, shift incentives, Annual Safety Bonus, Annual Employee Bonus, and much more.
Schedule/Location:
- 7 & 7
- Travel between bases is required.
Our Core Competencies:
- Safe. We are absolute in our belief in the tenets of Destination Zero and that Zero is not only achievable, but the only acceptable outcome.
- Efficient. We are focused on outcomes that are smart and responsible by making the best use of our resources to maximize overall productivity and achieve sustainable profitability as a high performing organization.
- Quality. We are committed to ensuring excellent organizational performance which produces sustainable and reliable outcomes.
- Service. We are dedicated to the service of our customers, our communities and each other.
The PHI Health Advantage:
For more than 40 years, our company has been providing critical air medical transport services across the country. As an organization, we outfit each aircraft we fly with the most advanced technology, subject our crews to the most rigorous protocols and training and pioneer the most-forward thinking safety program in the country.
Everything that we do comes back to the safety of our crew and our patients. Our accident rate is well below the national average and we were the first to receive the Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award. This belief has guided us towards a number of industry firsts and has given us the highest safety rating in the industry.
Sign-on bonus up to $35,000 - Arizona - Remote: Travel is Required!
DISCLAIMER
The above Statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
PHI, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an A&P Mechanic
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Not every aviation program is on the STEM OPT designated degree list. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying. Degrees in aviation maintenance technology or aerospace engineering typically qualify, but confirm before counting on the 24-month extension.
Target MRO facilities and major airlines first
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities and major carriers have established HR processes for work authorization. Smaller FBOs may be unfamiliar with OPT. Focusing on larger employers early saves time and avoids lengthy back-and-forth about what OPT authorization actually requires from them.
Lead with your FAA certificate, not your visa status
Hiring managers care most about your A&P certificate and hands-on experience. Address OPT authorization clearly but briefly in your cover letter. Letting your qualifications lead the conversation shifts the focus to your technical value rather than your immigration situation.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Many A&P roles require immediate availability for safety-critical positions. Start your job search at least 90 days before your program end date. Filing your OPT application early gives you the most runway and signals to employers that you're planning ahead professionally.
Highlight experience with specific aircraft types
Employers hiring A&P mechanics want specificity. List airframe types, engine models, and avionics systems you've worked on. Experience with Boeing 737s, Pratt and Whitney engines, or Part 145 repair station environments stands out and reduces the hesitation some employers feel about OPT hires.
Ask your DSO about the cap-gap rule if your OPT expires
If an employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection may extend your work authorization through September 30. Understand this timeline early so you and your employer can plan accordingly and avoid any gap in lawful employment.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as A&P Mechanics in the United States?
Yes. F-1 students who have completed an aviation maintenance or related program can work as A&P Mechanics on OPT, provided the role is directly related to their field of study. Your EAD card is your work authorization document. If your degree is STEM-designated, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months.
Does A&P Mechanic work qualify for STEM OPT?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree program has a STEM-designated CIP code, such as aviation maintenance technology or aerospace engineering, and the A&P Mechanic role uses skills from that program, STEM OPT is likely available. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
Do employers need to do anything special to hire an OPT student as an A&P Mechanic?
For standard OPT, employers do not need to file any petition or pay any government fees. You provide your EAD card and they verify it through I-9 completion. For STEM OPT, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan. Many MRO facilities and airlines already use E-Verify, making the process straightforward.
Where can I find A&P Mechanic jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is specifically built for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you find A&P Mechanic roles at employers who are already open to hiring international students, so you're not wasting time applying to positions that will disqualify you at the offer stage.
Can I work for an FBO or small aviation repair shop on OPT, or do I need a large employer?
OPT itself has no employer size requirement, so working at a small FBO or Part 145 repair station is legally permissible. The practical challenge is that smaller shops may be unfamiliar with OPT requirements or may not be enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT. Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer if you plan to use the STEM extension.
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