OPT Aerospace Jobs
Aerospace engineering roles are among the most OPT-friendly in STEM, qualifying for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most positions require a degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Defense contractors and aviation manufacturers frequently sponsor H-1B visas, making this a strong field for long-term work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Assistant Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Requisition Number: FE05018
Department Name: 8H700:Mechanical Engineering
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Type of Position: Faculty
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Tenure Track Status: Tenure Track
Required Education
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or computer engineering, or a closely related field.
Required Related Experience
The successful candidate will have expertise in high-speed computational fluid dynamics with interest in turbulence and transitional flows. We welcome a broad range of related expertise, including but not limited to fluid-structure interaction, uncertainty quantification, and inference methods. Exceptional candidates at the associate- or full-professor level may also be considered.
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Job Summary
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kentucky seeks to expand its strengths in hypersonics. The Department invites qualified candidates to apply for a tenure-eligible, 9-month appointment (Regular Title Series) faculty position at the assistant-professor level with an anticipated start date of fall 2027. The successful candidate will have expertise in high-speed computational fluid dynamics with interest in turbulence and transitional flows. We welcome a broad range of related expertise, including but not limited to fluid-structure interaction, uncertainty quantification, and inference methods. Exceptional candidates at the associate- or full-professor level may also be considered.
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is the largest in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering with 41 faculty members, over 1,250 undergraduate students, and over 140 graduate students. The Department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering, and a master’s degree program in manufacturing systems engineering. The Department is engaged in federally funded research projects from agencies such as NSF, NIH, NASA, DOE, DOW, DARPA, FAA, NIST, and USDA. The Department’s externally funded research currently averages over $22 million/year in new awards. The Department also houses the NASA Kentucky Space Grant and EPSCoR programs and has research centers and consortiums that collaborate extensively with industry.
This faculty search is part of the Department’s plan to expand in the strategic focus areas of hypersonics and aerodynamics, advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems and AI, biomechanics and biomaterials, and sustainable energy. Candidates must have a strong record of academic scholarship and high potential for building an externally funded research program, conducting high-impact research, advising graduate students, and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.
The city of Lexington is ranked #3 Best City to Raise a Family, #21 Best Places to Live in America, and #31 Most Educated City in America. The University of Kentucky is the flagship university for the Commonwealth and is one of only eight universities in the United States that house colleges of agriculture, law, business, engineering, medicine, and pharmacy on a single campus. Employment at UK comes with many rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, a full curriculum vitae, a research statement (3-page limit), a teaching statement (2-page limit), and contact information for 3 professional references. We request that the teaching statement specifically address undergraduate and graduate teaching interests relevant to aerospace and mechanical engineering.
The priority application deadline is November 30, 2026. Review of applications will begin shortly thereafter and will continue until the position is filled. The desired starting date for this position is August 1, 2027.
Requests for further information regarding application procedures may be directed to Mr. Troy Howell (Senior Business Officer) at (859) 218-0650 or troy.howell@uky.edu. Questions for the chair of the search committee can be directed to Dr. Savio Poovathingal (Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering) at saviopoovathingal@uky.edu.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled: Yes
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Job Title: Assistant Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Requisition Number: FE05018
Department Name: 8H700:Mechanical Engineering
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Type of Position: Faculty
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Tenure Track Status: Tenure Track
Required Education
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or computer engineering, or a closely related field.
Required Related Experience
The successful candidate will have expertise in high-speed computational fluid dynamics with interest in turbulence and transitional flows. We welcome a broad range of related expertise, including but not limited to fluid-structure interaction, uncertainty quantification, and inference methods. Exceptional candidates at the associate- or full-professor level may also be considered.
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Job Summary
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kentucky seeks to expand its strengths in hypersonics. The Department invites qualified candidates to apply for a tenure-eligible, 9-month appointment (Regular Title Series) faculty position at the assistant-professor level with an anticipated start date of fall 2027. The successful candidate will have expertise in high-speed computational fluid dynamics with interest in turbulence and transitional flows. We welcome a broad range of related expertise, including but not limited to fluid-structure interaction, uncertainty quantification, and inference methods. Exceptional candidates at the associate- or full-professor level may also be considered.
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is the largest in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering with 41 faculty members, over 1,250 undergraduate students, and over 140 graduate students. The Department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering, and a master’s degree program in manufacturing systems engineering. The Department is engaged in federally funded research projects from agencies such as NSF, NIH, NASA, DOE, DOW, DARPA, FAA, NIST, and USDA. The Department’s externally funded research currently averages over $22 million/year in new awards. The Department also houses the NASA Kentucky Space Grant and EPSCoR programs and has research centers and consortiums that collaborate extensively with industry.
This faculty search is part of the Department’s plan to expand in the strategic focus areas of hypersonics and aerodynamics, advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems and AI, biomechanics and biomaterials, and sustainable energy. Candidates must have a strong record of academic scholarship and high potential for building an externally funded research program, conducting high-impact research, advising graduate students, and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.
The city of Lexington is ranked #3 Best City to Raise a Family, #21 Best Places to Live in America, and #31 Most Educated City in America. The University of Kentucky is the flagship university for the Commonwealth and is one of only eight universities in the United States that house colleges of agriculture, law, business, engineering, medicine, and pharmacy on a single campus. Employment at UK comes with many rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, a full curriculum vitae, a research statement (3-page limit), a teaching statement (2-page limit), and contact information for 3 professional references. We request that the teaching statement specifically address undergraduate and graduate teaching interests relevant to aerospace and mechanical engineering.
The priority application deadline is November 30, 2026. Review of applications will begin shortly thereafter and will continue until the position is filled. The desired starting date for this position is August 1, 2027.
Requests for further information regarding application procedures may be directed to Mr. Troy Howell (Senior Business Officer) at (859) 218-0650 or troy.howell@uky.edu. Questions for the chair of the search committee can be directed to Dr. Savio Poovathingal (Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering) at saviopoovathingal@uky.edu.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled: Yes
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Aerospace
Target STEM OPT-eligible degree fields
Aerospace roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in aerospace, mechanical, aeronautical, or electrical engineering. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorized work window.
Prioritize contractors with established visa programs
Large defense and aerospace contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman have dedicated immigration teams and file H-1B petitions annually. These employers understand OPT timelines and are significantly more likely to sponsor long-term than smaller firms.
Address security clearance requirements early
Many aerospace roles require U.S. security clearances, which F-1 OPT holders generally cannot obtain. Filter for positions that do not require clearance and confirm this explicitly before applying to avoid wasting time on roles you cannot legally fill.
Apply with your OPT start date clearly stated
Aerospace hiring timelines can stretch three to six months. Apply before your OPT begins so your authorization is active when an offer is made. Communicate your exact start date and EAD card receipt timeline upfront to prevent confusion during background checks.
Leverage university research and co-op connections
NASA, JPL, and major contractors actively recruit from aerospace engineering programs. Alumni working at these organizations understand OPT restrictions firsthand and can refer you to hiring managers who are already familiar with sponsoring international engineers. Use your university network actively.
Understand H-1B timing relative to your OPT expiration
STEM OPT can last up to three years total, covering multiple H-1B lottery cycles. Map your OPT expiration date against the April H-1B lottery and October start date so you know exactly how many attempts you have before authorization lapses.
Aerospace OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work in aerospace without a security clearance?
Yes, many aerospace roles do not require clearance. Commercial aviation, space systems, research and development, and civil aircraft manufacturing frequently hire OPT holders without clearance requirements. Defense-specific roles tied to classified programs are typically off-limits. When searching on Migrate Mate, look for roles that explicitly state no clearance is required.
Does an aerospace engineering degree qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Aerospace and aeronautical engineering degrees are listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which means graduates qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of the standard 12 months. That gives you up to 36 months of post-graduation work authorization. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
Which types of aerospace employers are most likely to sponsor H-1B visas?
Large defense contractors, commercial aircraft manufacturers, satellite and space companies, and aerospace research organizations file the highest volumes of H-1B petitions in this sector. Companies that already employ large numbers of engineers are most likely to have internal immigration counsel, making the sponsorship process smoother and faster for both sides.
How does the 60-day grace period affect aerospace job searching?
If your OPT employment ends before your EAD expiration date, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, transfer to another status, or depart the U.S. Aerospace hiring cycles can be long, so starting your job search well before any employment gap begins is strongly recommended to avoid running out of time.
What should I include in my aerospace job application to address OPT status?
Be direct in your application or cover letter: state that you are authorized to work on OPT, specify your EAD expiration date, and confirm whether your degree qualifies for the STEM extension. Aerospace recruiters familiar with international hiring will appreciate the clarity. Avoid leaving work authorization fields blank or vague, as this often screens candidates out before a human reviews the application.