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.

See All OPT Aerospace Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs109+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type90% On-site
Median Salary$104K
Top LocationSan Diego, CA
Most JobsGarmin

Showing 5 of 109+ Aerospace jobs

Baltimore City Public Schools
Instructor- Air Force Aerospace Science JROTC
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Baltimore City Public Schools
Added 4d ago
Instructor- Air Force Aerospace Science JROTC
Baltimore City Public Schools
Baltimore, Maryland
Teaching & Instruction
Corporate Training & Learning Development
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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SKF
Aerospace Senior Buyer
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SKF
Added 4d ago
Aerospace Senior Buyer
SKF
Falconer, New York
Procurement & Supply Chain
Business Operations
Procurement & Purchasing
Supply Chain
$77,000/yr - $87,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Associate's
10,000+

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Tulip Interfaces
Partner Manager, Aerospace and Defense
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Tulip Interfaces
Added 1w ago
Partner Manager, Aerospace and Defense
Tulip Interfaces
Somerville, Massachusetts
Sales
Partnerships & Business Development
Business Development
Account Management
Customer Success
$80,000/yr - $105,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
51-200

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University of Virginia
Research Associate in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
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University of Virginia
Added 1w ago
Research Associate in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Laboratory Research
Engineering (Non-Software)
Aerospace Engineering
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Guggenheim Securities
Equity Research Analyst or Associate – Aerospace & Defense Tech
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Guggenheim Securities
Added 2w ago
Equity Research Analyst or Associate – Aerospace & Defense Tech
Guggenheim Securities
New York, New York
Finance
Accounting
Business Analysis
Investment Banking & Capital Markets
Tax
Not listed
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's

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See all 109+ Aerospace Jobs

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Tips 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.