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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Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE: RRX) serves worldwide markets with automation solutions, electric motors, electrical motion controls, power generation, and mechanical power transmission across four segments: Automation & Motion Control, Industrial Powertrain Solutions, Industrial Systems, and Power Efficiency Solutions. Headquartered in Rosemont, IL, we operate 220+ manufacturing, sales, and service locations around the globe.
Aerospace portfolio at a glance
Regal Rexnord Aerospace Solutions supplies engineered, high‑performance spherical and cylindrical bearings, mechanical seals, gears, and electrical components for commercial, regional, business, helicopter, and military aircraft. Products support engine systems, flight controls, landing gear, and airframes. Brands include: Shafer® and Tri‑Roller® rolling element airframe bearings and tooling; Tuflite® (Teflon‑lined polymeric bearings); PSI® (slotted entry, split ball, split race bearings); Rexlon® (self‑lubricating machinable lined bearings and coatings); Cartriseal® (mechanical seals); and Micro Precision® (gears and electrical components). Through FAA‑approved repair stations, we support major OEMs, Tier 1–3 suppliers, MROs, and operators.
Your impact
- Program multi‑axis CNC equipment to produce complex aerospace parts at close tolerances.
- Build/optimize programs for Horizontal Machining Centers using macros, sub‑programs, and variables.
- Develop and refine toolpaths for 4‑axis/5‑axis/Y‑axis lathes and for large/small Vertical Machining Centers.
- Lead shop‑floor troubleshooting to resolve machining and process issues quickly.
- Drive Kaizen (SMDE, VSM, 5s) to enhance Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
- Maintain program libraries and revision control to satisfy NADCAP requirements.
- Administer program storage systems; support uploading/downloading for production teams.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline preferred; or 5+ years in manufacturing/industrial technical roles with required CNC programming experience.
- 5+ years in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting.
- Data extraction/analysis skills for sound decision‑making.
- Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt preferred.
- Software: CAD/CAM, Esprit, Solid Works, MasterCam; plus general productivity tools (word processing, graphics, spreadsheets, etc.).
- Controls/coding: G & M code editing, macro programming, multi‑axis functions, Fanuc, Okuma, and Mitsubishi CELOS controllers.
- Time and project management proficiency; self‑directed.
- Collaborative, able to influence without formal authority.
Standards and structure
Operate in compliance with AS9100 and NADCAP. This role directly supports performance objectives in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost across the division.
This position reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and is a Non-Exempt hourly technical position.
Total rewards
- Competitive Base Salary
- Matching 401(k) contribution
- Medical Insurance/Dental Insurance/Vision Insurance
- Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care) & Health Savings Accounts
- Critical Illness and Accident Insurance, as well as Life Insurance, and EAP
- Educational Reimbursement
Compensation based on Experience/Interview
Compliance and eligibility
“Restrictions imposed by federal export control laws may limit this job opportunity to candidates who are a ‘U.S. Person’, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted asylum in the United States, and refugees in the United States, or who otherwise can qualify for a license that permits them to hold the position.”
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Minority/Veteran/Disabled
Core proficiency
You should be proficient in:
- CNC Programming
Join a global engineering leader
Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE: RRX) serves worldwide markets with automation solutions, electric motors, electrical motion controls, power generation, and mechanical power transmission across four segments: Automation & Motion Control, Industrial Powertrain Solutions, Industrial Systems, and Power Efficiency Solutions. Headquartered in Rosemont, IL, we operate 220+ manufacturing, sales, and service locations around the globe.
Aerospace portfolio at a glance
Regal Rexnord Aerospace Solutions supplies engineered, high‑performance spherical and cylindrical bearings, mechanical seals, gears, and electrical components for commercial, regional, business, helicopter, and military aircraft. Products support engine systems, flight controls, landing gear, and airframes. Brands include: Shafer® and Tri‑Roller® rolling element airframe bearings and tooling; Tuflite® (Teflon‑lined polymeric bearings); PSI® (slotted entry, split ball, split race bearings); Rexlon® (self‑lubricating machinable lined bearings and coatings); Cartriseal® (mechanical seals); and Micro Precision® (gears and electrical components). Through FAA‑approved repair stations, we support major OEMs, Tier 1–3 suppliers, MROs, and operators.
Your impact
- Program multi‑axis CNC equipment to produce complex aerospace parts at close tolerances.
- Build/optimize programs for Horizontal Machining Centers using macros, sub‑programs, and variables.
- Develop and refine toolpaths for 4‑axis/5‑axis/Y‑axis lathes and for large/small Vertical Machining Centers.
- Lead shop‑floor troubleshooting to resolve machining and process issues quickly.
- Drive Kaizen (SMDE, VSM, 5s) to enhance Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
- Maintain program libraries and revision control to satisfy NADCAP requirements.
- Administer program storage systems; support uploading/downloading for production teams.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline preferred; or 5+ years in manufacturing/industrial technical roles with required CNC programming experience.
- 5+ years in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting.
- Data extraction/analysis skills for sound decision‑making.
- Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt preferred.
- Software: CAD/CAM, Esprit, Solid Works, MasterCam; plus general productivity tools (word processing, graphics, spreadsheets, etc.).
- Controls/coding: G & M code editing, macro programming, multi‑axis functions, Fanuc, Okuma, and Mitsubishi CELOS controllers.
- Time and project management proficiency; self‑directed.
- Collaborative, able to influence without formal authority.
Standards and structure
Operate in compliance with AS9100 and NADCAP. This role directly supports performance objectives in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost across the division.
This position reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and is a Non-Exempt hourly technical position.
Total rewards
- Competitive Base Salary
- Matching 401(k) contribution
- Medical Insurance/Dental Insurance/Vision Insurance
- Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care) & Health Savings Accounts
- Critical Illness and Accident Insurance, as well as Life Insurance, and EAP
- Educational Reimbursement
Compensation based on Experience/Interview
Compliance and eligibility
“Restrictions imposed by federal export control laws may limit this job opportunity to candidates who are a ‘U.S. Person’, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted asylum in the United States, and refugees in the United States, or who otherwise can qualify for a license that permits them to hold the position.”
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Minority/Veteran/Disabled
Core proficiency
You should be proficient in:
- CNC Programming
See all OPT Aerospace Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Aerospace Jobs.
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.