OPT Aircraft Engineer Jobs
Aircraft Engineer jobs are strong OPT candidates: most roles require an aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering degree, which aligns directly with the specialty occupation standard USCIS uses to evaluate H-1B visa petitions. STEM OPT extensions of 24 months are widely available, giving you up to three years of authorized work in this field.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title
Technician - Aircraft (Search Extended)
Department
Flight Training Program
Salary
$62,089 minimum; commensurate with experience
Job Summary/Basic Function
Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and inspections on University aircraft and return aircraft to service. Perform general maintenance to Department vehicles, shop equipment and ground support equipment used to support the maintenance effort. Assist Aircraft Maintenance Supervisors in scheduling of maintenance events, parts procurement, warranty administration, return shipments, etc. Perform other related tasks or special projects as assigned.
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Related Experience
One year General Aviation maintenance experience with flight school maintenance experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification
FAA Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant privileges
Desirable Related Experience
Bachelor's degree in aviation related field.
Two years high-volume 141 flight school maintenance experience.
Aircraft parts procurement / inventory control experience.
Desirable License/Registration/Certification
FAA issued Inspection Authorization
Private pilot certificate
Third Class Medical
Documents Needed to Apply
Cover Letter & CV/Resume Required
Special Instruction to Applicants
Copies of required FAA licenses and certificates must be uploaded as supporting documents with the application.
Benefits
MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
- 13 paid University holidays
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Retirement plans
- Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
- Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents
MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.
MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.
For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email hrs@mtsu.edu.
Application Review Date: For best consideration, please apply by November 13, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may be filled before the listed application review date of November 20, 2026.
Job Title
Technician - Aircraft (Search Extended)
Department
Flight Training Program
Salary
$62,089 minimum; commensurate with experience
Job Summary/Basic Function
Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and inspections on University aircraft and return aircraft to service. Perform general maintenance to Department vehicles, shop equipment and ground support equipment used to support the maintenance effort. Assist Aircraft Maintenance Supervisors in scheduling of maintenance events, parts procurement, warranty administration, return shipments, etc. Perform other related tasks or special projects as assigned.
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Related Experience
One year General Aviation maintenance experience with flight school maintenance experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification
FAA Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant privileges
Desirable Related Experience
Bachelor's degree in aviation related field.
Two years high-volume 141 flight school maintenance experience.
Aircraft parts procurement / inventory control experience.
Desirable License/Registration/Certification
FAA issued Inspection Authorization
Private pilot certificate
Third Class Medical
Documents Needed to Apply
Cover Letter & CV/Resume Required
Special Instruction to Applicants
Copies of required FAA licenses and certificates must be uploaded as supporting documents with the application.
Benefits
MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
- 13 paid University holidays
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Retirement plans
- Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
- Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents
MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.
MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.
For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email hrs@mtsu.edu.
Application Review Date: For best consideration, please apply by November 13, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may be filled before the listed application review date of November 20, 2026.
See all 51+ OPT Aircraft Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Aircraft Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Aircraft Engineer
Target defense contractors and MRO operators
Large defense contractors and maintenance, repair, and overhaul operators hire aircraft engineers at scale and have established immigration programs. These employers sponsor H-1B visa and have legal teams familiar with the OPT-to-visa transition, reducing friction in the process.
Confirm your degree field matches the role
Aircraft engineer positions typically require a degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Before applying, verify your specific degree field maps to the job description. A mismatch can complicate your OPT authorization and future H-1B specialty occupation determination.
Apply before your OPT start date
Many aerospace employers run security clearance checks and technical assessments that take weeks. Starting your job search three to four months before your OPT begins gives you enough runway to clear pre-employment requirements without losing authorized work days.
Address security clearance requirements early
Some aircraft engineer roles require U.S. security clearances, which F-1 OPT holders are generally ineligible for. Ask recruiters about clearance requirements upfront so you focus your time on roles that are genuinely accessible to international candidates.
Use your STEM OPT extension strategically
Aerospace engineering qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you three years total. Time your H-1B registration for the cap lottery during your first OPT year so you have extension months as a buffer if your first lottery attempt is unsuccessful.
Document all engineering work for future H-1B evidence
Keep records of projects, technical reports, and certifications earned during OPT. Specific evidence of specialty occupation work, including FAA-related tasks or systems engineering projects, strengthens the employer's H-1B petition and reduces the risk of a request for evidence.
Aircraft Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Aircraft Engineer on F-1 OPT?
Yes, aircraft engineering roles qualify for F-1 OPT because they require a degree in a directly related field such as aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Your employment must be in a role that uses your degree. Aerospace engineering also qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving eligible students up to three years of work authorization.
Do aircraft engineer employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Many do, particularly large defense contractors, commercial aviation manufacturers, and MRO operators. These organizations hire engineers at volume and have established immigration processes. Roles requiring U.S. security clearances are an exception, as clearances are generally unavailable to F-1 visa holders. Filtering for sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate helps you focus on positions that are realistic for OPT students.
Does my aerospace engineering degree qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Aerospace engineering is on the USCIS STEM designated degree program list, so a degree in that field qualifies you for the 24-month extension if your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Mechanical and electrical engineering degrees also qualify. You must apply for the extension before your initial 12-month OPT period expires, and you need a signed training plan from your employer.
What happens to my OPT if I switch aircraft engineering employers?
You can change employers on OPT as long as the new role is in the same field of study and you report the change to your DSO within 10 days. For STEM OPT, the new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and must co-sign a revised training plan. There is no grace period between jobs during STEM OPT, so timing matters.
Are there aircraft engineer roles I cannot take on OPT?
Positions requiring an active U.S. security clearance are effectively off-limits for most F-1 OPT holders, as the clearance process requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence in most cases. Roles that do not require a directly related engineering degree may also fail the specialty occupation test, which could affect a future H-1B petition. Review job requirements carefully before applying.