Aircraft Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
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 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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Designs, specify and/or develop technical specifications for configuration, repair, operation and maintenance of airplanes, engines and components. Performs other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Troubleshoots assistance, evaluating airworthiness directives, preparing specifications and manuals, and providing engineering consultation and reports.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in engineering. Related experience may offset degree requirements and related education/degree may offset experience requirements.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
Two (2) years related aircraft engineering experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Good analytical, communication and technical writing skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
This position will be for 3rd shift position based in Memphis. Experience in Avionics-Related Aircraft Services.
PAY TRANSPARENCY:
PAY:
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
To be eligible for consideration, you must APPLY and UPLOAD a copy of your resume. This position will close 5PM March 28, 2026.
Federal Express Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including, Vets/Disability.
Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process. Applicants who require reasonable accommodations in the application or hiring process should contact recruitmentsupport@fedex.com.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
- Know Your Rights
- Pay Transparency
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act
E-Verify Program Participant: Federal Express Corporation participates in the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ E-Verify program (For U.S. applicants and employees only). Please click below to learn more about the E-Verify program:
- E-Verify Notice (bilingual)
- Right to Work Notice (English) / (Spanish)
INTRODUCTION
Designs, specify and/or develop technical specifications for configuration, repair, operation and maintenance of airplanes, engines and components. Performs other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Troubleshoots assistance, evaluating airworthiness directives, preparing specifications and manuals, and providing engineering consultation and reports.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in engineering. Related experience may offset degree requirements and related education/degree may offset experience requirements.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
Two (2) years related aircraft engineering experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Good analytical, communication and technical writing skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
This position will be for 3rd shift position based in Memphis. Experience in Avionics-Related Aircraft Services.
PAY TRANSPARENCY:
PAY:
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
To be eligible for consideration, you must APPLY and UPLOAD a copy of your resume. This position will close 5PM March 28, 2026.
Federal Express Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including, Vets/Disability.
Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process. Applicants who require reasonable accommodations in the application or hiring process should contact recruitmentsupport@fedex.com.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
- Know Your Rights
- Pay Transparency
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act
E-Verify Program Participant: Federal Express Corporation participates in the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ E-Verify program (For U.S. applicants and employees only). Please click below to learn more about the E-Verify program:
- E-Verify Notice (bilingual)
- Right to Work Notice (English) / (Spanish)
How to Get Visa 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 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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