OPT Aviation Jobs
Aviation jobs on OPT span aircraft maintenance, air traffic control support, aerospace engineering, and airline operations. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions under engineering or transportation science CIP codes, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization without employer H-1B visa sponsorship on day one.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Kimley-Horn is looking for Planning graduates to join our Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FL) office focusing on Aviation in 2027! This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the pre-construction planning, modification, permitting, and analysis for multiple projects ranging in size and scope.
- Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our clients’ visions for the future built environment.
- Develop familiarity with the federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Kimley-Horn’s and our client’s practices, procedures, and standards.
- Evaluate development proposals to identify compliance with zoning regulations.
- Prepare planning and land use studies.
- Coordinate with various municipal and state agencies.
- Gain exposure to diverse project experiences as we provide services to both the public and private sectors.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Planning Degree (Bachelors or Masters) from an accredited program by Summer of 2027 in these majors:
- City and Regional Planning
- Urban Planning
- Transportation Planning
- Or Other Related Major
WHY KIMLEY-HORN?
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
INTRODUCTION
Kimley-Horn is looking for Planning graduates to join our Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FL) office focusing on Aviation in 2027! This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the pre-construction planning, modification, permitting, and analysis for multiple projects ranging in size and scope.
- Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our clients’ visions for the future built environment.
- Develop familiarity with the federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Kimley-Horn’s and our client’s practices, procedures, and standards.
- Evaluate development proposals to identify compliance with zoning regulations.
- Prepare planning and land use studies.
- Coordinate with various municipal and state agencies.
- Gain exposure to diverse project experiences as we provide services to both the public and private sectors.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Planning Degree (Bachelors or Masters) from an accredited program by Summer of 2027 in these majors:
- City and Regional Planning
- Urban Planning
- Transportation Planning
- Or Other Related Major
WHY KIMLEY-HORN?
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
See all 85+ OPT Aviation Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Aviation
Confirm your CIP code qualifies for STEM OPT
Aviation roles under aerospace engineering, aeronautical science, or air transportation often qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Verify your degree's CIP code against the official STEM OPT designated degree program list before applying.
Target FAA-regulated employers with established hiring pipelines
Airlines, MRO facilities, and aerospace contractors operating under FAA certification routinely hire international students. These organizations understand OPT authorization and have HR processes designed to handle work authorization documentation without friction.
Highlight your security clearance eligibility early
Some aviation roles require or prefer U.S. security clearances, which OPT students cannot hold. Filter for civilian commercial roles at airlines or private aerospace firms and address your authorization status proactively in your cover letter.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days before expiration
USCIS allows you to file up to 90 days before your initial OPT ends. Filing early keeps you authorized during processing. A timely application also preserves your 180-day cap for remaining employment gaps.
Use your university's designated school official strategically
Your DSO must recommend your STEM OPT extension in SEVIS before you file with USCIS. Meet with them early, confirm your employer qualifies, and get the I-20 endorsement completed well before the 90-day filing window opens.
Negotiate start dates that account for OPT reporting timelines
OPT requires you to report new employers within 10 days of starting. When negotiating with aviation employers, build in time to update your SEVIS record and confirm your authorization documentation is in order before your first day.
Aviation OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do aviation jobs typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many aviation roles qualify, but it depends on your degree. Aerospace engineering, aeronautical science, aviation systems, and air transportation degrees commonly appear on the STEM designated degree program list. Roles tied to non-STEM degrees like aviation management may only qualify for the standard 12-month OPT period. Always verify your specific CIP code before applying.
Can I work for an airline or airport on OPT?
Yes. Airlines, airport authorities, and ground handling companies regularly hire F-1 OPT students for operations, engineering, logistics, and safety roles. These employers are accustomed to work authorization requirements. Security-sensitive positions requiring TSA or DOD clearances may be restricted, so focus on civilian operations and engineering tracks when searching on Migrate Mate.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I'm laid off from an aviation employer?
You have a cumulative 150-day unemployment limit during standard OPT, which extends to 150 days total across your combined initial and STEM OPT periods. If you lose your aviation job, report the change to your DSO immediately and begin searching for a new qualifying role. Acting quickly protects your remaining authorized days and keeps your status intact.
Do aviation employers need to do anything special to hire me on OPT?
For initial OPT, employers simply verify your EAD card and complete Form I-9. For STEM OPT, employers must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan (Form I-983) with you. Most major airlines, aerospace manufacturers, and MRO companies already use E-Verify, making the STEM OPT process straightforward for both sides.
How do I find aviation employers willing to hire OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters aviation job listings specifically for employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship, saving you from applying to positions that will screen you out. Look for roles at commercial airlines, aerospace engineering firms, air traffic management companies, and aviation safety consultancies. These sectors have historically hired international talent and are more likely to support future H-1B visa sponsorship.