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.
Find OPT Aviation JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 85+ Aviation jobs
See all 85+ Aviation Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Aviation roles.
Get Access To All JobsDESCRIPTION
The Amazon Aviation Security (AvSec) team is seeking an enthusiastic AvSec Manager to provide leadership, and oversight for Amazon Air’s (AIR) cargo transportation business. The AvSec Manager will be responsible for defining and driving new initiatives for the transportation supply chain involving Amazon owned and third-party (3P) delivery methods. This includes independently determining risk-based security standards, exercising discretion in interpreting and applying airport and federal regulations, and making decisions regarding compliance approaches and standardized processes. The AvSec Manager serves as the interface between AIR and AvSec leadership, and will be responsible for exercising independent judgment in identifying, reporting, and leading the correction of non-compliances and deficiencies. The successful candidate will serve as a point of contact for regulatory engagement, lead the correction of non-compliance with established security policies and procedures, and develop and improve processes to ensure operational integrity, owning goals and performance targets for their respective region.
The AvSec Manager supports the AIR operation program as the subject matter expert on interpreting, implementing, and validating security requirements, to ensure associates, 3P vendors, visitors, and assets (people, property, and data) are secure and the organization is prepared to properly respond to various security related incidents. The candidate must have a demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgement, utilize their security expertise and management strength to challenge conventional wisdom, think strategically, and communicate effectively.
Key job responsibilities
The AvSec Manager’s responsibilities include prioritizing team resources and tasks in order to meet AvSec’s targets and goals in an ambiguous environment. This position will lead the business to meet aviation security best practices, regulatory compliance, serving as a subject matter expert in aviation security. This position has a key role in hiring and developing the right workforce strategy to meet long-term process targets.
The AvSec Manager’s responsibilities also include identifying and analyzing gaps in compliance with security procedures and regulatory standards, physical security design standards and policies and leading Security Management Systems (SeMS) processes for risk mitigation. Additional responsibilities include developing new and evaluating existing security standards by establishing workflows, Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and operational excellence mechanisms to ensure customer outcomes are data driven, measured and validated.
This is a new and evolving business operation, and AvSec is looking for someone who can introduce best practices and grow as the team’s scale and scope expand.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Set and clarify requirements and expectations with associates and leadership at each facility.
- Create security and quality initiatives that continuously improve processes and mitigate deficiencies.
- Provide job-specific training to associates and oversee staffing qualifications and ensure required levels are maintained.
- Work closely with site leaders and support staff to ensure on-going support for AIR security initiatives and policies.
- Work closely with AIR regional leadership and 3P service providers.
- Manage timely, ethical, and professional investigations into security incidents and violations.
- Serve as Amazon’s representative for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspections and inquiries; investigate allegations of regulatory violations and mitigate regulatory enforcement.
- Utilize Security Management Systems (SeMS) to identify the root cause for failures and develop mitigating actions to reduce risk.
- Conduct visits, assessments, and audits of processes and records.
- Implement security and shrinkage control programs to protect assets from loss due to internal/external theft and operational issues.
- This role covers a 24/7 operation and you must be able to work all shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays shifts as necessary.
The Span of Authority for this role includes oversite of a single facility within a geographic region. This will include the hiring and development of team members, supporting operational leadership, managing difficult problems, mitigating immediate risks and deciding if escalation is required.
Eligibility Qualifications:
- This role is regulated by the TSA and is subject to requirements imposed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) because the role will require access to U.S. CBP-regulated areas. Successful candidates must therefore complete all screenings prescribed by the TSA and the U.S. CBP.
- Individuals hired into this position will have unescorted access privileges to airport security identification display areas (SIDA). For this reason, eligibility for this role will be limited to individuals who pass a security screening, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and TSA (as applicable).
- This position may be subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing. Federal law requires Amazon to determine an applicant's history of DOT drug and/or alcohol violation(s) or refusal(s) to test before hiring applicant into a safety-sensitive position.
- This position requires an employee’s full and unimpaired skills and judgment to safely execute their job duties to ensure the safety and security of Amazon AIR personnel, third-party contractors, Airport personnel, cargo, and equipment. This position is therefore designated as a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and, where permitted, post-hire drug testing.
A day in the life
The AvSec Manager will ensure the security of Amazon's associates, assets and data at an AIR Cargo facility. You will lead site compliance with TSA regulations, Amazon Policies and Procedures, and local regulations. A successful candidate will leverage their subject matter expertise to assess brand and regulatory risk factors and evaluate opportunities to improve compliance and mitigate discovered risks. You will use independent judgment to investigate cases that would expose the company to regulatory risk, and make recommendations based on an assessment of the risk. This includes developing and driving engagement strategies for Amazon associates and leaders, to drive compliance. A successful candidate will become a subject matter expert on site security infrastructure, policies and procedures, and regulatory compliance. AvSec is a liaison with any law enforcement or government/regulatory officials that visit the site.
Beyond day-to-day operations, you'll contribute to strategic security initiatives. You'll analyze incident trends to identify systemic issues, participate in regional security planning discussions, provide input on policy development, and help shape AvSec's approach to emerging aviation security challenges. This role provides a pathway to develop strategic thinking skills while maintaining strong tactical execution.
About the team
The AvSec team is responsible for security, loss prevention, and regulatory compliance at Amazon. The organization is built with four core pillars; Security Management Systems, Programs and Quality Assurance, Security Operations, and Credentialing. The organization is committed to identifying and mitigating risk to people, Amazon assets, Amazon brand and regulatory compliance through the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of best-in-class aviation security procedures, standards and guardrails between which Amazon operates. By supporting our customer teams at fulfillment centers and AIR sites to implement process improvements, mitigate risk, resolve equipment issues, and implement new processes to improve performance, AvSec contributes to safe and secure transportation of air cargo to our customers.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 4+ years of compliance program management, legal, governance, audit, risk/loss prevention, or equivalent experience
- 3+ years of managing food safety and quality in a large-scale retail or manufacturing environment experience
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field
- Knowledge of retail food code and regulations governing grocery retail at local, state, and federal levels
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Experience handling confidential information
- Experience interacting with local food safety regulators
- 3+ years of security-related professional, or 3+ years of security service/loss prevention/asset protection/investigations/law enforcement experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of program requirements definition and data and metrics leveraging to drive improvements experience
- Professional auditing qualification, or similar risk or compliance credentials
- Experience with SQL and Excel
- Analytical leader experienced in performance based, action and results-oriented management, strong project manager and effective problem solver.
- Ability to assess risks and challenge current practices to develop and deliver innovative solutions to meet or exceed the customer expectations.
- Business Continuity experience.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
Location: USA, OH, Wilmington
Salary Range: 74,200.00 - 129,800.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
The Amazon Aviation Security (AvSec) team is seeking an enthusiastic AvSec Manager to provide leadership, and oversight for Amazon Air’s (AIR) cargo transportation business. The AvSec Manager will be responsible for defining and driving new initiatives for the transportation supply chain involving Amazon owned and third-party (3P) delivery methods. This includes independently determining risk-based security standards, exercising discretion in interpreting and applying airport and federal regulations, and making decisions regarding compliance approaches and standardized processes. The AvSec Manager serves as the interface between AIR and AvSec leadership, and will be responsible for exercising independent judgment in identifying, reporting, and leading the correction of non-compliances and deficiencies. The successful candidate will serve as a point of contact for regulatory engagement, lead the correction of non-compliance with established security policies and procedures, and develop and improve processes to ensure operational integrity, owning goals and performance targets for their respective region.
The AvSec Manager supports the AIR operation program as the subject matter expert on interpreting, implementing, and validating security requirements, to ensure associates, 3P vendors, visitors, and assets (people, property, and data) are secure and the organization is prepared to properly respond to various security related incidents. The candidate must have a demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgement, utilize their security expertise and management strength to challenge conventional wisdom, think strategically, and communicate effectively.
Key job responsibilities
The AvSec Manager’s responsibilities include prioritizing team resources and tasks in order to meet AvSec’s targets and goals in an ambiguous environment. This position will lead the business to meet aviation security best practices, regulatory compliance, serving as a subject matter expert in aviation security. This position has a key role in hiring and developing the right workforce strategy to meet long-term process targets.
The AvSec Manager’s responsibilities also include identifying and analyzing gaps in compliance with security procedures and regulatory standards, physical security design standards and policies and leading Security Management Systems (SeMS) processes for risk mitigation. Additional responsibilities include developing new and evaluating existing security standards by establishing workflows, Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and operational excellence mechanisms to ensure customer outcomes are data driven, measured and validated.
This is a new and evolving business operation, and AvSec is looking for someone who can introduce best practices and grow as the team’s scale and scope expand.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Set and clarify requirements and expectations with associates and leadership at each facility.
- Create security and quality initiatives that continuously improve processes and mitigate deficiencies.
- Provide job-specific training to associates and oversee staffing qualifications and ensure required levels are maintained.
- Work closely with site leaders and support staff to ensure on-going support for AIR security initiatives and policies.
- Work closely with AIR regional leadership and 3P service providers.
- Manage timely, ethical, and professional investigations into security incidents and violations.
- Serve as Amazon’s representative for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspections and inquiries; investigate allegations of regulatory violations and mitigate regulatory enforcement.
- Utilize Security Management Systems (SeMS) to identify the root cause for failures and develop mitigating actions to reduce risk.
- Conduct visits, assessments, and audits of processes and records.
- Implement security and shrinkage control programs to protect assets from loss due to internal/external theft and operational issues.
- This role covers a 24/7 operation and you must be able to work all shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays shifts as necessary.
The Span of Authority for this role includes oversite of a single facility within a geographic region. This will include the hiring and development of team members, supporting operational leadership, managing difficult problems, mitigating immediate risks and deciding if escalation is required.
Eligibility Qualifications:
- This role is regulated by the TSA and is subject to requirements imposed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) because the role will require access to U.S. CBP-regulated areas. Successful candidates must therefore complete all screenings prescribed by the TSA and the U.S. CBP.
- Individuals hired into this position will have unescorted access privileges to airport security identification display areas (SIDA). For this reason, eligibility for this role will be limited to individuals who pass a security screening, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and TSA (as applicable).
- This position may be subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing. Federal law requires Amazon to determine an applicant's history of DOT drug and/or alcohol violation(s) or refusal(s) to test before hiring applicant into a safety-sensitive position.
- This position requires an employee’s full and unimpaired skills and judgment to safely execute their job duties to ensure the safety and security of Amazon AIR personnel, third-party contractors, Airport personnel, cargo, and equipment. This position is therefore designated as a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and, where permitted, post-hire drug testing.
A day in the life
The AvSec Manager will ensure the security of Amazon's associates, assets and data at an AIR Cargo facility. You will lead site compliance with TSA regulations, Amazon Policies and Procedures, and local regulations. A successful candidate will leverage their subject matter expertise to assess brand and regulatory risk factors and evaluate opportunities to improve compliance and mitigate discovered risks. You will use independent judgment to investigate cases that would expose the company to regulatory risk, and make recommendations based on an assessment of the risk. This includes developing and driving engagement strategies for Amazon associates and leaders, to drive compliance. A successful candidate will become a subject matter expert on site security infrastructure, policies and procedures, and regulatory compliance. AvSec is a liaison with any law enforcement or government/regulatory officials that visit the site.
Beyond day-to-day operations, you'll contribute to strategic security initiatives. You'll analyze incident trends to identify systemic issues, participate in regional security planning discussions, provide input on policy development, and help shape AvSec's approach to emerging aviation security challenges. This role provides a pathway to develop strategic thinking skills while maintaining strong tactical execution.
About the team
The AvSec team is responsible for security, loss prevention, and regulatory compliance at Amazon. The organization is built with four core pillars; Security Management Systems, Programs and Quality Assurance, Security Operations, and Credentialing. The organization is committed to identifying and mitigating risk to people, Amazon assets, Amazon brand and regulatory compliance through the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of best-in-class aviation security procedures, standards and guardrails between which Amazon operates. By supporting our customer teams at fulfillment centers and AIR sites to implement process improvements, mitigate risk, resolve equipment issues, and implement new processes to improve performance, AvSec contributes to safe and secure transportation of air cargo to our customers.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 4+ years of compliance program management, legal, governance, audit, risk/loss prevention, or equivalent experience
- 3+ years of managing food safety and quality in a large-scale retail or manufacturing environment experience
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field
- Knowledge of retail food code and regulations governing grocery retail at local, state, and federal levels
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Experience handling confidential information
- Experience interacting with local food safety regulators
- 3+ years of security-related professional, or 3+ years of security service/loss prevention/asset protection/investigations/law enforcement experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of program requirements definition and data and metrics leveraging to drive improvements experience
- Professional auditing qualification, or similar risk or compliance credentials
- Experience with SQL and Excel
- Analytical leader experienced in performance based, action and results-oriented management, strong project manager and effective problem solver.
- Ability to assess risks and challenge current practices to develop and deliver innovative solutions to meet or exceed the customer expectations.
- Business Continuity experience.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
Location: USA, OH, Wilmington
Salary Range: 74,200.00 - 129,800.00 USD annually
See all 85+ OPT Aviation Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Aviation Jobs.
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.