OPT Interior Designer Jobs
Interior Designer jobs on OPT require a degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field, qualifying them as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship. Most roles are studio or firm-based, so your 12-month OPT window (up to 36 months with STEM extension if applicable) needs to align with project-based hiring cycles.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.
This position is designated as onsite. The selected candidate must be willing and able to report to the Waukegan, IL location during scheduled work hours.
SUMMARY
The Aircraft Interior Sourcing Specialist is responsible for sourcing, qualifying, and procuring parts, materials, and services to support interior aircraft modification programs (e.g., cabin reconfigurations, refurbishments, and upgrades). This role combines strategic sourcing responsibilities which includes developing supply strategies, negotiating contracts, and managing obsolescence along with tactical purchasing duties which includes issuing purchase orders, coordinating deliveries, and maintaining accurate records.
The position works closely with Engineering, Program Management, Production, Quality, and multiple Astronics business units to ensure interior modification projects are supported with cost-effective, compliant, and on-time material availability.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Evaluate sourcing procedures for interior modification materials and present improvement strategies to senior management for approval.
- Develop and execute supply base and supply chain strategies for interior components (e.g., monuments, panels, lighting, wiring, PSU components, trim, hardware, cabin electronics) with OEMs, distributors, and salvage providers.
- Prepare bid analyses and recommend suppliers based on technology, certification capability, lead time, cost, and quality.
- Conduct market research on cabin/interior component suppliers and emerging technologies; create cost estimates and forecasts for upcoming modification programs.
- Lead or support obsolescence management for interior components by reviewing availability, monitoring EOL notifications, and forecasting lifetime buy requirements.
- Assist Engineering during new design and change activities to ensure component availability, manufacturability, and compliance with aviation regulations (e.g., FAA/EASA, burn and flammability, interior material standards).
- Negotiate strategic agreements with key suppliers (NDAs, long-term agreements, pricing, terms and conditions, service levels, inventory strategies, and consignment/VMI where appropriate).
- Estimate risks (supply continuity, obsolescence, capacity, single-source exposure) and apply risk-minimizing techniques such as dual sourcing, safety stock strategies, or alternate parts.
- Issue and manage purchase orders to support manufacturing, engineering, and modification program material requirements.
- Manage assigned suppliers and commodities to ensure ongoing supply, appropriate/competitive pricing, and adherence to schedule.
- Take actions needed to assure on-time supplier delivery of required goods, proactively resolving issues such as late deliveries, shortages, and quality problems.
- Investigate, develop, and obtain quotations from suppliers to ensure best total cost/value (price, quality, lead time, logistics, and lifecycle) for assigned commodities.
- Maintain efficient records, including purchase orders, supplier correspondence, pricing files, and program-specific sourcing documentation.
- Prepare and maintain spreadsheets and reporting for inventory status, open orders, supplier performance, cost savings, and program milestones.
- Support new project/program procurement activities, including RFQs, bill of material (BOM) reviews, and material readiness for modification lines or kits.
- Evaluate market conditions (pricing, lead times, capacity constraints) and recommend alternate courses of action, including alternate suppliers or materials.
- Advise management and program teams of changes in material availability, prices, market trends, and sourcing risks.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree or minimum of five years procurement experience
- Minimum of five years experience with MRP or ERP systems
- Experience sourcing Airbus and Boeing interior cabin components
Preferred:
- Experience with Epicor, Intuitive, or Microsoft Dynamics ERP systems
COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures. Able to parse large amounts of data and distinguishes the pieces with large impact.
- Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
- Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.
- Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.
- Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
- Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Judgment - Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. Maintains Confidentiality.
- Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals.
- Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
- Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Adaptability - Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
- Dependability - Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
COMPUTER SKILLS
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have intermediate PC skills and knowledge of Internet software and Microsoft Office applications.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Personal Protective Equipment may be required when working in designated areas. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment.
The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000 per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.
Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.
- Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
- Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/401(k) Plan is a “safe harbor” plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
- Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
- Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
- Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program
ACCOMMODATION REQUEST
Astronics CSC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail CSC-HR-All@astronics.com or call: 847-244-4500. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.
INTRODUCTION
Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.
This position is designated as onsite. The selected candidate must be willing and able to report to the Waukegan, IL location during scheduled work hours.
SUMMARY
The Aircraft Interior Sourcing Specialist is responsible for sourcing, qualifying, and procuring parts, materials, and services to support interior aircraft modification programs (e.g., cabin reconfigurations, refurbishments, and upgrades). This role combines strategic sourcing responsibilities which includes developing supply strategies, negotiating contracts, and managing obsolescence along with tactical purchasing duties which includes issuing purchase orders, coordinating deliveries, and maintaining accurate records.
The position works closely with Engineering, Program Management, Production, Quality, and multiple Astronics business units to ensure interior modification projects are supported with cost-effective, compliant, and on-time material availability.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Evaluate sourcing procedures for interior modification materials and present improvement strategies to senior management for approval.
- Develop and execute supply base and supply chain strategies for interior components (e.g., monuments, panels, lighting, wiring, PSU components, trim, hardware, cabin electronics) with OEMs, distributors, and salvage providers.
- Prepare bid analyses and recommend suppliers based on technology, certification capability, lead time, cost, and quality.
- Conduct market research on cabin/interior component suppliers and emerging technologies; create cost estimates and forecasts for upcoming modification programs.
- Lead or support obsolescence management for interior components by reviewing availability, monitoring EOL notifications, and forecasting lifetime buy requirements.
- Assist Engineering during new design and change activities to ensure component availability, manufacturability, and compliance with aviation regulations (e.g., FAA/EASA, burn and flammability, interior material standards).
- Negotiate strategic agreements with key suppliers (NDAs, long-term agreements, pricing, terms and conditions, service levels, inventory strategies, and consignment/VMI where appropriate).
- Estimate risks (supply continuity, obsolescence, capacity, single-source exposure) and apply risk-minimizing techniques such as dual sourcing, safety stock strategies, or alternate parts.
- Issue and manage purchase orders to support manufacturing, engineering, and modification program material requirements.
- Manage assigned suppliers and commodities to ensure ongoing supply, appropriate/competitive pricing, and adherence to schedule.
- Take actions needed to assure on-time supplier delivery of required goods, proactively resolving issues such as late deliveries, shortages, and quality problems.
- Investigate, develop, and obtain quotations from suppliers to ensure best total cost/value (price, quality, lead time, logistics, and lifecycle) for assigned commodities.
- Maintain efficient records, including purchase orders, supplier correspondence, pricing files, and program-specific sourcing documentation.
- Prepare and maintain spreadsheets and reporting for inventory status, open orders, supplier performance, cost savings, and program milestones.
- Support new project/program procurement activities, including RFQs, bill of material (BOM) reviews, and material readiness for modification lines or kits.
- Evaluate market conditions (pricing, lead times, capacity constraints) and recommend alternate courses of action, including alternate suppliers or materials.
- Advise management and program teams of changes in material availability, prices, market trends, and sourcing risks.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree or minimum of five years procurement experience
- Minimum of five years experience with MRP or ERP systems
- Experience sourcing Airbus and Boeing interior cabin components
Preferred:
- Experience with Epicor, Intuitive, or Microsoft Dynamics ERP systems
COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures. Able to parse large amounts of data and distinguishes the pieces with large impact.
- Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
- Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.
- Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.
- Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
- Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Judgment - Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. Maintains Confidentiality.
- Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals.
- Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
- Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Adaptability - Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
- Dependability - Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
COMPUTER SKILLS
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have intermediate PC skills and knowledge of Internet software and Microsoft Office applications.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Personal Protective Equipment may be required when working in designated areas. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment.
The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000 per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.
Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.
- Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
- Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/401(k) Plan is a “safe harbor” plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
- Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
- Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
- Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program
ACCOMMODATION REQUEST
Astronics CSC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail CSC-HR-All@astronics.com or call: 847-244-4500. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.
See all 86+ OPT Interior Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Interior Designer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Interior Designer
Target firms with a history of visa sponsorship
Search Migrate Mate to find interior design firms and architecture studios that have sponsored work visas before. A firm that has navigated H-1B visa petitions previously is far more likely to sponsor you after OPT ends.
Frame your portfolio around specialty occupation evidence
USCIS requires interior design to meet specialty occupation standards. Your portfolio should demonstrate theoretical and practical application of a specific design discipline, not generalist work. Specialized expertise strengthens both your job applications and any future visa petition.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront with smaller firms
Boutique design studios often don't know what OPT authorization involves. Come prepared with a one-page explainer covering your work authorization dates, what STEM extension means, and when an H-1B petition would need to be filed.
Prioritize roles with structured career paths
Larger firms and corporate in-house design teams are more likely to sponsor H-1B petitions than freelance or contract-heavy studios. Look for positions with defined seniority tracks, which signal the employer invests in long-term talent retention.
Understand STEM extension eligibility for your degree
Interior design degrees are not automatically STEM-designated. Check whether your specific program's CIP code qualifies. If it does, you may have up to 36 months of OPT, giving employers significantly more runway before an H-1B filing is needed.
Get licensed or start the process during OPT
NCIDQ certification and state licensure strengthen your specialty occupation case considerably. Pursuing credentials while on OPT signals professional commitment and makes you a more defensible H-1B candidate when your employer files the petition.
Interior Designer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Interior Designer jobs qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B sponsorship?
Interior design can qualify as a specialty occupation, but it's not automatic. USCIS looks for roles requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in interior design, architecture, or a directly related field as a minimum entry requirement. Generalist or decorator-level roles that accept any degree are less likely to qualify. Firms with structured design departments and degree requirements in job postings are your strongest targets.
How can I find Interior Designer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists interior design roles from employers open to sponsoring international candidates on OPT. Rather than sorting through general job boards, Migrate Mate filters for visa-friendly employers, saving you the time of researching each firm's sponsorship history manually. This is especially useful when your OPT window is limited and you need to focus on realistic opportunities.
Is my interior design degree STEM-designated for OPT extension purposes?
It depends on your program's CIP code, not the job title or school name. Some interior design programs fall under CIP 04.0501 (Interior Architecture) or related codes that may qualify for STEM OPT extension, while others do not. Check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Your DSO at your university's international student office can confirm whether your specific degree qualifies.
Can I work as a freelance Interior Designer on OPT?
Self-employment on OPT is technically permitted but legally complex. You must be employed by a business entity you own, and the work must be directly related to your degree. More importantly, self-employment makes H-1B sponsorship nearly impossible since you can't sponsor yourself on an H-1B. If your goal is long-term U.S. work authorization, a traditional employer relationship is a more viable path.
When should I start talking to my employer about H-1B sponsorship?
Start the conversation early in your OPT period, ideally within the first three months of starting the role. H-1B registration opens in March for an October 1 start date. If your OPT ends before October 1 and you're not STEM-eligible for a cap-gap extension, timing becomes critical. Your employer's immigration attorney will need lead time to assess eligibility and prepare documentation before the registration window opens.