STEM OPT Aircraft Engineer Jobs
Aircraft Engineer roles in aerospace, defense, and MRO qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of F-1 work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree must align with an approved STEM CIP code in aeronautical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering.
Find STEM OPT Aircraft Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ Aircraft Engineer jobs
See all Aircraft Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Aircraft Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsElectrical Aircraft Integration Engineer I
Responsibilities:
Who We Are:
Ever wonder who brings the entertainment to your flights? Panasonic Avionics Corporation is #1 in the industry for delivering inflight products such as movies, games, WiFi, and now Bluetooth headphone connectivity!
How exciting would it be to be a part of the innovation that goes into creating technology that delights millions of people in an industry that’s here to stay! With our company’s history spanning over 40 years, you will have stability, career growth opportunities, and will work with the brightest minds in the industry. And we are committed to a diverse and inclusive culture that will help our organization thrive! We seek diversity in many areas such as background, culture, gender, ways of thinking, skills and more.
If you want to learn more about us visit us at www.panasonic.aero
And for a full listing of open job opportunities go to www.panasonic.aero/join-us/
The Position:
Responsible for designing and integrating hardware for In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) systems across all phases of aircraft development—from concept through delivery. Responsible for executing design tasks, supporting integration efforts, and collaborating across teams. Represents the company during domestic and international travel to support on-site installations, surveys, and customer engagements.
Design & Engineering
- Develop the integration engineering solutions that install IFEC in seats, monuments, and other areas of the cabin, as well as solutions for installing IFEC across other areas of the aircraft including external fuselage and empennage modifications.
- Interpret customer requirements into engineering designs in collaboration with senior engineers.
- Performs foundational technical evaluations and analyses to validate design feasibility.
- Recognize engineering risks during design and development activities. Collaborate with senior engineers to resolve design challenges during development.
- Independently conduct aircraft surveys to collect detailed design data across multiple cabin and structural zones. Validate existing documentation, identify integration constraints, and ensure survey results support accurate design execution.
- Lead on-site aircraft installations and/or actively support First Article Inspections (FAIs) to verify design compliance and resolve moderate integration challenges. Coordinate with internal teams and suppliers to ensure successful deployment.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand system integration.
- Ensure full compliance with industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
- Learn and apply CAD tools and engineering software to support design tasks.
Planning & Execution Support
- Participate in Technical Kick Off (TKO) meetings, collaborate with cross-functional teams and deliver the engineering plans to have a successful Program. Document design deliverables and identify key integration tasks for the aircraft system.
- Actively contribute to internal Design Quality Verification (DQV) meetings by presenting design work, identifying quality risks, and recommending corrective actions. Ensure engineering deliverables meet design standards and program requirements.
- Leads design reviews (ITCM, PDR, CDR) and resolves technical challenges.
Documentation
- Creates engineering documentation: integration design drawings, specifications, and installation documentation (System Block Diagram, Wiring Diagrams, Assembly Drawings, Seat Configurations, Service Bulletins, Engineering Orders, Electrical Load Analysis, Work Instructions).
Continuous Improvement
- Support Process Improvements
- Follow Compliance Standards: Learn and apply compliance principles
- Engage in Knowledge Platforms: Observe and begin using tools like B-PALL and RCCA for learning.
- Participate in Reviews and Checkpoints: Attend design reviews as an observer or contributor.
The wage range of $82,000 - $138,000 is just one component of Panasonic’s total package. Actual compensation varies depending on the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, and location. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and incentives.
What We’re Looking For:
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, and/or related engineering field).
- Experience in Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical.
- Experience in commercial aviation industry preferred.
- Exposure to electrical wiring design; supports senior engineers.
- Knowledge of mechanical structural design.
- Basic proficiency CAD software (CREO, Routed System Designer, BricsCAD, Team Center, Siemens Capital & NX).
- Introductory knowledge of avionics components: wire and connectors; learning component functions.
- Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office.
- Effective time management and ability to handle multiple tasks.
- Problem-solving; escalates issues appropriately.
- Works independently on assigned tasks and contributes effectively to team efforts.
- Clear communication skills, both written and verbal. Interacting with multiple levels in an organization, as well as suppliers and customers.
Our Principles:
Contribution to Society | Fairness & Honesty | Cooperation & Team Spirit | Untiring Effort for Improvement | Courtesy & Humility | Adaptability | Gratitude
What We Offer:
At Panasonic Avionics Corporation we realize the most important aspects in leading our industry are the bright minds behind everything we do. We are proud to offer our employees a highly competitive, comprehensive and flexible benefits program.
- Paid time off: Exempt Salaried employees receive flexible paid time off. This means that there is no fixed number, range, or limit to the amount of Personal and Vacation Days that may be taken for exempt employees. Non-exempt hourly employees accrue 14 vacation days per year + 7 sick days + 3 personal days. Accrual rate increases with tenure. All employees receive 11 company paid holidays per year. We also close our offices at the corporate level in the U.S. between Christmas and New Year. For operational positions that are expected to work on holidays, we provide additional compensation for hours worked.
- Health Insurance: Medical insurance offerings from Aetna and Kaiser (CA & HI). Options for Employee Only, Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner, Employee + Children, or Family. Dental PPO and DMO options & Vision insurance through EyeMed or VSP.
- Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
- Health Management and Wellbeing Programs – Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
- 401K with 50% match on up to 8% contribution, full vested from day 1.
- Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses.
- Washington residents only are eligible for: Washington’s Family and Medical Leave program and Washington’s Paid Sick Leave program.
We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, send us your application!
Panasonic is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law or company policy. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Pre-employment drug testing is required for safety sensitive positions or as may otherwise be required by contract or law. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Avionics Corporate.
LI-Hybrid
LI-VE1
LI-TA1
Electrical Aircraft Integration Engineer I
Responsibilities:
Who We Are:
Ever wonder who brings the entertainment to your flights? Panasonic Avionics Corporation is #1 in the industry for delivering inflight products such as movies, games, WiFi, and now Bluetooth headphone connectivity!
How exciting would it be to be a part of the innovation that goes into creating technology that delights millions of people in an industry that’s here to stay! With our company’s history spanning over 40 years, you will have stability, career growth opportunities, and will work with the brightest minds in the industry. And we are committed to a diverse and inclusive culture that will help our organization thrive! We seek diversity in many areas such as background, culture, gender, ways of thinking, skills and more.
If you want to learn more about us visit us at www.panasonic.aero
And for a full listing of open job opportunities go to www.panasonic.aero/join-us/
The Position:
Responsible for designing and integrating hardware for In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) systems across all phases of aircraft development—from concept through delivery. Responsible for executing design tasks, supporting integration efforts, and collaborating across teams. Represents the company during domestic and international travel to support on-site installations, surveys, and customer engagements.
Design & Engineering
- Develop the integration engineering solutions that install IFEC in seats, monuments, and other areas of the cabin, as well as solutions for installing IFEC across other areas of the aircraft including external fuselage and empennage modifications.
- Interpret customer requirements into engineering designs in collaboration with senior engineers.
- Performs foundational technical evaluations and analyses to validate design feasibility.
- Recognize engineering risks during design and development activities. Collaborate with senior engineers to resolve design challenges during development.
- Independently conduct aircraft surveys to collect detailed design data across multiple cabin and structural zones. Validate existing documentation, identify integration constraints, and ensure survey results support accurate design execution.
- Lead on-site aircraft installations and/or actively support First Article Inspections (FAIs) to verify design compliance and resolve moderate integration challenges. Coordinate with internal teams and suppliers to ensure successful deployment.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand system integration.
- Ensure full compliance with industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
- Learn and apply CAD tools and engineering software to support design tasks.
Planning & Execution Support
- Participate in Technical Kick Off (TKO) meetings, collaborate with cross-functional teams and deliver the engineering plans to have a successful Program. Document design deliverables and identify key integration tasks for the aircraft system.
- Actively contribute to internal Design Quality Verification (DQV) meetings by presenting design work, identifying quality risks, and recommending corrective actions. Ensure engineering deliverables meet design standards and program requirements.
- Leads design reviews (ITCM, PDR, CDR) and resolves technical challenges.
Documentation
- Creates engineering documentation: integration design drawings, specifications, and installation documentation (System Block Diagram, Wiring Diagrams, Assembly Drawings, Seat Configurations, Service Bulletins, Engineering Orders, Electrical Load Analysis, Work Instructions).
Continuous Improvement
- Support Process Improvements
- Follow Compliance Standards: Learn and apply compliance principles
- Engage in Knowledge Platforms: Observe and begin using tools like B-PALL and RCCA for learning.
- Participate in Reviews and Checkpoints: Attend design reviews as an observer or contributor.
The wage range of $82,000 - $138,000 is just one component of Panasonic’s total package. Actual compensation varies depending on the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, and location. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and incentives.
What We’re Looking For:
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, and/or related engineering field).
- Experience in Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical.
- Experience in commercial aviation industry preferred.
- Exposure to electrical wiring design; supports senior engineers.
- Knowledge of mechanical structural design.
- Basic proficiency CAD software (CREO, Routed System Designer, BricsCAD, Team Center, Siemens Capital & NX).
- Introductory knowledge of avionics components: wire and connectors; learning component functions.
- Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office.
- Effective time management and ability to handle multiple tasks.
- Problem-solving; escalates issues appropriately.
- Works independently on assigned tasks and contributes effectively to team efforts.
- Clear communication skills, both written and verbal. Interacting with multiple levels in an organization, as well as suppliers and customers.
Our Principles:
Contribution to Society | Fairness & Honesty | Cooperation & Team Spirit | Untiring Effort for Improvement | Courtesy & Humility | Adaptability | Gratitude
What We Offer:
At Panasonic Avionics Corporation we realize the most important aspects in leading our industry are the bright minds behind everything we do. We are proud to offer our employees a highly competitive, comprehensive and flexible benefits program.
- Paid time off: Exempt Salaried employees receive flexible paid time off. This means that there is no fixed number, range, or limit to the amount of Personal and Vacation Days that may be taken for exempt employees. Non-exempt hourly employees accrue 14 vacation days per year + 7 sick days + 3 personal days. Accrual rate increases with tenure. All employees receive 11 company paid holidays per year. We also close our offices at the corporate level in the U.S. between Christmas and New Year. For operational positions that are expected to work on holidays, we provide additional compensation for hours worked.
- Health Insurance: Medical insurance offerings from Aetna and Kaiser (CA & HI). Options for Employee Only, Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner, Employee + Children, or Family. Dental PPO and DMO options & Vision insurance through EyeMed or VSP.
- Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
- Health Management and Wellbeing Programs – Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
- 401K with 50% match on up to 8% contribution, full vested from day 1.
- Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses.
- Washington residents only are eligible for: Washington’s Family and Medical Leave program and Washington’s Paid Sick Leave program.
We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, send us your application!
Panasonic is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law or company policy. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Pre-employment drug testing is required for safety sensitive positions or as may otherwise be required by contract or law. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Avionics Corporate.
LI-Hybrid
LI-VE1
LI-TA1
See all STEM OPT Aircraft Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Aircraft Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Aircraft Engineer
Verify your degree's CIP code eligibility
Check that your aeronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering degree maps to an approved STEM CIP code before applying. O*NET lists the standard occupational classification for Aircraft Engineers, which your DSO will reference when endorsing your STEM OPT extension on your I-20.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Aerospace and defense contractors frequently hold classified facility clearances but aren't always enrolled in E-Verify. Ask HR to confirm their E-Verify Company ID before signing an offer. An employer without active E-Verify enrollment cannot legally support your STEM OPT extension.
Target FAA-certificated and DOD-contracted employers
Employers holding FAA repair station certificates or active DOD contracts file LCAs regularly and are accustomed to STEM OPT paperwork. Filter your search on Migrate Mate to surface employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and recent engineering LCA filings in the aerospace sector.
Build a complete I-983 training plan before day one
Your employer must sign a Form I-983 outlining specific learning objectives tied to your aerospace engineering degree. Draft the training plan before your start date, mapping each objective to an aircraft systems or certification task. A vague plan risks rejection by your DSO.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
Aircraft Engineer prevailing wages vary by geographic area and experience level. Run the OFLC Wage Search for SOC code 17-2011 in your target metro before negotiating. STEM OPT doesn't require prevailing wage compliance, but knowing the DOL benchmark protects you from underpayment that could complicate a future H-1B visa.
Time your STEM extension filing to avoid gaps
Submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. If you're inside a cap-gap window due to an H-1B petition, your work authorization continues automatically, but your I-983 must remain current and on file with your DSO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an aerospace engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree maps to an approved STEM CIP code. Aeronautical engineering (CIP 14.0201), aerospace engineering (CIP 14.0201), and mechanical engineering (CIP 14.1901) all qualify. Your DSO verifies the CIP code on your I-20 when endorsing the extension. If your degree has a non-STEM title, ask your DSO to confirm the underlying CIP classification before you apply.
Can I work as an Aircraft Engineer for a defense contractor on STEM OPT?
Yes, provided the contractor is enrolled in E-Verify. Defense contractors with active DOD contracts are common STEM OPT employers in aerospace, but E-Verify enrollment is a separate compliance requirement that not every contractor has completed. Verify the employer's E-Verify Company ID directly with HR before accepting any offer, since security clearance status doesn't substitute for E-Verify enrollment.
What goes into a valid I-983 training plan for an Aircraft Engineer role?
Your I-983 must identify specific learning objectives directly tied to your STEM degree, a designated supervisor, and a plan for evaluating your progress. For Aircraft Engineer positions, objectives typically cover aircraft systems analysis, airworthiness compliance, or engineering design tasks. Generic job descriptions aren't sufficient. Both you and your employer must sign the form, and your DSO must keep a copy on file throughout your extension.
How does cap-gap protection affect my Aircraft Engineer job if my H-1B petition is pending?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. You can continue working in your Aircraft Engineer role during this period. Your I-983 must remain active and current with your DSO for the entire cap-gap window, not just the initial OPT period.
Where can I find Aircraft Engineer employers enrolled in E-Verify who hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Aircraft Engineer job listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and documented engineering LCA filing history, so you're not manually cross-checking each company. Aerospace employers who file LCAs regularly for engineering roles are already familiar with STEM OPT paperwork requirements, which reduces friction during onboarding and I-983 preparation.