TN Visa Aerospace Jobs
Aerospace engineers and technologists from Canada and Mexico can qualify for TN visa sponsorship under USMCA without entering a lottery. Roles in aircraft design, propulsion systems, avionics, and systems integration routinely meet the specialty occupation standard CBP requires at the port of entry.
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Get Access To All JobsSenior Aerospace Engineer / Aircraft CAD Integrator
Location: Suffield, CT
Schedule: Onsite, 5 days per week
Why LiquidPiston?
LiquidPiston is developing next-generation propulsion technology for aerospace, defense, and advanced mobility applications. Our compact rotary engine technology delivers high power density in a lightweight package, creating new possibilities for VTOL aircraft, UAS, hybrid-electric propulsion, and other demanding applications.
At LiquidPiston, engineers have the opportunity to work on technology that moves quickly from concept to hardware to testing. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on environment where you will have meaningful ownership and see the direct impact of your work.
If you enjoy solving difficult engineering problems, working across disciplines, and turning innovative concepts into real hardware, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the development of advanced aircraft and propulsion systems.
The Opportunity
LiquidPiston is seeking a Senior Aerospace Engineer / Aircraft CAD Integrator to play a key role in the design and integration of our fixed-wing VTOL and UAS platforms.
You will own the top-level aircraft CAD model and be responsible for understanding how the entire aircraft fits together. You will work across structures, propulsion, avionics, electrical systems, cooling, controls, and other disciplines to ensure that individual subsystem designs come together as a functional, buildable aircraft.
This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who enjoys being close to both the design and the hardware. You will help move aircraft designs from concept through detailed design, prototyping, integration, ground testing, and flight-test iteration.
The ideal candidate has experience owning a full-vehicle or major-system CAD assembly and is comfortable working in a fast-moving R&D environment where engineers are expected to take ownership, solve problems independently, and work across traditional engineering boundaries.
Responsibilities
Aircraft Design & Integration
- Own, maintain, and continuously improve the top-level aircraft CAD model.
- Integrate structures, propulsion, avionics, electrical systems, cooling, controls, and other aircraft subsystems into a cohesive vehicle configuration.
- Manage interfaces between engineering disciplines and identify fit, clearance, packaging, and interference issues before they reach the build.
- Coordinate CAD models and design inputs from multiple engineers, vendors, and external partners.
- Resolve conflicting geometry, outdated references, and integration issues to maintain an accurate and reliable aircraft model.
- Design and develop aircraft structures, mechanical systems, and subsystems associated with LiquidPiston's hybrid propulsion technology.
- Evaluate how subsystem-level design changes affect aircraft-level weight, CG, mass properties, packaging, and performance.
- Perform aircraft-level engineering and configuration trade studies.
Prototyping, Testing & Iteration
- Support the fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of aircraft components and systems.
- Work directly with technicians and manufacturing personnel to identify and resolve design and build issues.
- Participate in ground and component testing and ensure test articles accurately represent the released design.
- Support flight-test preparation, aircraft configuration reviews, and post-test design iterations.
- Rapidly incorporate lessons learned from testing into subsequent aircraft designs.
- Support design reviews, including SRR, PDR, and CDR, with accurate and current aircraft-level models and drawings.
Configuration & Design Documentation
- Establish and maintain practical configuration-control processes appropriate for a small, rapidly evolving engineering organization.
- Manage part numbering, revisions, design changes, and released documentation.
- Maintain drawing packages and ensure released drawings accurately reflect the current aircraft configuration.
- Document aircraft interfaces, design rationale, and CAD model structure to preserve critical engineering knowledge.
- Work with external suppliers and engineering partners to incorporate designs and analyses into the aircraft configuration.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 5+ years of applied engineering experience in aerospace, UAS/UAV, defense, advanced mobility, or another complex product-development environment.
- Demonstrated experience owning a top-level assembly or vehicle-level CAD model for a complete aircraft, vehicle, or major integrated system.
- Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, CATIA, or a comparable mechanical CAD platform, including large assembly management.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design, aircraft integration, system interfaces, packaging, and design for manufacturing.
- Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines and resolving competing subsystem requirements.
- Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and tolerance stack-ups.
- Hands-on experience designing, building, troubleshooting, or testing physical hardware.
- Strong engineering fundamentals with the ability to apply physics-based reasoning to practical design decisions.
- Ability to work independently, identify problems, and drive solutions from concept through implementation.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment where designs and priorities can evolve quickly.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing fixed-wing VTOL, UAS, UAV, or autonomous aircraft.
- Experience integrating propulsion systems into aircraft, including engines, generators, hybrid-electric systems, or electric propulsion.
- Experience with aircraft-level weight, balance, CG, and mass-property management.
- Experience designing composite aircraft structures using carbon fiber, fiberglass, and epoxy systems.
- FEA experience using ANSYS or similar tools, particularly for aerospace structures and design optimization.
- Aircraft-specific CFD experience or experience incorporating external CFD analysis into aircraft design.
- Experience with additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping.
- Experience with autonomous flight-control systems, R/C aircraft, avionics, or electromechanical systems.
- Familiarity with FAA conformity, certification, or aerospace design documentation requirements.
- Experience with PLM, PDM, ERP, or formal configuration-management systems.
- Experience working with external engineering, manufacturing, or analysis vendors.
- A portfolio demonstrating relevant aircraft, vehicle, mechanical design, or prototype development work.
Benefits & Perks:
- PTO: We value work–life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and voluntary dental, and vision coverage - you choose what works best for you.
- Equity Participation: Employees may receive RSUs (Restricted Stock Units).
- 401(k) Match: We offer a 401k w/100% matching up to 3% of your salary and then 50% of contributions between 3-5% after 1 year of employment.
- Career Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate your growth.
Our Culture:
At LiquidPiston, we embrace challenges, move fast, and celebrate curiosity. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and perseverance. We understand that innovation involves risk - and we’re not afraid to fail as we move forward.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
LiquidPiston, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against, and receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status or disability.
All offers of employment at LiquidPiston are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
Senior Aerospace Engineer / Aircraft CAD Integrator
Location: Suffield, CT
Schedule: Onsite, 5 days per week
Why LiquidPiston?
LiquidPiston is developing next-generation propulsion technology for aerospace, defense, and advanced mobility applications. Our compact rotary engine technology delivers high power density in a lightweight package, creating new possibilities for VTOL aircraft, UAS, hybrid-electric propulsion, and other demanding applications.
At LiquidPiston, engineers have the opportunity to work on technology that moves quickly from concept to hardware to testing. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on environment where you will have meaningful ownership and see the direct impact of your work.
If you enjoy solving difficult engineering problems, working across disciplines, and turning innovative concepts into real hardware, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the development of advanced aircraft and propulsion systems.
The Opportunity
LiquidPiston is seeking a Senior Aerospace Engineer / Aircraft CAD Integrator to play a key role in the design and integration of our fixed-wing VTOL and UAS platforms.
You will own the top-level aircraft CAD model and be responsible for understanding how the entire aircraft fits together. You will work across structures, propulsion, avionics, electrical systems, cooling, controls, and other disciplines to ensure that individual subsystem designs come together as a functional, buildable aircraft.
This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who enjoys being close to both the design and the hardware. You will help move aircraft designs from concept through detailed design, prototyping, integration, ground testing, and flight-test iteration.
The ideal candidate has experience owning a full-vehicle or major-system CAD assembly and is comfortable working in a fast-moving R&D environment where engineers are expected to take ownership, solve problems independently, and work across traditional engineering boundaries.
Responsibilities
Aircraft Design & Integration
- Own, maintain, and continuously improve the top-level aircraft CAD model.
- Integrate structures, propulsion, avionics, electrical systems, cooling, controls, and other aircraft subsystems into a cohesive vehicle configuration.
- Manage interfaces between engineering disciplines and identify fit, clearance, packaging, and interference issues before they reach the build.
- Coordinate CAD models and design inputs from multiple engineers, vendors, and external partners.
- Resolve conflicting geometry, outdated references, and integration issues to maintain an accurate and reliable aircraft model.
- Design and develop aircraft structures, mechanical systems, and subsystems associated with LiquidPiston's hybrid propulsion technology.
- Evaluate how subsystem-level design changes affect aircraft-level weight, CG, mass properties, packaging, and performance.
- Perform aircraft-level engineering and configuration trade studies.
Prototyping, Testing & Iteration
- Support the fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of aircraft components and systems.
- Work directly with technicians and manufacturing personnel to identify and resolve design and build issues.
- Participate in ground and component testing and ensure test articles accurately represent the released design.
- Support flight-test preparation, aircraft configuration reviews, and post-test design iterations.
- Rapidly incorporate lessons learned from testing into subsequent aircraft designs.
- Support design reviews, including SRR, PDR, and CDR, with accurate and current aircraft-level models and drawings.
Configuration & Design Documentation
- Establish and maintain practical configuration-control processes appropriate for a small, rapidly evolving engineering organization.
- Manage part numbering, revisions, design changes, and released documentation.
- Maintain drawing packages and ensure released drawings accurately reflect the current aircraft configuration.
- Document aircraft interfaces, design rationale, and CAD model structure to preserve critical engineering knowledge.
- Work with external suppliers and engineering partners to incorporate designs and analyses into the aircraft configuration.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 5+ years of applied engineering experience in aerospace, UAS/UAV, defense, advanced mobility, or another complex product-development environment.
- Demonstrated experience owning a top-level assembly or vehicle-level CAD model for a complete aircraft, vehicle, or major integrated system.
- Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, CATIA, or a comparable mechanical CAD platform, including large assembly management.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design, aircraft integration, system interfaces, packaging, and design for manufacturing.
- Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines and resolving competing subsystem requirements.
- Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and tolerance stack-ups.
- Hands-on experience designing, building, troubleshooting, or testing physical hardware.
- Strong engineering fundamentals with the ability to apply physics-based reasoning to practical design decisions.
- Ability to work independently, identify problems, and drive solutions from concept through implementation.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment where designs and priorities can evolve quickly.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing fixed-wing VTOL, UAS, UAV, or autonomous aircraft.
- Experience integrating propulsion systems into aircraft, including engines, generators, hybrid-electric systems, or electric propulsion.
- Experience with aircraft-level weight, balance, CG, and mass-property management.
- Experience designing composite aircraft structures using carbon fiber, fiberglass, and epoxy systems.
- FEA experience using ANSYS or similar tools, particularly for aerospace structures and design optimization.
- Aircraft-specific CFD experience or experience incorporating external CFD analysis into aircraft design.
- Experience with additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping.
- Experience with autonomous flight-control systems, R/C aircraft, avionics, or electromechanical systems.
- Familiarity with FAA conformity, certification, or aerospace design documentation requirements.
- Experience with PLM, PDM, ERP, or formal configuration-management systems.
- Experience working with external engineering, manufacturing, or analysis vendors.
- A portfolio demonstrating relevant aircraft, vehicle, mechanical design, or prototype development work.
Benefits & Perks:
- PTO: We value work–life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and voluntary dental, and vision coverage - you choose what works best for you.
- Equity Participation: Employees may receive RSUs (Restricted Stock Units).
- 401(k) Match: We offer a 401k w/100% matching up to 3% of your salary and then 50% of contributions between 3-5% after 1 year of employment.
- Career Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate your growth.
Our Culture:
At LiquidPiston, we embrace challenges, move fast, and celebrate curiosity. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and perseverance. We understand that innovation involves risk - and we’re not afraid to fail as we move forward.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
LiquidPiston, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against, and receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status or disability.
All offers of employment at LiquidPiston are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
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Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new TN Visa Aerospace Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship in Aerospace
Align your credentials to CBP's specialty occupation standard
CBP adjudicates TN visa eligibility on the spot, so your degree must map directly to the aerospace role. A degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering tied to the specific job title strengthens your case considerably.
Target defense contractors with active ITAR compliance programs
Many U.S. aerospace employers require security clearances restricted to U.S. persons, which excludes TN holders. Focus on commercial aerospace, MRO facilities, and space launch companies where foreign nationals regularly hold engineering roles.
Confirm your employer understands TN requires no PERM filing
Unlike employer-sponsored green card pathways, TN status requires no government labor certification or prevailing wage filing. HR teams unfamiliar with TN sometimes conflate it with H-1B visa or PERM processes, which delays offers. Clarify early that TN sponsorship involves only a support letter from the employer—no Department of Labor involvement.
Use Migrate Mate to find aerospace employers experienced with visa sponsorship
Migrate Mate surfaces employers with recent visa filings in aerospace, saving you from applying to companies that only sponsor H-1B or that have blanket policies against non-U.S. persons in engineering roles.
Prepare a support letter that names the specific SOC code
Your employer's support letter should reference the relevant Standard Occupational Classification code for your aerospace role. CBP officers use job classification data to confirm the position qualifies under the engineer or technologist category.
Request a one-year validity period if your project scope is uncertain
TN status is granted for up to three years, but requesting a shorter initial period can reduce CBP scrutiny on project scope and duration. You can extend in three-year increments once the role is established.
Aerospace TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an aerospace job qualify for TN visa status?
Yes, if the role falls under engineer or technologist classifications recognized under USMCA. Aircraft design, avionics systems, propulsion engineering, and structural analysis positions regularly qualify. CBP will assess whether your specific job duties and degree align with an eligible occupation at the port of entry or consulate, so the job offer letter and your credentials need to match precisely.
How does TN compare to H-1B for aerospace professionals?
TN has no annual lottery and no cap for Canadian citizens, making it far more predictable than H-1B for initial entry. Mexican citizens face a 5,500-per-year TN allocation, but approvals are still faster than H-1B lottery timelines. Canadians can obtain TN status at a port of entry the same day. H-1B requires advance USCIS filing and lottery selection before any start date is possible.
Can I work for a defense contractor on a TN visa?
Many defense contractors require security clearances classified for U.S. persons only, which TN visa holders cannot obtain. However, some commercial and dual-use aerospace programs at defense primes employ foreign nationals in non-classified engineering roles. You'll need to verify the specific clearance requirements for each position before investing in a TN application with that employer.
Where can I find aerospace employers that sponsor TN visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically to help Canadian and Mexican professionals find employers with TN visa sponsorship history in aerospace and other USMCA-eligible fields. Because many aerospace companies have blanket no-sponsorship policies due to security clearance requirements, filtering for TN-sponsoring employers upfront avoids wasted applications and saves significant time in your job search.
What documents do I need to apply for TN status in an aerospace role?
You'll need a detailed employer support letter confirming the job title, duties, and that a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field is required. You'll also need proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship, your degree credentials, and the DS-160 if applying at a U.S. consulate. Canadians can apply directly at a land port of entry or preclearance airport without scheduling a consular appointment.