Aerospace & Defense OPT Jobs in Arizona
Arizona's aerospace and defense sector is one of the largest in the country, with major employers like Raytheon Technologies, Boeing, General Dynamics, and Honeywell concentrated in the Phoenix metro and Tucson areas. F-1 OPT students in engineering, computer science, and systems disciplines will find active hiring across both prime contractors and specialist suppliers throughout the state.
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Join Axon and be a Force for Good.
At Axon, we're on a mission to Protect Life. We're explorers, pursuing society's most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other.
Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you'll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.
Your Impact
As an Axon CMM Metrology Programmer, you will perform dimensional and vision inspection and testing of incoming, in process, and finished product by using various measurement devices to ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
What You'll Do
Location: Onsite at Axon's Pinnacle Manufacturing Location in Mesa, AZ
Reports to: Supervisor, Incoming Quality Control
Direct Reports: N/A
- Operate the Axon OPTICAL/TACTILE CMM (Zeiss OIS-322/Calypso) to provide measurement analysis for incoming parts, in process and finished goods.
- Program and Operate the Axon TACTILE CMM (Zeiss Contura/Calypso) to provide measurement analysis for incoming parts, in process and finished goods.
- Program and Operate the Axon Keyence LM system to provide measurement analysis for incoming parts, in process and finished goods.
- Maintain PiWeb and QC gage DB, structure and dimensional plans for future analysis and studies. Perform GR&R according to scheduled plan. Conduct FAIR and PPAP dimensional reports to evaluate new or modified parts.
- Provide dimensional analysis for CAPA investigations to aid in root cause analysis.
- Read and interpret CAD models and prints.
- Generate OPTICAL/TACTILE CMM programs to make repeat inspections more efficient. Manage the CMM equipment, including maintenance, calibration, and readiness of equipment. Assist in sustaining Critical to Quality processes via training and providing accept/reject samples to manufacturing.
What You Bring
- 2-4 year degree in Technology/Engineering or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 3 years Quality/Mfg experience.
- Basic knowledge of quality and lean manufacturing principles.
- Basic knowledge of quality systems, SPC and process capability.
- Strong aptitude in process improvement and problem solving.
- Advanced Programming skill with Calypso: PCM, freeform, curve, simulation and planner modules.
- Minimum of 5 years OPTICAL and Tactile metrology experience.
- Minimum of 5 years working level experience measuring and programing CMM Zeiss Contura, CMM Zeiss OIS-322, Calypso Software and Keyence LM series.
Benefits that Benefit You
- Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
- Discretionary paid time off
- Paid parental leave for all
- Medical, Dental, Vision plans
- Fitness Programs
- Emotional & Mental Wellness support
- Learning & Development programs
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- And yes, we have snacks in our offices
Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work.
Don't meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Axon, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you're excited about this role and our mission to Protect Life but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Important Notes
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.
Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.
We collect personal information from applicants to evaluate candidates for employment. You may request access, deletion, or exercise other CCPA rights at axongreenhousesupport@axon.com or via our Axon Privacy Web Form. For more information, please see the Your California Privacy Rights section of our Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice.
Axon's mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well-being and safety of its employees as well as Axon's impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.
We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We're committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email recruitingops@axon.com. Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes.
Phishing alert: Axon will never ask you to pay for any part of the hiring process, including training, equipment, or background checks. We do not make job offers via text message, WhatsApp, or instant messaging platforms without a formal interview process. All legitimate job openings are listed on our official careers page at https://www.axon.com/careers. If you receive a suspicious offer or outreach from an email address that is not @axon.com, or if you are asked for sensitive personal information (bank details, Social Security Number) prematurely, please ignore the message and report it to recruitingops@axon.com.
OPT Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in Arizona
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Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in ArizonaAerospace & Defense OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace and defense companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Arizona?
Arizona's aerospace and defense industry includes several major OPT sponsors. Raytheon Technologies, headquartered in the Phoenix area, regularly hires OPT students in engineering and software roles. Boeing and General Dynamics both operate facilities in the state with active early-career programs. Honeywell Aerospace, based in Phoenix, and L3Harris also appear frequently in OPT hiring data. Smaller defense contractors and suppliers throughout the Greater Phoenix and Tucson corridors also support OPT candidates, particularly in STEM-designated roles.
Which cities in Arizona have the most aerospace and defense F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Greater Phoenix metropolitan area, including Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale, accounts for the majority of aerospace and defense OPT positions in Arizona. Tucson is a significant secondary hub, home to Raytheon Missiles and Defense and several defense-adjacent manufacturers. Goodyear and Tempe also have notable aerospace activity. Students at Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott campus are well-positioned given their proximity to these hiring centers.
What types of aerospace and defense roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify for F-1 OPT must be directly related to a student's degree field. In Arizona's aerospace and defense sector, commonly qualifying positions include systems engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, software development for embedded or avionics systems, quality assurance, manufacturing engineering, and data analysis. STEM-designated degree fields such as electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, and computer science may also support a 24-month STEM OPT extension, which many Arizona defense contractors actively accommodate.
How do I find aerospace and defense F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Arizona?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for this search. You can filter by visa type, industry, and state to surface aerospace and defense employers in Arizona that have a verified history of sponsoring F-1 OPT candidates. This is more targeted than a general job search because Migrate Mate uses DOL Labor Condition Application filing data to identify companies with demonstrated sponsorship activity, so you're not guessing about a company's willingness to support OPT authorization before you apply.
Are there any Arizona-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in aerospace and defense?
Security clearance eligibility is a significant factor in Arizona's defense sector. Many positions at prime contractors like Raytheon or General Dynamics require a U.S. security clearance, which F-1 OPT students are generally not eligible to obtain as non-U.S. persons. This restricts access to certain roles, particularly classified programs. However, unclassified engineering, software, and manufacturing positions remain widely available to OPT candidates. Arizona's STEM-heavy universities also give OPT students strong access to the 24-month STEM OPT extension for qualifying roles.