Aerospace & Defense STEM OPT Jobs in Arizona
Arizona's aerospace and defense sector spans Raytheon Technologies, Honeywell Aerospace, and Boeing facilities concentrated in Tucson and the Greater Phoenix area. F-1 STEM OPT candidates with engineering, computer science, or systems backgrounds will find active sponsorship activity here, supported by the state's deep ties to defense contracting and aviation manufacturing.
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We are seeking a full-time Aircraft Systems Engineer 1 - Mechanical/Structural in our Mesa, AZ location. In this role, you will be responsible for assisting in the design aspects of new avionics systems installations.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
- Create structural and mechanical designs for installation of avionics and automatic flight control systems in aircraft
- Generate aircraft installation and part drawings using Computer Aided Engineering tools, and other required type design data and documentation needed to support Garmin STC projects
- Assist with aircraft structural testing and analysis of new avionics installations using preliminary analysis techniques to ensure structural integrity and validate design requirements to meet FAA regulations
- Assist avionics technicians with incorporating modifications to the aircraft structure and installation of avionics and automatic flight control systems
- Assist with troubleshooting issues with avionics and automatic flight control systems installations in fielded aircraft
- Coordinate with a wide range of internal teams, including designers, engineers, avionics technicians, vendors, and quality teams throughout the design and certification process
- Demonstrates excellent listening and speaking capabilities with all levels of management, internal and external stakeholders
- Research Federal Aviation Regulations and certification related topics and provide input and recommendations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Computer Engineering OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
- Familiar with general aviation and basic avionics operation/installation
- Basic use of software specific to job functions (Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.)
- Basic understanding of avionics, mechanical design, installation and certification
- Must be detail-oriented, work proactively and effectively with direct supervision, and can complete tasks in a flexible, fast paced and challenging environment
- Demonstrates strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Demonstrates basic knowledge in one or more of the following technical areas: Electrical Systems, Structures, Mechanical Systems, System Safety, HIRF/Lightning, or Aircraft Certification
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Outstanding academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.5)
- Previous work or internship experience with aircraft and general aviation products
- Demonstrates strong understanding of Computer Aided Engineering tools such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits
Overview
We are seeking a full-time Aircraft Systems Engineer 1 - Mechanical/Structural in our Mesa, AZ location. In this role, you will be responsible for assisting in the design aspects of new avionics systems installations.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
- Create structural and mechanical designs for installation of avionics and automatic flight control systems in aircraft
- Generate aircraft installation and part drawings using Computer Aided Engineering tools, and other required type design data and documentation needed to support Garmin STC projects
- Assist with aircraft structural testing and analysis of new avionics installations using preliminary analysis techniques to ensure structural integrity and validate design requirements to meet FAA regulations
- Assist avionics technicians with incorporating modifications to the aircraft structure and installation of avionics and automatic flight control systems
- Assist with troubleshooting issues with avionics and automatic flight control systems installations in fielded aircraft
- Coordinate with a wide range of internal teams, including designers, engineers, avionics technicians, vendors, and quality teams throughout the design and certification process
- Demonstrates excellent listening and speaking capabilities with all levels of management, internal and external stakeholders
- Research Federal Aviation Regulations and certification related topics and provide input and recommendations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Computer Engineering OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
- Familiar with general aviation and basic avionics operation/installation
- Basic use of software specific to job functions (Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.)
- Basic understanding of avionics, mechanical design, installation and certification
- Must be detail-oriented, work proactively and effectively with direct supervision, and can complete tasks in a flexible, fast paced and challenging environment
- Demonstrates strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Demonstrates basic knowledge in one or more of the following technical areas: Electrical Systems, Structures, Mechanical Systems, System Safety, HIRF/Lightning, or Aircraft Certification
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Outstanding academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.5)
- Previous work or internship experience with aircraft and general aviation products
- Demonstrates strong understanding of Computer Aided Engineering tools such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits
STEM OPT Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in Arizona
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Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in ArizonaAerospace & Defense STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace and defense companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Arizona?
Several major contractors with Arizona operations have documented STEM OPT sponsorship activity, including Raytheon Technologies in Tucson, Honeywell Aerospace in Phoenix, Boeing in Mesa, L3Harris Technologies, and General Dynamics. Smaller defense subcontractors and MRO firms also participate, though sponsorship decisions vary by role, team, and hiring cycle. Reviewing DOL Labor Condition Application disclosures gives a more precise picture of which employers have filed for STEM-related positions.
Which cities in Arizona have the most aerospace and defense F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Tucson and the Greater Phoenix metro area, including Mesa, Chandler, and Tempe, account for the majority of Arizona's aerospace and defense employment. Tucson hosts significant Raytheon missile systems operations, while the Phoenix metro concentrates aviation manufacturing, avionics, and defense electronics employers. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Luke Air Force Base also drive demand for engineering and technical talent in their respective surrounding communities.
What types of aerospace and defense roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, software development, embedded systems, avionics, propulsion, and manufacturing engineering are among the most commonly sponsored under STEM OPT in this industry. Positions must be directly tied to a STEM-designated degree classification and must be reported through your DSO. Quality assurance, test engineering, and data analytics roles within defense programs have also seen active F-1 sponsorship in Arizona, according to O*NET occupation data.
How do I find aerospace and defense F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Arizona?
Migrate Mate lists aerospace and defense positions in Arizona that are filtered for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history, drawing on DOL Labor Condition Application filing data to surface employers with verified sponsorship activity. You can search by role type, metro area, and visa category to narrow results to Tucson, Phoenix, or Mesa specifically. Checking OFLC Wage Search alongside Migrate Mate can confirm prevailing wage levels for the occupation and location you are targeting.
Are there any Arizona-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in aerospace and defense?
Security clearance requirements are common in Arizona's defense sector and can complicate or extend the sponsorship timeline for F-1 holders, since many clearances require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Employers with classified programs may limit STEM OPT roles to unclassified work or specific program tracks. Arizona's universities, including Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, maintain active industry partnerships that sometimes accelerate initial STEM OPT placements, but individual sponsorship outcomes depend on the specific employer and role.