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.
Find Aerospace & Defense JobsOverview
Showing 1 of 8+ Aerospace & Defense STEM OPT Jobs in Arizona


See all Aerospace & Defense STEM OPT Jobs in Arizona
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Aerospace & Defense STEM OPT Jobs in Arizona.
Get Access To All Jobs
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.
STEM OPT Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in Arizona
See all Aerospace & Defense STEM OPT Jobs in Arizona
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
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.