Aerospace & Defense Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California leads the nation in aerospace and defense innovation, with major contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon maintaining significant operations across the state. From Los Angeles County's Space Coast to Silicon Valley's defense tech startups, California offers extensive visa sponsorship opportunities for international professionals in engineering, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing roles.
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Lead Avionics/Electrical Technician in GAC Van Nuys
Unique Skills:
At Gulfstream, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in inspiring and empowering every individual to reach their fullest potential. From workforce development and meaningful connections to a culture of trust, respect, and integrity, we invest in our employees so they can do their best work and achieve success together. Creating and delivering the world’s finest aviation experience starts with our people and when our people thrive, so does our mission.
The compensation range for this role is $46.06 - $53.74 per hour.
Final compensation for this role will be determined by several factors including but not limited to: minimum and preferred qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, experience, and location.
Gulfstream employees benefit from a total rewards package that includes competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits plans, wellness programs, paid leave and tuition assistance. Our U.S. benefits package includes:
- Medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage
- Life and disability insurance
- Retirement savings plan
- Employee assistance plan
- Voluntary programs such as adoption assistance, prepaid legal assistance, home and auto insurance, and accident insurance.
Education and Experience Requirements
High School Diploma or GED required. 2 years experience on large/mid-size aircraft. 8 years experience in aircraft avionics/electrical career field; or two (2) years of accredited schooling in aviation electronics and six (6) years related experience. FAA A&P license or be able to obtain a repairman certificate within 30 days of start date. FCC license or NCATT certification preferred.
Position Purpose:
Plans and coordinates all electrical/avionics activities and provides customers with daily information on aircraft schedules, repairs, parts, components shipped to vendors, etc. Works with hangar management to coordinate electrical/avionics activities and schedule aircraft requirements.
Job Description
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:
-
Plans, schedules, and completes tasks on work authorizations in order to meet the master schedule. Provides daily status reports and progress schedules to management.
-
Coordinates efforts of Electrical and Avionics activities to meet aircraft schedules and deadlines. Reviews work, including forms and records, to ensure compliance with Site Inspection Procedures Manual, Site Operating Procedures and FARs.
-
Supervises and instructs electrical technicians with technical guidance and proper procedures of troubleshooting electrical/avionics systems, routine inspections and preventive maintenance. Provides input to subordinate performance appraisals and submits them to management for review.
-
Reviews daily job charging for all personnel (including support groups) to ensure accuracy of inputs.
-
Maintains a preventive maintenance program on test equipment, hand tools, and special tools.
-
Maintains a current knowledge of Aircraft Service Changes (ASC), Customer Bulletins, inspection schedule requirements, vendor information and all other procedures, publications and general knowledge pertaining to aircraft maintenance and servicing.
-
Supervises a continuous safety program in hangar area which includes operation of support equipment, aircraft systems and general housekeeping.
-
Maintains required logs and records.
-
Enforces the company FOD, tool control, 5-S programs and all safety regulations.
-
Able to adapt to sudden schedule changes.
-
Coordinates with other disciplines concerning projects.
Additional Functions:
-
Establishes and fosters an environment of innovation and Lean oriented thinking.
-
In support of aircraft certification and final phase testing, may include flight tests on aircraft as required.
-
Perform other duties as assigned.
Other Requirements:
-
Must have thorough knowledge of aircraft systems, troubleshooting, technical manuals systems, and aircraft maintenance records system.
-
Preferred proficiency in the operation and troubleshooting of other aircraft systems or disciplines other than avionics, such as hydraulics, landing gear, flight controls, environmental controls or structural installations and repairs.
-
Ability to read and interpret electrical/avionics system drawings and blueprints.
-
Must have demonstrated leadership ability.
-
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
-
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, implement and obtain objective with minimal direction.
-
A good understanding of PC, Windows and main frame computer applications including the use of standard computer word processing programs (i.e. Microsoft Word) and appropriate typing skills a plus.
-
Must be able to climb ladders and stairs, work in small-space restricted area, and lift up to 100 pounds.
-
Ability to use hand tools and avionics test equipment.
-
Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
This job requires one to be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
Additional Information
Requisition Number: 231820
Category: Service Center
Percentage of Travel: Up to 25%
Shift: First
Employment Type: Full-time
Posting End Date: 03/16/2026
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
Gulfstream does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, unless the applicant is a currently sponsored Gulfstream employee.

Lead Avionics/Electrical Technician in GAC Van Nuys
Unique Skills:
At Gulfstream, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in inspiring and empowering every individual to reach their fullest potential. From workforce development and meaningful connections to a culture of trust, respect, and integrity, we invest in our employees so they can do their best work and achieve success together. Creating and delivering the world’s finest aviation experience starts with our people and when our people thrive, so does our mission.
The compensation range for this role is $46.06 - $53.74 per hour.
Final compensation for this role will be determined by several factors including but not limited to: minimum and preferred qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, experience, and location.
Gulfstream employees benefit from a total rewards package that includes competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits plans, wellness programs, paid leave and tuition assistance. Our U.S. benefits package includes:
- Medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage
- Life and disability insurance
- Retirement savings plan
- Employee assistance plan
- Voluntary programs such as adoption assistance, prepaid legal assistance, home and auto insurance, and accident insurance.
Education and Experience Requirements
High School Diploma or GED required. 2 years experience on large/mid-size aircraft. 8 years experience in aircraft avionics/electrical career field; or two (2) years of accredited schooling in aviation electronics and six (6) years related experience. FAA A&P license or be able to obtain a repairman certificate within 30 days of start date. FCC license or NCATT certification preferred.
Position Purpose:
Plans and coordinates all electrical/avionics activities and provides customers with daily information on aircraft schedules, repairs, parts, components shipped to vendors, etc. Works with hangar management to coordinate electrical/avionics activities and schedule aircraft requirements.
Job Description
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:
-
Plans, schedules, and completes tasks on work authorizations in order to meet the master schedule. Provides daily status reports and progress schedules to management.
-
Coordinates efforts of Electrical and Avionics activities to meet aircraft schedules and deadlines. Reviews work, including forms and records, to ensure compliance with Site Inspection Procedures Manual, Site Operating Procedures and FARs.
-
Supervises and instructs electrical technicians with technical guidance and proper procedures of troubleshooting electrical/avionics systems, routine inspections and preventive maintenance. Provides input to subordinate performance appraisals and submits them to management for review.
-
Reviews daily job charging for all personnel (including support groups) to ensure accuracy of inputs.
-
Maintains a preventive maintenance program on test equipment, hand tools, and special tools.
-
Maintains a current knowledge of Aircraft Service Changes (ASC), Customer Bulletins, inspection schedule requirements, vendor information and all other procedures, publications and general knowledge pertaining to aircraft maintenance and servicing.
-
Supervises a continuous safety program in hangar area which includes operation of support equipment, aircraft systems and general housekeeping.
-
Maintains required logs and records.
-
Enforces the company FOD, tool control, 5-S programs and all safety regulations.
-
Able to adapt to sudden schedule changes.
-
Coordinates with other disciplines concerning projects.
Additional Functions:
-
Establishes and fosters an environment of innovation and Lean oriented thinking.
-
In support of aircraft certification and final phase testing, may include flight tests on aircraft as required.
-
Perform other duties as assigned.
Other Requirements:
-
Must have thorough knowledge of aircraft systems, troubleshooting, technical manuals systems, and aircraft maintenance records system.
-
Preferred proficiency in the operation and troubleshooting of other aircraft systems or disciplines other than avionics, such as hydraulics, landing gear, flight controls, environmental controls or structural installations and repairs.
-
Ability to read and interpret electrical/avionics system drawings and blueprints.
-
Must have demonstrated leadership ability.
-
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
-
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, implement and obtain objective with minimal direction.
-
A good understanding of PC, Windows and main frame computer applications including the use of standard computer word processing programs (i.e. Microsoft Word) and appropriate typing skills a plus.
-
Must be able to climb ladders and stairs, work in small-space restricted area, and lift up to 100 pounds.
-
Ability to use hand tools and avionics test equipment.
-
Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
This job requires one to be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
Additional Information
Requisition Number: 231820
Category: Service Center
Percentage of Travel: Up to 25%
Shift: First
Employment Type: Full-time
Posting End Date: 03/16/2026
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
Gulfstream does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, unless the applicant is a currently sponsored Gulfstream employee.
Job Roles in Aerospace & Defense in California
See all 1,239+ Aerospace & Defense California jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Aerospace & Defense California roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace and defense companies sponsor visas in California?
Major sponsors include Boeing (El Segundo, Huntington Beach), Lockheed Martin (Palmdale, Sunnyvale), Northrop Grumman (Redondo Beach, El Segundo), Raytheon (El Segundo), SpaceX (Hawthorne), and Aerojet Rocketdyne (Sacramento). Defense tech companies like Palantir, Anduril, and Shield AI also actively sponsor H-1B and other work visas for engineering and technical roles across California's aerospace hubs.
What visa types are most common for aerospace and defense jobs in California?
H-1B visas dominate for engineering roles (aerospace, software, systems), while O-1 visas are used for senior scientists and researchers with advanced degrees. L-1 visas are common for international transfers within multinational defense contractors. E-3 visas serve Australian engineers, and TN visas are available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineering positions.
Which California cities have the most aerospace and defense sponsorship opportunities?
Los Angeles County leads with El Segundo, Redondo Beach, and Hawthorne hosting major contractors and SpaceX. Orange County (Huntington Beach, Irvine) offers significant opportunities, followed by San Diego's defense corridor, Silicon Valley (Sunnyvale, Palo Alto) for defense tech, and the Antelope Valley (Palmdale, Lancaster) for aircraft manufacturing and testing facilities.
How to find aerospace & defense visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Browse Migrate Mate for California aerospace and defense positions specifically tagged for visa sponsorship. Focus on companies with active government contracts, as they typically have established sponsorship processes. Target roles in ITAR-exempt areas initially, as security clearance requirements can limit sponsorship options for non-citizens in classified defense programs.
Are there special considerations for aerospace and defense sponsorship in California?
California's high prevailing wages benefit H-1B applications, particularly in Los Angeles and San Francisco metro areas. Many positions require U.S. citizenship for security clearances, limiting sponsored roles to ITAR-exempt commercial aerospace work. Strong partnerships between companies and universities like Caltech, USC, and Stanford create pathways from F-1 OPT to H-1B sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored aerospace & defense jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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