Aerospace & Defense CPT Jobs in California
California is one of the strongest states for aerospace and defense F-1 CPT roles, with major employers like Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, Raytheon Technologies, and Lockheed Martin operating large facilities across the state. Engineering, systems analysis, and research positions at these companies frequently align with CPT-eligible university programs, particularly near Southern California's dense defense corridor.
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Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.
Overview:
Joby Aviation is seeking passionate and driven interns to join our flight test team. This role requires a willingness to learn and develop a range of knowledge and skills that include developing flight test plans and reports for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing in a ground control station environment, test data analysis, flight test simulator development, and all other tasks related to development and certification flight test activities. A can-do attitude is essential for this fast-paced environment, where every team member relies on each other to perform at their highest potential. The position is based at Joby’s Marina facility.
Responsibilities:
- Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
- Other duties as assigned or required
- Support the flight test team in a range of technical and administrative roles, including flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs and post-flight analysis
- Participate in experimental flight testing as a crew member in the ground control station, or in test support functions
- Perform simulator evaluations, development, and experimentation with and without pilot-in-the-loop
- Help develop manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate flight test vehicles
- Complete required documentation in accordance with established company and FAA procedures
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the company
Required:
- Undergraduate class standing of 3rd year or higher (or graduate student)
- Has completed or is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)
- Excellent computer skills – proficiency with day-to-day applications used for email, word processing, etc., as well as data analysis experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines
- Must be able to work both independently and on a team, work extended hours, and travel as required
- Read and speak English proficiently
Desired:
- Previous experimental flight test experience, preferably eVTOL or UAS-related
- Hands-on experience in motor sports and/or electric vehicles (AIAA Design, Build, Fly; Formula SAE, etc.)
Additional Information:
The pay range for undergraduate interns, which includes freshman to senior level students, is $22-31/hr. The pay range for graduate interns with a Bachelor, Master, and/or Ph.D. degree is $5,550.00 - $7,800.00 monthly.
Relocation Assistance: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Company Overview:
Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.
Overview:
Joby Aviation is seeking passionate and driven interns to join our flight test team. This role requires a willingness to learn and develop a range of knowledge and skills that include developing flight test plans and reports for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing in a ground control station environment, test data analysis, flight test simulator development, and all other tasks related to development and certification flight test activities. A can-do attitude is essential for this fast-paced environment, where every team member relies on each other to perform at their highest potential. The position is based at Joby’s Marina facility.
Responsibilities:
- Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
- Other duties as assigned or required
- Support the flight test team in a range of technical and administrative roles, including flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs and post-flight analysis
- Participate in experimental flight testing as a crew member in the ground control station, or in test support functions
- Perform simulator evaluations, development, and experimentation with and without pilot-in-the-loop
- Help develop manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate flight test vehicles
- Complete required documentation in accordance with established company and FAA procedures
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the company
Required:
- Undergraduate class standing of 3rd year or higher (or graduate student)
- Has completed or is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)
- Excellent computer skills – proficiency with day-to-day applications used for email, word processing, etc., as well as data analysis experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines
- Must be able to work both independently and on a team, work extended hours, and travel as required
- Read and speak English proficiently
Desired:
- Previous experimental flight test experience, preferably eVTOL or UAS-related
- Hands-on experience in motor sports and/or electric vehicles (AIAA Design, Build, Fly; Formula SAE, etc.)
Additional Information:
The pay range for undergraduate interns, which includes freshman to senior level students, is $22-31/hr. The pay range for graduate interns with a Bachelor, Master, and/or Ph.D. degree is $5,550.00 - $7,800.00 monthly.
Relocation Assistance: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer
CPT Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in California
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Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in CaliforniaAerospace & Defense CPT Sponsorship Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace & defense companies sponsor F-1 CPT visas in California?
Companies with significant California operations that have historically taken on F-1 CPT students include Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, Raytheon Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, L3Harris, and Aerojet Rocketdyne. CPT authorization comes from your university, not the employer, so the key factor is whether the role constitutes a required part of your academic program. Confirm this with your DSO before accepting any offer.
Which cities in California have the most aerospace & defense F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs?
Southern California dominates aerospace and defense hiring in the state. El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, and Palmdale host major facilities for companies like Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin. The San Diego area is a hub for defense contractors and naval systems firms. Northern California, particularly the Bay Area and Sacramento, also has relevant roles in space systems and defense electronics.
What types of aerospace & defense roles typically qualify for F-1 CPT sponsorship?
Roles that most commonly align with CPT eligibility include systems engineering internships, propulsion and structural engineering co-ops, software engineering positions supporting defense systems, data analysis roles, and research assistant positions tied to government contracts. The position must be directly related to your major field of study and authorized by your university as curricular practical training before you begin work.
How do I find aerospace & defense F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and lists aerospace and defense positions in California where employers have indicated openness to F-1 CPT candidates. You can filter by visa type and industry to see relevant openings without sorting through roles that won't work for your status. Beyond Migrate Mate, your university's career center and on-campus recruiting events with defense contractors are also reliable channels.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 CPT in California's aerospace & defense sector?
Many California aerospace and defense roles involve work on federally controlled programs, which can require security clearances. F-1 students are generally not eligible for U.S. security clearances, which may limit access to certain classified positions. Roles on unclassified programs or in research and development divisions are typically more accessible. Discuss security clearance requirements with any potential employer early in the process, and confirm CPT eligibility with your DSO.