Aerospace & Defense OPT Jobs in California
California is one of the strongest states for aerospace and defense F-1 OPT jobs, with major employers like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, and SpaceX operating across the state. Engineering, systems analysis, and defense technology roles in Los Angeles, El Segundo, San Diego, and the Inland Empire regularly hire international students on OPT authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Wing:
Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing's fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.
About the Role:
Wing is looking for a Lab Generalist to join our Wing Engineering Labs team. This role is onsite based in Palo Alto, CA. As a member of the Wing Lab team, you will provide critical hands-on operational and technical support to Wing's Hardware Engineering teams. In this role, you will assist with prototype builds, board bring-up, lab inventory organization, and electromechanical rework including fine-pitch soldering, BGA rework, and wire harness fabrication. We are looking for an adaptive, detail-oriented individual eager to solve problems, support cutting-edge drone development, and maintain high standards of lab safety and organization.
What You'll Do:
- Assemble and disassemble prototype devices and electromechanical sub-assemblies in support of hardware engineering builds.
- Perform board-level modifications and rework on prototype printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), including fine-pitch soldering, SMT, and BGA components.
- Fabricate and modify custom cable assemblies and wiring harnesses according to engineering schematics.
- Maintain and organize laboratory workbenches, calibration schedules, safety equipment, tools, and shared workstations.
- Procure and track consumable lab supplies, hardware stock, electronic components, and tools to ensure uninterrupted lab operations.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to execute assigned tasks efficiently under established lab procedures and safety protocols.
What You'll Need:
- 2+ years in a hardware engineering, electronics lab, or technical prototyping environment (including relevant vocational training, military, or internship experience).
- Associate degree in Electronics / Electrical Technology, relevant trade certification, or equivalent practical experience.
- Hands-on experience with PCB soldering, fine-pitch SMT component rework, and wire harness assembly.
- Demonstrated understanding of standard laboratory safety protocols, ESD prevention, and 5S/housekeeping practices.
- Ability to read and follow technical assembly instructions, wiring diagrams, and rework procedures under direction.
- Basic familiarity with electronic test equipment (e.g., multimeters, DC power supplies) and ECAD/schematic viewers.
Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.
About Wing:
Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing's fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.
About the Role:
Wing is looking for a Lab Generalist to join our Wing Engineering Labs team. This role is onsite based in Palo Alto, CA. As a member of the Wing Lab team, you will provide critical hands-on operational and technical support to Wing's Hardware Engineering teams. In this role, you will assist with prototype builds, board bring-up, lab inventory organization, and electromechanical rework including fine-pitch soldering, BGA rework, and wire harness fabrication. We are looking for an adaptive, detail-oriented individual eager to solve problems, support cutting-edge drone development, and maintain high standards of lab safety and organization.
What You'll Do:
- Assemble and disassemble prototype devices and electromechanical sub-assemblies in support of hardware engineering builds.
- Perform board-level modifications and rework on prototype printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), including fine-pitch soldering, SMT, and BGA components.
- Fabricate and modify custom cable assemblies and wiring harnesses according to engineering schematics.
- Maintain and organize laboratory workbenches, calibration schedules, safety equipment, tools, and shared workstations.
- Procure and track consumable lab supplies, hardware stock, electronic components, and tools to ensure uninterrupted lab operations.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to execute assigned tasks efficiently under established lab procedures and safety protocols.
What You'll Need:
- 2+ years in a hardware engineering, electronics lab, or technical prototyping environment (including relevant vocational training, military, or internship experience).
- Associate degree in Electronics / Electrical Technology, relevant trade certification, or equivalent practical experience.
- Hands-on experience with PCB soldering, fine-pitch SMT component rework, and wire harness assembly.
- Demonstrated understanding of standard laboratory safety protocols, ESD prevention, and 5S/housekeeping practices.
- Ability to read and follow technical assembly instructions, wiring diagrams, and rework procedures under direction.
- Basic familiarity with electronic test equipment (e.g., multimeters, DC power supplies) and ECAD/schematic viewers.
Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.
OPT Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in California
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Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in CaliforniaAerospace & Defense OPT Sponsorship Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace and defense companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in California?
Several large California-based contractors have established histories of hiring F-1 OPT candidates, including Northrop Grumman (El Segundo and Redondo Beach), Lockheed Martin (Palmdale and Sunnyvale), Raytheon Technologies (El Segundo), Boeing (Long Beach and Huntington Beach), SpaceX (Hawthorne), and Aerojet Rocketdyne (Sacramento). Many mid-size defense suppliers and aerospace engineering firms across the state also participate in OPT hiring, though availability varies by role and clearance requirements.
Which cities in California have the most aerospace and defense F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Los Angeles metropolitan area, including El Segundo, Hawthorne, Torrance, and Long Beach, is the densest cluster of aerospace and defense employers in California. San Diego has a strong naval defense and unmanned systems presence. The San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento corridor host satellite, space launch, and propulsion employers. Palmdale and the Antelope Valley are home to major aircraft development and test facilities.
What types of aerospace and defense roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that commonly align with F-1 OPT authorization in this industry include systems engineering, mechanical and aerospace engineering, electrical and avionics engineering, software engineering for flight and defense systems, propulsion engineering, structural analysis, and manufacturing engineering. Research and development positions tied to STEM-eligible degrees can also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, which is particularly relevant in California's aerospace sector.
How do I find aerospace and defense F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters aerospace and defense roles in California by visa type, including F-1 OPT. Rather than manually screening hundreds of postings, you can search directly for positions where employers have indicated OPT sponsorship. Migrate Mate also surfaces companies with established hiring patterns for F-1 candidates in the California aerospace market, saving significant time in your job search.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in California aerospace and defense?
Security clearance is a significant factor in California's defense sector. Many positions with major defense contractors require a U.S. government security clearance, which F-1 OPT holders are generally not eligible to obtain, as clearances require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in most cases. This narrows the pool of available roles, so targeting commercial aerospace, space launch, satellite, and unclassified engineering positions typically yields more F-1 OPT opportunities in California.