Aerospace & Defense Jobs in California with F-1 OPT Sponsorship
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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INTRODUCTION
Here, we craft excellence together. Your mission? Making the journey the most enjoyable part of the trip.
Join our first-class team to reinvent in-flight experience. In the role of People Analytics Specialist, you'll play a pivotal part on our Human Resources team. The People Analytics Specialist will design, build, lead and execute HR Analytics for the Cabin Branch. The People Analytics Specialist will lead ad hoc projects for the HR function that will vary in size and complexity. This position will report to the Manager, HRIS & Analytics and may provide general HR support as needed. The main objectives are:
- Develop and execute strategic and operational data solutions in support of Human Resources and the overall vision of Safran Cabin
- Ensure continuous improvement and evaluation of the delivery of HR analytics information/data to drive more effective service delivery and to create value that aligns with the business needs.
- Influence best practices across the Tier 1 company in the collection, analysis and use of data in delivering robust HR services and processes.
- Utilize project management skills to manage HR projects for functions, sites, zones and the Tier 1 company.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures, processes and work routines ensuring procedural integrity of HR data and standardization of HRIS reporting functions.
- Partner with leadership to develop and implement appropriate delivery models defining people metrics and analytics services for the branch.
- Assist with the deployment of Group initiatives on PowerBI: My HR bot, My HR data, My Headcount Forecast, dashboards for other functions (Continuous Improvement, Finance, Communication, etc), Performance & Career/talent and any other upcoming HR data projects.
- Develop standard reports and dashboards to support the HR function. Ensure HR and business reporting needs are prioritized and delivered through standardized analytics tools, promoting a data-based, and decision making environment.
- Provide leadership and expertise in the utilization of technology and analytical tools to develop and analyze branch-wide people and other cross-functional data as needed.
- Propose and drive the implementation of process automation.
- Set up HR intelligence capabilities with internal and with external providers.
- Focal for Cabin HR budgeting, headcount forecasting, and MTP process.
- Liaison with Safran counterparts and experts to ensure the HRIS system data is congruent with reporting requirements.
- Collect data from multiple resources and compile into a common format.
- As project lead, develop project plans in support of HR projects. Projects may be specific to data management, new systems, process improvements, culture, events, etc.
Job Requirements
Experience:
- 2+ years data analysis experience using modern tools such as PowerBI
- Business Intelligence Tools experience
Knowledge:
- Possesses strong analytical experience with a successful record of influencing business leaders. Must be able to align analytics to business outcomes.
- Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
- Ability to effectively translate technical and complex concepts into practical, meaningful HR and business actions.
- Ability to effectively handle multiple priorities, including project planning management skills.
- Acquired working knowledge in HR processes and metrics.
Computer Skills:
- Experience with data mining and creating/optimizing operational analytics and data models
- Experience designing and running reports through online HRIS software (ADP, SuccessFactors)
- Advanced proficiency of spreadsheet software and the Microsoft Office Suite
Other Skills:
- Well organized, planning and time management skills, quality oriented, problem solving, influencing, and negotiation skills required.
- Excellent communication skills, leadership and planning skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS: (not required)
- Prior HR support or experience preferred
- HR certification (HRCI or SHRM) and/or Project Management certification preferred.
BUT WHAT ELSE? (advantages, specific features, etc.)
Safran Cabin is #1 worldwide for business and regional aircraft interiors.
Here, you will build your skills and grow with a community of experts to enrich yourself every day.
Here, collaboration is embodied within the diversity of our teams all around the world.
Here, we're cutting our emissions, not your ambitions.
Together, let's shape the sustainable future of aeronautics. Learn more about Safran Cabin!
WHY JOIN US?
At Safran Cabin, we provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, disability/medical condition, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic characteristics or information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.
YOUR BENEFITS: Our suite of comprehensive benefits include health care (medical, dental and vision), life insurance, 401(k) savings plans with company match, paid time off, and employee discounts & rewards for consumer products/services and more!
COMPANY INFORMATION
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.
Safran Cabin designs, certifies, manufactures and supports innovative aircraft cabin interiors, equipment and systems, providing airlines and OEM Customers with distinctive aircraft branding, and their passengers with a safe, comfortable and enjoyable flying experience.
LOCATION
Location: Costa Mesa, California, United States
Contract type: Permanent
Contract duration: Full-time
Required degree: Bachelor's Degree
Required experience: First experience
Professional status: Professional, Engineer & Manager
Spoken language(s): English Fluent
Salary range: $77,850 - $122,330

INTRODUCTION
Here, we craft excellence together. Your mission? Making the journey the most enjoyable part of the trip.
Join our first-class team to reinvent in-flight experience. In the role of People Analytics Specialist, you'll play a pivotal part on our Human Resources team. The People Analytics Specialist will design, build, lead and execute HR Analytics for the Cabin Branch. The People Analytics Specialist will lead ad hoc projects for the HR function that will vary in size and complexity. This position will report to the Manager, HRIS & Analytics and may provide general HR support as needed. The main objectives are:
- Develop and execute strategic and operational data solutions in support of Human Resources and the overall vision of Safran Cabin
- Ensure continuous improvement and evaluation of the delivery of HR analytics information/data to drive more effective service delivery and to create value that aligns with the business needs.
- Influence best practices across the Tier 1 company in the collection, analysis and use of data in delivering robust HR services and processes.
- Utilize project management skills to manage HR projects for functions, sites, zones and the Tier 1 company.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures, processes and work routines ensuring procedural integrity of HR data and standardization of HRIS reporting functions.
- Partner with leadership to develop and implement appropriate delivery models defining people metrics and analytics services for the branch.
- Assist with the deployment of Group initiatives on PowerBI: My HR bot, My HR data, My Headcount Forecast, dashboards for other functions (Continuous Improvement, Finance, Communication, etc), Performance & Career/talent and any other upcoming HR data projects.
- Develop standard reports and dashboards to support the HR function. Ensure HR and business reporting needs are prioritized and delivered through standardized analytics tools, promoting a data-based, and decision making environment.
- Provide leadership and expertise in the utilization of technology and analytical tools to develop and analyze branch-wide people and other cross-functional data as needed.
- Propose and drive the implementation of process automation.
- Set up HR intelligence capabilities with internal and with external providers.
- Focal for Cabin HR budgeting, headcount forecasting, and MTP process.
- Liaison with Safran counterparts and experts to ensure the HRIS system data is congruent with reporting requirements.
- Collect data from multiple resources and compile into a common format.
- As project lead, develop project plans in support of HR projects. Projects may be specific to data management, new systems, process improvements, culture, events, etc.
Job Requirements
Experience:
- 2+ years data analysis experience using modern tools such as PowerBI
- Business Intelligence Tools experience
Knowledge:
- Possesses strong analytical experience with a successful record of influencing business leaders. Must be able to align analytics to business outcomes.
- Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
- Ability to effectively translate technical and complex concepts into practical, meaningful HR and business actions.
- Ability to effectively handle multiple priorities, including project planning management skills.
- Acquired working knowledge in HR processes and metrics.
Computer Skills:
- Experience with data mining and creating/optimizing operational analytics and data models
- Experience designing and running reports through online HRIS software (ADP, SuccessFactors)
- Advanced proficiency of spreadsheet software and the Microsoft Office Suite
Other Skills:
- Well organized, planning and time management skills, quality oriented, problem solving, influencing, and negotiation skills required.
- Excellent communication skills, leadership and planning skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS: (not required)
- Prior HR support or experience preferred
- HR certification (HRCI or SHRM) and/or Project Management certification preferred.
BUT WHAT ELSE? (advantages, specific features, etc.)
Safran Cabin is #1 worldwide for business and regional aircraft interiors.
Here, you will build your skills and grow with a community of experts to enrich yourself every day.
Here, collaboration is embodied within the diversity of our teams all around the world.
Here, we're cutting our emissions, not your ambitions.
Together, let's shape the sustainable future of aeronautics. Learn more about Safran Cabin!
WHY JOIN US?
At Safran Cabin, we provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, disability/medical condition, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic characteristics or information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.
YOUR BENEFITS: Our suite of comprehensive benefits include health care (medical, dental and vision), life insurance, 401(k) savings plans with company match, paid time off, and employee discounts & rewards for consumer products/services and more!
COMPANY INFORMATION
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.
Safran Cabin designs, certifies, manufactures and supports innovative aircraft cabin interiors, equipment and systems, providing airlines and OEM Customers with distinctive aircraft branding, and their passengers with a safe, comfortable and enjoyable flying experience.
LOCATION
Location: Costa Mesa, California, United States
Contract type: Permanent
Contract duration: Full-time
Required degree: Bachelor's Degree
Required experience: First experience
Professional status: Professional, Engineer & Manager
Spoken language(s): English Fluent
Salary range: $77,850 - $122,330
Job Roles in Aerospace & Defense in California
See all 445+ 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 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.
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