Aerospace & Defense OPT Jobs in Florida
Florida is one of the strongest states for aerospace and defense F-1 OPT sponsorship, anchored by major employers like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, and Raytheon along the Space Coast and in Tampa. Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Space Force Base drive consistent demand for engineering, systems integration, and data analysis talent eligible for OPT work authorization.
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INTRODUCTION
For almost 70 years HEICO Corporation, a NYSE traded company, has thrived by serving niche segments of the aviation, defense, space and electronic industries by providing innovative and cost-saving products and services. HEICO's high-energy culture focuses our Team Members' on providing high quality products and services to our customer base, which is made up of most of the world's airlines and the defense industry. Our leadership approach creates a dynamic environment that continually challenges our Team Members to perform their best. Forbes Magazine has historically ranked HEICO as one of the 200 “Best Small Companies”, 200 “Hot Shot Stocks” as well as one of the 100 “Most Trustworthy Companies in America" based on accounting and governance practices.
HEICO is currently recruiting a Staff Accountant II for its Electronic Technologies Group (ETG) based in Hollywood, Florida. This position reports directly to the ETG Group Controller.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this position, the Staff Accountant II will likely:
- Assist in the preparation of the month-end close for our Corporate entity within our ETG operating segment, which include but are not limited to preparation of month-end closing journal entries, intercompany reconciliations, daily cash reconciliations, and invoice coding.
- Assist in our consolidation process, including providing support to the operating entities for our various software packages (Fixed Asset Software (FAS), FloQast, and Planning Analytics).
- Review supporting schedules provided by the HEICO subsidiaries that drive monthly, quarterly, and annual disclosures.
- Conduct financial analysis and prepare supporting schedules for internal and external (SEC) reporting and for use in the preparation of the tax provision and tax return.
- Assist with various projects geared toward supporting our Corporate Finance Team such as testing of corporate level internal controls such as compliance with our A/R reserve policy, counting of physical inventory, and other subsidiary support functions.
- Perform/assist with other duties and special projects.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting required
- Minimum of 18 months experience in financial accounting (public and/or industry)
- Hands on experience and knowledge of various accounting and finance aspects, such as intercompany transactions, account reconciliations, and variance analysis are preferred.
- General ledger experience is a plus
- Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with subsidiary controllers and employees of all levels, including senior management.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to manipulate high volumes of data for detailed financial analysis.
- Strong organizational skills, strict attention to details and ability to multitask and prioritize as necessary, with minimal supervisory direction.
- Understanding the need for urgency and ability to prioritize deliverables to meet deadlines.
- Strong work ethic (willingness to work hard and long hours, when needed).
This is a great position for someone who loves challenges, thrives in a fast-paced environment, wants to learn about an exciting business and be part of a successful company with potential career growth opportunities. HEICO Corporation offers competitive compensation, an excellent 401(k) plan, and medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
HEICO is proud to be an EEO/AA/V/H employer.
OPT Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in Florida
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Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in FloridaAerospace & Defense OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace and defense companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Florida?
Florida's aerospace and defense sector includes major OPT sponsors such as Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies (headquartered in Melbourne), Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and Leidos. Smaller defense contractors and aerospace suppliers concentrated around the Space Coast and Tampa Bay also hire OPT candidates, particularly for engineering and technical roles tied to active government contracts.
Which cities in Florida have the most aerospace and defense F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Space Coast corridor, covering Melbourne, Titusville, and Cape Canaveral, is Florida's densest concentration of aerospace and defense employers due to proximity to Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Space Force Base. Orlando hosts defense technology and simulation firms, while Tampa and St. Petersburg have a significant defense contracting presence tied to U.S. Central Command and Special Operations Command headquarters nearby.
What types of aerospace and defense roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Florida?
Roles that commonly qualify include systems engineering, avionics, propulsion engineering, software development, electrical engineering, mechanical design, data analysis, and cybersecurity positions. These roles align with STEM OPT extension eligibility, which allows qualifying graduates an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond the standard 12 months. Defense contractors in Florida routinely hire for these specializations under active government programs.
How do I find aerospace and defense F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Florida?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters aerospace and defense F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Florida by employer, role type, and OPT eligibility. Rather than sorting through general job boards where visa sponsorship details are buried or absent, Migrate Mate surfaces positions where employers have demonstrated a pattern of sponsoring international candidates, saving significant research time during a tight OPT authorization window.
Are there any Florida-specific considerations for F-1 OPT candidates pursuing aerospace and defense jobs?
Many Florida aerospace and defense roles involve work on government contracts requiring security clearances. F-1 OPT candidates who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are generally ineligible for most security clearances, which can limit access to certain classified positions. Candidates should look for roles explicitly open to non-cleared applicants or positions on unclassified programs, which remain common across Florida's commercial space and defense technology sectors.