Aerospace & Defense Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Illinois offers significant opportunities in aerospace & defense, anchored by Boeing's Chicago headquarters and major facilities across the state. Key employers include Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and Lockheed Martin, with concentrations in Chicago, Aurora, and the broader Chicagoland area. The state's strong manufacturing base and proximity to major defense contractors create diverse visa sponsorship opportunities.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Published 07.28.2026
Company: Safran Electronics & Defense
Job field: Programs
Location: Rockford, Illinois, United States
Contract type: Permanent
Contract duration: Full-time
Required degree: Bachelor's Degree
Required experience: More than 5 years
Professional status: Professional, Engineer & Manager
Salary range: $130,000 - $190,000
ITAR: ITAR Controlled position
2026-185022
Job Description
The Program Manager is responsible for leading the execution and performance of one or more programs within Safran's Actuation business. This role serves as the primary interface between customers and internal cross-functional teams, ensuring delivery of commitments related to quality, cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction.
Following Safran's recent acquisition of the Actuation business, the Program Manager will also play a key role in supporting business integration, product transfers, and operational stabilization activities. This position requires strong coordination across global teams, including international production sites, the UK Actuation leadership team, and Safran France leadership organizations.
Key Responsibilities
End-to-End Program Leadership:
- Lead assigned programs across the full lifecycle, including development, production, and sustainment
- Own program performance across Quality, Cost, Delivery (QCD) metrics
- Establish and manage program scope, schedule, and financial plans to ensure successful execution
- Drive accountability across cross-functional teams to meet program commitments
Production & Sustaining Program Execution:
- Manage execution of production programs, ensuring on-time delivery (OTD) and quality performance
- Coordinate with operations and supply chain teams to manage:
- Line of balance deliveries
- Material shortages and production constraints
- Backlog recovery plans and prioritization
- Interface with customers on delivery schedules, priorities, and issue resolution
Business Integration & Product Transfers:
- Support execution of product and industrial transfer activities associated with Actuation integration into Safran
- Coordinate cross-functional and cross-site activities to ensure:
- Continuity of supply
- Quality performance
- Customer delivery commitments
- Contribute to broader business transformation and integration initiatives, including process alignment and operational improvements
Technical and Operational Oversight:
- Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure technical and operational execution remains on track
- Support resolution of technical or industrial issues through structured problem-solving and cross-functional coordination
- Monitor program milestones and proactively address risks to schedule and performance
Financial and Risk Management:
- Manage program financial performance, including:
- Cost tracking and control
- Variance analysis
- Margin performance
- Identify and mitigate program risks and opportunities
- Support development and execution of recovery plans where performance gaps exist
Job Requirements
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serve as the primary interface with assigned customers
- Lead program reviews, status updates, and escalation discussions
- Communicate program performance clearly and proactively to both internal and external stakeholders
Global Collaboration:
- Work closely with international production sites to align on program execution and delivery performance
- Interface regularly with:
- UK Actuation leadership team
- Safran France leadership and global business units
- Drive alignment across global teams to ensure consistent program outcomes
Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement:
- Mentor peers and emerging project managers to foster continuous improvement, setting measurable goals and reinforcing best practices across the team.
Required Competencies:
Education / Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field
- Experience in program management, project management, or a related role within aerospace, manufacturing, or industrial environments
- Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills
- Ability to manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders
Preferred:
- Experience in aerospace systems, actuation, or electromechanical products
- Experience supporting industrial transfers, integration efforts, or business transformations
- Experience working with global teams and international stakeholders
Skills and Abilities:
Program Execution & Leadership:
- Strong ownership mindset with ability to drive results across functions
- Ability to manage competing priorities and complex program dynamics
Technical & Business Acumen:
- Understanding of manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain processes
- Financial awareness including cost control and margin performance
Communication & Influence:
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical teams and executive stakeholders
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across a global organization
Adaptability & Change Management:
- Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, transforming environment
- Comfortable managing ambiguity and driving structure during periods of change
Certifications & Security:
- PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma certifications are a strong plus
- U.S. citizen with eligibility for obtaining U.S. government clearances, if needed (not required)
But what else? (advantages, specific features, etc.)
Additional Information:
- Travel may be required (up to ~25%) to support customer engagements, supplier coordination, and global site alignment
- This role is based in Rockford, IL and supports both local and global program activities
Company Information
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's "World's Best Companies 2025" ranking.
Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.
LOCATION
4747 Harrison Ave, M/S 298-6 61108
Rockford
Illinois
United States
INTRODUCTION
Published 07.28.2026
Company: Safran Electronics & Defense
Job field: Programs
Location: Rockford, Illinois, United States
Contract type: Permanent
Contract duration: Full-time
Required degree: Bachelor's Degree
Required experience: More than 5 years
Professional status: Professional, Engineer & Manager
Salary range: $130,000 - $190,000
ITAR: ITAR Controlled position
2026-185022
Job Description
The Program Manager is responsible for leading the execution and performance of one or more programs within Safran's Actuation business. This role serves as the primary interface between customers and internal cross-functional teams, ensuring delivery of commitments related to quality, cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction.
Following Safran's recent acquisition of the Actuation business, the Program Manager will also play a key role in supporting business integration, product transfers, and operational stabilization activities. This position requires strong coordination across global teams, including international production sites, the UK Actuation leadership team, and Safran France leadership organizations.
Key Responsibilities
End-to-End Program Leadership:
- Lead assigned programs across the full lifecycle, including development, production, and sustainment
- Own program performance across Quality, Cost, Delivery (QCD) metrics
- Establish and manage program scope, schedule, and financial plans to ensure successful execution
- Drive accountability across cross-functional teams to meet program commitments
Production & Sustaining Program Execution:
- Manage execution of production programs, ensuring on-time delivery (OTD) and quality performance
- Coordinate with operations and supply chain teams to manage:
- Line of balance deliveries
- Material shortages and production constraints
- Backlog recovery plans and prioritization
- Interface with customers on delivery schedules, priorities, and issue resolution
Business Integration & Product Transfers:
- Support execution of product and industrial transfer activities associated with Actuation integration into Safran
- Coordinate cross-functional and cross-site activities to ensure:
- Continuity of supply
- Quality performance
- Customer delivery commitments
- Contribute to broader business transformation and integration initiatives, including process alignment and operational improvements
Technical and Operational Oversight:
- Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure technical and operational execution remains on track
- Support resolution of technical or industrial issues through structured problem-solving and cross-functional coordination
- Monitor program milestones and proactively address risks to schedule and performance
Financial and Risk Management:
- Manage program financial performance, including:
- Cost tracking and control
- Variance analysis
- Margin performance
- Identify and mitigate program risks and opportunities
- Support development and execution of recovery plans where performance gaps exist
Job Requirements
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serve as the primary interface with assigned customers
- Lead program reviews, status updates, and escalation discussions
- Communicate program performance clearly and proactively to both internal and external stakeholders
Global Collaboration:
- Work closely with international production sites to align on program execution and delivery performance
- Interface regularly with:
- UK Actuation leadership team
- Safran France leadership and global business units
- Drive alignment across global teams to ensure consistent program outcomes
Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement:
- Mentor peers and emerging project managers to foster continuous improvement, setting measurable goals and reinforcing best practices across the team.
Required Competencies:
Education / Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field
- Experience in program management, project management, or a related role within aerospace, manufacturing, or industrial environments
- Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills
- Ability to manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders
Preferred:
- Experience in aerospace systems, actuation, or electromechanical products
- Experience supporting industrial transfers, integration efforts, or business transformations
- Experience working with global teams and international stakeholders
Skills and Abilities:
Program Execution & Leadership:
- Strong ownership mindset with ability to drive results across functions
- Ability to manage competing priorities and complex program dynamics
Technical & Business Acumen:
- Understanding of manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain processes
- Financial awareness including cost control and margin performance
Communication & Influence:
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical teams and executive stakeholders
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across a global organization
Adaptability & Change Management:
- Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, transforming environment
- Comfortable managing ambiguity and driving structure during periods of change
Certifications & Security:
- PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma certifications are a strong plus
- U.S. citizen with eligibility for obtaining U.S. government clearances, if needed (not required)
But what else? (advantages, specific features, etc.)
Additional Information:
- Travel may be required (up to ~25%) to support customer engagements, supplier coordination, and global site alignment
- This role is based in Rockford, IL and supports both local and global program activities
Company Information
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's "World's Best Companies 2025" ranking.
Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.
LOCATION
4747 Harrison Ave, M/S 298-6 61108
Rockford
Illinois
United States
Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in IllinoisAerospace & Defense Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace & defense companies sponsor visas in Illinois?
Major sponsors include Boeing (headquarters in Chicago), Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics. Boeing is the largest employer, with significant operations in Chicago and suburban facilities. Defense contractors like BAE Systems and smaller suppliers throughout Chicagoland also provide sponsorship opportunities, particularly for engineers and specialized technical roles.
Which cities in Illinois have the most aerospace & defense sponsorship jobs?
Chicago leads with Boeing's headquarters and numerous defense contractors. Aurora hosts significant aerospace manufacturing facilities. The broader Chicagoland metropolitan area, including suburbs like Schaumburg, Des Plaines, and Rolling Meadows, contains major aerospace suppliers and defense technology companies. Rockford also has notable aerospace manufacturing presence with smaller employers.
How to find aerospace & defense visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate specializes in connecting international professionals with visa sponsorship opportunities in Illinois aerospace & defense. The platform filters jobs specifically by companies with H-1B visa and other sponsorship history. Focus on major contractors like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon, plus smaller suppliers throughout Chicagoland that frequently sponsor technical roles.
Which visa types are most common for aerospace & defense roles in Illinois?
H-1B visas dominate for engineering positions, systems analysts, and technical specialists. O-1 visas apply to professionals with extraordinary ability in aerospace engineering or defense technology. L-1 visas are common for transfers within multinational defense contractors. TN visas serve Canadian and Mexican engineers, while E-3 visas are available for qualified Australians.
What are the prevailing wage considerations for aerospace jobs in Illinois?
Illinois aerospace roles typically command higher prevailing wages due to Chicago's cost of living and specialized skill requirements. Defense contractors must meet federal prevailing wage standards for sponsored positions. The state's concentration of aerospace engineering talent and proximity to major universities like Northwestern and University of Illinois creates competitive compensation requirements for visa sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored aerospace & defense jobs in Illinois?
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.