Aerospace & Defense F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Illinois anchors some of the country's most active aerospace and defense hiring, with companies like Boeing, Raytheon, and L3Harris operating facilities across the Chicago metro, Rockford, and the Quad Cities. F-1 students in STEM disciplines find strong demand for engineers, systems analysts, and data scientists in roles that regularly qualify for STEM OPT authorization.
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Quality Assurance Engineer, Assoc
We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Quality Assurance Engineer, Assoc to monitor the flow of material through the incoming, manufacturing, testing, and final inspection processes. This role is critical to ensuring that all products meet our quality standards and customer requirements.
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Salary Range: $ 74,100.00 - 80,000.00 per year plus bonus
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Illinois. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.
We Take Care of Our People:
Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture
Your Challenge:
- Ownership of Returns process
- Lead root cause analysis of defective parts, including power electronics and electromechanical controls
- Interface with engineering to develop investigative test methods
- Disposition parts after analysis
- Prepare reports with analysis summary
- Interface with customers and vendors to communicate findings
What you bring:
- 2-3 years of experience troubleshooting and repairing electronic and mechanical equipment.
- 2-3 years of experience in quality control, inspection, or a related manufacturing environment.
- Ability to use electrical inspections tools and jigs such as multimeters, power supplies, oscilloscopes…etc.
- Ability to read electrical and mechanical drawings and diagrams.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with quality standards and documentation practices.
- Can work independently and collaboratively across departments.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering related discipline
Who We Are
Curtiss-Wright Industrial Division, which includes the legacy brands of Arens Controls, Penny & Giles, PG Drives Technology and Williams Controls, is an excellent supplier in providing components and sub-systems which enable customer specific solutions for on- and off-highway vehicles. These include medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses and motor coaches, construction and agricultural vehicles, materials handling, and other specialty vehicles, as well as sophisticated wheelchairs and scooters for medical mobility.
Arens Controls products comprise state-of-the-art drivetrain components, such as ‘by-wire’ and mechanical transmission shifters, as well as electronic control systems for the Hybrid Electronic Vehicle (HEV) market. The products are the legacy of the Arens Controls company founded in 1939 and acquired by Curtiss-Wright in 2013.
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.
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 and defense companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Illinois?
Boeing maintains a significant engineering and supply-chain presence in the Chicago area and has a documented history of hiring STEM OPT candidates. Raytheon Technologies, L3Harris, and Northrop Grumman also operate Illinois facilities and have filed Labor Condition Applications for engineering and technical roles. Mid-tier defense contractors and aerospace suppliers in the Rockford manufacturing corridor are additional sources of STEM OPT sponsorship activity.
Which cities in Illinois have the most aerospace and defense F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Chicago metropolitan area, including suburbs like Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, and Lisle, concentrates the largest share of aerospace and defense STEM OPT roles in Illinois. Rockford is a secondary hub, driven by its dense cluster of precision manufacturing and aerospace-component suppliers. The Quad Cities region on the Iowa border also hosts defense-related engineering positions connected to regional manufacturing operations.
What types of aerospace and defense roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles in systems engineering, avionics software development, mechanical and electrical engineering, aeronautical design, propulsion analysis, and quality assurance are among the most common STEM OPT-eligible positions in Illinois aerospace and defense. These occupations appear on the STEM-designated degree list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and typically require degrees in engineering, computer science, physics, or mathematics, making them well-suited for STEM OPT authorization.
How do I find aerospace and defense F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate filters aerospace and defense job listings specifically for F-1 STEM OPT eligibility in Illinois, showing you which employers have an active sponsorship history based on DOL Labor Condition Application data. Searching by industry and visa type on Migrate Mate surfaces verified Illinois employers in defense and aerospace who have sponsored STEM OPT candidates before, narrowing your search to companies with a real track record rather than those that simply say they are open to sponsorship.
Are there any Illinois-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in aerospace and defense?
Many Illinois aerospace and defense positions require access to export-controlled technology under International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which can restrict some roles to U.S. persons and affect STEM OPT eligibility for certain projects. F-1 students should confirm with prospective employers whether a specific role has ITAR or EAR restrictions before applying. Illinois also requires employers of STEM OPT students to be enrolled in E-Verify, which most large defense contractors already satisfy as a federal contracting requirement.