Aerospace & Defense STEM OPT Jobs in Kansas
Kansas anchors significant aerospace and defense activity through companies like Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita and Garmin's aviation division, both active F-1 STEM OPT employers. Engineering, systems, and software roles in Wichita's aircraft manufacturing corridor regularly qualify for STEM OPT authorization, making the state a practical target for F-1 graduates in aerospace-related degree programs.
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INTRODUCTION
This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting Spirit’s Commercial Business Units (“Spirit Commercial”). Spirit Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, one of Boeing’s three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for decades. Spirit Commercial’s core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions.
Responsibilities
Position Responsibilities:
- Provides expertise in machine fabrication disciplines.
- Applies principles and practices typically associated with quality, process improvement, and machine fabrication functions and coordinates with other support disciplines or core functions as required.
- Responsible for assisting, tracking, and measuring projects devised to improve processes, promote quality, reduce SR&R, etc. developed with strong problem statements, driven by data, and proven effective by measurable and sustainable improvements.
- Utilize statistics and data to drive manufacturing improvements, minimize process variations, and identify and remove causes of defects.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
- 3-5+ years of experience (OR a Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of experience) in manufacturing, continuous improvement, and manufacturing support
- Strong communication skills; aligning senior leadership on strategic objectives while effectively coaching frontline teams to execute them
- Experience with Continuous improvement
- Strong listening skills and a willingness to learn
- High level understanding of machine fabrication and manufacturing
- High level understanding of reading and intercepting drawings/blueprints related to machining
- Ability to work cross-functionally
- Strong analytical and data management skills, with proficiency in Excel, Tableau, and Smartsheet
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
- Bachelor’s Degree
- SAP experience
- Manufacturing/shop floor experience
- Lean and Six Sigma experience
- Understands RCCA process, can prepare a business case, process improvements
UNION
This is a union-represented position.
DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
PAY & BENEFITS
We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary Pay Range: $59,450 - $91,150
Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit.
STEM OPT Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in Kansas
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Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in KansasAerospace & Defense STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Kansas: Frequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace and defense companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Kansas?
Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and Garmin are among the largest Kansas employers with documented histories of hiring F-1 STEM OPT workers in engineering and technical roles. BEECHCRAFT-legacy programs under Textron and Boeing's Wichita-area supplier network also contribute to sponsorship activity. Reviewing DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data by employer name gives the clearest picture of which companies have filed for STEM-related roles.
Which cities in Kansas have the most aerospace and defense F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Wichita accounts for the overwhelming share of Kansas aerospace and defense sponsorship activity. Known as the Air Capital of the World, it concentrates aircraft manufacturing, MRO operations, and avionics development. Overland Park and the Kansas City metro fringe host defense technology and systems integration employers. Outside those corridors, aerospace sponsorship opportunities are limited, so most F-1 STEM OPT job seekers focus their search on Wichita first.
How do I find aerospace and defense F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Kansas?
Migrate Mate filters aerospace and defense roles in Kansas by STEM OPT eligibility, showing employers with verified sponsorship histories sourced from DOL filing data. Search by occupation code or job title to surface positions at Wichita-area manufacturers and defense contractors. Narrowing results to aerospace engineering, avionics software, and systems integration roles yields the highest concentration of STEM OPT-compatible openings in the state.
What types of aerospace and defense roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Kansas?
Roles most commonly qualifying include aerospace engineering, mechanical design, avionics software development, systems integration, and quality assurance engineering. These positions typically require degrees in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science, all of which appear on the STEM OPT designated degree list. Manufacturing process engineering and structural analysis roles at Wichita-based airframe producers also frequently meet STEM OPT eligibility criteria under O*NET occupation classifications.
Are there any Kansas-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in aerospace and defense?
Many Kansas defense contractors hold federal contracts requiring security clearance eligibility, which can limit roles available to F-1 visa holders. ITAR compliance requirements at some Wichita manufacturers also restrict certain positions to U.S. persons. Before applying, confirm that a specific role does not carry a U.S. citizenship or permanent residency requirement, as these restrictions are common in Kansas defense work and are independent of STEM OPT authorization itself.