Aerospace & Defense F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship 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.
The Boeing Company is seeking Structural Analysis Engineers to support the analysis, validation, and certification of aircraft structural components and systems. In this role, you will apply engineering principles and analytical methods to evaluate structural integrity, ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements, and support the full product lifecycle from concept through production.
You will collaborate across cross-functional teams to resolve complex technical challenges, influence design decisions through analysis-driven insights, and contribute to the delivery of safe, high-quality aerospace products. This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of analysis work packages, support certification activities, mentor junior engineers, and advance engineering excellence within a dynamic aerospace environment. Our teams are currently hiring for a broad range of experience levels including Associate, Mid-Level, and Senior Level Structural Analysis Engineers.
Responsibilities
Position Responsibilities:
- Perform structural analysis of aircraft components and assemblies using classical methods and finite element analysis (FEA) tools
- Evaluate strength, stability, fatigue, and damage tolerance to ensure compliance with design and certification requirements
- Develop and document analysis models, assumptions, and results in technical reports
- Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and test teams to resolve structural issues and support design integration
- Provide analysis-based recommendations during technical and design reviews
- Support certification activities by ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and airworthiness standards
- Ensure work aligns with customer requirements, company standards, and program objectives
LOCATION
This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the Wichita, KS location.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
- Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program
- 2+ years of experience in structural analysis, stress engineering, or a related engineering role
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
- Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Senior (Level 4): 10+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Master’s Degree in engineering
- Experience with structural analysis tools such as NASTRAN, PATRAN, ABAQUS, or ANSYS
- Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) methods and modeling techniques
- Knowledge of aircraft structural analysis principles, including loads, stress, fatigue, and damage tolerance
- Experience interpreting engineering drawings and models, including GD&T
- Exposure to aerospace materials and structural behavior (e.g., aluminum, composites)
- Understanding of engineering change processes, configuration management, or product lifecycle management systems
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 - Associate (Level 2): $76,250 - $116,900
Summary Pay Range - Mid-Level (Level 3): $89,500 - $137,250
Summary Pay Range - Senior Level (Level 4): $115,750 - $177,500
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.
Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in Kansas
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Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in KansasAerospace & Defense 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.