Aerospace & Defense OPT Jobs in Michigan
Michigan's aerospace and defense sector spans commercial aviation suppliers, defense contractors, and advanced manufacturing firms concentrated in metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, and the Lansing corridor. Companies like L3Harris, Kaman Aerospace, and Spirit AeroSystems have Michigan operations that have historically hired F-1 OPT candidates in engineering, systems integration, and technical program roles.
Find Aerospace & Defense JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 11+ Aerospace & Defense OPT Jobs in Michigan


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all Aerospace & Defense OPT Jobs in Michigan
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Aerospace & Defense OPT Jobs in Michigan.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
AMI Industries in Cass City, Michigan is looking to fill a HR Coordinator position. This person will report directly to the Plant Manager and will be responsible to ensure that all on-site HR functions are maintained.
Primary Purpose of the Job:
Provides functional support in such areas as recruitment and employment, personnel records, benefits and pay administration, employee relations, training, AAP/EEO, and other project areas as assigned. Benefits after 90 days, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long term disability, 401(k) w/ matching, along with paid vacations, paid sick days and paid holidays.
JOB DUTIES
Job Duties include but not limited to:
- Gathers and coordinates basic information using established procedures.
- Carries out assignments in such areas as EEO, employment, training, payroll, and benefits with required supervision.
- Applies fundamental business and HR concepts to assignments and carries out the company’s HR policies, programs, plans, practices and procedures.
- Processes documents and forms necessary for the implementation of various HR policies, programs, plans procedures, and practices.
- Maintains all necessary records and files to support review and audit.
- Translates technical knowledge and guidance into usable information applicable to assignments.
- Confers with management on unusual or non-standard matters.
- Performs such individual assignments as supervisors and superiors may direct; ensures adequate and continuous controls are exercised over all assigned activities affecting quality; establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the Corporation and the community; and maintains the professional competence, knowledge and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities.
- Must carry out duties per IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 requirements.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Training, Knowledge and Experience:
- Broad technical knowledge of the laws and regulations surrounding human resources with excellent human relations and people sensitive skills.
- General business management and communication skills typically gained through the completion of a bachelor’s degree or work experience equivalent.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Regular and predictable attendance.
- Gathers and coordinates basic information using established procedures.
- Carries out assignments in such areas as EEO, employment, training, and benefits with required supervision.
- Applies fundamental business and HR concepts to assignments and carries out the company’s HR policies, programs, plans, practices and procedures.
- Processes documents and forms necessary for the implementation of various HR policies, programs, plans procedures, and practices.
- Maintains all necessary records and files to support review and audit.
- Translates technical knowledge and guidance into usable information applicable to assignments.
- Confers with management on unusual or non-standard matters.
CRITICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- Occasionally lifts and carries up to 15 pounds.
- Works at a PC for hours at a time.
- Normally works in an office setting, but occasionally works within automotive components manufacturing setting and then is exposed to heat, cold, wet, and fumes/chemicals.
- Travels to plant and customer sites.
JOB TYPE
Job Type: Full-time
PAY
Pay: Up to $65,000.00 per year
BENEFITS
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
APPLICATION QUESTION(S)
- Have you ever worked at AMI Industries before?
- Have you ever been convicted of a felony (yes or no answers only)?
LOCATION
Work Location: In person
AMI is an equal opportunity employer.
OPT Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in Michigan
See all Aerospace & Defense OPT Jobs in Michigan
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in MichiganAerospace & Defense OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace and defense companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Michigan?
Michigan hosts operations from defense and aviation suppliers including L3Harris Technologies, Kaman Aerospace, DRS Technologies, and numerous Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers to major prime contractors. Many of these firms work on government contracts and have established OPT sponsorship pathways, particularly for engineering and technical roles. Sponsorship availability varies by role, project, and current headcount needs, so verifying directly with each employer is recommended.
Which cities in Michigan have the most aerospace and defense F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Metro Detroit, including Dearborn, Sterling Heights, and Troy, concentrates the highest density of aerospace and defense employers in Michigan, partly because of the region's advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Grand Rapids supports aerospace component suppliers, while Lansing and Kalamazoo host defense-adjacent manufacturing firms. Selfridge Air National Guard Base and surrounding communities in Macomb County also generate civilian contractor roles that occasionally support OPT candidates.
What types of aerospace and defense roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles requiring a degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, computer science, or materials science are the most common OPT-eligible positions in Michigan's aerospace and defense sector. Quality assurance engineers, avionics technicians with relevant degrees, defense systems analysts, and manufacturing process engineers also appear frequently. Positions tied to classified projects may impose U.S. citizenship or permanent residency requirements that exclude OPT candidates entirely.
How do I find aerospace and defense F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Michigan?
Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for aerospace and defense employers in Michigan that have documented F-1 OPT sponsorship activity, saving significant research time compared to general job searches. Because defense employers don't always advertise sponsorship status prominently, using a platform that cross-references OPT hiring history against open roles is particularly helpful in this sector. You can also review OFLC Wage Search data to identify Michigan-based employers with recent LCA filings in relevant occupations.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Michigan's aerospace and defense sector?
A significant portion of Michigan aerospace and defense work involves government contracts with security clearance requirements, which legally restrict certain roles to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. F-1 OPT candidates are generally ineligible for positions requiring a Secret or Top Secret clearance. Michigan's proximity to automotive manufacturing also means some posted aerospace roles blend automotive and defense work, so reviewing the specific program and contract type before applying is important to assess OPT eligibility.