Aerospace & Defense Jobs in New York with F-1 OPT Sponsorship
F-1 OPT aerospace & defense jobs in New York are concentrated around Long Island's defense corridor, where companies like Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, and Raytheon have major operations, along with aerospace suppliers in the Hudson Valley. New York's combination of defense contractors, research institutions, and advanced manufacturing creates meaningful OPT sponsorship opportunities for international students with engineering and technical backgrounds.
See All Aerospace & Defense JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 66+ Aerospace & Defense F-1 OPT Sponsorship Jobs in New York jobs
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 66+ Aerospace & Defense F-1 OPT Sponsorship Jobs in New York jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Aerospace & Defense F-1 OPT Sponsorship Jobs in New York roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At BETA Technologies, we apply our intellectual curiosity, passion for aviation, and commitment to sustainability toward a shared mission of revolutionizing electric aviation. Regardless of the position one holds, each team member brings their talent and desire to positively impact the environment and lives of others in a refreshing, vibrant, and inclusive culture.
As an Aerospace Coatings Applicator Specialist (ACAS) at BETA, you will be working as part of a team of technicians preparing aircraft surfaces, effectively cleaning substrates, masking, priming, and final painting composite subassemblies and complete aircraft, as well as charging equipment, in a safe and environmentally sustainable way. As a part of the team you will also contribute in maintaining a clean and highly functional Paint Operations facility to ensure the safest environment while yielding the highest quality aerospace coatings results in the industry.
How You Will Contribute To Revolutionizing Electric Aviation
- Work Safely, by wearing the prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with WI-003
- Work Responsibly, by remaining compliant to the most current, approved BETA Work Instructions without deviation
- Read and understand all approved BETA engineering documents that pertain to the aerospace coatings process, before you execute to them
- Document your work as required in PLEX or other indicated platforms
- Maintain good housekeeping – clean as you go!
- Strive to generate excellent quality results, in a timely manner
- Maintain respectful interactions with fellow team members and team leaders
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must have successfully completed the AS7489 Aerospace Coatings Applicator Specialist (ACAS) Course I program offered through BETA Technologies, or another approved provider
- 3 years experience working with aircraft industrial prep and paintwork
- A High School diploma or GED
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- One year or more successfully serving the aerospace coatings industry
- Advanced ACAS training & certification in accordance with AS7489 (Course II or higher)
- Experience working with aerospace-grade composite substrates
- An understanding of interpreting aircraft drawings, placards, tail numbers, and engineering documents
- A basic understanding of paint defect remediation techniques to include performing successful paint blends and spot-ins
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Long periods of standing, walking, and moving around aircraft or large parts
- May work on scaffolding or ladders to reach high areas
- Lifting and Carrying: Regular lifting of equipment, tools, and paint containers (commonly 25–50 lbs)
- Reaching and Bending: Frequent reaching overhead, bending, crouching, kneeling, and squatting to access various parts of the aircraft
- Manual Dexterity: Requires steady hands and coordination to operate spray guns and apply paint with precision
- Repetitive Motions: Continuous use of arms and hands for spraying or sanding
- Respiratory and Eye Protection: Must wear respirators and protective eyewear for extended periods during paint application and preparation
COMPENSATION
- $26 - $29 an hour
The wage listed here reflects our best faith estimate for this role. We pay competitively and base compensation on a variety of factors including skills, experience, industry background, and the evolving needs of the role. We remain committed to fair and equitable pay and we're happy to discuss during the interview process.
BUILD ELECTRIC AIRPLANES WITH US!
BETA offers a competitive Total Compensation package designed to support you now and as you grow with us. This role includes both Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for all full-time team members, so everyone shares in our success. You’ll have access to onsite healthcare in Vermont, comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision, short- and long-term disability, and paid parental leave. We also take care of the everyday details with daily lunch provided, and yes—flight lessons are part of the experience, along with a range of additional perks that make work here genuinely rewarding.
We encourage all driven candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. BETA complies with all applicable federal, state and local non-discrimination laws and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our workplace. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. BETA Technologies participates in E-Verify.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
INTRODUCTION
At BETA Technologies, we apply our intellectual curiosity, passion for aviation, and commitment to sustainability toward a shared mission of revolutionizing electric aviation. Regardless of the position one holds, each team member brings their talent and desire to positively impact the environment and lives of others in a refreshing, vibrant, and inclusive culture.
As an Aerospace Coatings Applicator Specialist (ACAS) at BETA, you will be working as part of a team of technicians preparing aircraft surfaces, effectively cleaning substrates, masking, priming, and final painting composite subassemblies and complete aircraft, as well as charging equipment, in a safe and environmentally sustainable way. As a part of the team you will also contribute in maintaining a clean and highly functional Paint Operations facility to ensure the safest environment while yielding the highest quality aerospace coatings results in the industry.
How You Will Contribute To Revolutionizing Electric Aviation
- Work Safely, by wearing the prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with WI-003
- Work Responsibly, by remaining compliant to the most current, approved BETA Work Instructions without deviation
- Read and understand all approved BETA engineering documents that pertain to the aerospace coatings process, before you execute to them
- Document your work as required in PLEX or other indicated platforms
- Maintain good housekeeping – clean as you go!
- Strive to generate excellent quality results, in a timely manner
- Maintain respectful interactions with fellow team members and team leaders
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must have successfully completed the AS7489 Aerospace Coatings Applicator Specialist (ACAS) Course I program offered through BETA Technologies, or another approved provider
- 3 years experience working with aircraft industrial prep and paintwork
- A High School diploma or GED
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- One year or more successfully serving the aerospace coatings industry
- Advanced ACAS training & certification in accordance with AS7489 (Course II or higher)
- Experience working with aerospace-grade composite substrates
- An understanding of interpreting aircraft drawings, placards, tail numbers, and engineering documents
- A basic understanding of paint defect remediation techniques to include performing successful paint blends and spot-ins
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Long periods of standing, walking, and moving around aircraft or large parts
- May work on scaffolding or ladders to reach high areas
- Lifting and Carrying: Regular lifting of equipment, tools, and paint containers (commonly 25–50 lbs)
- Reaching and Bending: Frequent reaching overhead, bending, crouching, kneeling, and squatting to access various parts of the aircraft
- Manual Dexterity: Requires steady hands and coordination to operate spray guns and apply paint with precision
- Repetitive Motions: Continuous use of arms and hands for spraying or sanding
- Respiratory and Eye Protection: Must wear respirators and protective eyewear for extended periods during paint application and preparation
COMPENSATION
- $26 - $29 an hour
The wage listed here reflects our best faith estimate for this role. We pay competitively and base compensation on a variety of factors including skills, experience, industry background, and the evolving needs of the role. We remain committed to fair and equitable pay and we're happy to discuss during the interview process.
BUILD ELECTRIC AIRPLANES WITH US!
BETA offers a competitive Total Compensation package designed to support you now and as you grow with us. This role includes both Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for all full-time team members, so everyone shares in our success. You’ll have access to onsite healthcare in Vermont, comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision, short- and long-term disability, and paid parental leave. We also take care of the everyday details with daily lunch provided, and yes—flight lessons are part of the experience, along with a range of additional perks that make work here genuinely rewarding.
We encourage all driven candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. BETA complies with all applicable federal, state and local non-discrimination laws and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our workplace. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. BETA Technologies participates in E-Verify.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Job Roles in Aerospace & Defense in New York
See all 66+ Aerospace & Defense New York jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Aerospace & Defense New York roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace & defense companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in New York?
Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies, and Raytheon Technologies have substantial New York operations and have historically hired OPT candidates in engineering and technical roles. Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics also maintain New York facilities. Smaller defense contractors and aerospace suppliers on Long Island and in the Capital Region round out the employer pool, though sponsorship decisions are made on a role-by-role basis.
Which cities in New York have the most aerospace & defense F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Long Island, particularly Bethpage and Hauppauge, is New York's densest concentration of aerospace and defense employers, anchored by Northrop Grumman's campus. The Capital Region around Albany supports defense electronics and systems work. Rochester has aerospace optics and imaging companies, and the New York City metro area hosts corporate offices and defense consulting firms that also hire OPT candidates.
What types of aerospace & defense roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles in systems engineering, avionics, mechanical and electrical engineering, software development for defense systems, radar and signal processing, and manufacturing engineering are commonly filled through OPT. These positions align with degree fields like electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and computer science. Candidates with STEM OPT extensions have 36 months of work authorization, which makes them more viable for defense contractors managing longer project timelines.
How do I find aerospace & defense F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in New York?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students on F-1 OPT and filters aerospace & defense jobs in New York by visa sponsorship availability, so you're not sifting through postings that won't support your status. Because defense roles often have citizenship or clearance requirements that can exclude OPT candidates, Migrate Mate's filtering helps you identify which New York employers are actively open to hiring international students in this sector.
Are there any special considerations for F-1 OPT students pursuing aerospace & defense jobs in New York?
Security clearance requirements are the most significant factor. Many defense roles require a U.S. security clearance, which is generally not available to non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, which can limit OPT eligibility for certain positions. However, unclassified engineering, research, and software roles at defense contractors do not always require clearances. STEM OPT extensions, available for 24 additional months beyond the initial 12, are particularly valuable for staying competitive in New York's defense hiring cycles.
See which aerospace & defense employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in New York right now.
Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in New York