Aerospace & Defense STEM OPT Jobs in North Carolina
North Carolina's aerospace and defense sector spans Fort Liberty, the Research Triangle, and manufacturing hubs like Greensboro, anchoring employers such as L3Harris, Spirit AeroSystems, and Northrop Grumman. F-1 students with STEM OPT authorization can pursue roles in systems engineering, avionics, and defense electronics at companies with established sponsorship track records in this state.
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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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Systems Engineer will work as part of the team developing and testing BETA’s electric aircraft and supporting systems. As a Systems Engineer on the Sensors and Systems Team, you will be responsible for supporting aircraft level testing, Iron Bird testing, integration of new system components, and the development and design of electric aircraft. You will play a key role in the support of the flight control systems, testing, and integration.
How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:
- Assist in system functional test planning and execution, review results and prepare detailed test reports on the Iron Bird Test Environment.
- Support system requirements development.
- Define, capture, and analyze interface definitions and facilitate HW/SW integration efforts.
- Assist in the development of aircraft documentation.
- Create interface control documentation.
- Manage problem reports and track issues discovered during testing and verification.
- Prepare briefing materials for technical meetings and program reviews.
- Create documentation and artifacts to support aircraft certification.
- Assess system and component-level requirements to determine applicable test equipment categories, test methods and procedures.
- Use standard lab probing and troubleshooting test equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. in Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
- 1-2 years of experience in an aerospace systems development lifecycle.
- Excellent report writing skills, attention to detail and thoroughness.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Well versed with MATLAB and Simulink.
- Experienced with inertial sensing, communication protocols, wireless communications.
- Advanced Degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with flight controls or autonomous systems.
- Experience doing hardware verification and testing per DO-160, MIL-STD-810 or MIL-STD-461.
- Flight controls system design and engineering experience.
- Flight testing and/or system-level Ironbird/lab testing experience.
- Hands-on experience building and assembling system test setups.
- Experience working within GIT version control or other configuration management practices.
- Skilled with Microsoft tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, Word).
- Pilot’s license or passion for aerospace and/or aviation.
- Flight test experience.
COMPENSATION
$85,000—$105,000 USD
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.
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.
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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Systems Engineer will work as part of the team developing and testing BETA’s electric aircraft and supporting systems. As a Systems Engineer on the Sensors and Systems Team, you will be responsible for supporting aircraft level testing, Iron Bird testing, integration of new system components, and the development and design of electric aircraft. You will play a key role in the support of the flight control systems, testing, and integration.
How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:
- Assist in system functional test planning and execution, review results and prepare detailed test reports on the Iron Bird Test Environment.
- Support system requirements development.
- Define, capture, and analyze interface definitions and facilitate HW/SW integration efforts.
- Assist in the development of aircraft documentation.
- Create interface control documentation.
- Manage problem reports and track issues discovered during testing and verification.
- Prepare briefing materials for technical meetings and program reviews.
- Create documentation and artifacts to support aircraft certification.
- Assess system and component-level requirements to determine applicable test equipment categories, test methods and procedures.
- Use standard lab probing and troubleshooting test equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. in Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
- 1-2 years of experience in an aerospace systems development lifecycle.
- Excellent report writing skills, attention to detail and thoroughness.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Well versed with MATLAB and Simulink.
- Experienced with inertial sensing, communication protocols, wireless communications.
- Advanced Degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with flight controls or autonomous systems.
- Experience doing hardware verification and testing per DO-160, MIL-STD-810 or MIL-STD-461.
- Flight controls system design and engineering experience.
- Flight testing and/or system-level Ironbird/lab testing experience.
- Hands-on experience building and assembling system test setups.
- Experience working within GIT version control or other configuration management practices.
- Skilled with Microsoft tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, Word).
- Pilot’s license or passion for aerospace and/or aviation.
- Flight test experience.
COMPENSATION
$85,000—$105,000 USD
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.
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.
STEM OPT Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in North Carolina
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Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in North CarolinaAerospace & Defense STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace and defense companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in North Carolina?
North Carolina hosts several aerospace and defense employers with documented F-1 STEM OPT hiring patterns, including L3Harris Technologies in Raleigh, Spirit AeroSystems in Kinston, and contractors supporting Fort Liberty. Larger prime contractors and their Tier 1 suppliers tend to have structured international hiring programs, though sponsorship availability varies by business unit, active contract volume, and current headcount needs.
Which cities in North Carolina have the most aerospace and defense F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Research Triangle area, covering Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, concentrates defense technology and engineering roles connected to nearby federal installations and research universities. Charlotte supports aerospace manufacturing and MRO operations, while Fayetteville and the Fort Liberty corridor generate demand for defense systems and cybersecurity talent. Greensboro and Winston-Salem also host aerospace manufacturing facilities tied to global supply chains.
What types of aerospace and defense roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify generally require a degree in a STEM field designated by the Department of Education. In aerospace and defense, these commonly include systems engineering, software engineering, avionics and embedded systems, mechanical and structural engineering, electrical engineering, and data science applied to defense applications. The position must directly relate to the student's qualifying degree field, and the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify as required by STEM OPT regulations.
How do I find aerospace and defense F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in North Carolina?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search, letting you filter aerospace and defense roles in North Carolina by STEM OPT sponsorship eligibility rather than manually screening hundreds of postings. Beyond the platform, reviewing DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data shows which North Carolina employers have historically filed for international workers in engineering and defense occupations, helping you prioritize outreach to companies with active sponsorship track records.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in North Carolina's aerospace sector?
Security clearance requirements are a meaningful factor in North Carolina's defense-heavy market. Many roles supporting Fort Liberty or prime contractors require U.S. citizenship for clearance eligibility, which restricts F-1 students from certain positions even when STEM OPT is otherwise valid. Focus on unclassified engineering, software, and manufacturing roles at commercial aerospace divisions or cleared contractors with international hiring programs. North Carolina's proximity to major military installations means clearance requirements appear more frequently than in civilian aerospace hubs.