Aerospace & Defense STEM OPT Jobs in Washington
Washington is one of the top states for aerospace and defense F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship, anchored by Boeing's commercial and defense divisions in the Puget Sound region, plus Lockheed Martin, Blue Origin, and a dense cluster of aerospace suppliers. Engineering, software, and systems roles across Everett, Renton, Seattle, and Redmond regularly attract STEM OPT candidates with qualifying degrees.
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Position: Electro—Mechanical Test Engineer
Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Auburn, Washington
Department: Engineering
SUMMARY
This position is responsible for the development of test fixtures and equipment involving aircraft electronics, instrumentation, and control systems. Test systems combine off-the-shelf and custom parts to meet electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic design requirements from the maintenance manual. Preferred candidates have a focus on electrical engineering but have the ability to perform some mechanical engineering tasks. The engineer uses a systematic approach to problem solving and is able to be hands-on with building electronic equipment and programming controls.
Additional responsibilities include research and documentation of equivalent aircraft parts and materials, assisting the repair shop in resolving technical data and repair issues, and the reverse engineering of aircraft parts. The engineer ensures that all design features are consistent with functional performance and safety requirements for aircraft systems and standard manufacturing practices. This position reports to the Director of QA & Engineering.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Review requirements for new test capabilities and build tooling, fixtures, and electronic hardware to ensure repair station meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Develop complete electrical test systems that combine embedded systems and graphical interfaces to meet electrical and mechanical requirements for testing.
- Write control programming and troubleshoot existing hardware and software programs driving electronic and mechanical test equipment.
- Perform minor circuit board repairs to test equipment electrical components.
- Research and document alternative parts and materials according to established acceptance criteria.
- Instruct and assist technicians in troubleshooting and testing of new and current units.
- Communicate and work closely with the Original Equipment Manufacturers, outside vendors, FAA Designated Engineering Representatives, and customers to resolve engineering-related issues.
- Reverse engineer, design, and develop certification documentation for alternate part approvals.
- Build and maintain positive and professional relationships with internal and external contacts.
- Exercise discretion and sound judgment in product design decisions to ensure requirements are met and the highest level of flight safety is maintained.
- Maintain existing software test systems and internal company software developed by engineering.
- Have excellent communication skills, including the ability to create and present project updates and design reviews to other team members and management.
REQUIRED ABILITY TO:
- Independently develop complex test systems with both electrical and mechanical aspects.
- Manage multiple projects with competing and shifting priorities to meet goals and deadlines.
- Build alliances, partnerships, and collaboration with co-workers in a tactful, professional, and respectful manner. Be a team player with strong interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate excellent presentation, verbal, and written communication skills (face-to-face, email, and over the telephone) including listening to others attentively and retaining and processing information.
- Commit to passionately and consistently promoting a professional culture that is trustworthy, honest, and socially responsible while championing an energetic and positive work culture.
- Know and use Air Carrier manuals and publication systems as well as FAA Regulations Parts 145 and 21 and related Advisory Circulars.
- Proficiently utilize MS Office, internal, and engineering software.
REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering or equivalent from an accredited institution or any combination of education and experience to demonstrate proficiency.
- Experience with LabVIEW and development of graphical test systems.
- Experience with Python and PyQt for graphical development.
- Program test systems including both graphical interfaces and embedded controllers.
- Design 3D CAD models and 2D part drawings.
- A minimum of two years working in an engineering capacity.
- Experience with programming electronic control systems and data acquisition.
DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Experience with C programming and AVR microcontrollers.
- Experience with SolidWorks CAD software is preferred.
- Three or more years of experience in an engineering position within a FAA Part 145 Repair Station or equivalent.
- Familiar with electromechanical components such as motors, switches, actuators, transducers, etc.
- Experience in the design, evaluation, and testing of automated test equipment.
- Familiarity with aviation industry, aircraft knowledge, technical documents, and basic aircraft electrical/electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and structural concepts and systems.
- Familiarity with Component Maintenance Manuals, FAA Regulations Parts 145 and 21 and related Advisory Circulars, DO-330, etc.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Frequent work in office environment.
- Occasional work in a production setting.
- Flexibility to work additional hours if needed to meet deadlines.
- Minimal local and regional traveling.
Why Work For Us?
We offer competitive pay and benefits including:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D Insurance
- Vacation, Personal Time Off, and Holiday Pay
- Long-Term and Short-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with an employer contribution of $500 a year
- 401(k) Plan with discretionary employer match
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee Discount Perks
- Career growth and community involvement
Pay Scale: $85,000-$100,000
STEM OPT Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in Washington
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Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in WashingtonAerospace & Defense STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace and defense companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Washington?
Boeing is the largest aerospace employer in Washington and has an established history of hiring F-1 STEM OPT candidates across engineering and technical disciplines. Other active sponsors include Blue Origin in Kent, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and a network of Tier 1 and Tier 2 aerospace suppliers concentrated in the Puget Sound corridor. Many of these companies are enrolled in E-Verify, a prerequisite for STEM OPT authorization.
Which cities in Washington have the most aerospace and defense F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Everett and Renton host Boeing's major commercial aircraft production facilities and generate a high volume of engineering roles eligible for STEM OPT. Seattle and Bellevue concentrate defense-adjacent software and systems positions, while Kent is home to Blue Origin's headquarters. Redmond also has a growing defense technology presence. These cities collectively account for the majority of STEM OPT-eligible aerospace and defense postings in the state.
What types of aerospace and defense roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Washington?
Roles that commonly qualify include aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, avionics software development, propulsion engineering, structural analysis, and manufacturing process engineering. Positions requiring degrees classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, such as engineering, computer science, mathematics, and physics, are eligible. Candidates should confirm their specific degree program appears on the USCIS-recognized STEM OPT designated degree program list before applying.
How do I find aerospace and defense F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Washington?
Migrate Mate filters aerospace and defense job listings specifically for F-1 STEM OPT eligibility in Washington, surfacing employers with verified sponsorship history so you can focus on roles where sponsorship is genuinely available. Beyond the platform, reviewing DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data through the OFLC Wage Search can help you identify which Washington aerospace employers have recently filed for STEM workers, giving you a data-backed shortlist before you apply.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT in Washington's aerospace and defense sector?
Washington's aerospace sector is heavily defense-contracting oriented, and some roles at prime contractors like Boeing Defense or Lockheed Martin require a U.S. security clearance. F-1 STEM OPT holders are generally not eligible for clearances requiring U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, which can narrow the pool of accessible positions. Focusing on commercial aerospace divisions or unclassified engineering and software roles improves access. Confirming clearance requirements in the job description before applying is strongly advisable.