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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Get Access To All JobsAt Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
Role Overview
As a member of the Software Engineering Department on the Simulation team, you will:
- Contribute to the design, development, and testing of simulation software using modern programming languages and software engineering best practices.
- Assist in developing modular simulation physics components, such as models for aerodynamics, actuators, payloads, and environmental effects, with guidance from senior engineers.
- Collaborate with systems engineers, simulation developers, and airframe designers to help align software implementations with aircraft and system requirements.
- Implement, test, and refine simulations of physical, digital, or hybrid systems based on project needs and engineering specifications.
- Learn to use AI tools and basic machine learning techniques to improve simulation fidelity, support modeling workflows, or analyze simulation outputs—initially under mentorship.
- Work closely with domain experts, engineers, data scientists, and other stakeholders to integrate simulations (including AI-enhanced features) into engineering workflows or customer-facing solutions.
- Write clear code comments and contribute to technical documentation, user guides, and the maintenance of code repositories.
- Stay informed about developments in simulation technologies and tools, and share ideas for improvements with the team.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Coursework, projects, or internship experience in simulation development or modeling using MathWorks tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink).
- Familiarity with modular design principles and object-oriented programming in a language such as C++ or C#.
- Solid foundation in mathematics and physics (e.g., dynamics, control, numerical methods) or systems modeling gained through education or projects.
- Interest in and basic understanding of fixed-wing and/or rotorcraft aerodynamics (coursework, personal projects, or on-the-job training).
- Good software development and debugging skills; able to learn and apply new tools and techniques with guidance.
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) from coursework, personal projects, or internships.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills; comfortable asking questions and seeking feedback.
Nice-to-Have (Preferred, Not Required)
- Academic, project, or internship experience involving safety-critical or real-time systems.
- Exposure to Simulink Coder, Simulink Real-Time, or similar code-generation and real-time simulation tools.
- Experience working on multidisciplinary engineering projects (capstone, research, or internships).
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
- 0–3 years of relevant professional experience in software, simulation, modeling, or related engineering roles.
- Equivalent combinations of education, internships, and project experience will be considered.
In-Office Requirement Statement
This role will need to be in the office for in-person collaboration 3 days per week and therefore needs to be within commutable distance from Bingen, WA.
Relocation Statement
This position is eligible for relocation assistance. Visit our Careers – Insitu page to learn more about our benefits, 9/80 work schedule, and flexible work model.
At Insitu, 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.
Insitu also provides 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 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.
Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications and work location.
Typical Hiring Range: 83,000.00 - 114,400.00
Insitu is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Your Benefits
No matter where you are in life, our benefits help prepare you for the present and the future.
- Generous company match to your 401(k).
- Industry-leading tuition assistance program pays your institution directly.
- Fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
- Up to $10,000 gift match when you support your favorite nonprofit organizations.
These programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions, which may differ for employees of certain subsidiaries or business units, or union-represented employees depending on bargaining agreement terms. If this information conflicts with the program documents, the latter shall control. This material is informational only.
At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
Role Overview
As a member of the Software Engineering Department on the Simulation team, you will:
- Contribute to the design, development, and testing of simulation software using modern programming languages and software engineering best practices.
- Assist in developing modular simulation physics components, such as models for aerodynamics, actuators, payloads, and environmental effects, with guidance from senior engineers.
- Collaborate with systems engineers, simulation developers, and airframe designers to help align software implementations with aircraft and system requirements.
- Implement, test, and refine simulations of physical, digital, or hybrid systems based on project needs and engineering specifications.
- Learn to use AI tools and basic machine learning techniques to improve simulation fidelity, support modeling workflows, or analyze simulation outputs—initially under mentorship.
- Work closely with domain experts, engineers, data scientists, and other stakeholders to integrate simulations (including AI-enhanced features) into engineering workflows or customer-facing solutions.
- Write clear code comments and contribute to technical documentation, user guides, and the maintenance of code repositories.
- Stay informed about developments in simulation technologies and tools, and share ideas for improvements with the team.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Coursework, projects, or internship experience in simulation development or modeling using MathWorks tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink).
- Familiarity with modular design principles and object-oriented programming in a language such as C++ or C#.
- Solid foundation in mathematics and physics (e.g., dynamics, control, numerical methods) or systems modeling gained through education or projects.
- Interest in and basic understanding of fixed-wing and/or rotorcraft aerodynamics (coursework, personal projects, or on-the-job training).
- Good software development and debugging skills; able to learn and apply new tools and techniques with guidance.
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) from coursework, personal projects, or internships.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills; comfortable asking questions and seeking feedback.
Nice-to-Have (Preferred, Not Required)
- Academic, project, or internship experience involving safety-critical or real-time systems.
- Exposure to Simulink Coder, Simulink Real-Time, or similar code-generation and real-time simulation tools.
- Experience working on multidisciplinary engineering projects (capstone, research, or internships).
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
- 0–3 years of relevant professional experience in software, simulation, modeling, or related engineering roles.
- Equivalent combinations of education, internships, and project experience will be considered.
In-Office Requirement Statement
This role will need to be in the office for in-person collaboration 3 days per week and therefore needs to be within commutable distance from Bingen, WA.
Relocation Statement
This position is eligible for relocation assistance. Visit our Careers – Insitu page to learn more about our benefits, 9/80 work schedule, and flexible work model.
At Insitu, 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.
Insitu also provides 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 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.
Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications and work location.
Typical Hiring Range: 83,000.00 - 114,400.00
Insitu is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Your Benefits
No matter where you are in life, our benefits help prepare you for the present and the future.
- Generous company match to your 401(k).
- Industry-leading tuition assistance program pays your institution directly.
- Fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
- Up to $10,000 gift match when you support your favorite nonprofit organizations.
These programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions, which may differ for employees of certain subsidiaries or business units, or union-represented employees depending on bargaining agreement terms. If this information conflicts with the program documents, the latter shall control. This material is informational only.
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.