Aerospace & Defense F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship 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 JobsAbout BRINC
At BRINC, we are redefining public safety with an innovative ecosystem of life-saving tools. Our journey started with the development of drones and ruggedized throw phones, designed to access unsafe areas and establish communication to de-escalate situations. Today, we've expanded into creating and deploying 911 response networks, where drones are dispatched to 911 calls to provide real-time visual data, enhancing safety and enabling de-escalation-focused responses. Our cutting-edge solutions are utilized by over 600 public safety agencies across America and the company has raised over $150M from investors, including Index Ventures, Motorola Solutions, Sam Altman, Dylan Field, Mike Volpe, Alexandr Wang and more. At BRINC, we are committed to recruiting the world's best talent to join us in our mission to support first responders in saving lives.
About This Role
As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes, implementing new production techniques and ensuring the highest levels of quality and efficiency in our operations. This early career position requires strong technical knowledge, hands-on manufacturing skills and a proactive and structured approach to problem-solving. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop and improve manufacturing systems, while contributing to the delivery of innovative and reliable products.
Key Responsibilities
Design Implementation:
- Translate design specifications into step-by-step manufacturing and test procedures utilized daily by technicians on the floor.
- Collaborate with design and quality engineering to ensure production processes meet safety, quality and design standards.
- Regularly audit and inspect processes to ensure desired outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Provide technical support and training to production staff.
Process Optimization:
- Utilize productivity metrics as well as technician feedback to refine manufacturing processes thereby improving efficiency and reducing cost.
- Execute lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement strategies.
- Participate in research and development efforts to integrate new technologies and materials into the manufacturing process.
- Assist in prototyping and testing new drone designs.
Equipment Management:
- Select, install and maintain manufacturing equipment.
- Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues to minimize downtime.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering, material science, physics, or related field
- 1+ years experience in hardware/manufacturing environments, specifically related to building robust documentation for the build and validation of components, subsystems, and systems
- Familiarity with scaling manufacturing from NPI to mass production
- Experience with root cause analysis and process improvement techniques, such as Ishikawa diagrams and Kaizens
- Proficiency in Mechanical (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD) or Electrical (e.g. Altium, OrCAD) CAD software and manufacturing simulation tools
Preferred Skills
- Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering, material science, physics, or related field
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
- Certification in Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing
- Experience with automation, robotics or Industry 4.0 technologies
- Familiarity with ERP systems and data analytics tools for production planning and monitoring
- Knowledge of GD&T fundamentals
BRINC Culture Values
- Try the hard stuff
- Be innovative - Invent the future
- Move fast
- Listen to end-users
- Strive for excellence
- Don’t build a dystopia
- Be frugal
- Save lives through technology
If you’re interested in this role and in joining BRINC, we hope you’ll apply. We’d love to review your application and get to know more about you!
BRINC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is resolute in cultivating an environment that promotes safety, diversity, inclusion and equity. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering every employee so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need, please let our recruiting team know - we strive to provide appropriate accommodation and assistance.
Benefits and perks listed below may vary based on the nature of your employment with BRINC and/or the country within which you work
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for our employees and their families
- 401K plan
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Flexible Time Off (Exempt) / Paid time off (Non-Exempt)
- Flexible work environment
- Orca pass (for those in Puget Sound)
- Free parking (Seattle office)
- Free snacks, drinks and espresso (Seattle office)
About BRINC
At BRINC, we are redefining public safety with an innovative ecosystem of life-saving tools. Our journey started with the development of drones and ruggedized throw phones, designed to access unsafe areas and establish communication to de-escalate situations. Today, we've expanded into creating and deploying 911 response networks, where drones are dispatched to 911 calls to provide real-time visual data, enhancing safety and enabling de-escalation-focused responses. Our cutting-edge solutions are utilized by over 600 public safety agencies across America and the company has raised over $150M from investors, including Index Ventures, Motorola Solutions, Sam Altman, Dylan Field, Mike Volpe, Alexandr Wang and more. At BRINC, we are committed to recruiting the world's best talent to join us in our mission to support first responders in saving lives.
About This Role
As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes, implementing new production techniques and ensuring the highest levels of quality and efficiency in our operations. This early career position requires strong technical knowledge, hands-on manufacturing skills and a proactive and structured approach to problem-solving. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop and improve manufacturing systems, while contributing to the delivery of innovative and reliable products.
Key Responsibilities
Design Implementation:
- Translate design specifications into step-by-step manufacturing and test procedures utilized daily by technicians on the floor.
- Collaborate with design and quality engineering to ensure production processes meet safety, quality and design standards.
- Regularly audit and inspect processes to ensure desired outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Provide technical support and training to production staff.
Process Optimization:
- Utilize productivity metrics as well as technician feedback to refine manufacturing processes thereby improving efficiency and reducing cost.
- Execute lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement strategies.
- Participate in research and development efforts to integrate new technologies and materials into the manufacturing process.
- Assist in prototyping and testing new drone designs.
Equipment Management:
- Select, install and maintain manufacturing equipment.
- Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues to minimize downtime.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering, material science, physics, or related field
- 1+ years experience in hardware/manufacturing environments, specifically related to building robust documentation for the build and validation of components, subsystems, and systems
- Familiarity with scaling manufacturing from NPI to mass production
- Experience with root cause analysis and process improvement techniques, such as Ishikawa diagrams and Kaizens
- Proficiency in Mechanical (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD) or Electrical (e.g. Altium, OrCAD) CAD software and manufacturing simulation tools
Preferred Skills
- Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering, material science, physics, or related field
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
- Certification in Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing
- Experience with automation, robotics or Industry 4.0 technologies
- Familiarity with ERP systems and data analytics tools for production planning and monitoring
- Knowledge of GD&T fundamentals
BRINC Culture Values
- Try the hard stuff
- Be innovative - Invent the future
- Move fast
- Listen to end-users
- Strive for excellence
- Don’t build a dystopia
- Be frugal
- Save lives through technology
If you’re interested in this role and in joining BRINC, we hope you’ll apply. We’d love to review your application and get to know more about you!
BRINC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is resolute in cultivating an environment that promotes safety, diversity, inclusion and equity. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering every employee so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need, please let our recruiting team know - we strive to provide appropriate accommodation and assistance.
Benefits and perks listed below may vary based on the nature of your employment with BRINC and/or the country within which you work
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for our employees and their families
- 401K plan
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Flexible Time Off (Exempt) / Paid time off (Non-Exempt)
- Flexible work environment
- Orca pass (for those in Puget Sound)
- Free parking (Seattle office)
- Free snacks, drinks and espresso (Seattle office)
Aerospace & Defense Job Roles in Washington
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Search Aerospace & Defense Jobs in WashingtonAerospace & Defense 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.