How to get job in Aerospace Engineering?

Antonio978

I have an equivalent Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Polytechnics of Turin (Italy).
I am permanent resident of the United States of America. I have been in the Country for over one year.
I appreciate to have some advice about getting a job in aerospace field; I have been sending my resume at the biggest aeronautical company of the US.
I am looking for entry level position, but seem impossible get in!

Thank you in advance for yours advices!

Dr.D

Look at companies that manufacture components for aerospace vehicles.

FredGarvin

You picked a heck of a time to try to get a job. Bad timing is nothing you can do anything about.

I assume by permanent resident you mean that you don't have to keep renewing a visa every year. You may have issues with a non-citizen status.

You have to keep trying. The bigger companies, OEMs may be tougher to get in with. Like was already mentioned, you may want to look at suppliers first.

Dr.D

Antonio, you said you have "an equivalent Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering." That word "equivalent" always worried me back when I was in the position of hiring engineers because I always wondered just what it meant. Don't be surprised if you are questioned pretty closely about this.

Cyrus

You are not a US citizen, you just eliminated a good majority of aerospace jobs.

Antonio978

Dr.D,
The Italian University system is different from the American.
When I said that my degree is “equivalent” to a Master’s Degree I mean that I have a Credential Evaluation from a US institution which upon the evaluation of my course studies and Thesis, I have earned a 5-year University degree that is the same as a US Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering, specializing in Propulsion.

My Thesis was based on a University funded project I participated in, developing and testing the engines, carbon fiber rotors and fuselage of an UAV. I continued working on this project for 2 years after my graduation and completion of my Thesis.

Thank you for your attention!

D H

Do you have a green card? Impeccable references? A stellar resume?

This is a heck of a time to be looking for a job.

Antonio978

Permanent resident status means that I can work for any employer without sponsorship. A visa means you can work just if someone sponsors you...
The only issue with a non-citizen status is that for now I am unable to work for some goverment/military clearance required jobs.

Antonio978

I know, it is very rough right now....!!

Cyrus

hence, why no one is hiring you. Who do you think Buys UAVs?

Even most civil companies for rotorcraft like sikorski require you to be a US citizen. Why dont you go back to Italy and work for Augusta?

Antonio978

Cyrus
With my background I am able to work for any engineering field, thank God right now even with this tough economy I have a job.
When I will be citizen maybe will be different, I could achieve my dreams.
In the mean time why you do not try to go in Italy and work for Augusta?
But first remember to get the italian citizienship....

Cyrus

Well, you are an Italian citizen, are you not?

Antonio978

Yes I am, and in few years I will be american citizen also. Have you ever herd about the dual citizienship?

djeitnstine

There are tons of excellent european companies hiring right now, why tough it out in the US?

D H

Stupid question on my part; permanent resident status is the same as having a green card.

How about my other two questions: Do you have impeccable references and a stellar resume? This is a heck of a time to be looking for a job in any field. Your field makes it extra difficult. Looking for a job as a foreigner in aerospace has been very tough since September 11, 2001. The much tighter ITAR rules in place since then makes it very, very hard to hire non-citizens. You have to be stellar.

Cyrus

Ok, so back to my original point. Have you tried obtaining a job in Augusta plant in Italy?

FredGarvin

DH had a good point. At my company, there are a lot of ITAR resrtictions that mandate a lot of legal work to allow a foreign person to even look at a machine or process. It is very cumbersome and a lot of work. You may be facing that no matter where you go.

Also, have you had anyone look at your resume and critique it?