Can I work in aero industries as a non-US citizen?

They say one has to be a US citizen to get a job in the Aero industry, So one can opt for Mech-related jobs instead and after availing green card, can one apply to Aero-industries?

I am Dhanraj, going to pursue my MS in Mech and Aero and currently got admitted from UCSD and Georgia Tech, I wanted to know whether a non-US citizen can opt for Aero industries after graduating. I am more inclined to research-based projects and have already done specific projects as an intern in India at DRDO. So will it be possible to get a job in the Aerospace industry not just as a technical background individual, but even for research-based work?