Aerospace & Defense

Why Invest in Colorado Springs

Compared to the national average, Colorado Springs has a higher-than-average industry concentration, that provides a solid ground for growth of industry clusters. The sector’s ecosystem is defined by properties and sites for industrial work, research & development testing labs, and sensitive compartmented information facilities (SCIF space) and distribution centers located in zones designated for aerospace and defense activities.

The strength and resilience in Colorado Springs’ aerospace and defense industry inspires investor confidence, attracting the expansion of top defense and aerospace companies to the Pikes Peak Region.  Bluestaq, Aerospace Corporation, Caliola Engineering, Zivaro, and Northrup Grumman have all announced expansions which together will add hundreds of jobs and millions in capital investment. Other key resources that help insulate and grow the city’s space economy are Catalyst Campus, Exponential Impact, the National Cybersecurity Center, and Space ISAC. The diversity in the region’s industries imparts relatable and transferrable skills that create a great foundation upon which the sector continues to flourish.

The Colorado Springs Airport has augmented domestic trade by providing direct routes to major cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Minneapolis/St. Paul. The city’s proximity to Denver International Airport creates a great connection to major international markets, boosting international trade. Colorado Springs has also made a significant investment in its transport system, making it easier for businesses to move goods and services in and out of the city.

Ranked among the nation’s leaders in defense and space technology, Colorado houses nine of the nation’s top aerospace contractors and some of the world’s best universities for aerospace engineering, sharing the same podium with the Department of Defense (DOD) facilities and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA.) The city’s five military installations and institutions of higher learning churn out a highly educated workforce and cleared talent that supports government and commercial companies. The city’s technical institutions, a 50,000-plus veteran population, and over 70,000 military labor force provide a highly skilled workforce pipeline that supports companies in the sector. Colorado Springs’ lower wages gives it an edge over cities of similar size across the United States.

As the region’s Aerospace and Defense sector grows, access to reliable high-speed internet, security clearance, and artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities continue to be key components to design and engineering businesses. With a well-established infrastructure and a cleared talent resource base, Colorado Springs is poised to be an investment hub in defense and space technology now and in years to come.

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The Epicenter for National Security & Innovation

With more than 150 space, aerospace, and defense companies, Colorado Springs plays an important role in the United States’ national security. The city’s aerospace and defense companies provide mission-critical support to key installations including the North American Aerospace and Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command, both of which protect the North American airspace and partner interests from threats by foreign adversaries. The city’s strategic location in the center of the country provides one-bounce satellite communications to Europe and Asia on the same business day.

Colorado Springs’ defense and aerospace sector holds a 3.6% share of the national GDP, playing an important role in the local and national economy. A recent study by Newmark shows that the city’s aerospace and defense sector contributed $3.3 billion to the local economy in 2021 and holds an 8% industry share of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the nation. With an industry labor pool of over 150,000, the city’s job market is looking up with projections to grow by 1.3% in the next five years.

Search Colorado Springs properties for aerospace and defense locations.

A Prime Ecosystem for Aerospace & Defense Companies

Satellite operations, space defense, global positioning systems and advanced technologies link the five military installations in Colorado Springs.

• S. Air Force Academy: Trains and educates future USAF leaders and conducts cutting-edge research through 20 research centers, including AF Cyberworx.
• Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station: The premier underground command and control facility serving the North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Strategic Command, and other mission partner tenants.
• Fort Carson Army Post: Home to the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters, Fort Carson is used by all services for realistic combined arms training. It is second-largest employer in the state.
• Peterson Space Force Base: Headquarters for the 21st Space Wing, Peterson SFB provides missile warning and space control to combat forces and commands worldwide.
• Schriever Space Force Base: Responsible for the operation and support of Department of Defense satellites through the 50th Space Wing,

In addition to five military installations, the region hosts numerous commands and other national defense centers.

• North American Aerospace Defense Command (U.S. & Canada)
• Northern Command
• Army Space & Missile Defense Command
• Missile Defense Integration & Operations Center
• Joint Interagency Combined Space Operations Center

Specialized Training Meets Technical Prowess

Job seekers: Search Colorado Springs aerospace and defense careers

A workforce of more than 100,000 strong powers the aerospace and defense industry in Colorado Springs. Many of the tech and engineering experts joining company teams derive locally from the region’s five military installations. Approximately 400 military separations take place each month, providing a unique nuance within the talent pool. Newly separated individuals from other cities also relocate for civilian life in Colorado Springs, which is consistently ranked as a top city for veterans.

Within Colorado Springs, five universities and colleges are certified as National Security Agency Centers of Academic Excellence.

After serving their country, U.S. Air Force Academy graduates return to the region for career opportunities. Engineering alumni bring with them an Academy education with high marks: fifth for engineering and third for aerospace/aeronautical/astronautical (U.S. News & World Report).

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs includes the Center for Laser, Energy, and Exploration Research. Students pursue research and studies on rarefied gas dynamics, propulsion, heat transfer, and more. The college is also part of NASA’s Colorado Space Grant Consortium, and students frequently intern, and later work, at Colorado Springs-based defense companies.

Other higher education institutions with engineering curriculum are Pikes Peak Community College and Colorado Technical University, a system recognized for excellence in education for veterans.