Aerospace & Defense
Innovation Knows No Bounds
Host to five military installations, Colorado Springs is a headquarters hub for the aerospace and defense industry. Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and 250-plus companies provide advanced technologies in national defense, global positioning systems, cybersecurity, and satellite communications. Tech-savvy talent is recruited from a veteran pool of 80,000-plus and five colleges certified by the National Security Agency. While classified operations fly under the radar, innovation soars proudly in Colorado Springs.
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Major Employers
- Aerospace & Defense
- Installations & Commands
- Workforce
The Destination for Aviation
Located in the state with the second-largest space economy, Colorado Springs is a global leader in aerospace education, research and innovation. More than 250 companies support Colorado Springs and the national military complex with locally developed intelligence, technology, software, equipment and resources.
Access to government, talent, and installations and commands are a few of the reasons many of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies operate in Colorado Springs. Among them Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Parsons, and Boeing.
In 2022, The Aerospace Corp. opened a new R&D facility to increase its focus on classified space technology. The nearly $100 million, 90,000 sq. ft. investment is located on the grounds of the Colorado Springs Airport.
Locally grown companies are also part of national defense and aerospace solutions. Boecore provides engineering, cybersecurity, and technology support. With the industry comprising 44% of the Colorado Springs economy, Boecore gained the resources to develop partnerships with the Missile Defense Agency, Army Cyber Command, U.S. Space Command, and others.
In addition to military commands and private companies, Colorado Springs is the home base for the Space Foundation. A trusted source of space information, the Space Foundation is the preeminent resource for space education and host of the annual international Space Symposium, which draws nearly 15,000 agencies and professionals from around the globe.
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.
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.
