Aerospace Hiring Trends for Students

Manufacturing precision-machined components and complex assemblies for major aerospace platforms

Leading provider of aviation services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), and supply chain solutions.

Manufacturer of motion control and actuation components for aerospace and defense platforms.

Delivers integrated supply chain solutions and inventory management for aerospace and defense.

Securing aerospace data links with high-assurance cryptographic hardware and software

Aerospace comprehensive testing and certification

Airbus-owned maker of the Flexrotor small tactical unmanned aerial system for maritime and land-based operations, formerly Aerovel.

U.S. defense tech company designing autonomous systems and counter-UAS solutions.

Autonomous space logistics and launch automation company focusing on rapid, reusable space access.

U.S. aerospace company developing in-space propulsion systems and thrusters for spacecraft missions.

European aircraft maker with U.S. final assembly lines for the A220 and A320 family in Mobile, Alabama, plus U.S. helicopter, satellite, and engineering sites.

Iridium-owned operator of the first global, space-based air traffic surveillance system for tracking ADS-B equipped aircraft.

Seattle-area airline that bought Hawaiian Airlines in 2024; with regional sister Horizon Air it runs Ascend Pilot Academy and paid pilot and mechanic development programs.

Defense intelligence and analytic solutions provider, acquired by Parsons in 2026.

Aerospace composite and metal parts

Amazon’s satellite broadband project deploying a large low Earth orbit internet constellation.

Amazon’s division developing drone delivery and advanced air mobility logistics solutions.

U.S. defense contractor specializing in mission support and advanced systems integration.

Leading manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices for aerospace.

Developer of hybrid and electric aircraft for short-haul and regional flights.

Manufacturer of interconnects, connectors, and cabling systems for aerospace and defense platforms.

Develops high-energy density silicon nanowire batteries for aircraft and satellite systems.

Aerospace engineering and analytics

Defense technology company developing autonomous systems, sensors, and integrated defense platforms.

Developer of engineering simulation and digital twin software for aerospace and defense, part of Synopsys since 2025.

Developer of simulation platforms for autonomous aerospace systems and testing AI flight software.

Defense engineering focused on MBSE and analytical model development.

Developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for urban air mobility.

Company building a satellite network to provide global broadband connectivity.

Developer of small-lift orbital launch vehicles for commercial satellite deployment.

Manufactures small geostationary communications satellites to provide internet connectivity to underserved regions.

Designs, builds, and operates small satellite buses and turnkey missions for commercial and government customers.

Develops lunar landers, rovers, and spacecraft for commercial and NASA missions; acquired by Voyager Technologies in 2026.

Develops hardware and infrastructure, primarily planetary rovers, to support long-term human presence beyond Earth.

Designs and manufactures avionics databus interface products and aircraft electronic systems for aerospace and defense.

Provides satellite operations software and ground control solutions for commercial and government clients.

Defense company building hypersonic systems, missile defense targets, and orbital platforms; rebranded from Special Aerospace Services in 2025.

Auria advances complex space, missile, and cyber operations with visionary solutions and software that ensure smooth and precise execution.

Boeing subsidiary in Manassas, Virginia that designs and builds experimental and autonomous aircraft, including DARPA's X-65.

Manufacturer of advanced avionics and flight instrumentation for aircraft.

Aircraft electronic systems

Private company developing commercial space stations and crewed spaceflight systems.

Global defense, aerospace, and security company providing advanced electronics, intelligence, and security solutions.

Provides precision machining and fabrication of complex aero-engine and airframe components.

Provides software engineering and simulation solutions for aerospace missions.

Textron's helicopter and tiltrotor maker in Fort Worth, Texas; builds the Bell 505, 407, 429 and 412, the V-22 with Boeing, and the Army's MV-75.

Develops chemical and electric in-space propulsion systems for small satellites.

Manufacturer of electric aircraft for cargo and passenger transport.

Aircraft performance modifications

Developer of satellite buses, subsystems, and spacecraft integration services.

Developer of orbital and suborbital launch vehicles with reusable technology, as well as lunar crew and cargo landers.

Aerospace and defense company developing aircraft, spacecraft, and launch vehicles.

Developer of the Overture supersonic airliner that is first commercializing its engine technology as power turbines for data centers.

Provides engineering software and AI solutions for aerospace and defense systems.

Provides market research, analytics, and insights for space industry clients.

Developer of advanced propulsion systems for spacecraft and satellites.

Manufactures nuclear and advanced propulsion systems for defense and space applications.

Provides mission software, cybersecurity, and digital engineering solutions for defense and space systems.

Canadian flight simulator maker and the largest civil aviation training company, with U.S. training centers and a pilot academy in Mesa, Arizona.

Operates synthetic aperture radar satellites providing high-resolution Earth observation data.

Develops advanced active phased array communication payloads for satellites and aerospace platforms.

Provides R&D solutions in security, training, and AI-powered business intelligence.

Manufactures advanced composite aircraft for personal and training aviation markets.

Aerospace precision machining

Designs and manufactures aerospace components, avionics, and mission systems for aircraft and space platforms.

Develops space situational awareness software and space traffic management solutions.

Develops satellite communications equipment and network solutions.

Manufactures critical aerospace components and power systems.

Develops defense electronics, avionics, and mission systems.

Develops drone detection and airspace security systems. Acquired by Axon in 2024 and now operates as Dedrone by Axon.

Major U.S. airline based in Atlanta, with a named pilot career path (Propel) and an in-house maintenance organization, Delta TechOps.

Independent nonprofit engineering lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts known for guidance, navigation, and control systems, from Apollo to Artemis.

Provides cloud-based software for drone mapping, aerial inspection, and geospatial data analysis.

Manufactures structural components and engineered materials for aerospace platforms.

Leidos subsidiary that develops missile systems, space technologies, and advanced defense solutions.

Develops avionics systems and flight instrumentation for light aircraft.

Develops autonomous aerial systems and counter-UAS solutions for defense. Acquired by Ondas in 2026 and now part of its Ondas Sentinel division.

Manufactures aerospace power management, fuel, and hydraulic systems.

Metamaterial radar systems

Developing hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft for regional air mobility.

Design and manufacturing of aerospace tooling and automation

Develops autonomous cargo aircraft for middle-mile logistics.

Direct-to-device satellite operator formed in 2026 by the merger of Lynk Global and Omnispace.

Develops high-power microwave directed energy systems for counter-electronics missions.

Provides space domain awareness through a global network of optical telescopes tracking objects in orbit. Anduril Industries agreed to acquire the company in 2026.

Aircraft structural durability

U.S. civil aviation regulator and operator of the national air traffic control system; the employer of nearly all U.S. air traffic controllers.

Memphis-based package carrier operating one of the world's largest cargo airlines, with the Purple Runway pilot pathway and a feeder network where pilots build time.

Develops orbital launch vehicles and lunar mission services.

Develops unmanned aerial systems and advanced ISR platforms for defense missions.

Develops avionics, navigation systems, and flight instrumentation for aviation platforms.

Develops aircraft engines, advanced propulsion systems, and aerospace technologies.

Defense and energy technology company whose work spans electromagnetic launch systems, space systems, lasers, and fusion and fission research; parent of drone maker GA-ASI.

Develops combat systems, mission technologies, and integrated defense platforms.

Develops sustainable aviation fuel and renewable energy solutions for aviation.

Operates low Earth orbit satellite constellations providing mobile connectivity services.

Provides inflight connectivity and communications services for business, government, and military aviation.

Airline ancillary revenue API platform powering merchandising for 100+ airline partners.

Manufactures high-performance cables, sealing solutions, and aerospace materials.

Designs and manufactures advanced business jet aircraft.

Building a network of automated precision factories to streamline the production of aerospace and defense hardware.

Operates RF sensing satellite constellations for geospatial intelligence and analytics.

Manufactures aerospace components and aftermarket replacement parts.

Develops high-speed and hypersonic aircraft platforms.

Manufactures advanced composite materials for aerospace structures.

Provides advanced RF sensing and drone detection technology for airspace monitoring and security.

Honda subsidiary in Greensboro, North Carolina that designs and builds the HondaJet Elite II and is developing the larger HondaJet Echelon.

Designs and manufactures avionics, engines, environmental control systems, and aerospace components for commercial and defense platforms.

Alaska Air Group's regional airline, based in SeaTac, Washington, flying Embraer E175 jets across the West, with paid development programs for pilots and mechanics.

Provides advanced engineered solutions and structural components for the aerospace industry.

Provides satellite broadband and secure connectivity services.

Develops orbital transfer vehicles for in-space transportation and logistics.

Space mission engineering

Boeing subsidiary developing autonomous unmanned aircraft systems; agreed in 2026 to be sold to Archer Aviation.

Develops lunar landers, in-space logistics platforms, and, through its Lanteris unit, satellites.

Operates a 66-satellite LEO constellation providing global voice and data communications for maritime, aviation, and defense.

Manufactures aerospace components, fluid systems, and electronic connectors.

Engineering and consulting firm focused on infrastructure and advanced manufacturing; its space and defense mission-support business moved to Amentum in 2024.

Develops electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for urban transport.

FAA-approved PMA parts manufacturer and MRO solutions provider for commercial aviation.

Develops electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for passenger transport.

Not-for-profit university affiliated research center in Laurel, Maryland that builds NASA spacecraft and does defense research and engineering.

Manufactures high-power, mega-class satellite buses designed to provide the capabilities of large satellites at lower cost.

Manufacturer of aerospace bearings, engineered components, and structures; taken private by Arcline in 2024.

Spacecraft separation, aerodynamic interstage, and propulsion systems.

Provides engineering, systems integration, and mission support services for space and defense programs.

Develops unmanned systems and advanced defense electronics.

Develops flat-panel satellite antennas and connectivity solutions.

Develops advanced defense electronics, missile systems, and space technologies.

Research institute that designs, builds, and operates space science instruments for a wide range of cosmic and planetary missions.

Provides mission systems integration and digital engineering solutions for defense and space.

Provides radar-based space tracking and collision avoidance services.

Develops electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for personal flight.

Develops advanced defense systems, spacecraft, and integrated mission platforms.

Provides satellite-as-a-service platforms for rapid payload deployment.

U.S. missile defense company, rebranded from ABL Space Systems in 2025, developing interceptors, test and target boosters, and deployable ground systems.

Develops electric propulsion systems for aviation platforms.

Develops autonomous drone delivery platforms for urban logistics networks.

Develops secure processing subsystems and mission electronics.

Develops autonomous flight control systems for aircraft platforms.

Provides engineering and technical services for aerospace programs.

Designs and manufactures high-performance antennas for satellite communication and aerospace.

Manufactures small satellite platforms for national security missions.

Department of Defense R&D center run by MIT in Lexington, Massachusetts; has developed air traffic control technology for the FAA since 1971.

Not-for-profit operator of federally funded R&D centers, including CAASD, the FAA's research center for air traffic management and aviation safety.

Provides in-space transportation and orbital transfer services.

Develops precision motion control and actuation systems for aerospace.

AI and defense technology company providing multi-disciplinary national security solutions.

The world's largest independent air and space museum, offering education programs, career pathways, and preservation of aviation heritage.

USA's federal agency responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and space exploration.

NASA's federally funded research center for robotic space exploration, managed by Caltech; builds and operates Mars rovers, deep space probes, and Earth science missions.

Columbus, Ohio-based private jet operator owned by Berkshire Hathaway, selling fractional aircraft ownership and flying the largest business jet fleet.

Satellite subsystem hardware

Emerson's test and measurement business, formerly National Instruments, providing automated test systems for aerospace and defense validation.

Develops advanced defense systems, spacecraft, and missile technologies.

Floatplane airline and maintenance provider operating from Renton, WA.

Develops modular satellite platforms and space systems.

Develops GPU and AI computing platforms, including radiation-hardened modules for satellite and orbital data center applications.

Offers specialized engineering research and analysis services for spacecraft software and complex systems.

Provides autonomous drone systems, counter-drone technology, and robotics for defense, security, and infrastructure markets.

Develops hyperspectral satellite constellations for infrastructure monitoring.

Precision aerospace manufacturing

Aerospace service provider of mission design, small/cubesat spacecraft, sensor design, and data analytics.

Designs precision imaging sensors and AI-driven software for persistent airborne surveillance.

Develops flight control systems and aerospace components for aircraft.

Develops advanced materials and engineered solutions for aerospace platforms.

Provides advanced defense, intelligence, and mission support technologies.

Provides advanced defense, intelligence, and mission technologies.

Designs and manufactures tactical unmanned aerial systems for military and government intelligence.

Develops small launch vehicles and satellite deployment services.

Historic manufacturer of general aviation aircraft for personal and training use.

Operates large earth observation satellite constellations providing global imagery and analytics.

Develops and manufactures aircraft propulsion systems and engines.

Develops small satellite platforms and spacecraft subsystems.

Develops mission systems, sensing technologies, and defense solutions.

Aircraft aerodynamic enhancements

Provides satellite ground station services and communications infrastructure.

Develops AI-powered sensing and mission software to detect and counter threats to defense and critical infrastructure.

Develops unmanned aerial systems and drone technologies.

Develops spacecraft components, satellite platforms, in-space manufacturing technologies, and uncrewed aircraft systems.

Develops reusable launch vehicles using additive manufacturing technologies.

Develops autonomous flight control systems for aircraft.

In-space propulsion developer, formerly Accion Systems, creating compact electric propulsion systems for satellites.

Airport planning and consulting firm providing master planning, environmental, and financial advisory services.

Develops launch vehicles and space systems for satellite deployment and orbital access.

Develops spacecraft for orbital servicing and space domain awareness missions.

U.S. arm of the British engine maker; designs, builds, and tests military and small civil aircraft engines in Indianapolis.

Develops missile systems, sensing technologies, and advanced defense platforms.

Develops mission software, engineering, and defense technology solutions.

Providing high-resolution ocean data via autonomous wind-powered surface vehicles.

Manufactures stratospheric airships for persistent monitoring, communication, and environmental sensing.

Composite structures

Satellite sensor exploitation analytics for national security.

Develops space domain awareness technologies and sensing systems.

Composite structures and assemblies manufacturer for commercial and defense aircraft programs, based in Renton, WA.

Global satellite communications operator providing broadband and video services from GEO and MEO constellations.

Research organization focused on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and cosmic life.

Builds Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT drones, and the X-BAT fighter in development, with a planned production site near Seattle.

Develops satellite platforms and mission solutions.

Privately held defense contractor specializing in aircraft modification, ISR, electronic warfare, and mission systems.

Develops spacecraft platforms and space mission systems.

Lockheed Martin's helicopter company in Stratford, Connecticut; builds the Black Hawk, CH-53K, and MH-60R Seahawk.

Aerospace manufacturing workforce

Develops autonomous drone platforms and aerial systems.

Develops unmanned solar-powered aircraft platforms.

Developing universal flight automation systems to make general aviation safer and more accessible.

Develops space situational awareness and analytics platforms.

Space cybersecurity consortium

Develops geospatial analytics platforms using satellite data.

Develops reusable launch vehicles and space transportation systems for orbital missions.

Developing the Meridian Space low-Earth-orbit broadband constellation alongside its kinetic launch technology.

Develops and operates satellite constellations providing earth observation and data analytics services.

Aerostructures manufacturer in Wichita, KS that builds fuselages and other major structures; wholly owned by Boeing since December 2025.

Develops spacecraft for in-orbit servicing and satellite life extension missions.

Develops fully reusable launch vehicles for orbital missions.

Hyundai Motor Group's U.S. eVTOL developer; paused its aircraft program in 2025 and cut most staff in early 2026.

Red Cat Holdings subsidiary that builds small unmanned aerial systems for defense and public safety missions.

Develops sensing, surveillance, and mission systems for defense and aerospace applications.

Deployable space antennas

Small-satellite manufacturer owned by Lockheed Martin; builds satellite platforms and spacecraft systems.

Develops and manufactures aircraft platforms and aviation systems.

Nonprofit that operates the federally funded R&D center for the U.S. space enterprise, giving independent technical advice on national security and civil space programs.

The world's largest non-profit space organization dedicated to planetary exploration and science.

Leading provider of phased-array antennas for high-speed satellite connectivity.

Aerospace engineering services firm providing aerodynamic design, certification support, and technical consulting.

Develops weather intelligence platforms using satellite and atmospheric data.

Researches and develops radio frequency and antenna systems for autonomous aerospace vehicles.

Develops aircraft components and aerospace systems.

Designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of aerospace structures, systems, and components.

Develops space domain awareness spacecraft and mission systems.

Operates radar imaging satellites delivering high-resolution Earth observation data.

Major U.S. airline based in Chicago that runs the Aviate pilot development program and owns a flight school, United Aviate Academy, in Goodyear, Arizona.

Provides orbital launch services for government and commercial spacecraft missions.

Develops avionics systems including flight management and cockpit display technologies.

Designs and manufactures LEAP tethered drone systems for persistent communications, surveillance, and counter-UAS missions.

UPS's cargo airline, based in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Worldport hub, with the FlightPath internship program for college aviation students.

Develops propulsion systems for launch vehicles and hypersonic applications.

Provides geospatial intelligence and analytics using satellite data and software platforms.

Spatial intelligence for real-time, autonomous decision-making across Earth and orbit.

Develops spacecraft for orbital manufacturing and in-space production of materials.

Developing low-cost, artificial gravity space stations to enable long-term human spaceflight.

Provides additive manufacturing systems for high-performance aerospace components.

Provides global high-speed satellite broadband and secure networking solutions.

Commercial space infrastructure and mission systems for orbital operations.

Privately owned maker of small turbofan engines in Pontiac, Michigan; its FJ44 and FJ33 power light business jets and its military engines power cruise missiles.

Global leader in real-time operating systems for mission-critical aerospace applications.

Alphabet-owned company developing autonomous drone delivery and traffic management systems.

Developing a self-flying, all-electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi.

Designs and services energy control solutions for aerospace and industrial equipment.

Operates remotely-piloted stratospheric balloons for persistent Earth observation.

Manufactures solid rocket motors and suborbital launch vehicles for defense and commercial use.

Provides modular RF and microwave components for rapid prototyping of space systems.

Manufactures modular satellite platforms and provides integrated mission operations services.

Developing hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for zero-emission commercial aviation.

Operates an autonomous drone delivery network for medical and retail logistics.