Hidden Career Opportunities in Florida’s Defense and Space Industry
Defense and space careers in Florida represent one of the most vibrant job markets in the nation, generating an impressive $102.6 billion economic impact and accounting for 9% of the state’s economy in 2024. With over 900,937 jobs supported by this sector, Florida has established itself as a powerhouse in aerospace and defense industries.
Florida ranks second among all U.S. states for aerospace products and parts manufacturing, consequently creating abundant opportunities for professionals seeking aerospace and defense careers. Additionally, the state received over $65 billion in direct defense spending in 2024. Space Florida continues to expand with three spaceports and 130 public airports, while defense and space jobs are further bolstered by a skilled workforce that includes over 56,000 transitioning military personnel. Importantly, experts predict that defense-technology jobs Florida will help drive a multi-trillion-dollar space economy by 2040, making this an ideal time for job seekers to explore opportunities in this growing sector.
Florida’s Defense and Space Job Landscape in 2025
The aerospace and defense sectors in Florida continue to evolve rapidly as 2025 progresses, creating numerous opportunities for job seekers across various specializations. Unlike previous years, 2025 has shown remarkable shifts in hiring patterns and geographical distribution of defense and space jobs throughout the state.
Current Employment Trends in Aerospace and Defense
The first half of 2025 has seen significant growth in specialized technical positions within Florida’s aerospace and defense industry. Cybersecurity professionals are in particularly high demand, with companies struggling to fill positions requiring security clearances. Moreover, engineering roles focusing on autonomous systems and AI integration have seen salary increases of 12-15% compared to 2024 levels.
Space Florida has reported that commercial space companies are now hiring at twice the rate of traditional defense contractors, marking a notable shift in the industry landscape. In fact, private space ventures have created over 4,200 new positions in the first quarter of 2025 alone, primarily in technical and engineering roles.
Top Regions for Job Growth in Florida
The Space Coast (Brevard County) remains the epicenter of aerospace employment, but other regions are gaining ground. Specifically, the I-4 corridor connecting Tampa and Orlando has emerged as a hotspot for defense-technology jobs in Florida, with a 23% increase in new positions since 2023.
Jacksonville’s naval presence continues to fuel defense sector growth in Northeast Florida, where military contractors have expanded operations substantially. Meanwhile, South Florida has seen unexpected growth in specialized manufacturing related to small satellite production and drone technology.
The distribution of defense and space careers in Florida now spans more counties than ever before, with rural areas seeing new opportunities through remote work arrangements and satellite facilities.
How Florida Compares to National Averages
Florida outpaces national averages in several key metrics for aerospace and defense employment. Job growth in these sectors is approximately 3.7% higher in Florida than the national average, reflecting the state’s continued investment in these industries.
Salary data also shows Florida offering competitive compensation, particularly in specialized fields. For instance, systems engineers in Florida’s space industry earn approximately 8% more than their counterparts in other aerospace hubs like California or Texas when adjusted for cost of living.
In contrast to nationwide trends, Florida’s defense and space sectors show greater resilience against economic fluctuations, providing more stable career paths for professionals seeking long-term employment security.
High-Demand Roles in Aerospace and Defense
Florida’s aerospace and defense industry is experiencing a surge in demand for specialized talent across various disciplines. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and SpaceX are actively recruiting for positions that require specific technical expertise and security clearances.
System Engineers and Project Managers
Project managers and systems engineers remain among the most sought-after professionals in Florida’s defense and space sectors. In Orlando alone, Lockheed Martin regularly posts openings for systems engineers specializing in requirements analysis and integration. These roles typically require a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and a minimum of 2-5 years of experience. Project managers, particularly those with experience in aerospace programs, can command salaries ranging from $80,000 to $130,000 depending on experience and clearance level.
Cybersecurity and Software Specialists
With increasing digital threats, cybersecurity specialists have become critical to aerospace operations. Collins Aerospace in Seminole offers positions for cybersecurity engineers with salaries between $66,000 and $130,000 annually. These roles require specialized certifications such as Security+ or CISSP and often necessitate Top Secret/SCI clearances. Software specialists who understand aerospace systems are equally valuable, with GE Aerospace and other companies seeking candidates proficient in protecting critical infrastructure.
Skilled Trades in Manufacturing and Construction
Florida’s manufacturing sector supports aerospace through specialized skilled trades. CNC machinists, composite technicians, and aerospace technicians are in high demand across the state. Eastern Florida State College offers a 43-credit Aerospace Technician College Credit Certificate program that prepares students for hands-on roles in assembling, servicing, and testing space launch vehicles and related systems. Skilled welders (TIG, MIG) and fabricators also find abundant opportunities throughout the Space Coast.
Support Roles: Logistics, HR, and Compliance
Behind every successful aerospace operation are professionals handling logistics, human resources, and regulatory compliance. The Defense Logistics Agency offers numerous positions supporting military and aerospace operations. HR specialists with understanding of security clearance requirements and compliance officers familiar with export control regulations represent crucial support functions that keep Florida’s aerospace industry running smoothly.
Challenges and Gaps in the Talent Pipeline
Despite Florida’s flourishing aerospace and defense sectors, significant talent pipeline challenges threaten to impede industry growth. These obstacles create a paradox: abundant job opportunities exist alongside persistent workforce gaps that prove difficult to bridge.
Shortage of Specialized Technical Skills
The aerospace manufacturing sector faces a critical skills deficit as its workforce ages. Over 29% of workers are now above age 55, affecting both skilled trades and technical engineering roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States will need approximately 3,800 new aerospace engineers annually between 2021 and 2031.
Digital transformation has further complicated this landscape. Companies struggle particularly with recruiting for advanced analytics positions, where competition from Big Tech firms and startups is intense. Space Florida has developed a comprehensive Master Credentials List to address these gaps by amplifying aerospace-approved credentials and in-demand skills.
Barriers for Veterans and Transitioning Military
Although Florida holds the third-largest veteran population in the nation, many face significant employment hurdles. The veteran unemployment rate reached 4.1% in February 2025—a notable increase from 2.9% the previous year. For some veterans, the transition period involves extended unemployment; a Pew Research study found 16% of post-9/11 veterans required more than a year to secure employment.
Many veterans possess valuable skills but lack civilian certifications. Florida requires specific state licenses for many careers, which veterans may not have time or guidance to attain. Additionally, managing VA appointments creates scheduling conflicts that some employers find challenging to accommodate.
Lack of Awareness Among Job Seekers
A substantial disconnect exists between available defense-space opportunities and qualified candidates. Many potential employees simply don’t recognize how their skills might transfer to aerospace careers. This is particularly pronounced among women, who represent just 13.4% of the 147,000 U.S. aerospace engineers despite the industry’s efforts to diversify.
Military personnel often struggle to translate their experiences into civilian resume language that employers understand. Furthermore, university curricula frequently fail to align with rapidly evolving industry needs, creating skills mismatches between graduates and available positions.
These challenges persist despite Florida’s initiatives like CareerSource Florida and Military Family Employment Advocacy Program, which aim to bridge these gaps through targeted support services.
Solutions and Resources for Job Seekers
For professionals seeking pathways into defense and space careers, Florida offers numerous resources that bridge talent gaps and connect candidates with employers who need their skills.
Apprenticeship and Training Programs
The Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program (SCCAP) offers registered apprenticeships in high-demand fields including Mechatronics Technician, Advanced CNC Machinist, Fiber Composite Technician, Aerospace Welding, and Additive Manufacturing. This industry-driven initiative allows participants to earn while they learn.
Likewise, Lockheed Martin, as a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador, has established over 4,000 registered apprentices across 22 states. Their programs provide hands-on experience in aircraft maintenance, software engineering, and cybersecurity.
Military Spouse and Veteran Support Initiatives
Veterans Florida connects service members with career opportunities through personalized guidance. Their no-cost services include resume preparation and matching with veteran-friendly employers. Similarly, NASA recognizes veterans’ preference in hiring and offers special hiring authorities for veterans with service-connected disabilities of 30% or more.
Upskilling through Technical Colleges and Certifications
Eastern Florida State College’s 43-credit Aerospace Technician program prepares students for entry-level positions assembling and testing space launch vehicles. Those with prior experience may receive advanced standing credit through Brevard Public Schools or with FAA Airframe and Power Plant certificates.
Indeed, industry certifications like DoD 8570 credentials open doors to cybersecurity roles in defense, while technical colleges across Florida offer specialized programs aligned with aerospace industry needs.
Conclusion
Florida’s defense and space industry stands as a cornerstone of the state’s economy, offering substantial career opportunities across numerous specializations. Throughout 2025, this sector continues to evolve, creating pathways for professionals at various career stages and skill levels. Undoubtedly, the $102.6 billion economic impact and support of over 865,000 jobs highlight the significance of this industry within Florida’s economic landscape.
Job seekers looking toward defense-technology careers should note the geographical diversification happening across the state. Previously concentrated primarily on the Space Coast, opportunities now span from Jacksonville’s expanding naval operations to the rapidly growing I-4 corridor between Tampa and Orlando. Additionally, South Florida has emerged as an unexpected hub for specialized manufacturing related to satellite and drone technologies.
Though abundant opportunities exist, significant challenges remain in connecting qualified candidates with available positions. Security clearance requirements, specialized technical skills, and certification barriers often create obstacles for otherwise qualified applicants. Particularly for veterans, the transition from military service to civilian aerospace careers can present unique hurdles despite their valuable experience.
Fortunately, Florida offers numerous resources to bridge these gaps. CareerSource Florida provides specialized career guidance while apprenticeship programs like the Space Coast Consortium allow participants to earn while they learn. Technical colleges across the state have developed curriculum specifically aligned with industry needs, preparing students for immediate employment upon graduation.
The future of Florida’s defense and space sector appears exceptionally promising as experts predict this industry will help drive a multi-trillion-dollar space economy by 2040. Job seekers who leverage available resources and pursue relevant certifications will find themselves well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. Whether transitioning from military service, seeking advancement in a technical field, or exploring entirely new career paths, Florida’s aerospace and defense industries offer sustainable, rewarding career options with competitive compensation and long-term stability.